September 6th              2023 Vol. 2                         

A Place Called Home

IKEA is more than just a home furnishing retailer, in fact, it is a generous member of our FPHC community!

​

We were chosen to receive IKEA's A Place Called Home Grant. This past July, we received over $25,000 worth of products and services from IKEA to renovate one of our static shelter locations!

​

The result of this? An amazing upgrade and a cozier home for our shelter location families!

​

We are incredibly grateful to the IKEA Elizabeth Store, Craig Thompson, Jaritza Caba, and their IKEA team for the wonderful work they did at our static shelter location, bringing it to another level and making it an even better home for the family residing there! From designing to bringing the design to life on site, they were always there doing their best and reminding us that together WE can!

Thank you all so much on behalf of FPHC and the families we assist!

​

If you would like to see the true impact of their renovation, please keep reading below! You will find not just before and after photos, but also an interview with a member of the IKEA team and a member of the family currently staying in that location!

IKEA Team!

Left to Right: Visual Merchandising & Activities Manager Anyysia Baldwin and

Communications and Interior Design/Creative Manager Craig Thompson

Communications and Interior Design/Creative Manager Craig Thompson!

1. How did it feel to work with Family Promise of Hudson County?

We were happy to be a part of creating solutions and providing home furnishings for this project and current family as well as future clients.

2. What did you enjoy about this experience?

We enjoyed working on the project design ideas based on the needs for each room and bringing those to life during the installation at this home.

3. You interacted with the family residing at the renovated location. How did this interaction change your view of this experience?

Meeting the family created a stronger sense of pride in the work we do and IKEA Elizabeth’s support for our local community.

4. How much of a difference do you feel you made with your renovation?

As a team, we felt the true impact of creating comfortable and fresh new home furnishings for this family and the children.

5. What did you learn from this experience?

I am happy to know more about the services and the impact FPHC provides for their clients along with how IKEA’s efforts can touch these families.

6. What was your favorite part of this renovation?

Our entire team loved being onsite to install all our products and set up each room for the family to enjoy and share.

7. What further comments would you like to share?

We appreciate FPHC trusting our IKEA Elizabeth team with this project for their clients. It was awesome meeting and working directly with Managing Consulting Director, Bernice Vanderpool.

Family Member Residing

At Our Static Shelter Location!

1. How did you feel when you were first told the location would be renovated?

I was filled with joy!

2. How was this experience?

The experience was exciting! To see everything in boxes and then seeing everything put together nicely had me think, "Wow, this is really nice!"

3. You interacted with the IKEA team as they renovated the location. How did having this interaction change your view of this experience?

Everyone was so nice and welcoming! They were determined to get the job done.

4. How much of a difference do you feel the renovation made? What was the impact on your family?

The renovation made the home feel more homely and bright. My family and I were already comfortable at the home, but the renovation made us feel even more comfortable!

5. Have you learned anything from this experience?

I’ve learned that there’s beauty in boxes lol!

6. What was your favorite part of this renovation?

Everything overall, though maybe, as I stated before, seeing all of the furniture in boxes and then coming back to it all put together.

7. Is there anything you want to say about/to the IKEA team?

Thank you so much! They have all made me feel comfortable while sharing the same space, you all were welcoming and have done a fantastic job renovating the house!

8. Do you have any further comments you would like to share?

 I would just like to thank everyone involved! On behalf of myself and my two daughters, we appreciate you all so much!

This is what our client saw on day one!

School Supply Drive

We here at FPHC know that education is paramount for every child's future. Thus, we held another School Supply Drive this year! However, the way we do our drive is different from what you are probably thinking.

We allow each child to create their own registry so they get to choose what school supplies they receive! We do this for a number of reasons, but especially because it gives them more self-esteem and confidence!

Being able to choose one's own supplies makes a bigger difference than many might realize. This year we brought that positive difference to 14 children. The total we spent to do this was $3,154.29 and we can proudly say it was worth every single penny!

While our School Supply Drive has ended, you can still help us make a difference as important as this one! We realize that it is only September, but we plan to do a Christmas Drive that follows the same concept: giving children choices on what they receive.

This drive will officially start in mid-November, but you can start donating today! Just be sure to note that your donation is for our Christmas Drive.

Let's spread a little Christmas cheer together because together WE can give these children amazing memories they won't forget! Donate today!

An Evening of Promise:

Bridging a Better Future Together

On August 9th, we held our event, An Evening of Promise: Bridging a Better Future Together, at Grace Van Vorst Church in Jersey City!

The event was a day to remember as we all joined together to honor Hudson County Commissioner Bill O'Dea, South Hudson Civic Association Chairman Philip Kenny, and South Hudson Civic Association Member Chico Ramchal for their compassionate care of the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.

From the delicious food to the amazing music to the truly special attendees, this event could not have gone better! We here at FPHC thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for helping us have this successful and fun evening!

Speaking of success, with your amazing support, we raised almost $9,000! On top of that, the event's proceeds are already being put to good use: funding our general operating costs. This enables us to assist the families of Hudson County to the best of our ability and we could not have done it without you!

Thank you again and remember, together WE can!

If you would like to see photos from our event, please click the image above or the following button! These photos were taken by volunteers, attendees, and personnel, so you get to have the point of view of all present that day!

Our Newest Board Member!

One of the co-chairs for our Evening of Promise event was our newest board member, Bradley DeBose! We are all incredibly grateful that he joined the FPHC Board and has already made such an important impact since joining! We genuinely look forward to seeing what other good deeds he will accomplish for FPHC and the families we assist!

For now, though, take the time to read a bit more about him below:

With a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Auburn University, Mr. DeBose works in Architecture at a firm in NYC. He is skilled in Architectural design and Business Development in the AEC industry. He also volunteers within the architecture community. He serves as the Co-Chair of the Professional Development Committee for nycobaNOMA, showcasing his dedication to fostering growth and learning within the architectural and design industry.

When asked why he decided to join FPHC, Mr. DeBose said, "The mission statement for FPHC caught my attention because of the impact it will have on the community I live and serve in."

In regard to his membership thus far, Mr. DeBose also said, "Being a board member has been a very fulfilling experience for me. It's great to hear different perspectives from fellow members on how to excel with FP. Additionally, it's wonderful to have such a direct connection with Hudson County government officials and the community."

As great as he is at being an FPHC Board Member and a pillar within the architectural community, there is even more to learn about Mr. Debose!

When asked to share a little bit more about himself, Mr. DeBose said the following:

"I'm from Dothan, Alabama, born and raised. My family has been a big part of my life, shaping me into the person I am today with their love and faith-based values. I have a natural talent for drawing and photography that I love sharing with others. History has always been my favorite subject, and I find it fascinating to learn about the past and how it has shaped the world we live in today. "

Finally, a little fun fact about Mr. DeBose is that he is "a walking testament!"

SAVE THE DATE

Do you like dancing? Are you looking for a good time? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others?

If you answer 'yes' to any of the above, then consider attending FPHC's next event!

The event will be on Friday, November 3rd, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Grace Van Vorst Church in Jersey City! The dances will include non-traditional line dances such as the electric slide and many more!

Be sure to check our social media accounts and website for more information that will be released closer to the event. Remember...

SAVE THE DATE!

All donations are tax deductible (EIN: 81-0773421).