Day of Hope

Day of Hope 3

August 13, 2013 by Barbara Banks in Charitable gifts, Portraits 1 comment Tags: at risk children, Church of the Redeemer, Day of Hope, Florida Coalition for the Homeless, Sarasota homelessness, Volunteerism

August, 2013…

Another school year approaches

Check-ups, school supplies, new clothes, haircuts

Anticipation of new friends, new teachers

New adventures…

For some life is no adventure – only a struggle. Year three of Day of Hope and we STILL have nearly 1000 “at risk” children in our county (Sarasota) who are without shelter, regular meals – some of the “basics” many of us take for granted. 179 were served this year at just one Day of Hope event at Church of the Redeemer (at this writing, we think there were six events in Sarasota and Manatee Counties). 100+ volunteers, ranging in age from 10-80, staffed the kitchen, outdoor activity tent, acted as “ambassadors,” escorting each child/family through various stations: volunteer physicians, dentists, hygienists, audiologists, opthamologists, hair dressers (check out the cool star cut on one little boy!) and others (including two photography teams). Participants/children ranged in age from three months to teens. We had the opportunity of being one of the last stations, where kids and families had a portrait made and framed as a keepsake. Take a look at just a few of the volunteer and children’s faces …

And remember to reach out to someone in need when you can – a helping hand/act of service, a smile, a gift of basic supplies or clothing items. Your heart will smile, as will another. In that moment all is well.
Some Kids Aren’t All Right

August 22, 2012 by Barbara Banks in Charitable gifts, Giving, Philanthrophy, Portraits 1 comment Tags: Church of the Redeemer, Day of Hope, Homelessness, Hope Kids Community, Sarasota homelessness

[slideshow]

At first glance, these faces of Sarasota area children reveal typical, happy, well-rounded people, getting ready to return to school…

With the start of the 2012-13 school year, we may recall the many delights and even trepidations of the back-to-school days… selecting new supplies, fun clothes, cool shoes, making new friends, meeting the teacher, leaving the summer play for another year. Remember?

This year, those of us who were fortunate to be involved in Day of Hope were reminded that some children will not be shopping for new supplies or clothes or even food for the lunch boxes they are not privileged to own. There are nearly 1000 homeless children in Sarasota County and about one tenth of them shared the day with volunteers who wanted to make some of those school preparation memories fond. Books, backpacks, supplies, medical exams (general check-ups, dental, hearing, eyes), hair cuts/styling, breakfast and lunch and more were served up to children and families who visited Day of Hope at Church of the Redeemer in early August.

Barbara Banks Photography had the privilege of taking individual and family portraits after the checks and a visit to the hair stations manned by professionals from area salons. For some, these images were the first and only pictures they have of their child/family. Volunteers helped organize the children and families, print on the spot and then frame the photographs. My dear friend, Heidi, selected, cropped and printed each photo with love. The look of delight when our guests saw their photos was so touching. What a great day!

So… take a look at these faces and know that they, just like us, have hopes and dreams and wishes for comfort, food, a roof over our heads, love, warmth, belonging. Each of us can do a little something to make someone’s day (or life!) better by giving time, service/in-kind, a donation of clothing, books, supplies. The list goes on. Every child should BE ALL RIGHT – no child should be denied the chance to have a warm meal, a hug, a new toothbrush, a clean pair of socks, a new notebook full of paper, a home… any of those basic and happy childhood experiences that create the foundation of a life unfolding and expressing.

For more information on Day of Hope and how you can help make a kid all right, contact: Pam Hawn, HopeKids Community, www.hopekc.org, [email protected], 941-544-4850

We hope to see you next year! Let’s help every kid be all right…
Day of Hope

September 14, 2011 by Barbara Banks in Charitable gifts, Giving, Philanthrophy Comments Off on Day of Hope Tags: Church of the Redeemer, Day of Hope, environmental portraits, Florida Coalition for the Homeless, Homelessness, Sarasota photographer, Sarasota photography, Sarasota YMCA, Sarasota YMCA Schoolhouse Link, Schoolhouse Link, YMCA, YMCA Sarasota

[slideshow]

Faces of children…

pride… determination…smiles…grace…appreciation…love…

…homelessness.

I’m certain you will be startled to hear that there are over 930 “at risk” (as we know it, homeless) children in Sarasota County. According to the YMCA, http://www.sarasota-ymca.org/socialServices/homelessYouthEducation.cfm homelessness continues to rise as families struggle in the shrinking economy. In August, I was humbled to be one of 230 volunteers for the Day Of Hope, organized by Pam Hawn, Laura and Jay Crouse, and many volunteers at Church of the Redeemer. Medical exams, dental checks, haircuts, photo IDs, and school photos (along with backpacks, and personal care items) were some of the services provided to these children and their families.

A few quick facts…
- Pam Hawn started Back to School with Hope three years ago;
- 930 “at risk” (homeless) children in Sarasota County;
- 100 children were invited Aug 6 to Church of the Redeemer (that number doesn’t include extended family);
- 230 volunteers contributed time, services, food, money. Eight dentists, eight physicians, nurses, hygienists offering floride treatments and brushing instruction, hair stylists and many many others who helped the day run smoothly;
- Six churches shadowed with the plan to serve all at risk children next year. The organizing church created guidebooks for groups to sponsor their own Day Of Hope in 2012 so please ask your friends, inquire here or find an organization/church that will host;
- Coordinated through Schoolhouse Link, YMCA Sarasota, http://www.sarasota-ymca.org/socialServices/homelessYouthEducation.cfm
This is an experience I will not soon forget. In fact, I’m signing on for next year’s event, to be held again in mid/late summer, prior to the start of the school year.

The day we spent together flew by…and the experience reminded me that there is so much to appreciate; there are far too many children (ONE is too many!!) without homes… www.fchonlin.org

and who need our gifts of

generosity… hope… compassion…time…spirit…

LOVE

To volunteer and/or receive information about 2012 Day of Hope at Church of Redeemer, contact Laura Crouse at [email protected].

Day of Hope 3

Some Kids Aren’t All Right