Jada Reclaims Her Life

At the age of 35, Jada (name changed for privacy) found herself a resilient single mother of four, courageously navigating life after experiencing the trauma of domestic violence. Following a period of severe abuse, her abuser—who had previously been convicted—was released from prison, leaving her in a state of constant fear. Knowing her whereabouts, he posed a serious threat to her and her children's safety, making every day a struggle filled with anxiety.

The Prevention and Diversion program at HopePHL, part of the comprehensive Adult and Family Services team, was able to step in and provide vital support and financial resources. Through the Mantua Powelton Alliance grant, Jada received funding to cover her move-in costs, allowing her to secure a spacious new home in a safer neighborhood, one where her tormentor would not be able to find her. This new beginning offered her family the safety and stability they had longed for amidst the chaos of their past.

Today, she stands tall as an empowered survivor who has successfully reclaimed her life, ensuring her children can grow up in a nurturing and secure environment, far from the shadows of her past. With every step forward, she builds a brighter future for herself and her family.

Week of the Young Child at Baring House

Last month, Baring House celebrated the Week of the Young Child, sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This week highlighted the needs of young children and their families, while recognizing early childhood programs that support them.

Events included Music Monday in partnership with HopePHL's Parents As Teachers program, which encouraged children to be active and develop early literacy skills through singing and dancing. On Tuesday, The Academy of Natural Sciences hosted the Discovering Dinosaurs program, where children learned about dinosaurs and their similarities to today’s animals through engaging props and activities.

The week concluded with Action for Early Learning’s (AFEL) virtual classroom, featuring special guest Thembi Palmer leading a read-aloud and movement activity with "This Book Will Make You Do Things." Children also explored metamorphosis and sang songs about insects.

Baring House is committed to providing educational and enjoyable programming throughout the year to support children's learning and growth.

Learn more about Baring House here.

Facing the Digital Divide

Technology is a constantly evolving sector in today's world. Over the years, it has transitioned from being a luxury to a necessity in our daily lives. Many aspects of society are now digital, which leaves some older generations needing to learn these advancements just to complete basic everyday tasks. Fortunately, we offer adult computer classes with guided instruction each week at our Maynes Family Digital Learning Lab. These classes help adults navigate various technology platforms effectively!

Team member Nathan Karuna explains, "Since our department was established in 2003, we have seen technology rapidly integrate into daily life. Unfortunately, many adult learners still lack basic computer skills, making tasks like sending emails and finding reliable information challenging. Our goal is to provide access to technology and training."

Our adult computer classes offer professional development, community connections, and improved access to the online world. "We are committed to helping adult learners achieve their personal goals," Nathan added.

As long as there is economic disparity, a digital divide will endure, as technology comes with a cost. This issue cannot be easily outgrown as technology is constantly evolving with new innovations that require both education and access. Our goal is to provide access to technology and develop skills for individuals of all ages in our community, from youth to adults.

Learn more about the Maynes Family Digital Learning Lab here.

Meet Our HopePHL Team: Sarah Greer

Family Empowerment Services (FES) provides short term, trauma sensitive case management and collaborates with families in their homes to address concerns that cause disruption to the family’s daily living and ability to manage life stressors, ranging from eviction to utility shut off notices.

Thank you to FES Supervisor, Sarah Greer, for sharing about herself with us this month!

When did you start at HopePHL? 2017

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, why do you think focusing on mental health is important? To make sure clients and staff are happy and healthy so they can best support their families and the people around them.

What are some ways you practice self-care? Reading books and spending time with my family!

What are you most looking forward to in the summer? Going to the beach with my family.

Learn more about Family Empowerment Services here.

Diane Pursues her Career Dreams

When Diane (name changed for privacy) joined the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program, she was living in a hotel with limited resources and facing significant challenges, including job loss due to pregnancy, eviction, and separation from her child's father. With support from the FAIR project, she was able to extend her hotel stay while exploring housing options and eventually secured subsidized housing, where she has lived stably for the past two years.

PAT assisted her with moving expenses by connecting her to the Furniture Bank, which provided essential household furnishings at no cost. Previously, Diane had been a dedicated school lunch lady who aimed to become a lunch manager after completing training programs.

Over the past two years, Diane has worked hard to rebuild her life, receiving resources and emotional support from PAT, along with assistance for her child's education. She has stayed committed to returning to the food service industry, recognizing the need for further training and certifications.



Diane was referred to the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), a free career training initiative that includes job placement services. She is currently enrolled and preparing to return to her work in the kitchen soon.

Learn more about Parents as Teachers here.

Guest Contributor: Vanessa Ingram, Lead Therapist at HopePHL

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health is critical because it affects every area of our lives. It is the framework by which we think, feel, and behave. Our mental health influences how we relate to ourselves and others. Positive mental health helps individuals cope with challenges, work productively, and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. Good mental health plays a vital role in overall health and wellbeing. When mental health is neglected, it could lead to serious impaired functioning and increased risk of physical health problems.

Prioritizing mental wellbeing helps individuals to build resilience, maintain balance, and thrive. Many people use a variety of practices to support and improve their mental health. Some of the most common and effective methods have been talking with a licensed mental health provider, mindfulness and meditation, and maintaining healthy social connections.



As the season renews practices like expressing gratitude and engaging in physical activity are also positive ways to take advantage of internal and cost-free resources.

Connect With the Community Through Reading

As we prepare for the tenth year of the NAC Summer Book Club, we're excited for another summer filled with great reading, and we need your help!

Please think of your favorite books and recommend them for our 2025 summer reading list. We welcome suggestions from all genres, and six books will be selected.

You can send your suggestions by Wednesday, May 28th, to Kevin Brown at:

KevinB@HopePHL.org or 267-777-5820.

We can’t wait to receive your suggestions and look forward to celebrating a decade of reading with our community this summer!

Check out our Jazz Festival page for all updates!

Thank you so much for being a part of our community!

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