Category Archives: Thank you to our supporters

Thank you Howard County Chamber!

Activities for the youth, Thank you to our supporters

J18ZCO3IPA Hearts & Homes for Youth is grateful  to Kristi Simon from the Howard County Chamber of Commerce! Kristi shared our post on Facebook asking for suits to give to our boys at the Kings of Style party and received a great response! We picked up a bunch of suits from the Chamber office yesterday! Thank you Kristi Simon and Howard County Chamber!

If you are interested in donating a suit, please call 301-679-1397 to arrange a pick up or drop them off at our office at 3919 National Drive, Suite 400, Burtonsville, MD 20866.

This year is the first time we are holding a Kings of Style party! We are looking forward to make the confidence building event an annual occasion! The Kings of Style party will be held at the Laurel Boys and Girls Club on Friday, August 21st. If you would like to sponsor the event or get involved and volunteer, contact Vicki Valle at vicki@heartsandhomes.org

A big thank you to BB&T!

Thank you to our supporters

5Today we delivered thank you card posters to BB&T, made by the youth in our group homes to express their gratitude for the Bash!

Our young ladies at Helen Smith had fun being creative and making a pretty poster, and the young men from John C. Tracey (though you can not see it very well in the photograph) wrote heartfelt messages of thanks for the fun day. BB&T has made our kids feel special again, hanging the posters in their break room!

Hearts & Homes staff and youth are grateful to the BB&T staff who took time out of their day to spend with us at a park. We are still talking about how great the food was, how much the kids appreciated the gifts, and how much fun it was to play softball, throw a football, and play other sports with BB&T employees – bankers are a lot of fun to hang out with!

7The Summer Bash & BBQ is part of BB&T’s Lighthouse Project, which is impacting a lot of people and a lot of organizations that are doing great things in the community. We are grateful to be one of the beneficiaries of their generosity!

Youth receive scholarship from HNN!

Activities for the youth, In the community, Thank you to our supporters

 IMG_1434On Friday, July 3, two youth in the care of Hearts & Homes for Youth received scholarships from Honorary Nieces and Nephews, Inc. The scholarships were funded by National Guard soldier Josh Nazario, who initiated the Open Arms Scholarship in honor of his mother.

The event was held at Cabin John Regional Park and was co-hosted by Hearts & Homes for Youth and Honorary Nieces and Nephews. Honorary Nieces and Nephews, Inc. is a non-profit founded by Michelle McLeod to give scholarships and guidance to foster care youth and LGBTQ homeless youth. This event marked the first scholarships awarded by Honorary Nieces and Nephews.

IMG_1433Hearts & Homes Board Member and Delegate Sheila Hixson and Delegate David Moon joined the celebration for the two scholarship recipients and to celebrate the launch of a collaboration between Hearts & Homes for Youth and Honorary Nieces and Nephews, Inc. The Delegates presented both organizations with certificates of recognition from the state of Maryland. Catherine Provost, a representative from Congressman Chris Van Hollen’s office also presented both organizations with a certificate of recognition from Congressman Chris Van Hollen. Congressman Chris Van Hollen also signed two certificates recognizing the two scholarship recipients.

“Thank you to everyone who came to the event for showing your support for these two scholarship recipients and for our organizations,” said Chloe Perez, Hearts & Homes President and CEO. “We need to intervene and provide youth with support, to give them access to resources, and help them develop a sense of belonging in the community. This event was a terrific example of what a difference can be made when we come together as a community. We are especially grateful for the support from Hearts & Homes Board Member and Delegate Sheila Hixson, Delegate David Moon, Delegate Will Smith, and Congressman Chris Van Hollen.”

IMG_1426The day was made even more special by the group of Marines from Fort Meade who volunteered to help set up and clean up, and to show their support for the two scholarship recipients. Hearts & Homes for Youth and Honorary Nieces and Nephews are grateful to them for supporting our youth and our organizations, for serving our community and serving our country.

The first scholarship recipient will use the funds to pay for college prep tutoring as he prepares for his Senior year of high school. This young man was born in Jamaica and came to MD in his early teens. Faced with a variety of challenges, he first came into the care of Hearts and Homes for Youth at our Harriet Tubman Emergency Shelter. From the shelter, he moved into our foster care program and has built a strong relationship with his foster mother who he has been with for over two years. He has brought his GPA up significantly and plays track and football at his school. In his first year running track, this young man made it to the State Qualifying Meet. In addition to school, he has a job as a lifeguard at a pool and is looking forward to college and later on, beginning a career in some way serving the community. He will finish high school next year and will age out of foster care in the next couple years so he is taking advantage of every opportunity to get a step up and prepare for his future. He sees the college prep tutoring he will receive, thanks to Honorary Nieces and Nephews, as a huge step toward succeeding in college and beyond.

The second scholarship recipient has been in foster care since she was 15 years old. In addition to lacking familial support, this young woman faced the additional challenge of not being accepted in previous foster homes because of her sexual orientation. She came into the care of Hearts & Homes for Youth when she was 4 months pregnant and was relieved to find a place where she felt comfortable and accepted. She enrolled in a GED program, which she finished a few months before giving birth. She values education and was accepted to the Maryland Beauty Academy of Essex where she recently began studying. She looks forward to continuing her education, to build a foundation for her and her son. She looks at college as a way to start her career and be prepared when she ages out of foster care.

Our fundraiser golf tournament!

Hearts & Homes events, Thank you to our supporters, , , ,

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Thank you to all of the golfers and sponsors who joined us on Friday for our 4th annual Girls on the Green fundraiser golf tournament at Timbers at Troy! We had a fantastic day and enjoyed a special visit from Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman! Thank you to all of the golfers, sponsors, Hearts & Homes board members, Hearts & Homes staff, and Timbers staff who all made this a great event!

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“Dew-ing More” with Hearts & Homes for Youth!

Activities for the youth, Thank you to our supporters

ltab_1This summer Dew More Baltimore is bringing Free Verse workshops to Hearts & Homes for Youth’s Marys Mount Manor Group Home for Girls! Free Verse is an art-based program geared toward developing youth emotionally, cognitively, and socially. Free Verse is modeled after best practices for positive youth development and designed to meet the needs and goals of Hearts & Homes for Youth. Dew More Baltimore teaching artists create a safe space, facilitate thought provoking discussions, teach fun and challenging workshops, and provide platforms for youth to share their ideas, thoughts, and work.

dewmore_logoDew More Baltimore is a community-based organization dedicated to using art and community organizing as tools to increase community engagement in the greater Baltimore Community. The summer program is facilitated by a grant from the Research Associates Foundation.

Through the Free Verse workshops, we want the youth to walk away with:

  • A clear sense of what poetry means to them
  • Quality writing skills
  • Memorization skills
  • The ability to write creatively when prompted
  • Performance skills
  • Emotional development: Dew More Baltimore creates a space for youth to process the internal and external stress they often face. The space provide youth with opportunities to share their stories, ask questions, and build analysis free of judgment.
  • Cognitive development: Dew More Baltimore leads workshops to help youth build the skills to be effective storytellers such as writing, reading, listening, critical thinking, research, public speaking, performance, memorization, and teamwork. These skills are easily transferable to other components of the youth’s lives.
  • Social development: Dew More Baltimore provides students with opportunities to use their stories to connect with their larger community. Through sharing stories, students learn how their words and stories impact, influence, and inspire others. Youth learn, through discussion and performance, their role in the larger community.

Marys Mount Manor Group Home for Girls is located in a semi-rural community setting in Anne Arundel County. The shelter was established and specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of adolescent girls. The therapeutic, structured program provides a nurturing, home-like atmosphere where residents have the opportunity to learn appropriate coping techniques and essential life skills. Girls in the group home range in age between 13 and 17 years old and hail from all parts of Maryland. They typically reside at Marys Mount between 9 and 15 months.

Our young women at Marys Mount attend community schools. They are encouraged to utilize the extensive resources that both the program and the community offer. Our professional staff provides 24-hour supervision and the necessary support to help our young women resolve long-standing issues and build appropriate life skills that will ensure a successful transition into adulthood.

Marys Mount Manor offers the following benefits:

  • Individual, family, group therapy, and art therapy targeted to building a strong personal identity, pride, self-esteem and confidence
  • On-site psychiatric evaluation and on-going medication evaluation
  • Educational advocacy and support, tutoring and college preparation
  • Case management and coordination for health services, substance abuse treatment, and additional necessary services
  • Therapeutic recreation and constructive use of leisure time
  • Life skills training to support self-sufficiency and independent living
  • Anger management training and support services
  • Community service work opportunities

Marys Mount is run by Ms. Rhonda Outen and Ms. Juantale Cook who have been part of the Hearts & Homes family for a number of years. They are dedicated to every young person who comes through our doors.

Hearts & Homes for Youth is glad to be working with Dew More Baltimore, which shares our belief that young people need and deserve a supportive community and opportunities to grow and succeed. We are looking forward to seeing the impact of Dew More Baltimore’s program on the development of the young women in our care.

Lanigan Ryan Malcolm & Doyle PC Charity Golf Tournament

Thank you to our supporters

IMG_1075Hearts & Homes for Youth and Maryland Family Network were the beneficiaries On May 4, 2015 Lanigan Ryan Malcolm & Doyle PC‘s 23rd Annual Invitational Charity Golf Tournament at Argyle Country Club.

Hearts & Homes for Youth helps abused, homeless, and emotionally troubled youth through a variety of supportive programs, providing counseling, advocacy, educational support, workforce readiness, and life skills training. Maryland Family Network is an advocate and catalyst for the development of a strong system of quality child care, early education, and family support.

“We are grateful for Lanigan Ryan Malcolm & Doyle’s support to ensure that the young people in our care are provided with the tools, resources, and experiences they need to support their growth and development, help them get back on the right track, learn to live with independence, and pursue their goals,” said Caitlin Ward, Hearts & Homes’ Director of Community Relations.

“The more the public is aware of the impact of safe and supportive homes and services for emotionally troubled and victimized youth, the greater impact our advocacy efforts will have on the state and national level to increase access to our programs.”

Lanigan Ryan Malcolm & Doyle has sponsored the Annual Invitational Charity Golf Tournament for the past 23 years. Each year a different charitable organization is chosen as the recipient of the proceeds from the event. Hearts & Homes is grateful to have been chosen as one of the charities of choice. Hearts & Homes staff enjoyed the successful event and participating in the event.

Gifts from Nordstrom Cosmetic Department in Columbia!

Thank you to our supporters

IMG_1061Hearts & Homes is grateful to Candace Hill and Psaha Blair from the Nordstrom Cosmetic Department in Columbia for their donations to the goodie bags for the young mothers in our care! The young mothers will receive the goodie bags at a special Mother’s Day celebration we are putting on at our office in Baltimore! Thank you Candace and Psaha for your kindness and generosity!

Click here to see how you can get involved! 

Squisito Pizza & Pasta – great food and a great heart

Thank you to our supporters

IMG_0923A year before Hearts & Homes moved into our current headquarters at Burtonsville Crossing, a fast, casual, Italian Squisito Pizza & Pasta franchise opened in the shopping center across the street. The restaurant franchise is owned by Gennaro DiMeo and his wife Michele. Squisito’s menu consists of authentic Italian dishes and delicious New York-style pizzas made from family recipes that DiMeo brought from his hometown in Southern Italy. The franchise in Burtonsville is owned by John Minnick, a retiree from U.S. Homeland Security, and managed by Chris Rodney.

IMG_0920Staff at Hearts & Homes frequently grab a bite to eat at Squisito and enjoy the great food and friendly environment. Sometimes nothing hits the spot like one of their delicious pizzas, pastas, or salads.

Hearts & Homes is grateful to Squisito for more than their great food. For over a year, Chris Rodney and his team at Squisito have been dedicated to our organization and the youth in our care. Squisito has supported Hearts & Homes in a variety of ways.

IMG_0919In the past, Chris has taken some of our youth under his wing and taught them how to run a restaurant and how to provide the best customer service. The opportunity to work in such a friendly environment, under a manager who is so invested in the happiness and well-being of his staff, has had an immeasurable impact on the youth. It is a great opportunity for them to develop a sense of responsibility, a sense of worth, and a sense of community. We have seen youth transform before our eyes. We are grateful to everyone at Squisito for giving our youth this opportunity to have a job, earn money, and be part of a team.

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In addition to giving our youth work opportunities at the restaurant, Squisito has supported Hearts & Homes at our events and activities for staff and youth. For example, last spring Squisito treated the girls and young women in our care to a delicious dinner at the Princess Party, and in December, Squisito brought tasty dishes to our staff Holiday Party. Squisito’s also attended and supported Hearts & Homes at our Honors Gala last year.

We are grateful to Squisito for their delicious food and their continued support!

 

A Donation from a Generous, Anonymous Patron

Thank you to our supporters

I went in the restaurant to request support for our organization, Hearts & Homes for Youth. I was ready to deliver my elevator speech. I asked the manager if his restaurant supported events and nonprofits. As I was about to begin my pitch, I was interrupted and left speechless.

Hearts & Homes for Youth moved our annual fundraiser golf tournament (Girls on the Green) to Howard County, Maryland this year as part of an effort to expand our network. Recently I have been visiting local businesses, boutiques, and offices to introduce our organization and our event, to generate support and enthusiasm. It is a charity golf tournament just for women and we are an organization that helps troubled, victimized youth by providing residential and supportive services in a stable, disciplined, nurturing homelike environment, to help the youth get back on their feet and become independent, productive adults. It is a mouthful but our work is straightforward so it is an easy speech to deliver.

On this evening, I was picking up food I had ordered from a restaurant that I frequently dine at in Howard County. I was about to tell the manager about Hearts & Homes for Youth, Girls on the Green, and the benefits of giving us his support when he stopped me – before I had even told him my name – and said, “you trust me, I trust you. We will support your event.”

He volunteered to support our event and organization with blind faith in my request. He did not ask me to tell him about the youth we serve nor what we do with the funds we raise – all he heard was me asking for his support. He asked for it to be a quiet donation, explaining that he and his wife support different causes regularly and they prefer discretion.

The selflessness of this man and his wife who willingly support their community at large, anonymously, is humbling, inspiring, and a reminder of how good people are and can be.

Thank you Women’s Club of Chevy Chase

Thank you to our supporters

IMG_1596The Women’s Club of Chevy Chase (WCCC) has supported Hearts & Homes for many years with monetary and in-kind donations as well as volunteering on special occasions. Toward the end of 2014, WCCC Service Chair Marilyn Sherman noticed that Hearts & Homes needed suitcases and so in 2015, the WCCC started a donation drive to collect gently used small to medium-sized suitcases, travel, and duffle bags for the youth to transport their belongings. Hearts & Homes recently met with the WCCC to gather the donated travel bags and thank the group for their ongoing support.

WCCC member Thelma Mrazek has been a member of the WCCC since 1992 and was previously on Hearts & Homes’ Board of Directors, before we became Hearts & Homes. She recalls, in the late 1990s, someone mentioned the Boys & Girls Homes (our former name) was looking for people to serve on the Board of Directors. She volunteered, joining our Board and serving as the Chairman of the Board from 2000 to 2001. She explained that the organization was renamed Hearts & Homes for Youth during that time because “people were confusing us with the Boys & Girls Clubs, which had a strong promotional campaign underway.”

We are all glad that our organization was renamed because it is a perfect fit for what we do!

Thelma recalled her most memorable moment with Hearts & Homes was an event where young men gave testimony to the difference made to their lives when they were placed in our care at our group homes. “They spoke of how it encouraged them to seek education or training and shaped them to be responsible citizens, holding good jobs and having families of their own.”

Hearts & Homes is grateful for these long standing relations with supporters like Thelma Mrazek and the WCCC, who have a rich understanding of the children in our care and our mission.