New publicity campaign and fundraiser was developed by The SUCCESS Project to forge partnerships between local organizations that help low-income families and build awareness for each agency’s work.
History is being made in Harford County this autumn, as 13 organizations that assist low-income families come together in the “Families of Hope Campaign,” the county’s first intra-agency fundraiser. This brand new event was developed by The SUCCESS Project and challenges local non-profits to sponsor and support one of their clients as they raise funds for a goal that will help them achieve financial independence and boost their self-sufficiency. The family that raises the most will be named Harford County’s 2017 Beacon of Hope at The SUCCESS Project’s Gala of Hope banquet on Friday, November 4 at Bulle Rock.
The Harford County support agencies taking part in the inaugural Families of Hope campaign are:
- Havre De Grace Housing Authority Family Self-Sufficiency Program, sponsoring Haneefah Khaaliq and Family
- WIN Family Services, sponsoring William Adams and Family
- Alpha’s Glory Pregnancy Resource Center, sponsoring Heather Jalufka and Family
- Harford County Early Head Start, sponsoring Tara Richburg and Family
- The Epicenter of Edgewood, sponsoring Ericka Brandt and Family
- Home Partnership, Inc., sponsoring Lisa Wood and Family
- Safe Harbor Christian Counseling, sponsoring Chrystal Morris and Family
- Anna’s House, sponsoring Sheila Eller and Family
- Harford Community Action Agency, sponsoring Allison Galfi and Family
- Welcome One Emergency Shelter, sponsoring Ernst Coates and Family
- Messiah Community Baptist Church, sponsoring Kiana Spencer and Family
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Harford County, sponsoring Dominic Jenkins and Family
- Harford Community College, sponsoring Kelly Davis and Family
Participating organizations nominated one of their current clients and agreed to cover entrance fees and help promote their contestant’s fundraising efforts. Participating families had to reside in Harford County, meet certain income requirements, and agree to represent their nominating agency as a Family of Hope for others in the community.
Once accepted as contestants, each family set an approved financial goal intended to boost their economic independence and boost their self-sufficiency. Contestants’ goals include gaining funding for affordable rental housing; saving for a deposit on a home; paying for college tuition and other educational expenses; and purchasing or repairing a vehicle, among others. Half of what the families raise will be applied to their goal as a stipend; the other half will be used by The SUCCESS Project to provide additional services to others in need.
The SUCCESS Project Program Coordinator Ellen Kunzelman was part of the team who came up with the concept for Families of Hope. She says, “The goal of this event is to give hope to those in similar situations by showing that any family can overcome their circumstances by utilizing the many resources available right in our community. When a client from one of the participating non-profit groups becomes economically self-sufficient, everyone wins; so we hope the ‘pay it forward’ philosophy of this campaign catches on and becomes a tradition that inspires even more people to support their favorite charity and help others to help themselves.”
Nicki Biggs, the executive director of The SUCCESS Project, adds, “The SUCCESS Project was established last year to support the increasing number of those in Harford County who are struggling to maintain or achieve economic independence. It truly takes a village of committed partners to make an impact, so making Families of Hope an interagency event seemed appropriate in order to spotlight the work of local assistance organizations and benefit a larger number of those in need.”
Contestants in the Families of Hope campaign have until November 2nd to raise funds. Donors who would like to support the event and help families in need can contribute by:
- Purchasing a Families of Hope 2017 Keepsake Calendar, featuring original artwork created by this year’s participating families. Calendars are $15 each and can be reserved here.
- Attending the Gala of Hope banquet on November 4 at Bulle Rock. The Gala includes dinner, dancing, a silent auction and more. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased here.
- Making a direct donation to the family of your choice. To learn more about each family and make a contribution, click here.
For more information about the Families of Hope competition, the Gala of Hope banquet and The SUCCESS Project visit www.theupwardclimb.org and follow The SUCCESS Project Facebook page.
About The SUCCESS Project: The SUCCESS Project is a 501(c)3 affiliate of the Havre de Grace Housing Authority (HDGHA), the only public housing facility in Harford County. “SUCCESS” stands for “Supporting the Upward Climb to Continued Economic Self-Sufficiency.” The program was launched in 2015 with the mission of providing low-income individuals and families with free services that teach life skills and encourage personal economic independence. Participants receive personal case management and referrals for education, job training, employment, health care, credit counseling, home ownership, career advancement, transportation and more.