Thank you Salem Academy!

In yet another example of extraordinary caring and consideration by youth in our community, Salem Academy recently delivered bags of donated clothing for the clothing closets here at HOME. Ms. Outslay’s small group of 16 middle school girls learned more about HOME during their Community Reach Out (CRO) day on April 24^th 2012. After feeling especially passionate about helping their peers, the small group quickly arranged a school-wide clothing drive. In a short amount of time these students were able to communicate the need to their fellow students at Salem Academy and spearhead a successful clothes drive. The fact that these 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade girls were able to identify a need and respond so quickly and efficiently is truly inspirational. The small group from Salem Academy even came to HOME personally to drop off their donation. We are thankful for their generous help! We very much appreciate your time and dedication!

Salem Academy’s small group dropping off the clothing-drive donations at HOME. Thank you girls!

Community 101

HOME recently received three Community 101 grants! Community 101 is a program run through many local area high schools which enables students at these high schools to “learn about our [their] community through volunteering and grant making.” With funds provided by the PGE Foundation and local businesses, high school students invite local non-profit organizations to apply for grants ranging from $500- $2,000. During this process the students learn practical skills in grant management, grant selection and participate in the interview process for applicants.

HOME was invited to submit Community 101 grants for three high schools and was awarded grants for all three! McKay High School awarded the Runaway and Homeless Youth program $1,500 to reduce barriers to employment by providing identification documents and employment certifications. Robert Ferrell School awarded $200 to HOME to be used toward incentives in the summer youth work-experience project. Youth will earn gift certificates to Subway and Jamba Juice by job shadowing and helping at local area businesses. McNary High School awarded HOME $1,000 with which youth at HOME will purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from the Wednesday Farmers market in downtown Salem. The fruits and vegetables will be served during dinner and snack time at HOME.  

 McNary students on the Community 101 grant selection committee.

We are so excited to start with these projects with the help from the students involved in Community 101 at McKay, McNary and Robert Ferrell. Yet another example of some of the outstanding youth in the Salem community!

Youth Junk 2 Fashion Funk 2012

HOME has been the grateful recipient of some wonderful youth initiated and coordinated donation efforts lately! We are so thankful for such conscientious and considerate youth who are reaching out to their peers in the Salem community. You really are making a difference!

The second annual Youth Junk to Fashion Funk fashion show took place on April 22^nd 2012. This spectacular fundraiser began last year on the initiative of three young women who were touched by the mission of HOME and wanted to combine their passions with their service project for Blanchet High School. Lauren Eliason, Daniell Tea-Pelley and Sarah Darst began the project as juniors and had such success that they generously decided to organize another fashion show this year. Just as last year, the fashion show was a great and fun event!

Using a room in the Willamette Heritage Center at the Mill, student volunteers successfully created a true fashion show environment including a runway, hoppin’ music, great decorations and delicious snacks.  Over 50 students from area high schools volunteered as models. In the first act, models wore clothing donated for the show which was recently delivered to the clothing closets at HOME. In act two, the teen models donned clothing designed by student fashion designers from Oregon State University and the Art Institute of Portland.

Last week, Lauren, Daniell and Sarah dropped off the fruits of their labor: bag after bag of donated clothing and checks totaling more than $3,600!! They also took the opportunity to say good-bye, for now, to HOME. All three will be attending college in the fall and undoubtedly have bright futures ahead of them. 

We are so impressed and thankful for Youth Junk 2 Fashion Funk and everyone who made it possible.

Here is a picture of Sarah, Lauren, Daniell and Peggy taken during the donation drop-off last week!