Strikes and Smiles: A Day of Bowling Fun
Last month, the youth from our Jump Start group home had a fantastic day at the bowling alley. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as they laced up their bowling shoes and gathered around the lanes. Laughter filled the air as they cheered for each other, celebrating every strike and sharing playful banter. With snacks in hand, the camaraderie grew stronger, creating a fun and supportive environment. The energy was infectious, with everyone getting into the spirit of friendly competition. It was a day full of smiles and joy, leaving them all looking forward to their next adventure together!
A Step Towards Independence
Recently, two of the youth from our group home, Alex and Jamie, had the exciting opportunity to interview with two local businesses— one with a roofing supply company and the other with a home restoration company. This milestone is not only a great personal achievement for them, but also a significant step towards their long-term goals of independence and self-sufficiency. It’s moments like these that remind us how much progress they are making and how important it is to provide them with opportunities to build skills that will last a lifetime. We are so proud of the hard work and perseverance Alex and Jamie have shown, and we’re excited to see where this journey will take them. We wish them both the best of luck as they continue moving forward toward their bright futures!
Celebrating Sandra’s New Journey
We’re thrilled for our Helen Smith youth, Sandra, who was recently accepted into Project Rebuild, a youth development nonprofit dedicated to work readiness and personal growth. Through self-discovery, skill development, and collaborative partnerships, Project Rebuild empowers young people to unlock their potential, fostering leadership and community involvement. This experience will help Sandra build essential skills, grow her confidence, and prepare for a bright future as a leader and contributor in our community.
HHY Employee Highlight!
I began my journey with Hearts and Homes in December 2016, starting as a weekend direct care staff at Kempmill. After about two years, I became the manager at Jumpstart. Eventually, I took on the responsibility of managing both Kempmill and Jumpstart until the closing of Kempmill. I find great fulfillment in helping young men navigate life’s challenges, whether by taking them on recreational outings or providing new experiences to foster their growth. One of my proudest professional achievements has been witnessing youth graduate from high school, especially those who once believed it was beyond their reach.
On a personal note, one of my proudest achievements was joining the APA Pool League, where I earned 1st place in my skill level and won two championships. Outside of work, I love playing pool, riding motorcycles, working on cars, and building things with my hands. When I’m not spending time with my family, you’ll likely find me pursuing one of these hobbies.
HHY Holiday Gift Drive!
Embrace the Holiday Spirit by making the wishes of the children at Hearts & Homes for Youth come true! Your generosity means the world to us, and with your help, we can bring joy and holiday cheer to our kids this holiday season. Thank you for helping us create magical moments for our kids!
To participate: email Hazel Eguia at heguia@heartsandhomes.org