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Winter 2007-2008
Project HOME Indy provides a nurturing residential environment that
assists homeless teenage girls who are pregnant or parenting in
building self-sufficiency. We create opportunities to expand life
skills, access healthcare, and realize greater educational success.
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Greetings!
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We hope this note finds all of you well. In the last quarter, Project HOME Indy has continued working towards expanding our program partners, identifying potential facilities, and developing the Board of Directors. The support we've received over the last few months has been incredible; your enthusiasm, encouragement, and creative ideas are helping us reach our goal of opening our doors in late 2008.
Have a wonderful winter, and we'll see you in the spring.
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Progress Comes in Many Forms
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Although we have so far existed as a virtual operation - with four board members also acting as staff - Project HOME Indy is making significant progress towards serving pregnant, parenting, and homeless teenage girls at a facility in late 2008.
At our kickoff event last summer, we raised over $14,000, helping the organization develop even more community partnerships that are so essential to success. Moreover, the fundraiser provided a great opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues and tell the Project HOME story.
As most of you know, we are still in search of the kind of facility that will best serve the needs of the young women living there. We are considering a number of options - from residential settings to commercial properties. Maybe you have or know someone who has a great idea for us?
From regular networking and, in particular, the recent Get On Board event in early November, PHI will hold its first expanded member Board meeting in mid-January.
We continue to be busy writing grants and identifying additional funding, so keep watching your In box further updates.
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PHI Raises Over $14,000 at Donor Launch Party
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 On June 28, about 30 supporters joined the PHI founders to welcome the new organization into existence. The launch party, graciously hosted by Cindy and Pat Collier, was a huge success. The donations from the evening, and additional donations received shortly thereafter, totaled $14,258.
The evening was also an opportunity to share the importance of PHI's mission. Deputy Mayor Steve Campbell spoke about the City's need for an organization like Project HOME Indy, and discussed
the impact PHI can have in the community. He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships that are so integral to effective organizations.
(L-R above: Chris Collins, Lakshmi Hasanadka, Kristen Schunk, Christina Koennecke)
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Proposals to Aid Homeless Youths Will Go to Indiana Legislature
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 The Indiana Legislature's Interim Study Committee on Missing Children will support proposals that aid homeless youth and others at-risk when the legislature reconvenes in January 2008.
The committee was chaired by State Rep. Dennis Avery (D-Evansville). In a statement released by his caucus, Avery said "After hearing powerful testimony throughout the summer months from individuals whose passion is to aid homeless and other disaffected youths, it has become clear that Indiana lacks the appropriate legislative infrastructure to help these young people succeed."
Proposed legislation would eliminate some of the barriers that prevent access to shelters and other resources for homeless youths, including:
· Extending the time frame in which a shelter would be required to notify a parent or guardian from 24 to 72 hours.
· When parental consent cannot be obtained, youths aged 16-18 will be able to receive services from a shelter without it.
· Shelters could service emancipated youths without notifying a parent or guardian.
· Require each school corporation to appoint a liaison for homeless children.
· Require schools to provide tutoring to foster care and homeless youths if it's needed.
· If a student dropped out of high school as a result of financial hardship, illness or court order, but obtains a GED, they can be in the 21st Century Scholarship program.
For more information, visit Rep. Avery's website.
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Ask Anna
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 Meet Anna. She is a teenage mother, who, with the support of her mother, friends, and other family, is raising a happy, healthy baby named Brody. The challenges and successes young mothers experience while raising their babies are many. We are thrilled that Anna has offered to help us understand that experience from her perspective. Do you have a question for Anna? Just send an e-mail.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you learned you were going to be a mom?
A: When I first found out I was pregnant, the hardest thing was telling family. I felt like I had no where to turn. I was terrified that my mom would get angry and throw me out. Once I found the courage to tell my family the process became up easier.
Q: What surprises you most about being a teen mom?
A: Being a teen mom always seemed like the hardest thing. It is hard but most of the motherly tendencies come naturally which really surprised me.
Q: How can healthcare and social service agencies improve the way they offer programs and services to teen moms?
A: So far my experiences with healthcare and social services have been great. My only complaint would be that some people looked down upon me because of my age. The actual assistance however has been great.
Q: What advice would you give to other teen moms?
A: My advice to other teen mothers would be to get all priorities straight. Focus on school and your child. With a child you may miss out on time with friends but always remember what is the most important thing at the end of the day.
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For more information about Project HOME Indy, please visit our website.
Project HOME Indy is a 501(c)(3) organization. Please support our efforts to provide pregnant, parenting, and homeless teenage girls the tools they need for self-sufficiency.
Click here to make a quick and easy tax-deductible contribution.
Thank you!
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