Facts About Durham's Black History Shared by FMF Staff
One tradition that has endured the pandemic is FMF staff's weekly ice breakers. This tradition started as an engaging way to start a meeting and has continued in the form of a weekly email thread. Last week, one of our staff members asked others to share a fact about Durham's history and we ended up with an email thread full of amazing facts and stories about historic moments in Durham's history. Below are some of the facts shared. Did you know...
MLK Day of Service Volunteering
Thank you to the fantastic volunteers that joined in FMF’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Volunteer Project. We are so happy to have been able to stick with our tradition of hosting a volunteer project in honor of Martin Luther King Jr and his legacy of service.
Throughout the pandemic our Programming Team has gotten very creative in developing meaningful projects and opportunities for volunteers that can be virtual or completed off site. This year for our MLK Day of Service, volunteers picked up supplies to wrap and label diapers in smaller quantities so that we are able to distribute to families and keep an organized inventory of amounts and sizes.
When Imani Vincent, our Volunteer Engagement Associate VISTA, let additional volunteers know that we did not have any more diapers that needed wrapping, Alex and Joel DeYonke immediately reached back out and shared that they would be collecting diapers and wipes on our behalf to wrap and donate for the project. Alex and Imani are pictured above with the diapers and wipes that were dropped off after the project. A huge thank you to Alex, Joel, and everyone else that was able to lend a hand and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with us!
Help us Fill our Empty Shelves
It is no surprise that it has been a difficult battle to get cleaning supplies through the pandemic. It has been especially tough getting enough for 21 families plus staff. With that being said, we would happily accept donations of cleaning supplies!
We are NOT in need of hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene items, toilet paper, or shampoo/conditioner. We ARE in need of toilet bowl bushes/cleaner, disinfecting wipes, comet, liquid body wash, hand soap, dish soap and deodorant. Please contact Katy@fmfnc.org to arrange a drop-off time. Thank you!
Every Little Bit Helps
We continue to seek funds for Covid Relief efforts from grantors, as well as donors. If you'd like to support us during this time, please consider a donation to the Pay It Forward Stimulus Campaign or shop online from our Covid-19 Amazon Wishlist.
Celebrating the Dubays
Thanks to Lynne and George Dubay, who both turned 70 in January. To celebrate, they set a goal of raising $700.00 for Families Moving Forward to purchase pack-n-plays for families with young children. Through the support of their friends and family they surpassed the goal and raised over $800. We are honored to be recipients of the joy this couple brings to their community. If you are interested in celebrating a special event through a fundraiser for FMF, please contact Shana@fmfnc.org to learn more. Celebrating our Program Graduates
On January 15th we had our first ever Aftercare Graduation event to honor all of our graduates from 2016 onward. The evening was spent laughing, sharing stories and community sponsored raffles all done virtually over zoom. We were grateful to honor thirteen of our former graduates in this event. During the call we heard speeches from former guests including: Angel and her grandson Kamoni, Mona Lisa and Tiffany. Their stories continue to inspire us to keep moving forward. The message from the night was hopeful and we can't wait to have future events to celebrate the successes of our amazing families!
Welcome Our New Family Services Coordinators Imanie Williams Aftercare FSC Imanie, a 23 year old trailblazer, hailing from New Jersey, obtained her Bachelors in Psychology at Delaware State University. Shortly after graduation, Imanie moved here to Durham, in search of new scenery and an atmosphere that would promote her growth. Imanie has an undeniable passion for aiding in the progression of those around her. As a Family Services Coordinator for Aftercare, Imanie has begun her work by connecting, assessing and using effective step by step strategies to encourage client development. When she is not at FMF, Imanie spends her free time organizing events for her non-profit organization "Everybody Eats," exploring and learning the stock market, meditating, listening to old school R&B and eating (food is her favorite pastime). Megan Holmes NEST FSC Megan Holmes is a Washington, D.C. native and an alumna of North Carolina Central University (the best in the triangle), having earned a bachelors degree in Social Work. She loves to cook, she loves her church, and she loves people. She also loves to sing and create. She is passionate about advocating and empowering, and feels excited to partner with the Durham community in support of our families!
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day when you're in school is always fun. Nowadays, teachers require every student in a class to be included in exchanging Valentines.
We know that many of you at home will be making sure that your elementary-age kids and grandkids are not forgotten on this holiday. Won't you help us make sure the kids living in our family shelter aren't left out either?
Please consider picking up a few extra bags of individually wrapped Valentines candy, cards, or temporary tattoos and reach out to Katy@fmfnc.org to drop them off.
Additionally, if you'd like to forgo the traditional date night out (it's Covid, remember???), consider making a donation to FMF in their honor (or any charity for that matter) and spread the love. Your loved one will feel special knowing you're invested in our community. Please still order take-out and support our local restaurants though. We need them too! Our Contact Information *{{Organization Name}}* *{{Organization Address}}* *{{Organization Phone}}* *{{Organization Website}}*
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