Page 6 - Palm City Spotlight - June '23

Page 6, Palm City Spotlight

nonprofIt news

House Of Hope And Children’s overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being.

Services Council Launch the lives of more than 7,000 people each month helping House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm
in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide
with basic needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial
Family-Centered Coaching assistance, as well as longer-term case management sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as
services that help build life skills for a more self-sufficient nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the
House of Hope and the Martin County Children’s future. The organization has service centers in Stuart, Hobe community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or call
Services Council (CSC) are partnering in an initiative Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach, and thrift shops in (772) 286-4673. Updates and announcements can also be
called family-centered coaching to help House of Hope South Stuart, Hobe Sound and Indiantown. House of Hope’s found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Hohmartin,
clients become stronger, more independent, and better Enrichment Centers in Stuart and Jensen Beach offer free Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/houseofhopemc/,
advocates for themselves and their families. programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance and Twitter at https://twitter.com/hohmartin.
“This approach has the potential to be transformative
for our organization and for the whole community,”
explained House of Hope CEO Rob Ranieri. “It puts the Senior Volunteers Recognized four volunteers for 15 years of service, and one volunteer for
participants in the driver’s seat and helps them learn how an impressive 20 years of service. Each of these volunteers
to make the best choices for themselves.” For Their Outstanding Service was recognized for their dedication and commitment to the
The Children’s Services Council has been looking community.
for a program like this, according to CSC Executive On a beautiful sunny afternoon at Indian Riverside Park, The event was concluded with a special delight, as volunteers
Director David Heaton. House of Hope, with its mission more than 55 senior volunteers from the United Way of Martin were treated to ice cream from Culver’s Restaurant – the perfect
of empowering its clients, seemed like a natural match County AmeriCorps Seniors program came together to celebrate end to a fantastic celebration of service and volunteerism.
to pioneer the program locally. their service to the community. The volunteers in attendance The AmeriCorps Seniors program is dedicated to improving
“We see this as a paradigm shift in how we approach the represented 20 different nonprofit agencies, all working toward the lives of residents and supporting local nonprofits through
process of helping and empowering people,” Heaton said. the betterment of Martin County. volunteer service. This event was a true testament to the
“It assumes they are creative, capable, and resourceful. Volunteers were honored for their incredible contribution, importance and impact of their work.
It positions staff as ‘coaches’ instead of ‘fixers.’ That with a total value of $2,035,441 in donated service in 2022. For more information about the AmeriCorps Seniors
difference in language and approach between saying The value of their work brought a big round of applause from program and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.
‘This is what we offer’ to ‘What do you need?’ creates all. Volunteer positions included exhibit guides, tutoring, tax UnitedWayMartin.org.
an environment that makes change possible.” preparation, neighborhood watch programs, food and clothing About United Way Of Martin County
More than 120 organizations in 32 states have already distribution, thrift stores, hospital assistance, and even holiday United Way of Martin County’s mission is to improve lives
adopted the approach of family-centered coaching, a programs. Without the tireless work of these AmeriCorps by mobilizing the caring power of our community. Since 1972,
program of The Prosperity Agenda. Amber Wilson, a Seniors volunteers, these social service programs would not be the United Way has been working to create long-term social
regional partnership manager, described the empowering possible. change and provide support to Martin County residents by
effects that other organizations have witnessed. “When During the celebration, awards were given to 16 volunteers investing in programs that strive to enhance healthy living,
people recognize that they have strengths and expertise for five years of service, 11 volunteers for 10 years of service, improve education, and support financial stability.
of their own, they become problem solvers on their own
behalf. They become better able to care for themselves
and their families, and ultimately better able to be
productive members of the community.”
House of Hope staff will spend the next year learning
how to incorporate the spirit and language of family-centered
counseling into every aspect of their work, from feeding the
hungry and growing fresh produce to offering clothing and
rental assistance, counseling, classes, and internships.
The program launch is set for the end of May. “We Bobbie and Vince Mascia Keith Quintavalle
consider this CSC program award a true gift to our
organization,” Ranieri said. “It will be a lot of work, but
it’s a great opportunity for our staff, our clients, and the
entire community.”
About House Of Hope
Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization that empowers Martin County residents to

Ruth Dudziak and Lori Cogen

Photos by Ginny Beagan Ron Medeiros and Jane Cebelak Betty Tuleja, Don Knight and Mary Cohen

House of Hope staff members work with clients to help them
feel empowered and able to find the resources they need for
a sustainable, independent life.

In Your Community from page 5

Please visit www.arctreasurecoast.org to find out
how you can help.

Ed and Barb Kemm with Jeanine and Mike Waters