Carson Valley Children's Aid

Happy Black Business Month! This is a dedicated time to celebrate and patronize Black owned businesses by celebrating those who paved the way, and those who are thriving and creating financial freedom for the Black community. Because our nation as a whole needs to contribute to rebuilding what was torn down and prevented by racist legislation, threats, and domestic terrorist attacks like the Tulsa Race Massacre. Consider shopping from a Black owned business this month or any month! https://montco.today/2022/03/black-owned-businesses-montco/

Thanks so much to IKEA Conshohocken for their gracious donation of washcloths, towels, sheet sets, flatware sets, saucepans, and so much more. It’s because of generous sponsors like IKEA, that we are able to assist families in our Your Way Home Rapid Re-housing programs with household items they may need to start out in a new home.

CVCA was excited to receive a Housing Resource grant award from the Montgomery County Office of Housing and Community Development. The grant enables CVCA to provide Rapid Rehousing services to more than 50 households and 100 individuals in the next year. Program components include rental and utility assistance along with case management to support the successful completion of individualized housing stability plans.

CVCA has been delivering Rapid Rehousing services since 2014 and is honored to be selected to continue this critical work with Montgomery County residents.

Become a sponsor of the CVCA Cookbook!
https://cvca-pa.networkforgood.com/projects/228906-supporting-carson-valley-children-s-aid
When prompted select apply my donation to “Cookbook”.

CVCA is grateful for the donation of over 200 sets of summer pajamas and bilingual bedtime books from the Pajama Program.

They will be distributed along with blankets from Project Linus to children in through our PAT and YWH programs.

We are so appreciative of the support from other groups who serve children in our area.

Happy Juneteenth! This year’s national theme is “Their Wildest Dreams” recognizing the sacrifice and activism of those who came before, while celebrating the successes of the current generation. Here is what some of the African American folks in our office had to say about what, in their life, contributes to living their ancestor’s wildest dreams:
I can take time off from work.
I can stand up for myself without the threat of harm.
Own a business.
Vote.
Electing Obama and other Black people into office.
I am respected at work.
I have a voice that is listened to.

Why the word “pride”. Pride encompasses so much.
Pride is spring.
Pride is joy.
Pride is confidence.
Pride is authenticity.
Pride is the antithesis to shame.
Pride is community.
Pride is loud.
Pride is celebration.
Pride is affirmation.
Pride is survival.
Pride is respect.
Pride is empowering.
Pride is love. Pride is so much love.
And Pride is hope.

Happy Pride Month! Philly kicked off Pride this weekend with all kinds of events including dance parties, parades, and marches. There are still many events to come this month so check out https://phillygaycalendar.com/pride/ if you’re interested in coming out.

A CVCA success story in the Your Way Home Montgomery County Newsletter:

Pete* found himself fleeing from a domestic violence situation that led he and his son to experience homelessness for the first time. After determination to provide a safe space, Pete and his son were able to connect with Your Way Home resources and find shelter at Family Promise of the Main Line. Once in a safe place, the family was connected to a Housing Resource Center and began the process of searching for housing with the assistance of Carson Valley Children's Aid. During his time in the shelter, Pete maintained employment and obtained childcare assistance through the Montgomery County Early Learning Resource Center.

In March 2024, the family was able to move into housing in North Wales within 9 days of being accepted into the Rapid Rehousing program. At this time, Pete has begun increasing his income with additional hours at work in preparation to maintain their housing without assistance.

Pete's resilience and unwavering commitment to providing a stable and secure future for himself and his son are truly inspiring. Despite facing daunting challenges, he did not lose hope and actively sought out resources to improve their situation. The swift assistance provided by- Carson Valley Children's Aid and Your Way Home partners played a crucial role in helping them secure a place they can call home in North Wales.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing Domestic Violence, contact Laurel House's 24-hour hotline at 1-800-642-3150 or text "HOPE" to 85511.

*This is a true story with name and some details changed to protect Pete

May is also Mental Health month. And while there are several aspects to mental health and maintaining good mental health, housing is a big one for us at CVCA. Our Your Way Home Program exists to help people find and maintain stable housing. Shelter is a basic human need, and a home is more than a safe place to sleep. A home provides support, comfort, connection, and routine. If you or someone you know is experiencing unstable housing in Montgomery County, call the Your Way Home Helpline at 610-278-3522. Housing is mental health care.

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The theme for 2024 is Advancing Leaders Through Innovation. It is within this month that we honor those who have affected change and lead us when there was no path, who have succeeded in a system that was designed to suppress and oppress them. And shine a light on those who are still doing everything within their power to change the game so that no one else will ever have to go through the things that should never have happened in the first place.

Stand in solidarity with native communities and raise awareness for missing and murdered indigenous women. Share this post to spread more awareness for this issue and the fact that Native American women are up to 10 times more likely to be murdered or sexually assaulted.