By Dianne Pledger | Director of Development
By almost any standard, 2014 was the biggest year in Genesis Home’s twenty-five year history. Our efforts to move our families into permanent housing as quickly as possible have resulted in shorter shelter stays, more families served, and more families leaving our program for permanent housing. The agency is serving more than twice as many children as we were only five years ago. Unfortunately we don’t have much time for self-congratulations. Demand for our services continues to be high, with a wait list of over fifty families referred from DSS’ coordinated intake program. This unmet demand and a desire to strengthen our collective approach to ending family homelessness have driven us to form closer relationships with our community partners.
Each and every day, the perseverance and tenacity of the families here at Genesis Home is moving - each is dedicated to
improving their situation and building a better life for their family. Your gift helps families like Malinda and her two sons and three daughters. Just one year ago, Malinda was pregnant and seeking to regain custody of her four children. Her greatest desire was to bring her family back together again under one roof when she heard of Genesis Home. Genesis Home provided her with a place to reunite her family and the opportunity to rebuild her life in the Family Matters program.
Today, Malinda is a graduate of the “Going Places Network” at Dress for Success and has secured part-time employment
where she is in enrolled in a management training program. She has secured permanent housing for her family. She credits Genesis Home’s financial literacy and life skills programming for helping her secure permanent housing, and her case manager for helping her set goals and stay focused. “My goal is not to end up back in this situation again; therefore I must make the change,” said Malinda upon graduating from the program.
Finally, we would encourage each of you to consider your motivation and values around supporting Genesis Home and our partners. For our efforts to be successful, your involvement cannot be a once a year occasion. We can’t end family homelessness in December. We need you in April, in July, and throughout the year. Please consider becoming a monthly donor. Mark your calendar to volunteer with us quarterly, monthly, or weekly. The scope of the problem demands that we make service to others a value twelve months a year. We couldn’t do this work without you so THANK YOU for all that you do to support our families and children.
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