5.18.2009
Meeting @ the Bishop's Office
Bishop Barnes was nice enough to pass our proposal to Jeanette at the diocese who deals specifically with community service. She has worked with various service programs in building transitional housing within San Bernardino and elsewhere. She gave us many valuable leads of people to talk to and was happy to see young adults with so much passion. We will be meeting with her periodically throughout the process.
5.13.2009
Presentation @ Cal Poly's Newman Club Meeting
Today's presentation went really well! Cal Poly has an active group of young adults passionate about life and the faith! It was really nice to meeting fellow young adults who are excited to do something positive. We started with an ice breaker, "Where did you see Jesus this week?" and went around the circle hearing responses. We introduced our foundation, our mission, goals, and needs and we very happy with the attentiveness of the group. Many asked valuable questions that we will continue to reflect on these next couple weeks.
5.07.2009
Presentation @ CSUF Newman Club Meeting
Today's presentation went well! CSUF's Newman Club is thriving with young adults who are excited about the faith. They had a large turnout and the meeting was held in a big room at St. Julianna's Church in Fullerton. We started with an ice breaker and presented first. We were able to pass out our pins and business cards. We look forward to working with them in the future!
5.04.2009
Meeting with Kent Paxton @ the Mayor's Office
The Mayor of San Bernardino's right hand man on the homelessness issue is Kent Paxton. He, and a team of others, have constructed a 10 year plan that is in the process of getting passed. It was really reassuring to see that the city of San Bernardino is doing something to fight this cycle of poverty.
4.16.2009
"REAL" by Katrina Sacramento
If I could use one word to describe the Backpack for Hope experience, it would definitely be REAL.
I use this word, above all others, because that's exactly what it was. At least that's what it was for me: an over-privileged kid from suburban SoCal. And although it felt like a slap of reality to the face, I must say that it was a good one.
I'll admit that on the ride to the photo studio where we stayed I was not excited at all. Knowing that I was just going to have my backpack and that I couldn't take a shower wasn't very appealing to me. Looking back on it though, I know that I wouldn't have traded that experience for anything else. I know it's hard to imagine picking sleeping on a cold photo studio floor over sleeping in a warm bed, but if I hadn't spent the night on that floor then I would have never heard the epic words spoken by Mike Juloya: "I'm miserable! Even homeless shelters have heaters!" I would have never been able to experience being scared of going to the bathroom because of being scared of the stories told by my fellow backpackers. And most of all, if I had chosen to sleep on a warm bed instead of that floor, I would have never experienced what it was like to be in the homeless condition (even though we had it even better than they probably did anyway). It was such an eye-opener, and for that I am truly grateful.
For me, the most humbling experience of all was carrying my backpack around with me all weekend. It forced me to understand the people that I was serving. It was weird, because if we brought a lot of things, it meant that we were hurting when we lugged all of our stuff all over LA. If we didn't bring a lot, it meant that we had little to live off of during the weekend. Either way, it was a lose lose situation, but it was a real one. People in the homeless condition face that kind of thing each and every day, but still find ways to live and to smile the same way that people in better living conditions do. That, to me, was the most enlightening thing of all: realizing that people in the homeless condition are just like me, and face decisions that I could easily be facing if I wasn't born into suburban life. And even though that might be heartbreaking, it just made me want to be an even bigger part of organizations like 25/35 so that maybe I could help the people that I'm just beginning to understand.
I'm truly grateful for the experience that I had at Backpack for Hope. It was one of the most real experiences that I've ever gone through, and I pray that one day many more people can experience the same thing.
- Katrina
I use this word, above all others, because that's exactly what it was. At least that's what it was for me: an over-privileged kid from suburban SoCal. And although it felt like a slap of reality to the face, I must say that it was a good one.
I'll admit that on the ride to the photo studio where we stayed I was not excited at all. Knowing that I was just going to have my backpack and that I couldn't take a shower wasn't very appealing to me. Looking back on it though, I know that I wouldn't have traded that experience for anything else. I know it's hard to imagine picking sleeping on a cold photo studio floor over sleeping in a warm bed, but if I hadn't spent the night on that floor then I would have never heard the epic words spoken by Mike Juloya: "I'm miserable! Even homeless shelters have heaters!" I would have never been able to experience being scared of going to the bathroom because of being scared of the stories told by my fellow backpackers. And most of all, if I had chosen to sleep on a warm bed instead of that floor, I would have never experienced what it was like to be in the homeless condition (even though we had it even better than they probably did anyway). It was such an eye-opener, and for that I am truly grateful.
For me, the most humbling experience of all was carrying my backpack around with me all weekend. It forced me to understand the people that I was serving. It was weird, because if we brought a lot of things, it meant that we were hurting when we lugged all of our stuff all over LA. If we didn't bring a lot, it meant that we had little to live off of during the weekend. Either way, it was a lose lose situation, but it was a real one. People in the homeless condition face that kind of thing each and every day, but still find ways to live and to smile the same way that people in better living conditions do. That, to me, was the most enlightening thing of all: realizing that people in the homeless condition are just like me, and face decisions that I could easily be facing if I wasn't born into suburban life. And even though that might be heartbreaking, it just made me want to be an even bigger part of organizations like 25/35 so that maybe I could help the people that I'm just beginning to understand.
I'm truly grateful for the experience that I had at Backpack for Hope. It was one of the most real experiences that I've ever gone through, and I pray that one day many more people can experience the same thing.
- Katrina
4.15.2009
"Backpack for Hope" Reflection by Noel Blanco
I learned to appreciate the many luxuries that we take for granted: a car to easily transport from place to place; cell-phones to communicate with friends and family; comfortable furniture to relax on; and a variety of food to enjoy. Because of this experience, I have realized that I myself do not want to own to many possessions and just to keep the basic necessities: clothes, my sports equipment, my laptop, a car, and my ipod. Regardless of age, culture, ethnicity, or economical class, I want to further help the needy.
People should realize that there are many people that we can help with a simple meal or donating a few hours to put a smile on a person’s face.
People should realize that there are many people that we can help with a simple meal or donating a few hours to put a smile on a person’s face.
3.13.2009
Non-Profit Presentation @ Cal Poly Pomona
Melinda and Meagan attended a presentation at Cal Poly's Career Center featuring Louie A. Lujan, M. Ed and mayor of the city of La Puente. We received really great information regarding networking and logistics. We also told Mr. Mayor about 25/35 Foundation and he seemed very interested.
* We will be in contact with him as he offered to send us a step-by-step guide on how to fill out the 501(c)(3) paperwork.
Quite possibly, a great connection!
* We will be in contact with him as he offered to send us a step-by-step guide on how to fill out the 501(c)(3) paperwork.
Quite possibly, a great connection!
3.12.2009
Collaboration with Love, Resonate and Kabalikat Society
One of the beautiful things happening right now, amidst our friends and neighbors in this Chino Hills community, is the rise of people who are taking action to make the world a better place. At our meeting today, we invited Love, Resonate and Kabalikat Society representatives to attend. Everyone shared about their mission and updates on their progress. We decided we NEED to work together because WE ARE ALL trying to make things happen...WHY NOT?!?
It was productive and motivating! We were pretty much all pumped up to make things happen.
It was productive and motivating! We were pretty much all pumped up to make things happen.
3.11.2009
Backpack for Hope Developments
We met up with a friend of Melinda's, a man named Ali. He owns a Dance Studio in Los Angeles, about 5 miles from Skid Row. We hoped to tell him about our mission and wanted to subtly mention our need for a videographer to document Backpack for Hope...maybe even ask him to use his studio as our place of refuge for the event. Just before we asked him, he said in his wonderfully heavy accent, "Melinda, what can I do for you. I want to help you."
Melinda responded by saying, "Well, we would like someone to document our even..." and before she could finish, he said "I'll do it!"
She also slightly began to mention, "And if there's any place you know around here where we might be able to stay for free, a community center of sorts, which is safe."
"Why don't you do it here!" he exclaimed.
"Really? Are you sure?", Melinda hesitantly asked, but hoping he was being serious.
"YEAH, of course!"
A huge load of bricks felt like it was lifted off Melinda's shoulders. All this time stressing about a place to stay for the weekend, and all it took was a short little visit with a good ol' friend. The meeting revealed the beauty of networking. "Quality is always better than quantity."
Melinda responded by saying, "Well, we would like someone to document our even..." and before she could finish, he said "I'll do it!"
She also slightly began to mention, "And if there's any place you know around here where we might be able to stay for free, a community center of sorts, which is safe."
"Why don't you do it here!" he exclaimed.
"Really? Are you sure?", Melinda hesitantly asked, but hoping he was being serious.
"YEAH, of course!"
A huge load of bricks felt like it was lifted off Melinda's shoulders. All this time stressing about a place to stay for the weekend, and all it took was a short little visit with a good ol' friend. The meeting revealed the beauty of networking. "Quality is always better than quantity."
"One Way"
After our successful visit with Ali, we decided to head over to LAMP, a community shelter which provides immediate housing and lifelong supportive services for homeless men and women living with severe mental illness. For 23 years, Lamp Community has improved health, built self-sufficiency, and awakened and nurtured the tools necessary for people to transform their lives.
Each night, nearly 74,000 homeless people in Los Angeles County seek shelter on streets, in encampments, or in vehicles. An estimated one-third to one-half of L.A’s homeless people struggle with severe mental illness, making mental illness, by far, the most serious health problem affecting the homeless. (www.lampcommunity.org)
We heard about this place from the novel we've been reading, The Soloist. A Los Angeles Times Columnist, Steve Lopez, decides that he was going to try to help a homeless man he encountered one day walking to work. His name is Nathaniel Anthony Ayers. Having made connections with various music companies who wanted to donate instruments to Nathaniel, Lopez decides to store instruments at LAMP in hopes that it would lure him to come and receive help. Unfortunately, he suffered from Schizophrenia and had many mental issues. However, Nathaniel did eventually receive help, but it was, and still is, a long, and arduous journey. More about his amazing story can be viewed on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7ovt3vSFi8. The movie is also coming out in April featuring Roberty Downey Jr. as Steve Lopez and Jamie Fox as Nathaniel. Please, if you are reading this, check out the book and get interested.
Continuing on, on our way to LAMP, we drove past it the first time around. We were confused and were obviously unsure of where the place was. There was a little sign that read "Lamp Village" and one door open. Could that be it? It had to be because the surrounding buildings were industrial buildings and Crocker street ended at the next block. There wasn't much activity so we had our doubts orginally, but we decided to drive around again confused and uncertain. However, attempting to turn around we mistakenly turned right instead of left.. ON A ONE WAY STREET! Realizing the mistake immediately, we were in a bit of shock as we could see the oncoming traffic heading straight for us. Quickly, we turned into a small sidewalk opening and caught our breath. A homeless man saw the whole thing and, was laughing, almost in embarassment for us. However, seeing that there was a blindspot caused by all the parked cars on the street, he guided us and helped us turn ourselves around before we got into any major accident. Thank God for that generous man!
Getting back on track safely, we went around the block again and found parking. We were still a little shaken up from that ordeal. "Let's just go inside, get some information, and leave." All we could focus on was the fact that we almost encountered death and/or a really bad accident. As we were walking towards the entrance of LAMP, Melinda noticed we had driven right past a homeless man across the street. The man was playing his violin and was lost in his own world. She told Mike almost jokingly, "Mike what if that's him, Nathaniel ?!?" And before she really could gather her words, Mike shouted out "Hey Nathaniel!" and began walking across the street towards him. He recognized him immediately because he had watched the clip from YouTube during the past week. IT WAS HIM.. THE NATHANIEL ANTHONY AYERS.
He was exactly how Mr. Lopez described in his novel, but real and humble as ever! We stayed with him for the next few hours... just listening to him, getting to know him, watching him get lost in his music. It was extremely beautiful! He was endeering and extremely sincere. We could not believe the man we were reading about was actually real...I mean, there he was, violin and all. He wrote our names down in his five-star memo book, "Michael.. M..I..C..H..A..E..L and Melinda.. M..E..L..I..N..D..A" spelling it out carefully as he routinely does. We didn't want to leave, but we still had to follow our agenda for the day. We attempted a couple times to mention that we had to go inside and talk to people, but failed because he was entranced in his music. As Mr. Lopez described, " Music [was his] anchor, a connection to great artists, to history and to himself. His head is filled with mixed signals, a frightening jumble of fractured meaning, but in music there is balance and permanence...Music is meditation, a reverie, a respite from madness. It is his way to be alone without fear." (Lopez, 38-39)
Finally, we convinced him that we had to get going, but invited him to come inside with us if he wanted. He told us he had to try to talk to the "head honcho" anyway. He gave us a little tour of LAMP. We couldn't believe the intensity of this man... So humble, so down to earth, so genuine. He knew everyone by name, even the interns. A lovely lady we met gave us a brief tour and told us some updates on Nathaniel's progress. He actually moved out of LAMP last year and lives by himself in an apartment.
Nathaniel became our new friend that day. He wrote us down in his notebook and labeled us as "nice people." We assured him we will come to visit. It was the greatest gift of affirmation we received...all because of a mistake. Had we not driven down that one way street, we might have walked right past him. Everything happens for a reason.
" A man's errors are his portals of discovery." - James Joyce
Each night, nearly 74,000 homeless people in Los Angeles County seek shelter on streets, in encampments, or in vehicles. An estimated one-third to one-half of L.A’s homeless people struggle with severe mental illness, making mental illness, by far, the most serious health problem affecting the homeless. (www.lampcommunity.org)
We heard about this place from the novel we've been reading, The Soloist. A Los Angeles Times Columnist, Steve Lopez, decides that he was going to try to help a homeless man he encountered one day walking to work. His name is Nathaniel Anthony Ayers. Having made connections with various music companies who wanted to donate instruments to Nathaniel, Lopez decides to store instruments at LAMP in hopes that it would lure him to come and receive help. Unfortunately, he suffered from Schizophrenia and had many mental issues. However, Nathaniel did eventually receive help, but it was, and still is, a long, and arduous journey. More about his amazing story can be viewed on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7ovt3vSFi8. The movie is also coming out in April featuring Roberty Downey Jr. as Steve Lopez and Jamie Fox as Nathaniel. Please, if you are reading this, check out the book and get interested.
Continuing on, on our way to LAMP, we drove past it the first time around. We were confused and were obviously unsure of where the place was. There was a little sign that read "Lamp Village" and one door open. Could that be it? It had to be because the surrounding buildings were industrial buildings and Crocker street ended at the next block. There wasn't much activity so we had our doubts orginally, but we decided to drive around again confused and uncertain. However, attempting to turn around we mistakenly turned right instead of left.. ON A ONE WAY STREET! Realizing the mistake immediately, we were in a bit of shock as we could see the oncoming traffic heading straight for us. Quickly, we turned into a small sidewalk opening and caught our breath. A homeless man saw the whole thing and, was laughing, almost in embarassment for us. However, seeing that there was a blindspot caused by all the parked cars on the street, he guided us and helped us turn ourselves around before we got into any major accident. Thank God for that generous man!
Getting back on track safely, we went around the block again and found parking. We were still a little shaken up from that ordeal. "Let's just go inside, get some information, and leave." All we could focus on was the fact that we almost encountered death and/or a really bad accident. As we were walking towards the entrance of LAMP, Melinda noticed we had driven right past a homeless man across the street. The man was playing his violin and was lost in his own world. She told Mike almost jokingly, "Mike what if that's him, Nathaniel ?!?" And before she really could gather her words, Mike shouted out "Hey Nathaniel!" and began walking across the street towards him. He recognized him immediately because he had watched the clip from YouTube during the past week. IT WAS HIM.. THE NATHANIEL ANTHONY AYERS.
He was exactly how Mr. Lopez described in his novel, but real and humble as ever! We stayed with him for the next few hours... just listening to him, getting to know him, watching him get lost in his music. It was extremely beautiful! He was endeering and extremely sincere. We could not believe the man we were reading about was actually real...I mean, there he was, violin and all. He wrote our names down in his five-star memo book, "Michael.. M..I..C..H..A..E..L and Melinda.. M..E..L..I..N..D..A" spelling it out carefully as he routinely does. We didn't want to leave, but we still had to follow our agenda for the day. We attempted a couple times to mention that we had to go inside and talk to people, but failed because he was entranced in his music. As Mr. Lopez described, " Music [was his] anchor, a connection to great artists, to history and to himself. His head is filled with mixed signals, a frightening jumble of fractured meaning, but in music there is balance and permanence...Music is meditation, a reverie, a respite from madness. It is his way to be alone without fear." (Lopez, 38-39)
Finally, we convinced him that we had to get going, but invited him to come inside with us if he wanted. He told us he had to try to talk to the "head honcho" anyway. He gave us a little tour of LAMP. We couldn't believe the intensity of this man... So humble, so down to earth, so genuine. He knew everyone by name, even the interns. A lovely lady we met gave us a brief tour and told us some updates on Nathaniel's progress. He actually moved out of LAMP last year and lives by himself in an apartment.
Nathaniel became our new friend that day. He wrote us down in his notebook and labeled us as "nice people." We assured him we will come to visit. It was the greatest gift of affirmation we received...all because of a mistake. Had we not driven down that one way street, we might have walked right past him. Everything happens for a reason.
" A man's errors are his portals of discovery." - James Joyce
3.06.2009
Inspirational Meeting
Had an unexpectedly empowering meeting today with Agnes, one of Mrs. Michaud's friends. She is an attorney who has much experience in the field. She was sweet and encouraging! She gave us the real deal and constructive criticism. In addition, she helped us out a lot with logistics as far as our Articles of Incorporation status, 501(c)(3), and legal matters. Excitedly and passionately, she introduced a novel to us entitled, The Soloist, by author Steve Lopez. She said, "You must read this book! It will help you guys out a lot!"
*Note to remember- She mentioned that in order to gain support from organizations, sponsors, etc, we must make personal connections with people experiencing the homeless condition. Having real examples of real people, connects and relates to people directly. It all starts with one person! That is how we will begin to grow.
*Note to remember- She mentioned that in order to gain support from organizations, sponsors, etc, we must make personal connections with people experiencing the homeless condition. Having real examples of real people, connects and relates to people directly. It all starts with one person! That is how we will begin to grow.
3.04.2009
Support from the church!
Met with Ed Noriega today, Director of Youth and Young Adults Ministry at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. He has passed the word along to Bishop Barnes of the San Bernardino Diocese about our need for sponsors and donors. He has also connected with a college friend who is a lawyer who may potentially help us (pro bono) with filing for our 501 (c)(3) status. This is great news!
2.27.2009
Non-Profit Collaboration
The research and development of 25/35 continues, we are overwhelmed by the amazing leads we are receiving. Today, Mrs. Lucy Michaud meets with us and joins our cause! She started her own non-profit years ago, Help for a Cure Guild, which aims to find a cure for diabetes. She acknowledges our passion and wants to jump on board. Gives us the name of the attorney who helped with her non-profit. She is a jewel!
2.08.2009
About the 25/35 Foundation
The 25/35 Foundation is inspired by the inspirational verse from Matthew 25:35—“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.”
We believe in the profound discovery and journey, which lead all individuals on the road towards self-empowerment. On this road one will encounter the ability to witness, experience, believe, and fully live out life’s ultimate purpose. The 25/35 Foundation is committed to helping individuals along this path towards self-discovery.
To achieve this goal, the 25/35 Foundation aims to help rebuild the lives of individuals who are less fortunate, have been negatively affected by the recent economic crisis, and lack the immediate knowledge, resources, and means to reach this path. By providing the vital necessities to survive and live independently, encouraging confident work ethic, and supplying visitors with materials and skills needed to succeed in the workforce, we hope to instill a level of empowerment in the hearts of every single person.
Our Mission
The mission of the 25/35 Foundation is to serve and provide transitional housing, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, employment assistance, education services, and daily meals, for homeless families, individuals, and those who have suffered tremendously from the economic downfall. We aim to assist, although not limited to, individuals and residents throughout the poverty-stricken areas of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
``
We firmly believe that the homeless condition is a communal problem in our society. Consequently, as an organization and as a member of the community, it is our responsibility to lend a helping hand. As part of our responsibility, we want to facilitate under-privileged individuals steady their path to success. The 25/35 Foundation will provide shelter and resources for those who seek them. Instead of accepting the misfortune of tens of thousands of homeless people within the San Bernardino and Riverside counties, we will inspire people to create the change in their lives—to understand the work force, to learn the trades, to apply themselves, and to be victorious.
A second chance for homeless, low-income, and unemployed individuals is the stepping-stone to help them start their lives over with an improved state of mind and set of skills. With the 25/35 Foundation, visitors will be given opportunities to participate in employment services, workshops, and training, along with transitional housing and meals.
Our Services
The 25/35 Foundation will provide these services to all our visitors:
· Employment, Medical, and Financial Assistance, and Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation
In addition to our transitional housing assistance, the 25/35 Foundation will provide other assisted services such as employment, medical, and financial assistance. For many suffering from homeless conditions, drug and alcohol abuse is a major issue. At the 25/35 Foundation we want to help individuals fight their addictions of drugs and alcohol in order that they may steady their road towards victory.
As a new organization, the 25/35 Foundation will collaborate with local human service organizations to provide all necessary services to cure homeless conditions. We will have on staff an expert and professional team of doctors, nurses, clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers to supply these valuable services.
In our transitional housing facilities we will provide working space for volunteer professionals to bring their expertise, share their experiences, and serve our visitors in the field of medicine, employment, and financial assistance, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
· Providing Food and Shelter
"There is hunger for ordinary bread, and there is hunger for love, for kindness, for thoughtfulness; and this is the great poverty that makes people suffer so much." - Mother Teresa
With your donation, the 25/35 Foundation will be able to provide daily meals and transitional housing for the homeless in the San Bernardino and Riverside counties. By accepting volunteers and hiring cooks, families and individuals may stay at our housing facilities and enjoy warm meals. We plan to create partnerships with local restaurants and grocery stores for food donations, especially during special occasions, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served daily on a first come first serve basis. The food distributed will be presented buffet style.
Our transitional housing will consist of 3 separate shelters for families, men, and women in 3 different locations.
All services provided by the 25/35 Foundation will be open to all, without age or gender limitations. We firmly believe in the profound power of welcoming visitors to a place where they can begin the journey to rebuilding their lives.
Transitional Systems
Our transitional housing facilities will provide specific systems based on 2 categories: 1) families and 2) individuals and youth. The systems are strictly designed and modeled after various shelters and missions, all with similar goals and passions as the 25/35 Foundation, who have obtained positive and effective results. It is not intended to assume individual rights nor obstruct personal family dynamics, but it is confidently enforced to ensure an effective means towards success and fulfillment.
· Families
In providing families with a safe, warm and spacious facility, we will offer the necessary means to steady in the work force. Employment assistance will be available to every one, including career building, resume writing, and professional development workshops. Once an individual becomes a valuable member to the work force, weekly meetings with a financial counselor are mandatory. This is to assist families in saving half of the total salary in a savings account held by the 25/35 Foundation until they are ready to transition out.
We also understand that the transitional phase is one that may be difficult and overbearing, often causing tension between family members. Therefore, a day-care will be provided for working moms and dads staffed by experienced and welcoming caregivers.
· Individuals and Youth
A resident’s first 30 days will consist of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program involving daily testing. During this initial period, residents may not leave the facility premises.
In providing transitional housing for individuals and youth, we will offer employment assistance and opportunities with minimal pay. Individual salaries will be determined based on experience. The 25/35 Foundation will implement a system where working individuals will contribute 30% of their salary towards their education and 30% will go towards a savings account. Weekly meetings with a case manager will be mandatory. When an individual transitions out of the facility, the individual will have obtained an Associates Degree or higher and have obtained full-time employment. There will be daily curfew restrictions (8:00pm weekdays and 9:00pm weekends) with a necessary drug and alcohol test if they decide to leave the premises.
The 25/35 Foundation is inspired by the inspirational verse from Matthew 25:35—“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me.”
We believe in the profound discovery and journey, which lead all individuals on the road towards self-empowerment. On this road one will encounter the ability to witness, experience, believe, and fully live out life’s ultimate purpose. The 25/35 Foundation is committed to helping individuals along this path towards self-discovery.
To achieve this goal, the 25/35 Foundation aims to help rebuild the lives of individuals who are less fortunate, have been negatively affected by the recent economic crisis, and lack the immediate knowledge, resources, and means to reach this path. By providing the vital necessities to survive and live independently, encouraging confident work ethic, and supplying visitors with materials and skills needed to succeed in the workforce, we hope to instill a level of empowerment in the hearts of every single person.
Our Mission
The mission of the 25/35 Foundation is to serve and provide transitional housing, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, employment assistance, education services, and daily meals, for homeless families, individuals, and those who have suffered tremendously from the economic downfall. We aim to assist, although not limited to, individuals and residents throughout the poverty-stricken areas of San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
``
We firmly believe that the homeless condition is a communal problem in our society. Consequently, as an organization and as a member of the community, it is our responsibility to lend a helping hand. As part of our responsibility, we want to facilitate under-privileged individuals steady their path to success. The 25/35 Foundation will provide shelter and resources for those who seek them. Instead of accepting the misfortune of tens of thousands of homeless people within the San Bernardino and Riverside counties, we will inspire people to create the change in their lives—to understand the work force, to learn the trades, to apply themselves, and to be victorious.
A second chance for homeless, low-income, and unemployed individuals is the stepping-stone to help them start their lives over with an improved state of mind and set of skills. With the 25/35 Foundation, visitors will be given opportunities to participate in employment services, workshops, and training, along with transitional housing and meals.
Our Services
The 25/35 Foundation will provide these services to all our visitors:
· Employment, Medical, and Financial Assistance, and Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation
In addition to our transitional housing assistance, the 25/35 Foundation will provide other assisted services such as employment, medical, and financial assistance. For many suffering from homeless conditions, drug and alcohol abuse is a major issue. At the 25/35 Foundation we want to help individuals fight their addictions of drugs and alcohol in order that they may steady their road towards victory.
As a new organization, the 25/35 Foundation will collaborate with local human service organizations to provide all necessary services to cure homeless conditions. We will have on staff an expert and professional team of doctors, nurses, clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers to supply these valuable services.
In our transitional housing facilities we will provide working space for volunteer professionals to bring their expertise, share their experiences, and serve our visitors in the field of medicine, employment, and financial assistance, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
· Providing Food and Shelter
"There is hunger for ordinary bread, and there is hunger for love, for kindness, for thoughtfulness; and this is the great poverty that makes people suffer so much." - Mother Teresa
With your donation, the 25/35 Foundation will be able to provide daily meals and transitional housing for the homeless in the San Bernardino and Riverside counties. By accepting volunteers and hiring cooks, families and individuals may stay at our housing facilities and enjoy warm meals. We plan to create partnerships with local restaurants and grocery stores for food donations, especially during special occasions, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served daily on a first come first serve basis. The food distributed will be presented buffet style.
Our transitional housing will consist of 3 separate shelters for families, men, and women in 3 different locations.
All services provided by the 25/35 Foundation will be open to all, without age or gender limitations. We firmly believe in the profound power of welcoming visitors to a place where they can begin the journey to rebuilding their lives.
Transitional Systems
Our transitional housing facilities will provide specific systems based on 2 categories: 1) families and 2) individuals and youth. The systems are strictly designed and modeled after various shelters and missions, all with similar goals and passions as the 25/35 Foundation, who have obtained positive and effective results. It is not intended to assume individual rights nor obstruct personal family dynamics, but it is confidently enforced to ensure an effective means towards success and fulfillment.
· Families
In providing families with a safe, warm and spacious facility, we will offer the necessary means to steady in the work force. Employment assistance will be available to every one, including career building, resume writing, and professional development workshops. Once an individual becomes a valuable member to the work force, weekly meetings with a financial counselor are mandatory. This is to assist families in saving half of the total salary in a savings account held by the 25/35 Foundation until they are ready to transition out.
We also understand that the transitional phase is one that may be difficult and overbearing, often causing tension between family members. Therefore, a day-care will be provided for working moms and dads staffed by experienced and welcoming caregivers.
· Individuals and Youth
A resident’s first 30 days will consist of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program involving daily testing. During this initial period, residents may not leave the facility premises.
In providing transitional housing for individuals and youth, we will offer employment assistance and opportunities with minimal pay. Individual salaries will be determined based on experience. The 25/35 Foundation will implement a system where working individuals will contribute 30% of their salary towards their education and 30% will go towards a savings account. Weekly meetings with a case manager will be mandatory. When an individual transitions out of the facility, the individual will have obtained an Associates Degree or higher and have obtained full-time employment. There will be daily curfew restrictions (8:00pm weekdays and 9:00pm weekends) with a necessary drug and alcohol test if they decide to leave the premises.
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