Faith Community Homes Set to Expand Programs, Serve More Families

Faith Community Homes will expand services and help several more families, thanks to supporters of the most successful fundraiser event in its 15-year history. The 2017 Giving Hope fall fundraiser, held September 24 at the Metropolis Ballroom in Arlington Heights, brought in net proceeds of close to $65,000. The success of this event means that Faith Community Homes will be able to grow its current programs as well as increase the number of families it assists.

Faith Community Homes serves low-income, working families in Arlington Heights and Palatine by providing rent assistance and mentoring services for up to two years. The organization's targeted program helps participants learn and put into practice solid financial principles and develop important career-advancement and life skills. Families meet with trained volunteer mentors and coaches throughout their time in the program.

The additional funding raised through this year's Giving Hope event means the organization can expand services to include funding tuition costs for parents so they can acquire more education, and providing child care while parents are at school. "The wonderful generosity of our supporters will have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of the families we serve," says James Mayer, chair of the board of directors at Faith Community Homes. "The additional funds will be critical to helping our families achieve higher levels of employability and income."

The Giving Hope event included raffles, a silent auction and entertainment by comedian Brian Hicks, followed by the headliner, Rocky LaPorte, of "Comedy Central" fame. The most inspiring part of the evening was the opportunity to hear the success stories of two families from the program. Each family shared how the support and mentoring services of Faith Community Homes changed their lives and gave them the assistance and tools they needed to overcome nearly overwhelming odds as they struggled to reach financial stability and independence.

These personal accounts were followed by a "Funds for Families" live appeal through which event participants committed to providing the funds needed to grow the number of families served by Faith Community Homes over the next 12 months.

Giving Hope brought in an estimated $20,000 more than last year. "We are thrilled with this response and are looking forward to serving more families, with more resources," says Charles Warner, executive director of the organization. "Improving job skills through education and training is really the key to improving people's lives and equipping them to face the future with a firm foundation."