Resilient Journeys: Our Jump Start Youth’s Aspirations

John, a 17-year-old male, currently attends the Foundation School. He has faced significant challenges with school attendance due to anxiety and PTSD. Despite these obstacles, John exhibits remarkable intelligence and proficiency in computer programming. In his leisure time, he channels his creativity into crafting video games and engaging with his housemates. John finds joy in exploring diverse cultures through culinary experiences and political discussions. His future aspirations include working as a Behavior Technician with youth, and he is actively pursuing training in that field. We wish John great success in his aspirations.

Josiyah: A Rising Star!

We have a success story in one of our youths at the Avis Birely program! Meet Josiyah, a multi-talented dynamo who’s making waves both on and off the field. When he’s not showcasing his skills in the Pee Wee football league, you’ll find him immersed in the virtual landscapes of Roblox, crafting his own adventures and conquering challenges with finesse. But Josiyah’s interests don’t stop there; he’s also an avid anime enthusiast, always ready to engage in lively discussions about the latest shows and characters. Despite his diverse array of hobbies, Josiyah maintains an impressive academic record effortlessly, proving that with focus and determination, anything is possible. His place on the honor roll is a testament to his innate ability to prioritize his academic responsibilities alongside his other interests.

HHY Employee Highlight!

Anna Tsao, LMSW
Meet Anna Tsao (pronounced “ciao”), ​a Licensed Master Social Worker dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. Anna earned her under-graduate degree in social work from UMBC in 2021 and later graduated with her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Denver in 2023. With just under a year of licensure under her belt, Anna humbly acknowledges that there’s always more to learn. Drawing from her background in community mental health, Anna has had the privilege of working with diverse populations, fostering environments where individuals can thrive. Passionate about creating safe and nurturing spaces for youth, Anna is committed to helping them unlock their full potential and improve their quality of life with empathy and a strengths-based approach. Outside of her professional endeavors, you’ll often find Anna knitting, exploring nature through hikes, or enjoying the company of her two cherished cats.

​Join Our Foster Care Family: Become a Foster Parent Today! 

Join our Foster Care family as a foster parent and become a cornerstone of support for children in need. By opening your heart and home, you can provide stability, love, and guidance to those who need it most. Together, let’s create a nurturing environment where every child can thrive and flourish. ​

If you’re interested in making a difference and becoming a foster parent, please reach out to us at fosterparentinfo@heartsandhomes.org to learn more and start your journey today! 

We Welcome Damon as our new CEO!

We are thrilled to announce Damon Thompson, LCSW-C as the new CEO of Hearts & Homes for Youth! With a wealth of experience in relevant fields and a proven track record of leadership, Damon brings a fresh perspective and a passion for our organization’s mission. As we welcome Damon to our team, we eagerly anticipate the innovative ideas, strategic vision, and dedication to excellence that he will undoubtedly bring to his role. His leadership will guide us as we continue to serve our community and make a meaningful impact in the lives of the kids we serve.​

​Equine Therapy Empowers Our Avis Birely Youth!

​The young men at our Avis Birely Group Home were afforded a truly remarkable opportunity through a six-week equine therapy program provided by Common Ground at Paradise Stables. This experience offered them a transformative journey, unveiling breakthroughs and emotions that surpassed the limitations of traditional therapeutic models. The partnership with Common Ground has been invaluable, providing an avenue for growth and healing that resonates deeply with each individual. Their time with the horses has left an indelible mark, instilling gratitude for the profound impact of this experience and the enduring partnership that made it possible.

​ Thank you TJMaxx!

We are delighted to announce a remarkable donation from TJMaxx, which included a generous $10,000 contribution during their grand opening. Being selected as the recipient of this donation is an absolute honor for us. The support from TJMaxx carries immense significance and will significantly further our mission to empower essential resources and programs for our at-risk youth. This partnership exemplifies the profound impact collaboration can accomplish. With TJMaxx by our side, we are truly effecting positive change in the lives of those we serve. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to TJMaxx for their remarkable generosity and unwavering belief in our mission.

AB Spring Fling Spectacular: ​A Resounding Success!

Our Avis Birely 2nd Annual Spring Fling was an absolute blast! From delicious burgers, hot dogs and a spread of sides to exciting activities like sack races, basketball shootouts, ring toss, and more, there was something for everyone to enjoy. But what truly made the day special was the sense of togetherness and camaraderie that filled the air. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to making this day a blast. It was a delightful event, and we can’t wait for our 3rd annual Spring Fling next year!

​We Appreciate the Donation!

Our doorstep received a fabulous delivery of Bearpaw shoes for our kids at HHY, all thanks to the incredible generosity of our partners at Ticket to Dream! We’re absolutely thrilled by this fantastic donation and immensely grateful for our ongoing partnership. Step by step, together we’re making strides toward brighter futures. Thank you, Bearpaw and Ticket to Dream, for your unwavering support!​

February was Black History Month!

Last month was Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. This month provided an opportunity for education, celebration, and reflection, highlighting the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our society. Throughout the month, we commemorated the remarkable journey of Black leaders, activists, artists, and trailblazers who have shaped history and continue to inspire us today. From civil rights icons like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks to cultural pioneers like Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes, their legacies continue to resonate across generations, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.

​Surprise Party for Chloe!

​On February 15th, HHY came together to pull off a spectacular surprise party for our CEO, Chloe who is embarking on a new chapter in her journey. As she walked into the venue, her face lit up with sheer astonishment and joy, capturing the essence of the moment. Throughout the afternoon, it evolved into a celebration not only of Chloe’s remarkable tenure but also of the camaraderie and friendship woven throughout the agency. As we bid farewell, we also embraced the dawn of a new era, brimming with excitement and anticipation for the future. While we will deeply miss her presence, Chloe’s legacy will endure, continuing to inspire and guide us through the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Exciting News from Martin Federal!

​We’re excited to share that Martin Federal has generously donated gift cards to our organization! Their support will directly benefit our cause and the individuals we serve. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them for their generosity and commitment to making a positive impact in our community. Together, we’re making a difference!

Equine-Assisted Therapy: Empowering Youth to Thrive!

​Our youth engage in unique therapy classes combining equine interaction with therapeutic techniques. These classes offer a safe space to explore emotions, build confidence, and develop essential life skills through hands-on activities like grooming and riding. This experience is tailored to the specific needs of our kids, whether they’re working through trauma, anxiety, behavioral challenges, or simply seeking personal growth. By harnessing the healing bond between humans and horses, we empower youth to overcome obstacles, discover their strengths, and thrive.

​We Appreciate the Donation!​

We extend our deepest gratitude to Ticket to Dream Foundation and Victoria’s Secret for their generous donation of essential items to the children we serve. It’s important to remember that some of these children lack even the most basic necessities. This donation will make a profound difference in their lives, and we are truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to partner with such compassionate organizations. Thank you for your commitment to supporting our community’s most vulnerable members.

Join Us for our Annual Charity Golf Tournament!

Tee off with us for a day of golf, fun, and giving back to our community! Your participation directly supports youth in need, providing them with crucial support and resources. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the game, everyone is welcome! Enjoy exciting contests, prizes, networking opportunities, and a delicious lunch.​

Register now: https://heartsandhomes.org/golf/ ​

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference while enjoying a round of golf!

TFC Skating and Dinner Delight!

We organized a fun get-together for our TFC family last January 27th at the Merriweather District in Columbia where we celebrated not only our kids but also our dedicated foster parents. We are thrilled to share the excitement and joy our foster kids experienced at the Burst Ice Skating Rink. The kids laced up their skates and hit the ice with enthusiasm. It was a day filled with laughter and unforgettable memories. After the delightful fun skating, they had a delicious meal at Busboys and Poets with their Foster parents. Thank you to all our HHY families and staff who joined the festivities!

HHY Holiday Party!

We would like to share the joyous occasion of our late holiday party, held last January 18th at Pizzaman in Columbia, MD!  Despite the unconventional timing, the event was a tremendous success, bringing together our wonderful team for an evening filled with laughter, camaraderie, and festive cheer. The venue was adorned with sparkling decorations, creating a magical and festive atmosphere and the holiday spirit was palpable as colleagues shared laughter and joy and enjoyed the photo booth, raffles and delicious spread of food and beverages. Thank you to our board members who also joined us at the party! We can’t wait for next year!

Frolicking Flurries!

Building a snowman is not just about the outcome of how it’s going to look but also about the joy that comes with the process. It’s a timeless activity that brings people together and adds a touch of magic to the winter landscape. Our Avis Birely program embraced this sentiment, spending quality time together enjoying the snow and building a snowman.
Check out the photo!

HHY Employee Highlight!

Nicole Smith, LCSW-C
Nicole earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Maryland-Baltimore. She is our Chief Administrator & Clinical Director and she has been with us for 3 years. She leads a team of dedicated social workers in providing comprehensive and compassionate care to our youth facing mental health challenges. She is very passionate about helping youth gain the skills and confidence needed to become successful adults. Nicole has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 2017 and became a Board Approved Supervisor in 2020. She is a Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer. She also provides individual therapy to kids and young adults in a private practice setting.

We Appreciate the Donation!

We received huge bins filled with hygienic products from Montgomery County (MD) Alumna Chapter. Their commitment to making a positive difference is truly commendable. We are immensely grateful for their support in providing these items to our HHY families. We look forward to keeping you updated on the positive outcomes made possible by our donors!

Look what we Achieved in 2023!

We cannot successfully serve our kids without the help of our community partners and supporters. With the accomplishment of our End of the Year campaign, we raised a significant amount that will be used to run our programs and will help us build more needed services to support the kids we serve. Looking back at 2023, it was a great year, and we are sure enough that with your support we can build a more positive impact in 2024!

Successful Holiday Gift Drive!

We are so thankful for the abundance of gifts we received for our kids and programs at Hearts & Homes. Our kids had an amazing time during the holiday season. Thanks so much to all our Wishmakers! This holiday gift drive wouldn’t have been possible without your help!
Takoma Park SDA Church Women’s Ministries, DLH Corporation, EDUCATION WEEK, Montgomery County Planning Department, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Adam and Andrea Abramowitz, Melinda Coolidge and David Moon, Edelman Financial Engines, Rebecca McGinnis/Silver Spring United Methodist Church, George Iden/Concord St. Andrews Church, Tonya Harris/Council of the Great City Schools, Kingdom Fellowship AME Church, Barbara Jordan, Nicole Harkin and Brent Lattin, Fred Pugh, Vivianna Rivera, Nicole Herron, Minkoff Company, Charlene Bolden/Elevation Ministries, Dan Vallone, Carey Miller, Michelle Steffes, Mindy Steffes, Susan Massey, William and Marian Lally, Chris Chandler, Susan, Kim Reyes, Julie Tomlinson, Peggy Diggs, Ed Epping, Suzanne Joy, Gale and John Perryman, AmberLace Moore, Jennifer Sevier, Eric and Julia Rutledge, Chris, Emily Wag, Maureen Richmond , Lamia Matta, Laura and Melinda Hutton, Alan Schulman, Scott Marko and family.

Decorating for the Holiday!

Our kids had so much fun decorating for the holidays! This is another simple activity that keeps them entertained and helps them motivate to celebrate the holiday and engage with other kids at the program. Check out one of the trees they’ve decorated!

We Appreciate the Donation!

We received boxes of Bombas socks and Bombas Gripper Slippers Socks for the holiday season from Ticket to Dream and are being provided in partnership with Bombas! You can visit their website at https://shop.bombas.com/
They also sent us boxes of Jazwares Toys Mix (Coco Melon, Squishmallows, etc.) You can check their website here: https://www.jazwares.com/

We are so proud of Poetic!

Last week, Maryland Association of Resources for Families & Youth (MARFY) hosted their annual Youth Achievement Awards ceremony, along with their 50th Anniversary celebration. This year, HHY nominated Poetic for her outstanding improvements and accomplishments, including earning a scholarship to Morgan State University. She is an inspiration, and we are proud of her achievements. We are so grateful to the Wimbush family who are Poetic’s foster parents. They have done so much to support Poetic during her journey!

Successful Theme Days!

We celebrated theme days at the office where we wore our favorite sports team, pajama day, “wear pink” day, Halloween costume and much more to come! Pls. check our photos taken during those fun days!

Veterans Day

We will honor Veterans Day 2023 this month in November and pay tribute to all military veterans who have served our country. We will recognize and express our gratitude for the service and dedication rendered to us and their sacrifices, bravery, and patriotism. Celebrating Veterans Day provides an opportunity for us to show appreciation for veterans and recognize their contributions to the nation. Whether visiting Veterans Memorials, attending parades and ceremonies, volunteering, thanking a Veteran, displaying the flags, donating to Veteran causes, or even barbecuing outside or hanging out indoors with family, hopefully you get to enjoy this federal holiday off with people you love.

Native American Heritage Day

Aside from celebrating Veteran’s Day this month we will also celebrate the National Native American Heritage Day on the day after Thanksgiving. We will honor American Indians across the nation, its vibrant cultures, traditions, and heritages and recognizing their many contributions. Join us in celebrating the strength and resiliency of Native Americans and acknowledge the important contributions of Native people.

Holiday Gift Drive

Pls. support our kids and grant their wishes by participating in our Holiday Gift Drive. Each child in our care creates a list of items that he or she wish to receive. If you would like to participate and become a Wishmaker, we will send you the name, age, and wishes of the child you choose to help. Any help you give will send a message of care and support to our young people. Contact Hazel Eguia at 301-679-1383 or email heguia@heartsandhomes.org  for more info or to participate.

HHY Employee highlight!

Marlisa Ashley, Senior Counselor
Marlisa Ashley was born and raised in Sampson County, NC where she remained for her elementary school years. She enjoys shopping and spending time with her loving, devoted family. In her early 30’s she decided to pursue her interest in nursing and aiding special needs children and adults. She is currently working with teenage youth at HHY by providing them support to prepare them to make positive life decisions and to become independent adults.

We Appreciate the Donation!

THANK YOU @tickettodream @Bombas @famousfootwear and @crocs for your beyond generous donation! Our kiddos were super happy with their new kicks and socks! This donation was made possible by our friends at Bombas, Crocs & Famous Footwear!

Fun time at our Damamli Office!

Ms. K, our new Lead Life Skills Specialist, held an introductory group and facilitated a Jeopardy game around cleaning and hygiene at our Damamli office in Catonsville.  Over half of our girls and some of their babies were in attendance. She also shared an informative topic that benefits our parenting and pregnant mothers. It was a fun way of learning about the importance of hygiene and a great way of spending quality time with our Damamli mothers and babies!

Back to School!

Our kids had a successful first week of school! We had young people starting in elementary, middle, and high schools this year. One of our young people is starting at Morgan State University. What an incredible achievement! We are so proud of her and how far she has come while being in her current foster placement.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

We will celebrate the Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor indigenous American peoples and to commemorate their histories and cultures.  It will be observed on the second Monday of October. It is where we celebrate the invaluable contributions and resilience of Indigenous peoples and  recognize them as the first inhabitants of the Americas including the land that became the United States of America. We will celebrate their survival and contemporary experiences as well as the immeasurable positive impact that they have made on every aspect of American society.

Another Success Story!

The HHY community has something serious to celebrate! One of our foster youth, Cameron, has officially been adopted by his foster mother, Tristin. The two are pictured on the right, along with Tristin’s other son. This is why we put in the effort, energy, and passion into the work we do. We are so happy for this beautiful family!

HHY Team Building

Our Program Manager at Avis Birely group home, Mr. Kenneth, treated his staff to brunch last week as a THANK YOU for all they do for the program, the agency, and most importantly, for the kids!

HHY Employee Highlight!

Sandra Queen,  Residential Counselor
Sandra is affectionally known as Mama Queen. She began her career at the age of 16 as a daycare assistant through the Mayor’s Summer Youth Program. It was there that she found a passion for helping disadvantaged and misunderstood youth. Over the years, she has worked as a Program Coordinator for five years at a DC group home. During her time there, her duties included overseeing the daily operations of five group homes, facilitating monthly meetings with housemothers/ managers, and coordinating activities for youth and staff. She’s fortunate to having been referred to Hearts & Homes over 10 years ago and has worked her way up to the position of Residential Counselor. For Sandra, it was fulfilling for her to see some of the youth graduate from the programs and become productive citizens. In addition to working with youth and giving them a sense of family, she also enjoys cooking, spending time with her family, and working as a Special Police Officer for a private company.

We Appreciate the Donation!

We received boxes of Bombas socks, Sesame Street gift boxes & tubes in new patterns and styles from Ticket to Dream. They are being provided in partnership with Bombas! There is a wide assortment of sizes – infant, baby, toddler & adult. You can visit their website at https://shop.bombas.com/

They also sent us a back-to-school essentials of new makeup, hair care & skin care from Project Glimmer to send our teens back to school feeling their best! These self-care items are from high-end brands like Peter Thomas Roth, Living Proof, Rare Beauty and more. Please visit their website at https://www.projectglimmer.org/

Great Time at the Beach!

Our staff took our young ladies at Marys Mount and our Helen Smith girls to Ocean City, Maryland for a fun beach day! They enjoyed themselves at all the fun rides, games, food, and of course, the sand! We are blessed with people in the community who donated to Hearts & Homes towards experiences and activities for the youth we serve. Our kids and the staff are all so grateful for your support!

Shoutout to DLH Corporation!

Every year DLH Corporation donates Back- to-School backpacks filled with school supplies for our youth. They have been committed to donating these backpacks for the last 20+ years. This is a great start for many of our  students who attend the first day of school by providing the critical supplies needed for learning.
Aside from donating backpacks, DLH Corporation also sponsored a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for the boys at Avis Birely Group Home and JumpStart Semi-Independent Living program! Staff and supporters were quick to throw on jerseys and be part of the fun. Everyone had a blast and Team Blue won the tournament. Special thanks again to DLH Corporation, Mackie’s Southern Barbecue, and all the volunteers who joined us to make this a memorable summer event.

Thank You Stein Sperling!

Stein Sperling hosted a barbecue party for our girls at Helen Smith and Marys Mount. We are thankful for their continued support for our programs for years. It was a fun day trying the hula hoop and enjoying good food and great company!

Send us an email at hhyinfo@heartsandhomes.org if you want to know how you can support our next event!

Celebrating 65 years of Ben’s Chili Bowl!

Some of our young men went to celebrate the 65th anniversary of original Ben’s Chili Bowl last August 22nd on U Street in Washington DC. Ben’s Chili’s showed their appreciation by feeding everyone who came. There was music, friendship, and overall good vibes with special appearances by G-Wiz, Doug Williams, and the Commanders’ cheerleaders. The boys didn’t waste any of their precious summertime by enjoying some chili dogs, burgers, and all manners of good eats!

“I Have a Dream”

Some of our young men spent the day in Washington, DC during the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s infamous “I Have a Dream” speech. It was a great time spending the afternoon learning more about this iconic piece of history. Thank you to our staff for taking the initiative to give the boys this experience!

 It’s Luau time!

The young ladies at Mary’s Mount Therapeutic Group Home are kicking off the summer! They set a table outside for games and they dressed up in their luau attire. It was a quick and easy way to get in the summertime spirit!

Summer Kick Off!

The foster families and pregnant/parenting teen mothers went to Baltimore’s National Aquarium and they all had a blast! Thanks to Baltimore’s National Aquarium for donating tickets to HHY! It was a great opportunity for some of them who had never gotten a chance to visit the aquarium to enjoy some of the local’s favorite activities. It was great for our foster families to connect during this outing, and for staff to spend some quality time with our families – all while enjoying the marine life!

Fun day at the Busch Gardens

Check out these photos of the boys from Avis Birely Therapeutic Group Home enjoying their day at Busch Gardens. They had such an amazing time enjoying their summer vacation!

Great Partnership with  @commthriveslab

Thank you to this INCREDIBLE team from UMD for coming to our office and training our staff on such an important topic. The research is beyond important! We are so glad to have such a great partnership with UMD Community Thrives Lab!

HHY Employee Highlight!

Ash Callaway,  Program Manager
I grew up in Princeton, TX and I have two little girls, 13 and 10 years old. I was in the Army for 8 years. Since then, I have worked in project Management as well as supporting adults with disabilities. I am passionate about outreach and caregiving work because I have lived with discrimination for being queer, disabled and having been homeless. It’s very important to me to help those that society overlooks and help to change attitudes so that no one is overlooked in the future.

Some interesting facts about me: I have worked as a romance story writer. I built a literal pirate raft and rode it down a river dressed as a pirate. When I was in Thailand, I drank cobra as part of a bonding ritual with Thai soldiers that I was training.

Interested in Foster Care?

Let us know or share this with someone who might be!
Foster Parents Receive:

* Ongoing training
* 24-hour support
* Program activities and events
* In-home clinical services
* The opportunity to provide a teen mom or adolescent
youth with love, nurturing, guidance and the chance to
heal from past hurts.

We are always looking for individuals and families who are willing to open their hearts and homes to children in need.
To learn more Please Email: fosterparentinfo@heartsandhomes.org

Congrats to our Graduates!

We are proud to announce our graduates! We have youth that graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt HS and Richard Montgomery HS, and we have graduates from Loiederman MS. This is a wonderful accomplishment for many of our youth who have faced many challenges. Thank you to our incredible staff and phenomenal community support in leading these kids to a brighter future.

A Fun Day for our Youth

Our Avis Birely program has a list of incentives for the youth that they can choose from for showing positive impact and good behavior. One of our youths chose to have lunch with our Program Director, Robin Colbert and CEO, Chloe Bernardi. They went to Franks Burger in Wheaton and had a great time. He has lots of summer plans which includes a trip to Six Flags, Bush Gardens, and he’s excited to celebrate his birthday in July!

Our TFC Success Story

After being placed with the Johnson family for two years in foster care, Kevin was legally adopted. The Johnsons have done so much for him providing stability and structure but most importantly, showing Kevin what unconditional love feels like. Words cannot express how happy we are to share this incredible story!

Exciting Summer Ahead!

We have an exciting summer coming up for the youth in our care! In July, Stein Sperling will hold a BBQ cookout for our Helen Smith and Marys Mount programs. We are also going to schedule our 3 on 3 basketball tournament for the boys at our Avis Birely program and this is hosted by DLH Corporation. Our Damamli and TFC youths are going to an Aquarium, amusement parks, volunteer excursions, cookouts, and more! Interested in hosting or donating to help with our kids activities and outings? Pls. click here to donate. Any help is greatly appreciated and will bring a big impact to our youth!

Healthy Meal from our HS Garden

Helen Smith girls are making good use of their garden.  They picked these squash and zucchini and had a delicious farm- to- table lunch vegetable medley!

Save this Date – May 6, 2024

Hearts & Homes Annual Golf tournament is scheduled for May 6, 2024! We had a remarkable and successful tournament this year and we are already looking forward to next year’s exciting event. Thank you so much to all our sponsors, staff and supporters who joined us for our annual fundraiser golf tournament. Hope to see you at Norbeck Country Club next year!

We Appreciate the Donation!

We just received boxes of diapers last week from Ticket to Dream. They are being provided by Dyper, a  responsible diaper company delivering plant-based products. We are grateful for these generous donations that will help our babies at our Damamli/TFC program. You can learn more about Dyper by visiting their website – https://dyper.com/.