Social4Good Supports One Family’s Journey to Self Sufficiency
by Sarah Shamlal
Social4Good (S4G) is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization that brings together engaged women who want to meet new people and support the organizations that make our community strong. Each month, our network meets critical needs by pooling our resources to support local philanthropies through monetary, in-kind, or volunteer activities.
In March 2022, S4G supported a local charity called Homestretch. The mission of Homestretch is to empower homeless families with children living in Virginia to attain permanent housing and self-sufficiency by giving them the skills, knowledge, and hope they need to become productive participants in the community. The goal after completing the Homestretch program is for participants to find a full-time job and stay employed, graduate from high school or a GED program, complete college, or vocational school, pay taxes, pay off debt and own a home.
To meet their current critical needs, Homestretch requested that we support “Jane,” a single mother and victim of domestic violence who was recently referred as a client. Jane and her two daughters are currently in transitional housing and while Jane works, her income precludes her from eligibility for government services such as SNAP.
The S4G project raised over $2,600 to provide the family with gas and groceries to cover more than three months – with prices rising, our support is particularly welcome at this time. Members also wrapped donations of much needed clothing, shoes, art supplies, and books for the family. Special thanks to Alice’s Kids for providing gift cards for Jane to take her daughters shopping.
S4G members gathered at Bear Branch Tavern in Vienna to learn more about the collective efforts to support a family going through the award-winning program at Homestretch.
To learn more about Homestretch’ award-winning program and help them meet the needs of Homestretch families as they work to overcome the effects of poverty and achieve self-sufficiency, visit www.homestretchva.org.
For more information on Social4Good, please reach out to info@social4goodevents.com.
