Giving Report January 2013

Your Donations at Work January 2013

During the fourth quarter of 2012, $13,744 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 impact the youth in our community and particularly the following young person:

Cruz experienced the pain and hurt that most of the kids at Brian’s House were familiar with during their childhood years. But despite his difficult past, Cruz had a dream that helped him survive – a dream that someday he would play college football. At Brian’s House, the staff and counselors did their best to keep that dream alive. They put special effort into letting him stay in his current high school where he was already an impressive football player. And that meant they needed to drive him 25 miles each way every day! But the support, caring, nurturing and mentoring from Children’s Home Society paid off because Cruz not only made good grades, but also upon graduation, he received a competitive football scholarship to the University of Nebraska. His lived his dream – playing college football! Cruz recently graduated from the U of N, is married and living a successful life in the Midwest.

Thank you for supporting Cruz and the countless other youth in our community.

Because of your support, Wings of Hope will continue to give Cruz — and the many other young people like her — a chance at a better life.

Update and News

Here’s specifically how the funds were used from October through December 2012:

• WingsNet rewards: $ 5,653.00
  (for grades, paycheck supplements, GED/High School graduation/tuition, B. S. Degree)
• School supplies/equipment:
  
  $502.00
• Clothing and uniforms:
  
  $3,171.00
• Substance abuse counseling:
  
  $2,160.00
• Physical evaluations:
  
  $53.0
• Assistance to “aged out” youth:
  
  $543.00
• Medical services:
  
  $1,662.00

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!

Please save the date on your calendars so you can join us at the 18th Annual Wings of Hope Gala on September 28, 2013 at the Lake Mary Marriott!

The year of 2012 was one of great successes in which we:

• GAVE away a record-breaking $149,277
• Held our first “sold out” event on September 29, 2012
• Supported more at-risk children through nine local organizations that provide shelter, basic needs and support

Our WingsNet program will expand into Osceola County in 2013. WingsNet is an incentive program for youth who have “aged out” of the system at age 18. Since the youth are on their own and support themselves, it is difficult for them to continue their education while working full time. When they encounter any difficulties, they usually have to work more hours and end up dropping out of school. WingsNet offers compensation to youth for academic achievements as well as for job performance, giving them a better chance to stay in school.