For the past 26 years, the Hope for Families Center has been changing lives one family at a time by providing homeless families with a safe environment, education and counseling. At the organization’s Recapturing the American Dream-themed annual dinner last Monday evening at the Quail Valley River Club, guests learned of significant changes that are in the works.
Along with the recent addition of Dr. Diana Grossi as the new executive director and renovations to the center, board President Paul Bradford shared that HFC is working toward becoming self-sufficient.
During his address to guests, Bradford explained, “Right now we don’t get any money or resources from government agencies. We depend on donors or investment from people like yourselves. What we are doing now is creating companies to become self-sufficient.”
Bradford said the nonprofit plans to open an additional store and create a moving and delivery company, a remodeling and construction company, and a maid service business, enabling people to be trained in fields where they can earn living wages.
“We hope the families at HFC will reach their American Dream, whatever it is,” said event chair Mariclare Beggy. “We want them to have success and happiness in life.”
Roughly 160 supporters gathered for cocktails at the Tiki Bar before heading inside for dinner amidst patriotic Stars and Stripes. Attorney John Moore served as auctioneer during a live auction, prodding and charming guests into a bidding war for experience and travel packages that added $16,000 to the coffers to help support programming.
“The HFC provides shelter for 25 families,” said Gloria Pappalardo. “When you think that your dollars can change families and give them the tools to change their lives, it puts everything into perspective.”
Guests got a peek at recently completed changes at the center, and heard from residents who shared their stories of homelessness as well as the hope the HFC has brought to their lives.
“We finally have some place we can get back on our feet. You can come here, and they care about you. If Hope for Families wasn’t in our life, we would still be walking around and still trying to find a place to stay,” shared a child who currently calls HFC home.
“We at the Hope for Families Center are grateful to everyone who came out for this wonderful evening to support the shelter,” said Grossi. “It is through the support of the community that homeless families are able to receive clean, safe shelter, food and supportive services to help them become self-sufficient.”
Next month the HFC will host a Dec. 10 Kris Kringle Bazaar at the Heritage Center, and in the spring its Top Chef signature event will take on a new look. A newly dubbed Flavors of Indian River will be held April 29-30 at the Indian River County Fairgrounds.