Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Access Pass/ Discounted Admissions

The Access Pass Program offers discounted admissions to the Children's Museum, Conner Prairie, Eiteljorg Museum, NCAA Hall of Champions and the Indiana Historical Society for Hoosier families receiving TANF, Hoosier Healthwise and Hoosier Works assistance. Anyone who receives the benefits of these state programs is eligible to receive an Access Pass Card.

The Access Pass allows families to visit these great educational attractions for just $1 per family member per visit. To apply, visit the box office of any of the Access Pass institutions to fill out and application. Be sure to bring: Your Hoosier Works card or Hoosier Healthwise card and a state issued ID.

To learn more about the program, please visit the Children's Museum website here.

Invisible People

Mark Horvath, was once homeless and knows the pain of being ignored, avoided and shunned. Today, he uses his video camera to capture the stories of "invisible people", men and women who are homeless and the organizations who are trying to help them. By posting these raw stories on his vlog, he is trying to connect us to these men and women who are living with the pain and stigma of not having a home.

Visit Mark's Invisible People website and watch some of his very moving videos.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Thank You

Thank you to all who donated to the Stay at Home to Help Others Stay Housed Fundraiser! With $4,873 donated and $849 coming from the Calvin Fletcher Coffee House, your donations were doubled with a $5,000 donation by The Piatek Institute. Thank you!

The winner of the home portrait is Gwen Woodard! Gwen's name was selected to win a portrait of her home by local artist Judy Byron.

As always, your donations are essential to our mission of helping people remain housed. Last week, we matched Matthew, a young adult in the Connected by 25 program. He’s an IUPUI student and working towards a strong future, after faced with many challenges while growing up. His mentor will help him achieve his goals of succeeding in business and life. Please continue to help us make a difference. Donations are always accepted on-line or can be sent to our offices, 872 Virginia Ave, 46203.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Foster Kids Face Tough Times After 18

NPR features a story today on the struggles young people face after leaving foster care. Connected by 25, an agency that has partnered with Trusted Mentors for mentoring services, was also profiled for their work with at-risk young adults.

For 8 years, researchers have followed roughly 600 young adults who aged out of the system. The study finds that at age 23 or 24, former foster care youth are more likely than their peers to be: Unemployed, Homeless, Pregnant, Convicted of a crime and Uneducated.

To listen or read the story click here.

Thank You for the Tip!

Thank you to Calvin Fletcher Coffee Company and its patrons! The tips added up in March and made a big difference at Trusted Mentors. The $849 is helping people remain housed!

Please be sure to visit Calvin Fletcher Coffee Co.(615 Virginia Avenue)and remember your tips benefit a great cause each month!