May 21, 2018

HomeStretch Newsletter May 2018

MAY 2018

This Month’s Happenings:

HomeStretch Impacts Families!
Paying it Forward
Welcome Hannah Jones
INTERVIEW: Reflections from a Graduate
Best Foot Forward Interviewing
Thank You Volunteers

HomeStretch Impacts Families!

In the past few months, we’ve shared our story with you as we celebrate our 25^thyear serving the families of North Fulton. So far you’ve heard:

Why we were founded in 1991 and incorporated in 1993.
How the lack of affordable housing in our community causes rent-burdened families to be at risk of homelessness.
The story of our founding mothers and fathers who brought their vision to fruition.

Here’s a closer look at how the vision translates into results today:

Paying it Forward:

The 17^th annual Choate Construction Run the River 10K/5K benefitting HomeStretch was held on Saturday, April 14^th at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Roswell. It was another huge success because of a special team that makes it all come together.

We offer a big thank you to:

Lead sponsor, Choate Construction. Your support is the foundation of this race each year!
The Road Race committee, chaired faithfully by our very own, Steve Buck.
St. Andrew Catholic Church for generously providing the great race location.
Our sponsors, scores of volunteers, and all of our wonderful donors.

You all help make this event possible. Thank you!

Among the more than 1,400 runners who participated, one group of participants stood out, not because of the birthday tiaras that adorned their heads, but because of their special act of generosity. Roswell resident Leslie Renee Briscoe-Andrews chose to celebrate her 50^th birthday by counting her many blessings and paying it forward.

Leslie Renee celebrates her birthday every April by giving back to a cause in the community. This year’s search for a cause led her to HomeStretch. Leslie Renee recalls that when she came across Run the River, she knew it was the right one for her. It checked all of the boxes – she loves the Roswell community, it’s an activity that her mother, sister, and their children could participate in together, and the mission of HomeStretch is close to her heart.

“To help families find sustainable housing is such a blessing,” Leslie Renee explains. “Our home means so much to us. It holds the best memories and we treasure our family time there. It makes my heart happy to help someone else fulfill that dream.”

With an overwhelming response to her Facebook fundraising page, Instagram account posts, and emails to close friends and family, Leslie Renee raised over $800 for HomeStretch! We are grateful to Leslie Renee and all of her supporters for paying it forward and investing in the homeless parents and children we serve.

Welcome Hannah Jones

HomeStretch helps parents and their children on the path to stability. We recently expanded the services offered to the youth in our program to include individual goals for every child. For that reason, we are pleased to introduce Hannah Jones, our new Youth Case Manager! Bringing Hannah on board is a key to program growth and even greater impact for the youth.

“This job appealed to me because it combined my passion for serving families experiencing homelessness with enrichment and development for the kids,” Hannah shares. “I fell in love with HomeStretch and its mission to strengthen families. I look forward to getting to know the kids and helping nurture their strengths.”

Hannah, who earned her MSW from Georgia State University, is hard at work finding summer program opportunities for the children, meeting with families to get to know them, and working on LifeSkills development. We are thrilled to have Hannah as part of the HomeStretch team!

INTERVIEW: Reflections from a Graduate

Christine and her daughter recently completed the HomeStretch program and moved from Millbrook Circle into an apartment in East Cobb. We checked in with her to hear her words of wisdom after graduating.

Q: How did HomeStretch help you find stability?

Christine: The program gave me great guidance on budgeting and keeping my spending habits in check. Not only did it give me a home, it also gave us a chance to be together as a family.

Q: How do you feel as you take this next step?

Christine: I’m able and equipped to manage my money and keep emergency savings. I’m enthusiastic about the future and excited to work hard to achieve new goals!

Q: Do you have any advice for new HomeStretch families?

Christine: I encourage new families to focus on budgeting and getting their family a stable living environment. Take the time to see what caused your homelessness, deal with past issues, and then let it go. Homelessness brings distress to a family. Emotions like anger, remorse, and depression can hinder growth so letting go of that negativity is an important step toward healing and better parenting.

Congratulations to Christine on completing the HomeStretch program!

Best Foot Forward Interviewing

Special thanks to Oracle OWL (Oracle Women in Leadership) for leading an April LifeSkills class on interviewing skills. Seven Oracle women led mock interview sessions with HomeStretch residents. It was a highly effective session and a great time of professional engagement.