Anyone who’s been following the news lately can find a lot to be anxious about. But, rather than succumb to despair, we decided to take a moment to focus on hope. In trying times like these, it’s hope that keeps us going. What gives you hope?
For us the answer is simple: young people. We dedicate this newsletter to The Philanthropy Connection’s young members, and to children who, through the support of their families, our Grantees, and pure grit, rise above the circumstances into which they were born. Thank you for giving us hope.
From the start, TPC’s founders were intentional about including the voices of the next generation in our new organization. On April 2 these young women will take center stage at TPC’s first Young Philanthropist Conference, created by and for young women. The conference is SOLD OUT! There is a wait list available, click here to register.
Are you interested in joining TPC’s community of dynamic, generous women but want to learn more before taking the plunge? Join us at an upcoming Connect The Dots gathering, where you can meet us, and learn what women’s collective giving is all about.
Young People Who Give Us Hope
TPC Grantee School on Wheels MA student Ana (left) and her mentor Beth
Rising Above the Circumstance of Poverty
Stephanie* moved back and forth between Haiti and Boston with her mom throughout her childhood. When she was 12 years old, the two settled in Brockton, with Stephanie’s mom’s brother. That did not go well. Yet, the two had nowhere else to go. So when a room became available at a motel being used as a homeless shelter, Stephanie’s mom took it. This is how Stephanie came to call the Brockton Quality Inn “home” for her final 2-1/2 years of high school. And this is how she became a client of TPC Grantee School on Wheels (SOWMA), an organization that helps lift homeless youth out of poverty. READ MORE
*Stephanie is a pseudonym.
Kelley Lane, ED of Sibling Connections
For the Love of Kids
Kelley Lane, Executive Director of Sibling Connections, feels deeply connected to foster kids, probably because she was one. Kelley grew up in Springfield, MA and lost her mom at age 11. Soon afterward, her dad dropped her off somewhere new to live. That experience left Kelley searching for a real home, one where she felt safe and loved, for over nine years. She moved almost every year, living with a succession of friends and family. She even lived at a summer camp and with a family in Goessel, Kansas, a town of 600 people. READ MORE
Give of Yourself. Receive Hope.
Left to right: TPC members Kristen, Jamie, and Rosemarie with Grantee Marquis Taylor
We believe that awarding grants is a start, but there’s more to philanthropy than writing a check. This is reflected in our tagline: Give. Receive. Learn.
Give. We encourage everyone in our community to get to know our Grantees. No matter what you give — your time, your talent, or your money, we’re confident you’ll receive a priceless gift in return — hope. And you can start small. We’ve come up with a list of “baby steps” to help you get started. Click here to view the list.
Receive. On June 8, TPC president Marla Felcher will receive a great honor when she is recognized by Grantee Silver Lining Mentoring. Click here to learn more.
Learn. On April 27, we will learn from TPC Grantees in our final Philanthropy Dialogue of the season. TPC Members can register by clicking here.
