Giving Report April 2013
Your Donations at Work April 2013
During the first quarter of 2013, $31,121.83 was given to assist at-risk children and young adults who have “aged out” of the system in Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola Counties.
Details are listed below, but first we wanted to let you know how your donations positively impact the youth in our community and particularly the following young person:
Emily was adopted when she was 13 months old. Because of poor care, she was placed in a state home at 12. Emily was unhappy and unsettled and began to run away which resulted in her being placed in an emergency shelter by the time she reached age 13. Eventually, Emily was placed at Boys Town where she was nurtured, counseled and molded for the next 4-1/2 years. Emily is 18 years old now and has “aged out” of Boys Town but she’s thankful for the care she received and the impact Boys Town made on her life. She said, “I’ve gained so much from Boys Town, thanks to their help, love and acceptance.” Emily now resides in transitional living housing provided by Impower. Although the transition hasn’t been easy, Emily is working hard to adjust to continuing her education while working. She is happy and feels confident that she has a bright future.
Update and News
Here’s specifically how the funds were used from January through March, 2013:
Impower (formerly Intervention Services): $2,472.83
Fourteen youth between 18 and 23 who have “aged out” of the system received: medical assistance, clothing/shoes, text books, tuition, school insurance, class fees, tutoring
Children’s Home Society, WingsNet Program: $5,945.36
Seventeen “aged out” young adults earned awards for: grades, graduations, good employment practices and promotions
Boys Town of Central Florida: $7,703.64
Over 50 youth in residential homes and emergency shelter received: clothing/shoes, educational field trips, personal counseling/therapy, dental care, family night pizza, home repairs
Friends of Children & Families: $15,000
Funds were provided toward renovation of four bathrooms in residential homes and an emergency shelter
We will continue to report how YOUR donations are being used. Thank you for your confidence that Wings of Hope will continue to be good stewards of your generosity.
Save the Date!
Don’t forget to save the date on your calendars so you can join us at the 18th Annual Wings of Hope “Heart to Heart” Gala, on September 28, 2013 at the Lake Mary Marriott! Hope to see you there!
News to Share
Wings of Hope is pleased to announce that we have been approved by the IRS to operate as a public charity as of January 1, 2013. Be assured, there will be no change in how we manage or operate Wings of Hope and your donations. Being a public charity allows us to receive more funds for the children because many corporations, community foundations, matching gift programs and private foundations restrict donations to public charities only. A copy of the IRS determination letter is posted on our website, https://www.wingsofhope.net/financial-info
LYNX has selected Wings of Hope as one of eight nonprofit organizations whose logos will be featured on the 2013-2014 LYNX Public Service Bus for the next 12 months. Be on the lookout to see this beautiful bus as it travels regular routes throughout the LYNX system in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. Photos of the bus are posted on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/wingsofhopefoundation
The WingsNet program was created to assist youth “aging out” of the system at age 18. This is a very vulnerable group in our society and 33% of them end up homeless after 3 years on their own. We will increase our focus on WingsNet this year at our “Heart to Heart” Gala. WingsNet rewards youth for sucessful achievement of educational and/or workplace goals as well as for emergency assistance for medical needs, deposits on apartments/services, furnishings, etc.