HOME's Easter Party!

We had an awesome Easter themed celebration for the youth at HOME on the Friday before Easter.

There were fun activities such as egg dying and an egg hunt. The youth searched for dozens of eggs that were filled with candy. 

There was music in the basement provided by Kyle Ammiro/DJ EPS who just so happened to be the grandson of one of our very own volunteers. The youth danced and had a great time. 

For dinner, HOME cooked up a delicious meal of ham, mashed potatoes, and dinner rolls. There were twenty-six youth served.

 The party was a huge hit and the youth had a lot of fun.

United Way Art Contest

Last week, many youth completed an art project sponsored by the United Way. Molly went around HOME encouraging youth to participate and in return they would receive gift certificates worth up to $15 and a Live United t-shirt. The requirement of the artwork was to reflect the idea of community and include the words "Live United" or "United Way." We have some pretty talented youth, they produced some impressive and awesome artwork. Here are just a few examples of what was drawn by the youth:











 

Thanks From A Former HOME Youth

Thousands of young people have come to HOME over the years. Some came here once and we never saw them again but for many others, HOME and the adults working here became a part of their lives for months and even years.

Nearly every week we have one or two youth stop by who are too old now to access services but want to touch base. Some are looking for jobs, some are in college, many of the young women bring their children, others have moved away and are briefly back in Salem. Regardless of their circumstances, they are almost always hopeful and honest about what’s going on in their lives.

Recently, a 24 year old young woman stopped by to say “hi” on her way to the Employment Department. She looked over at the young teens in HOME’s dining room and said “these kids don’t know it, but this place will change their lives.” I asked her to write down her thoughts and here they are:

HOME Youth & Resource…

“Without you I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I learned lessons that I will remember forever. Thank you for everything you taught me and for always being there. You will and always will be my home away from home.”

We are glad that we can provide a place that helps and changes the lives of the youth. This is something we strive for on a daily basis and we're happy to see that we do make a difference. 

Volunteer Quotes

We are so fortunate to have volunteers who are willing to help out in a variety of capacities, either for specific projects, as part of an internship with a local college or simply because they have a few hours to spare and want to give back in some way. Quite literally, we could not operate without these kind and generous people.

In the past two months, about 25 volunteers have contributed more than 700 hours. They’ve helped enter data, assisted with activities and meals, helped with our blog, provided crafts, remodeled our computer room, and engaged the youth in games and conversations.

Thanks to Molly, our VISTA member (and volunteer), we’re beginning to develop a more organized volunteer program. This will help new volunteers to get more easily acquainted with our routines and provide other, ongoing opportunities for existing and new volunteers.

Here are comments from a few of these very special people:

“HOME is awesome. The kids are really great …the staff are super & have made me feel at HOME.”

“This place is amazing. No matter what happens in life everything gets better when I come here. The teens are so impressive and the staff does so well with encouraging and uplifting each of them. I’m so grateful to be afforded this experience.”

“I have enjoyed every minute I’ve been here and am inspired by all of you. Thank you!...for brightening my world.”

“Thank you for giving me this wonderful learning opportunity.  I will take with me so many new skills.  You have a wonderful staff and I will miss you all.”