| |
| |
|
Dear Friends,
We started a new tradition in our Horizons transitional housing program in March. At dinner one evening each month, our dining services team will make a special cake for dessert – we call it our “Birthdays and Other Good Stuff” cake.
As participants ate dinner on the night of our inaugural celebration, a staff member stepped forward to announce the new tradition. First, we sang Happy Birthday to a program participant's son celebrating his 16th birthday.
But then my colleague asked, “Who has some good news to share?"
Silence.
"Anyone?"
A hand went up slowly. “I got to see my son last weekend.” A smattering of claps. Then, “I got a car so that I can get to work.” Some applause. “I got a new job.” Cheering. “I got to spend time with my extended family.” Robust hoots and hollers, as everyone joined in the celebration.
Sitting there in the dining room, I was reminded of a piece I read recently about the the importance of being someone who makes others feel seen. I smiled as I watched those who began as complete strangers in our Horizons transitional housing program start to cheer for – and truly see – one another.
We are grateful for this opportunity to help create community… through cake!
| | | |
Amy C. Foerster, CEO
LHM Foundation | | | | |
Join us for the first annual dinner benefiting LHM Foundation on September 12, 2026 at the Country Club of Harrisburg! | | | | |
|
The Horizons program continues to grow, now serving as home to 22 people: 13 adults and nine children. In early April, we will be joined by a mom and her three children, growing our community to 26 people! We will continue to build the participant census in the Horizons program throughout 2026 and beyond.
As our numbers continue to grow, the Resource Desk – which is the central hub of the program facility – has taken on an important identity. It's where participants go to check out everything from a vacuum cleaner to a laptop to a bucket of sidewalk chalk for the children, to schedule meetings with their case managers, and to unwind with a quick chat when entering the building.
On weekdays, the Resource Desk is staffed by our wonderful volunteers. In the evening, overnight, and all weekend long, our LHM Foundation Resource Staff are the reliable presence at the desk. They work long days and even longer nights. And we couldn't deliver the Horizons program without them.
| |
Recognizing that Resource Staff often work alone or with only one colleague, we held our first Resource Staff In-Service Meeting in March, getting to know one another a bit better. The meeting created a space for Resource Staff to share their experiences “on the ground” during the first 10 weeks of the Horizons transitional housing program, highlighting what's working well and where there is opportunity for improvement. It also gave us the chance to discuss our vision for the program as it grows.
We’re incredibly grateful for our Resource Staff, some of whom are pictured here!
| | |
"Midstate nonprofit is a home for people in transitional housing" –
click here to see a recent interview with CEO Amy Foerster on abc27's Hot Topic Tuesday!
| |
|
Thirty donors have already sponsored rooms in LHM Foundation's transitional housing program — thank you! These sponsorships represent our donors' belief in the potential of each program participant as they work to achieve program stability.
LHM Foundation will continue to seek room sponsorships until all 58 windows are shining with support! Sponsoring a room is an opportunity to change the lives of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Room sponsorships are available at the individual support ($10,000) and family support ($25,000) levels. For more information, contact Ellen Abbott, Director of Development, at ellen.abbott@lhm-foundation.org.
| | | | | | |
Mention LHM Foundation or our unique code (50322) when donating clothes at any CommunityAid store. LHM Foundation gets paid for every pound donated! | | | | |
DID YOU KNOW?
BUTLER STREET HISTORY
| | |
The Butler Street home of LHM Foundation's Horizons transitional housing program was originally built in the mid-1950s as Mercycrest Convent for the Religious Sisters of Mercy. The facility housed retired Sisters, as well as those who were teaching at Bishop McDevitt High School. Mercycrest Convent also had spaces for retreats, meetings and relaxation. It even housed Mercycrest Kindergarten, which prepared hundreds of area children for school.
Notably, the Sisters of Mercy order was formed in Dublin, Ireland by Catherine McAuley, an Irish Catholic laywoman who recognized the needs of the poor in early 1800s Ireland. Catherine determined that she – and others like her – could make a difference for those living in the margins of society. She spent her inheritance to open the first House of Mercy in Dublin in 1827, as a place to shelter and educate women and girls. Four years later, Catherine and two friends became the first Sisters of Mercy.
The Sisters of Mercy arrived in the U.S. in 1843, at the invitation of the Bishop of Pittsburgh, and in Harrisburg around 1870. Their energy in ministering to the sick and poor attracted so many new members that they spread across the U.S., where they provide social services in hundreds of locations today.
The Sisters of Mercy made the Butler Street location their home until 1986, when it was sold to the first in a series of personal care home providers.
Stay tuned for more information about the rich history behind the home of the Horizons transitional housing program!
| | | | | The home of LHM Foundation | | | | |
|
The Horizons program currently serves participants ranging in age from one month to 62 years!
Tiny Tykes Essentials, a nonprofit organization in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, has been a true partner as we welcome our youngest community members. Since our January 2026 opening, Tiny Tykes has provided us with cribs, crib sheets, a highchair, diapers, and so much more, allowing us to create a welcoming environment not only for our tiniest residents, but for their parents as well.
Thank you, Tiny Tykes Essentials!
| | | | |
Beam Team volunteers are at the heart of our Horizons transitional housing program. They are the warm “hello” at reception, the smile at mealtime, and the helping hands keeping our grounds beautiful. | | |
In March, LHM Foundation Beam Team volunteers made a difference every day, both in the Horizons transitional housing program and in our communities! Volunteers passed out food boxes (in the rain!) at the Mifflin Community Share, packaged pasta for families at Midwest Food Bank – Pennsylvania, and welcomed participants, staff and volunteers at the Horizons Resource Desk. Our Beam Team volunteers continue to turn compassion into action!
Interested in joining our Beam Teams? Sign up at www.lhm-foundation.org/volunteer. Contact Mel Cronin, Volunteer Coordinator, at mel.cronin@lhm-foundation.org or 717.402.6317 with questions.
Thank you, Beam Team volunteers!
| | | | |
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
BRIDGET ABBOTT
| | |
Bridget Abbott is a registered nurse enjoying semi-retirement. Married to her husband, John, for 42 years, Bridget treasures time with her two grown children, their significant others, and family and friends. She also loves working in the garden, doing yoga, and catching films at the Midtown Cinema.
On top of her already busy work and personal schedule, Bridget also makes time to volunteer. She has a heart for service and has been involved with volunteer efforts throughout the Harrisburg area for many years.
LHM Foundation is one of the beneficiaries of Bridget’s boundless energy! She is a regular at the Horizons Resource Desk. In fact, she has already volunteered as the warm smile and cheerful hello at the desk for more than 45 hours since our January 12 opening!
We are grateful for Bridget’s generosity, compassion and commitment to helping others. Thank you, Bridget!
| | | | |
Spot a lighthouse on your travels? Share it with us! | | |
Although our work is depicted by the beam emanating from a lighthouse’s lamp, the entire lighthouse still holds a special place in our hearts!
Anna Baldini, a former Camp Hill School District coach and teacher – and dedicated LHM Foundation volunteer – spotted this beauty on a golf trip with friends earlier this month.
Built in 1969-1970, the Harbour Town Lighthouse on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina has distinctive candy cane stripes. It serves not only as a beacon for mariners in the area, but also as a popular tourist attraction. Visitors who climb the 114 steps to the lighthouse’s observation deck are treated with amazing panoramic views!
| Send us your lighthouse photos at info@lhm-foundation.org. Include the location and any information you wish to share! | | | | |
|
YOUR GIFT CAN TRANSFORM LIVES
Support individuals and families working toward financial stability and housing security in LHM Foundation’s Horizons transitional housing program.
A generous donor is matching dollar-for-dollar the first $3 million raised!
| | To learn more about ways to support LHM Foundation's work, please contact: | | | | |
| |
Did someone forward this email to you? Sign up here to receive The Beacon direct to your inbox each month. | | | | |
