Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Grace City Spring Clean Up


Our Youth Board teamed up with The Grace Network in their Spring Cleaning Day.  The Youth Board, along with many more youth and adult volunteers, participated in the BBQ on the Block/Spring Cleaning Day for the residences surrounding Grace City in the urban Old North Sacramento Neighborhood.

Hands4Hope youth and adults assisted in this endeavour with The Grace Network’s team, co-sponsors and Grace City neighbors.  Together, they cleaned up the streets, providing curbside pickup for trash and other disposable items. Additionally volunteers hosted a BBQ with games, crafts and activities for children in the neighborhood. To see Grace Network’s video of this event, click https://www.facebook.com/TheGraceNetwork/videos/1371164239575766/.



















Friday, April 1, 2016

Youth Spotlight :: Kaitlin


Kaitlin Violette, a sophomore at St. Francis High School, has been participating with Hands4Hope for a little more than a year and has been very active in our outreach program, primarily with the Homeless Outreaches and GVCC Kid’s Oasis.  Kaitlin creates, assembles, and carries out the craft for the Kid’s Oasis outreach each week.  

"Kaitlin is a dynamic and responsible young lady.  She approaches everything she does with thoughtful exuberance.  Hands4Hope is very lucky to have such an energetic and compassionate youth leader willing to go out into her community and make a difference," says Laura Buehler, Hands4Hope Outreach Coordinator.

We recently interviewed Kaitlin about her involvement with us, here’s what she had to say:




What were the reasons you joined Hands4Hope?
I joined Hands4Hope because I wanted to volunteer more in my community and to help others.


What are you involved with Hands4Hope?  
I help with the Kids Oasis and Homeless Outreach. I also assisted with the Spring Benefit Dinner by getting donations.


It's so great to hear youth who are really engaged with our program. Why did you choose to do more than just volunteer at events?
I chose to do more than just volunteer at events because I wanted to take a greater role in helping others.


What opportunities/skill building do you think Hands4Hope has provided you?
Hands4Hope has given me many opportunities to learn that everyone has a story and can make a difference. Hands4Hope has also taught me better organizational and communication skills.


Overall, what has your experience been like since joining?
In the beginning I was really surprised how much I loved volunteering with this organization. I’ve come to realize I enjoy the challenges that come with working to provide assistance to others.

Thank you to Kaitlin, and all our youth who are making a difference in the community through Hands4Hope.  

Welcome Gift of Kids!

http://www.thegiftofkids.net/
We are pleased to announce one of our newest sponsors Gift of Kids Daycare and Preschool!


The Gift of Kids offers preschool, daycare, as well as before- and after-school care from ages 6 weeks to 10 years old.  We have an advanced successful curriculum with warm loving teachers that care about the needs of our little ones.  We offer field trip during the summer months for school agers and Infant care for moms returning to work.

The Gift of Kids sponsors local organizations that are based out of El Dorado Hills.  “Hands4Hope is the perfect match that helps us feel involved!” expresses Jennifer Kelly, owner of Gift of Kids.


Hands4Hope Outreach Update :: Twin Lakes Food Bank Easter Dinner Distribution


Youth participants, 8th grade and up, as well as 2 adult leads assisted at the Twin Lakes Food Bank Easter Dinner In A Bag Distribution by passing out groceries and Easter baskets.  

“We served 1,072 people Easter Dinner and 793 kids received Easter Baskets. Hands4Hope youth and leaders are truly the BEST!!  They make my job a piece of cake!!!  Thank you!” exclaims Tammy Thompson, Twin Lakes Food Bank Executive Director.