On 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.
Hearts & 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.”
The 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.
This year, one of our very own, a young man from John C. Tracey (JCT) Group home, was recognized by MARFY as a Youth Achievement Award Recipient. We are so proud of him for his dedication to himself and his school work. We are also proud of his considerate and thoughtful response to being chosen as an award recipient. He wrote:
