You Can Be the Change You Want to See

Monthly Newsletter - January 2013

Greetings!

Want to be more involved in the community but not sure where to start? The benefits of volunteering are enormous, both to you, your family, business and community. Volunteering can help you make new friends, learn new skills and even advance your career. Here are some ideas for how you can give back to Youth Homes.

Event Planning

The Youth Homes annual gala celebration is our largest fundraising event of the year. Fundraising is fun with this diverse group. Make new friends and learn the basics of fundraising. The 2013 gala committee will kick off the first meeting of the year on February 7th at 5pm. Please contact the Youth Homes office in Walnut Creek to learn more (925) 933-2627.

Community Work Day

Adopt one of Youth Homes four residential homes and help with household repairs, painting, gardening or clean-up projects. A great idea for engaging your church, company or group in the community. Call (925) 933-2627.

The Youth Homes Auxiliary Thrift Store

Go shopping today, or clean out your closets and donate your gently used items. You can even hold a drive to collect donatable items at your church, school, office, or neighborhood. You can also donate your time at the YH Auxiliary Thrift Store located at 15C Vivian Drive in Pleasant Hill. For information call (925) 798-5561.

Holiday Giving

Youth Homes would like to thank everyone that contributed this holiday season. Large or small, your gifts are making a difference in the lives of the foster youth we serve! Here are some of the kind donations we received this year.

HC Financial Advisors donated nearly 20 bags of everything a kid could possibly want!

SewNow in Lafayette donated 17 handmade stockings for youth in our Aftercare program

Burr, Pilger, & Mayer adopted young adults in our Aftercare Program

Alamo Women's Club hand knitted fringed blankets and hats as well as provided gift cards for ALL our residents

Target in San Ramon donated several large bags of gifts as well as movie passes

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Adopted ALL of our residents providing holiday gifts for everyone and even purchased a tree for our Cherry Lane residents

The Mt. Diablo School District & Windermere Properties Provided holiday gifts, gift cards, candy and games!

Hanna Global Solutions adopted one of our residential facilities providing generous funding along with a much needed garden shed!

The CCC Bar Association - Juvenile Law Section donated 19 $20 gift cards

The Youth Homes Auxiliary generously gives to our youth each year to brighten their holidays

Additional Aftercare and general holiday gifts were provided through various private donations

Preparing Foster Youth for the Workplace

Did you know that Youth Homes provides job training and employs current and former foster youth? Employability and skill building workshops are provided through a 10 week Summer Job Training Program for our residents working mostly in the gardens.

In addition,The TAY (Transition Age Youth) Labor Program provides on the job training employing former foster youth in the gardens and provides hauling and light construction within the community.

Are you interested in hiring the TAY Laborers? Contact Jeremy Gaebe at jeremyg@youthhomes.org

Mrs. Lorna H. Martyn

Youth Homes would like to take a moment to bid farewell to a very special Auxiliary member, Youth Homes volunteer and friend to all, Mrs. Lorna H. Martyn. Lorna served on the board of directors at Youth Homes and was a past President of the Youth Homes Auxiliary.

above: Lorna wins the coin toss at the 2011 annual Youth Homes gala

Lorna served throughout the community in many ways and touched the lives of many. Youth Homes is very thankful for the years of support and commitment she gave in service to traumatized foster youth. Lorna brought many colleagues and friends into the Youth Homes family, sharing about her important work with everyone she came into contact with.

We will all miss your bright smiling face and electric energy Lorna!

Read the full obituary here

THIS ISSUE

Ways to Give Back

Holiday Giving

Preparing our Youth

Farewell Friend

QUICK LINKS

NEW! TAY Video

YH Publications

Programs & Services

Auxiliary Thrift Shop

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Dear supporters,

As you can see, Youth Homes continues to flourish because of the tremendous outpouring of community support and the many tireless volunteers who contribute their time. From everyone here at Youth Homes, we extend a heartfelt thank you. We could not do it without you!

Regards,

Stuart McCullough

Executive Director

StuartM@youthhomes.org