Page 14 - Stuart Exposure - August '21

Page 14, Stuart Exposure

nonprofit news

House Of Hope Receives During the COVID-19 pandemic,

Community Impact Grants From House of Hope reached new highs in the
number of individuals and families who
Martin County United Way needed assistance. Thanks to donors and
volunteers, the staff distributed almost
House of Hope two million pounds of food within 12
is the recipient of months.
three generous “House of Hope has always been at
Community Impact the heart of meeting community needs
grants totaling for basics like food and household The four House of Hope Client Choice At the Grow Farm, staff and volunteers
$100,000 from goods,” said Rob Ranieri, CEO of Pantries offer individuals and families grow fresh and healthy produce for House
the United Way of House of Hope. “We’ve become very an opportunity to make food selections of Hope clients in hydroponic gardens.
Martin County for innovative in how we produce and and also get nutritional advice.
2021/22. The grant distribute fresh food, educate our
awards will help to clients, and help them make connections to break their cycle and by partners and businesses that bring their expertise and
sustain House of of poverty. We’re grateful to United Way for sustaining their knowledge to the participants. Some of the available classes
Hope programs that support as we look to the challenges and opportunities for the and programs include English as a Second Language, financial
are vital in meeting coming year.” literacy, computer instruction, career coaching, smoking
the basic needs and House of Hope operates four Client Choice pantries cessation, early learning, homework helpers, and diabetes
life skills of Martin throughout Martin County (Indiantown, Hobe Sound, Stuart, education sessions.
County residents Jensen Beach). Four nutrition gardens located in lower-income About House Of Hope
for food and neighborhoods are a source of fresh produce and provide a Founded in 1984, House of Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
household needs as base for House of Hope to provide nutrition education for over organization that empowers Martin County residents to
well as encouraging The historic Golden Gate building 800 children and adults. Growing Hope Farm is expanding to overcome hunger and hardship. House of Hope touches the
their health and hums with activities thanks to House have two hydroponic greenhouses as well as aeroponic and lives of more than 7,000 people each month helping with basic
employment of Hope staff and community partners in-ground growing to provide more than 1,400 packages of needs such as food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance, as
opportunities. as they offer a wide variety of classes fresh, high quality produce each week to the Client Choice well as longer-term case management services that help build
T he gra nt s and courses. pantries and partners. life skills for a more self-sufficient future.
specifically support Project HOPE seeks to move individuals and families past The organization has service centers and thrift stores in
House of Hope’s Client Choice pantries, Project HOPE their crisis, stabilize the households, and work with clients to Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown, and Jensen Beach. House of
(Helping Others Progress through Empowerment), and the develop a plan toward economic self-sufficiency that will break Hope’s Golden Gate Center for Enrichment in Stuart offers
Golden Gate Center for Enrichment programs and services. the cycle of poverty. Outside of COVID emergency protocols, free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance
All programs and services of House of Hope are provided at no every client that enters House of Hope receives some level of life skills, earning potential, health, and overall well-being.
cost to the individuals and families served by the organization. case management to start the process. In addition, the case House of Hope also operates the Growing Hope Farm
“We are fortunate to have innovative nonprofit organizations management team makes over 1,200 referrals a month to in Palm City and several nutrition gardens that provide
like House of Hope working tirelessly to respond to our connect clients to programs and services provided by a vast sustainable sources of fresh produce for clients as well as
community’s needs,” said United Way of Martin County partner network. nutrition education and vocational opportunities to the
President/CEO Carol G. Houwaart-Diez. “Beyond the three The Golden Gate Center for Enrichment is a hub of activity community. For more information, visit hohmartin.org or
community impact grants receiving funding this year, they have offering a variety of classes and programs focused on the fields call (772) 286-4673. Updates and announcements can also
also been an incredible partner working with us throughout the of health and nutrition, education, job skills and job training, be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
pandemic to administer CARES Act funds and COVID Relief the arts, and family-friendly social opportunities. Classes and
funds to support our most vulnerable neighbors.” programs are delivered by House of Hope staff and volunteers Nonprofit News on page 15