Foothill Family Shelter's Monthly Newsletter |
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Some newsletters bring good news and others bring information, highlights and updates. This newsletter starts with sad news but we would be remiss if we didn't honor an incredible man who lost his life too soon. I write this with a heavy heart and dedicate this to a man well-known by not only Foothill Family Shelter, but by our greater community. Tom Thomas, a long time resident of Upland, served as Mayor and City Council for the City of Upland along with serving on multiple boards supporting various causes near and dear to his heart. While his board term wasn't extensive with Foothill Family Shelter, his commitment was and Tom had a longstanding relationship with us. He supported us through financial contributions, advocating for our mission, and attending most signature events. Tom joined our Board of Directors in 2020 and immediately rolled up his sleeves and was ready to work. He served as Treasurer and was also on our Fund Development Committee, a committee sometimes tasked with unpopular yet critical work. He also shared valuable knowledge when it came to insurance renewals, another necessary discussion but not always a popular one. Tom was a valuable asset who contributed time and talent with nothing expected in return. He was always willing to serve!
On February 24, 2022 Tom was in a horrific bicycle accident and succumbed to his injuries. He will be deeply missed by his friends at Foothill Family Shelter and throughout our greater community. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love shown for Tom and we feel incredibly lucky he chose to lend his helping hands with us. It was a true privilege working alongside him. Please keep his wife Ann and their family in your thoughts.
Life is precious and the saying "here today, gone tomorrow" is far too real. Don't take life for granted, live life to its fullest and do just what Tom wanted and continue making a difference in our community!
-Megan Nehamen
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April showers often bring May flowers...and only time will tell. April also brings many happenings at Foothill Family Shelter. Our Change For Change campaign is coming to an end and we're excited to tally our change. Each year we are amazed by the generosity of our community. From individuals to corporate partners, the energy toward this campaign excites us. Don't worry, there's still time to contribute your change and remember together, we make a difference!
We are weeks away from our gala and we couldn't be happier! The support thus far has been incredible and we know there is even more success on the horizon...our silent and live auction items are awesome!
We are excited to move new families into the 120-Day Housing Program this month and a few graduates to our 1-Year housing. Moving families into safe and stable housing gives us a great sense of joy.....but watching them thrive and succeed is even so much better!
This month we will also be celebrating National Volunteer Appreciation Week. It's unfortunate that this is only celebrated once a year...our volunteers here are celebrated and thanked each and every day. Without our volunteers, we know our programs and services would not be sustainable.
We've had several drives the past few months and our shelves are overflowing with needed items. Sadly, we know that our inventory is not sustainable without an ongoing effort so we also have many drives scheduled over the next few months. Our Food Drive was a great success and we're always so thankful to those who are committed to helping us provide food to those in need.
Easter baskets and brunch baskets are coming soon and we know the children will be delighted. Thank you UPS and Upland Foothill Kiwanis for making these experiences possible for our families.
There is no downtime at Foothill Family Shelter but we wouldn't want it any other way. The work we do is critical and it's a privilege serving those less fortunate.
With much gratitude and appreciation,

Megan Nehamen
Executive Director
Providing Housing and Hope since 1984.
Thank you for believing in our mission.
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Family Success | Alexandra's Story |
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Alexandra is a single mother of two boys who came to us needing assistance with our housing program. She entered our program last May and since then has worked very hard to be successful and better her life. Four months after she moved in, she was given the opportunity to move to our 1-Year Housing Program. Due to COVID-19, Alexandra faced problems with employment and no longer worked 40 hours per week. Her case manager gave her a deadline to find a new job and she successfully met that deadline and is now a full-time employee and also a student. As a student, she is required to complete an internship in an effort to obtain her certificate to become a medical assistant. She only needs 36 hours more to go!
Alexandra is a motivation for young women that you can do anything you put your mind to.
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Your "change" changes lives... just 2 weeks left! |
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There are only two weeks left for our Change for Change campaign.
We need your help to reach our goal! All money raised supports families in need in our community. Share and support!
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Thanks to Dr. Gray Orthodontic Specialists, all donations will be MATCHED up to $2,500. |
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Our next Volunteer Orientations will take place on Wednesday, April 6th & April 20th at 4pm via Zoom.
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Message from Raquel, our Volunteer Coordinator: |
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As we are blossoming into April, there are a couple things I would like to share. First, we will be celebrating our volunteers during National Volunteer Appreciation Week this month, so please stay tuned to our social media pages to see how we celebrate. I am positive that all our staff agrees that volunteers play a vital role in our everyday tasks. Although we are a small, yet mighty staff, we would not be able to be as successful without the help and support of our volunteers. Thank you to all our volunteers for all that you do! We can't wait to show you how much we appreciate you! |
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Second, thanks to our volunteers, we had yet another successful Food Drive hosted here at our Office this past Saturday. This allowed us to help stock our pantry with urgently needed items and also engaged more volunteers to help on the weekend. We had volunteers guiding vehicles and unloading donations while others were providing donation receipts. At the same time, we had volunteers in our multipurpose room organizing and labeling all the incoming donations. This fun event created an opportunity for volunteers to engage with each other and donors as well. Not only did the Food Drive provide us with food to feed families every day, it also brought volunteers together!
Whether you came out to donate, volunteer, or even helped spread the word about our Food Drive, thank you for supporting and helping us carry out our mission!
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Raquel Sanchez
Volunteer Coordinator
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For any questions about volunteering or how to get involved, please call our office at (909) 920-0453 or e-mail raquel@foothillfamilyshelter.org |
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"Hope in Bloom" Gala | May 19th |
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We couldn't be happier about our upcoming "Hope in Bloom" Gala... gathering in-person at a gorgeous venue with delicious food and incredible company all for a good cause sounds too good to be true, especially after not having an event these past two years.
We are hopeful you will make a reservation and spend the evening with us on May 19th. Our committee has worked tireless hours to ensure you have a wonderful time, have the opportunity to bid on fabulous auction items, and indulge in delicious food and libations.
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It is free and simple to link your current Amazon account to AmazonSmile. While you're shopping Amazon for some great deals, don't forget to use Smile.Amazon.com and select Foothill Family Shelter so we can receive a portion of every purchase you make! Haven't linked your account yet? Click the link below and make a difference while you shop. |
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Have you signed up for Ralphs Community Rewards yet? It's free to sign up online and the best part is that every time you shop and use your rewards card, a portion of your purchase will be donated to Foothill Family Shelter. It's that easy! Click the link below to sign up and select Foothill Family Shelter. Our code is JQ363. |
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Message from Yelitza, our Help Desk Coordinator: |
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Now that we have sprung into Spring, many of us are motivated to do some deep cleaning around our homes. If you find yourself going through your pantry in the coming weeks, my hope is that you will keep Foothill Family Shelter in mind for your next food donation (please make sure items are unexpired).
Our Help Desk operates year-round providing pantry staples and other necessities to our neighbors in our 6-city service area. While we serve an average of 170 clients each month, we have experienced an increase in need the last several months. There is no better time than NOW to jump into action!
We accept a variety of non-perishable, shelf-stable donations, but have the greatest need for the following:
- Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Canned Chili
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Canned Protein (chicken, tuna, SPAM, etc.)
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Canned Tomatoes (diced, puree, crushed, etc.) & Pasta Sauce
If you are interested in scheduling a donation drop-off, have questions about specific donations, or would like to coordinate a donation drive, please get in touch by sending an email to yelitza@foothillfamilyshelter.org.
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Yelitza Banuelos
Help Desk Coordinator
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Pantry donations are accepted during our business hours (Tuesday-Friday from 9am-12pm and 1-5pm). For any questions related to donations, please call our office at (909) 920-0453 or e-mail yelitza@foothillfamilyshelter.org. |
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*Please note that our Office will be closed Friday, April 8th from 3-5pm for a special event.* |
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Why chose me, Deana Fabiano, as your REALTOR®? My whole goal is to help you reach your goals whatever they maybe. Home buying and selling is a process. It's my job to guide you through that process every step of the way. Keep you informed, do what is always in your best interests and be honest. And bring honest partners to the table to help you. Solid lenders, home inspectors, insurance agents, escrow, title insurance, etc...all people I know, like and trust to handle the process of realizing your dreams of homeownership come true. And if cauliflower can be come pizza, you too, can become a homeowner. |
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Deana Fabiano
CALBRE #02088510
Cell: (909) 456-4541
Office: (909) 982-8881
1365 E 19th St. Upland, CA 91784
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Want YOUR business to be featured in a future edition of our newsletter?
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Thank you for your support. Our families and community benefit from your continued generous contributions and partnership with Foothill Family Shelter.
Sincerely,
Megan Nehamen
Executive Director
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1501 W. Ninth Street, Suite D
Upland, CA 91786
(909) 920-0453
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