School Uniform Drive

Can you believe it's that time of year already? School will be back in session in just a few weeks, so we are starting up our annual school uniform drive. HOME's kids will receive backpacks and school supplies from the School District, but we are in need of the following new items (in all sizes) for both boys and girls:
- navy blue polo shirts
- dark colored jeans or khaki pants
- socks
- gift cards to purchase uniforms- i.e. Target, Wal Mart, Old Navy, Sears

If you would like to donate, please contact Aylich at (407) 932-0943 or avazquez@osceolahome.org Sphere: Related Content

HOME Free Yard Sale!

HOME's next free yard sale will be April 2.

Along with your donations of used goods we are requesting that you consider bringing a bag of diapers (size 3 & 4) to help our families in need.

All donations can be dropped off on April 1 between 9-4. Thanks!

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Give from the HEART to HOME

This February we are asking the community to "Give from the HEART to HOME!" HOME residents are in need of some items to make their stay more pleasant. HOME is in need of materials to make move-in easier for each family who comes to the HOME campus.


For Move-in Buckets we are in need of:


Mop Buckets
Brooms
Mops
Dust Pans
Dust Rags
Cleaning Supplies
Laundry Soap
Trash Bags
Trash Cans



We also need:

Soap
Shampoo
Conditioner
Toothpaste
Diapers (Size 3,4,5)
Wipes
Washcloths
Towels
Sheets
Pots & pans

If you are interested in collecting move-in buckets or personal hygiene items please e-mail mdowney@osceolahome.org for more information! Let's work together and give big from the Heart this Valentine's month! Sphere: Related Content

What an Angel!

Each year the City of Kissimmee's Downtown Business Association has a holiday ornament decorating contest. The entry fee is $50 and proceeds usually help out a local non-profit in need. In 2009 HOME was the beneficiary of the proceeds and in 2010 Commissioner Jerry Gemskie paid the entry fee for HOME to have their very own Ornament in Parade.

HOME enlisted the help of our amazing volunteer, Beth Berner from Community of Faith, who is also an accomplished artist, and here was the results:


Thank you Beth for your wonderful artistic work and thank you Mr. Gemskie for allowing HOME to participate. All the ornaments, including HOME's, can be seen in the Kissimmee City Hall through the end of this month! Sphere: Related Content

Investing in Youth

Did you know that only 3% of Florida's budget goes towards children age zero to five? And that just a 1% increase could drastically improve outcomes for our youth? Our friends at the Children's Movement of Florida have put together this outstanding video to educate the public about their platform. They're a nonpartisan group that is focusing on getting our legislators to invest in youth, particularly in the following areas:

• Parent skill-building
• Mentoring
• Developmental Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment for Children with Special Needs
• Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program (VPK)
• Health Care

If you'd like to learn more, you can visit their site at http://childrensmovementflorida.org Sphere: Related Content

November is homeless awareness month

HOME, in partnership with the City of Kissimmee, the City of St. Cloud, and Osceola County is honored to bring awareness to National Homeless Awareness Month. Below is a Proclamation, signed by all three entities respectively to stand in solidarity with homeless individuals in Osceola County.

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, November is Homeless Awareness Month, which is meant to increase awareness of, and focus attention on the people in our community who are homeless; and

WHEREAS, homeless people include the working poor, veterans, people with disabilities, mothers who have fled domestic violence, and people who by no choice of their own cannot find affordable housing; and

WHEREAS, in this county, there are currently 1,134 school-aged children who are homeless, and the effects of homelessness on children are many, including: homeless children are seven times as likely than other children to be placed in foster care; 75% of homeless children under the age of five have at least one major developmental delay; 47% of homeless children have problems with anxiety, depression, or withdrawal; 69% of homeless children attend more than one school during the school year; and 75% of homeless children perform below grade level in reading; and

WHEREAS, the homeless in this community are our neighbors, families, and friends; and being homeless compromises not just the quality of life of the person but also of the community.

NOW, THEREFORE, we do hereby proclaim November 2010 as

NATIONAL HOMELESS AWARENESS MONTH

and urge all citizens to join in recognizing the important roles we can play in making a difference in the lives of individuals and families who are homeless in our community.

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HOME needs YOUR help!

We have a great need for child-care on Thursday nights to help with our babies. We have had several residents move in with children ages 1 and under and we need lots of help to keep these little ones entertained while moms are in their mandatory life-skills courses.

If you are available on Thursday nights from 6-8, please e-mail syohe@osceolahome.org, and let her know that you would love to help out with child-care on Thursday nights! Sphere: Related Content