June 25, 2018

HomeStretch Newsletter Jun 2018

JUNE 2018

This Month’s Happenings:

Inspired to Action
HomeStretch Families All Smiles
Changing Lives with AutoGift
Blessed Trinity Seniors Getting It Done
Keller Williams Team Sees RED
Thank You to These Volunteer Groups
Calendar

Inspired to Action

HomeStretch is excited to welcome our newest community partner and family unit sponsor – newly established 501(c)(3) nonprofit 2×4.Life. Inspired by the Bible verse Philippians 2:4, which urges us to not only look out for our own interests, but to take an active interest in others as well, 2×4.Life’s mission is to strengthen and support families within the community.

2×4.Life was born from a men’s group that meets on Tuesday nights at Moondog Growlers in Dunwoody – where they discuss families, sports, current events, and matters of faith. “One night, we decided that we’d been talking enough about our beliefs, and that it was time to do something about it,” recalls member Chris Turner. Their belief that a strong family provides a stronger foundation for life led them to HomeStretch.

Now, members of 2×4.Life are already in the process of rehabbing their sponsored unit and they plan to be active participants in mentoring the family that will soon call the unit home. We’re excited about this partnership that will give both 2×4.Life and HomeStretch the opportunity to realize their mission of guiding struggling families to stability and a better life. Welcome!

HomeStretch Families All Smiles

Professional photographer Lorikay Stone was busy with HomeStretch families this past Spring. First, she shot photos for Roswell Life Magazine May/June Issue featuring HomeStretch. Then, she volunteered her time and talent to take pictures of every HomeStretch family, providing prints as a Mother’s Day gift for each of the mothers in the program. Lorikay said she had great fun with the families and we’re grateful.

When asked why she offered to do the Mother’s Day photo shoot for HomeStretch, Lorikay shared a little of her own story. “Growing up in a single parent family, I know how hard it is to afford some of the extras like family photos.” She remembers how exciting it was when her family went to Kmart for family photos. Those images are a treasure that her family can share with future generations. “I am happy to be of service and help HomeStretch’s families have this same opportunity. I enjoy capturing and preserving those moments that celebrate who the family is as a unit. I never want money to get in the way of that.”

Thank you to Lorikay!

To learn more about Lorikay, check out her website: Lorikay Stone Photography

Changing Lives with AutoGift

Imagine navigating daily life – work, school, errands, appointments – as a single mom with no car. This challenge is often a reality for the mothers in the HomeStretch program and transportation is complicated. Car loans for low-income families often carry big interest rates, using cabs or other ride sharing services is expensive, and riding public transportation in North Atlanta is disjointed and cumbersome.

That’s why our new partnership with AutoGift is changing lives. AutoGift gives single mothers with minor children who currently have no access to a car, the gift of a safe, reliable, debt-free automobile as a resource to enhance their quality of life.

AutoGift’s decision to partner with HomeStretch was based on our extensive applicant vetting process and hands-on approach to guiding the residents in the program. As candidates move through HomeStretch, their lives are stabilized, making them well-qualified candidates for the AutoGift program. The validation that they’re financially able to have the gift of a car makes it a blessing and not a burden.

“AutoGift is a niche program designed specifically to fill a particular need for disadvantaged single moms,” explains AutoGift’s founder, Bill Kilinski. “We know what we do and we stick to it so we will not lose focus and effectiveness. Our hope is that a safe, reliable car will give moms the ability to care for their family and expose their kids to areas and activities outside their zip code.”

This month, two HomeStretch families were blessed with donated cars from AutoGift. Their big smiles say it all. And, what makes this story even sweeter is one of those cars was donated to AutoGift by a HomeStretch mentor!

“It’s a true blessing,” says Bridget, who received the mentor-donated car. “The sense of peace as I drive to and from work, drive to the grocery store, and take my girls places again, empowers me in ways you would not truly understand unless you have lived without reliable transportation. I thank God for HomeStretch, AutoGift, and the Hardy family who made it all possible.”

If you would like to donate a car to AutoGift, contact Angela Agel, Director of Operations, at 678-777-3010.

Blessed Trinity Seniors Getting It Done

What do you get when you mix 250 seniors and a desire to serve the community? The Blessed Trinity Class of 2018! We were proud to have their group on property for a meaningful day full of hard work and fun. From painting, to light demo projects, the students made a huge impact on both our property and the lives of our families. We want to thank these remarkable young men and women and wish them all the best as they take the next steps in their journey!

Keller Williams Team Sees RED

On May 10^th, Joanne Curtin’s Roswell-based Keller Williams Realty Consultants team celebrated Keller Williams RED Day with HomeStretch. RED Day (Renew, Energize, and Donate) is a national initiative that celebrates Keller Williams Realty’s year-round commitment to improving local communities. Each year associates participate in projects that renew and energize aspects of their neighborhoods. The Curtin Team hosted an ice cream social for the HomeStretch children and team members played games after school with the kids. Thanks to the entire Curtin Team for your generosity!