REALTOR Foundation

Fostering Independence

2010-03-03T00:02:00Z

Foster children are another group that is increasingly becoming homeless as they reach adulthood.
Each year, nearly 100 young adults in Marion County are emancipated from foster care. They face the challenges of new adulthood and they search for post-secondary education, employment, housing, and economic self-sufficiency without a family to offer love and support. Studies prove that the transition is difficult: More than 40% of all foster youth end up homeless. Many more struggle with unemployment, poverty and substance abuse problems.

So let's take a look at Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center (MRNC) and their Foster Independence Program
With Fostering Independence, MRNC helps ensure that emancipated young adults have the support they need to succeed in adulthood.

I am proud to say that, Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center is a 2010 REALTOR® Foundation Grant Recipient ! For more information on MRNC print a copy of the Fostering Independence Brochure .

School on Wheels

It is always interesting what you can discover on the internet. Last week as I searched statistics on the increasing number of homeless families & homeless children, I came across another organization that is helping homeless children. "School on Wheels" is an organization in Indianapolis that hopes to: Inspire Learning, Empower Kids & End Homelessness. The mission of School on Wheels is to enhance and enrich educational opportunities for school-aged homeless children. Their vision is to break the cycle of homelessness through education. How great is that....check out School on Wheels !

Make sure you take a moment to visit both websites. I know that Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center and School on Wheels have volunteer opportunities.

~RJ

Education is the movement from darkness to light. ~Allan Bloom

Kids Can Make a Difference

2010-02-23T02:42:00Z

When you read that 1 in 3 homeless people in the US are under the age of 18, it really breaks your heart. And it is sad to think that the average age of a homeless person in central Indiana is 9 years old. In 2009 Indianapolis Public Schools reported having 1,529 homeless students --> IPS Troubling Tallies
We forget that homelessness knows no boundaries. Homelessness does not discriminate..it affects the old and the young....and all of us in between.

11 Facts about Homeless Youth*

1. The National Coalition for the Homeless defines homeless youth as individuals under the age of eighteen who lack parental, foster, or institutional care.

2. 1 out of every 3 homeless people are under the age of 18.

3. 1.6 to 1.7 million people under 18 will experience homelessness each year.

4. The majority of homeless and runaway youth are between the ages of 15 and 17, however three out of 100 runaways are under the age of 10, and 11 out of 100 are between the ages of 11 and 13.

5. Approximately half of all runaways were physically abused before fleeing home.

6. Up to a third of runaways have been forced to perform a sexual act against his/her will.

7. Half of all runaways left home because of a disagreement with a parent or guardian.

8. A third of all runaways will attempt suicide.

9. Homeless youth are up to ten times more likely to have or contract HIV than non-homeless adolescents.

10. A tenth of homeless and runaway females are reportedly pregnant.

11. This year, one in 260 runaways and homeless youths will die from assault, illness and suicide.

*Sources: National Coalition for the Homeless, National Runaway Switchboard

Now for the Good News: There is a website that encourages teens to "Do Something". DoSomething.org believes teenagers have the power to make a difference. They leverage communications technologies to enable teens to convert their ideas and energy into positive action. They inspire, empower and celebrate a generation of doers: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action.

This website has great information on the homeless youth: Click Here And it has great ideas for teens on how they can....Act Now!

Take a look how DoSomething.org, Aeropostale & teenagers were able to make a difference earlier this month:--> Teens for Jeans

We all have the ability to "Do Something" whether it is to donate money or volunteer....we all need to be inspired & empowered to take Action!

I will finish this entry with words from Robert Shaffer:
"We must view young people not as empty bottles to be filled but as candles to be lit."

Always Inspired & Empowered,
RJ ♥

Happy President's Day!

2010-02-15T15:58:00Z

Happy President's Day!

I just wanted to take a moment to give a "shout out" to the Past-Presidents of the REALTOR® Foundation.

And of course a shout to MIBOR President, Sue Applegate and the Past Presidents of MIBOR.

To let you know on this President's Day, that you ALL inspire me to do my best!

Here we are the 3rd week of February and it is time for "Feed the Fight".

This Wednesday 2/17 our featured restaurant is Applebee's in Greenwood.

Take this coupon---> http://www.mibor.com/realtorfoundation/pdfs/feed_applebees.pdf

to Applebee's on Wednesday for Dine In or Carry Out and they will donate 15% of your purchase to the REALTOR® Foundation!

Thanks to Gerry Dick and Inside Indiana Business for taking time Super Bowl weekend to talk with me & John H. Boner Community Center Chief Executive Officer, James Taylor. I must admit I was a little camera shy (btw, I have never been camera shy...lol) but Mr. Taylor was there to help me thru the interview. It was a great opportunity to discuss the Building a Living Legacy project ---> http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/video-player.asp?HideVideoAd=1&ID=11060&CategoryID=40

While Super Bowl XLIV may be over with a disappointing end, the city of Indianapolis and the REALTOR® Foundation are looking ahead to Super Bowl XLVI, which will take place in Indianapolis in 2012. Also taking place in 2012 is MIBOR's 100th Anniversary! In observance of 100 years of service, MIBOR members will work through your industry’s philanthropic organization, the REALTOR® Foundation, to help reverse homelessness in central Indiana as part of the Super Bowl Housing Legacy project. Take a look at this month's 'Steps to Shelter' to get the inside scoop ---> http://www.news.mibor.com/outbound/MessageDisplay.jsp?subscriber_id=2911&track_id=452&message_id=221&cid=781

As the snow falls down on central Indiana remember there are many people who are homeless and in need of our help. Indiana winters can be brutal. Here is an article in today's Indy Star about those living under bridges and struggling with being chronically homeless. http://www.indystar.com/article/20100215/LOCAL18/2150340/Homeless-take-up-residence-under-Downtown-bridge

I am off to start my President's Day by spending the day in my home with my children. I am so thankful that I have a home. As you spend your day at home or at work please remember that "Homeless" covers a range of people. It covers those out of work or underemployed "doubling up" temporarily with relatives. It covers families, battered women, veterans, and the "chronically" homeless, mostly alcoholic, drug-addicted, mentally ill or all three -- the ones who sleep outdoors night after night. Remember we are a community. We are all in this together....help your homeless neighbor. Make a Donation...Click here to help the homeless ---> http://tinyurl.com/rfdonation

Of course on this President's Day, I will quote William Jefferson Clinton:

"We need a spirit of community, a sense that we are all in this together. If we have no sense of community, the American dream will wither." -President Bill Clinton

King's Lesson Carries On

2010-01-19T18:39:00Z

Yesterday we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Unfortunately I had a crazy schedule and was unable to serve my community. However, I was able to gather summer clothes together to donate to the people in Haiti. I applaud Chapel Rock Christian Church on Indy's Westside for organizing a donation drop off for Haiti Relief. If you are in the Indy area check out how you can donate clothes & supplies. http://tinyurl.com/ygltudw

Since the earthquake disaster in Haiti, it is wonderful to see how people have really stepped up to help those in need. The Red Cross alone has raised over $21 million dollars thru their $10 donation campaign. People don't realize what a difference $10 can make to those who are suffering & homeless. The REALTOR® Foundation also has a great $10 campaign! We call it "$10 for 10"...and actually with the new year we could refer to it as "$10 for 10 in 10"! Check out our "$10 for 10" http://vimeo.com/3438754 and contact Molly Hahn @ 317.956.1912 to start your $10 donations.

For all of you here in the Indianapolis area, join us downtown at Noodles & Co for lunch or dinner tomorrow, January 20 (dine in or carry out). http://tinyurl.com/ffjan This is a great way to help the homeless...just by having a meal. You have to eat sometime..Right?! So come out & dine with us and help your homeless neighbor.

This week I will continue to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. And I encourage everyone to take time to do what you can to help those in need as he taught. Whether it is $10 a month or $8 at lunch, it all adds up & it really makes a difference.

Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'

-Martin Luther King Jr.

Many ways to get involved in the Foundation's work!

2010-01-11T15:53:00Z

Hello everyone! It is Regina and I am excited about this year "Twenty Ten" and all it has to offer. The countdown has begun for me only 51 weeks left in this new year.....so much to do, so little time. All of the Foundation Board of Directors & Committee Members have been working very hard to make this year a huge success.

I just wanted to let you know about a few important dates and events that are happening within the month of January.

*First of all if you or someone you know loves the show "Dancing with the Stars" and would love to take dance lessons then check out our item of the month: http://www.mibor.com/realtorfoundation/auctionitem.asp . We have Arthur Murray dance lessons that are a $625 value and the current bid for this item is a low $65!! Place your bid today. . .the bidding for this item closes on January 28th!

*Next event that we are featuring is our monthly "Feed the Fight". On Wednesday January 20th, Noodles & Company will be hosting The Realtor Foundation's "Feed the Fight" event. The way you can help the homeless is by having lunch or dinner at Noodles & Company (Indy downtown location) on January 20th. http://www.mibor.com/realtorfoundation/feed.asp Click on the Noodles & Company words for the flyer you would need to present at time of purchase: (Please pass along this flyer link to your family, friends & co-workers via email, facebook, twitter etc....)

*Last and certainly NOT least is this year's MIBOR Ball. For all of you in the Real Estate industry that are members of MIBOR, please make sure you register today for the 2010 Ball. If you register by this Thursday, you will be entered to win two tickets to this weekend's Colts playoff game!

Check out the Top 10 Reasons why you should attend the Ball: http://www.news.mibor.com/outbound/MessageDisplay.jsp?subscriber_id=2911&track_id=407&message_id=203&cid=781

I will give you reason #11: I am the Ball Chairperson and it is an awesome event that should NOT be missed!! (Yes, I used the word "Awesome"!!)

Click here to make your reservation today: http://www.mibor.com/theball/TheBall_Registration.pdf

I hope to see you all out and about this month participating in these great events.

Let's have the courage to help our homeless neighbors!!

I will close my entry today by quoting Dr. Cornel West, "Empathy is not simply a matter of trying to imagine what others are going through, but having the will to muster enough courage to do something about it. In a way, empathy is predicated upon hope."

Farewell to 2009

2010-01-05T14:51:00Z

It was a whirlwind 2009, and even though today is January 5, I am still recovering! Thanks to everyone for your support of our efforts to solve homelessness this year! As my term ends, I think about the lives that have been touched this year, from the young adults living in the Fostering Independence program to the single mom who has finally broken the cycle of drug addiction in her family to the veteran in Partners in Housing who says each day is his best. Thank you for changing those lives!

I’m handing over the reins to Regina Jones, the 2010 President. I look forward to reading her thoughts this year!

End of the year reminder

2009-12-22T15:15:00Z

Yesterday was the annual homeless persons' memorial service, noting all those who died in Marion County in 2009 who had been homeless. It is a reminder to us as the cold sets in that hundreds, if not thousands, of people live without a place to call home. This article from today's Indianapolis Star highlights the event:

http://www.indystar.com/article/20091222/LOCAL18/912220349/Homeless-who-died-in-past-year-are-honored

At the event, several formerly homeless individuals were highlighted, including a woman who is currently living at Holy Family transitional housing (supported by the Foundation). Her story is one of hope--that after a lifetime of bad choices, she is finally getting her life on track, and that her children have a chance to break the cycle of homelessness. And that, after all, is the goal of this Foundation's work--that providing the housing and services needed for folks will prevent future generations from following that path.

Happy holidays to everyone as we keep these less fortunate folks in our thoughts.

Images and wishes this holiday season

2009-12-16T13:49:00Z

We've now visited 10 of our 12 grant recipients to hand deliver grant checks for the 2010 awards. It is so rewarding to see the impact in person that our grants make. As I think about it, several images stand out from the last few weeks.

--the roof that is about to cave in on the electrical system at Hancock Hope House
--the enormous dorm room with Christmas lights and a Coca Cola billboard on the ceiling at Dove Recovery House
--the flowers painted on the wall at Desert Rose Foundation
--a mobile home being outfitted for a family of eight at Christian Help
--the new Web site and brochure at Pathway to Recovery

These sights and many more make all of us at the Foundation realize how privileged we are to be giving back to fine organizations around the area. Many of the organizations have wish lists that they have shared with us, and they are basic items that we may take for granted. This holiday season, maybe you could help enhance our gifts just a little more with small items for the shelters such as:

toilet paper
winter boots, jackets, mittens, scarves (all ages)
shampoo, conditioner, soap, razors
alarm clocks
combination locks
gas cards
bus passes
stamps
hand sanitizer

There are many more items on their lists....if you are interested in contributing, you can drop the items off at the Foundation office and Molly Hahn will get them to the shelter that needs them the most. Happy Holidays to everyone and thanks for your support!

The Greatest Day of Your Life

2009-12-03T18:53:00Z

When you think back, what would you say was the greatest day of your life?

At the Foundation, we have had some pretty good days lately as we feel fortunate to deliver grant checks to our twelve recipients for 2010. However, not many of us have the same perspective as Dan, a former Marine and recovering alcoholic who became homeless. Now living at a Partners in Housing facility specifically for veterans, Dan says that each day is the greatest day of his life. "Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn't here yet," is his motto, so he lives life to the fullest. Learn more of Dan's story on the Partners in Housing Web site: http://www.pihdc.org/

Would you like to meet some of our grant recipients in person? If so, contact Molly Hahn at 317/956.5255. We will be delivering checks throughout the next two weeks.

Grants Announcement for 2010

2009-11-12T18:56:00Z

We're excited to have made this official grant announcement last week...

NEWLY ANNOUNCED 2010 Grant Recipients – Grant total $85,000

Find out more at www.realtorfoundation.org

Hancock Hope House ($15,000) provides shelter services for families and single men from Hancock, Rush and Shelby counties.

Christian Help, Inc ($10,000) offers supportive affordable housing through a life skills project in which each family helps to rehab a mobile home. Each family has an 18 month plan for home ownership.

Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center ($10,000) maintains a unique program called Fostering Independence for young adults who have aged out of foster care and are homeless. Residents live in community and are provided with supportive services.

Pathway to Recovery ($10,000) operates 5 housing programs providing a seamless continuum of care beginning with supportive housing and ending with permanent housing for over 70 homeless participants battling mental health and substance abuse issues including 11 families.

Coburn Place Safe Haven ($5,000) provides safe, affordable housing and supportive services to women and children who are homeless because of leaving abusive situations.

Dayspring Center ($5,000) provides emergency and transitional housing plus supportive services to families.

Desert Rose ($5,000) gives women in central Indiana a safe, protected retreat from abuse for them and their children, coupled with resources and guidance to help them rebuild their lives free from domestic violence.

Dove Recovery House for Women ($5,000) provides housing for women with drug and alcohol addictions.

Gennesaret Free Clinic ($5,000) runs the Health Recovery Program that houses men during their recovery from a hospital stay while providing supportive services on the road to permanent housing.

Holy Family Transitional Housing ($5,000) offers shelter and services to help families break the cycle of homelessness, providing the stability necessary to be successful in school, work and life.

Partners in Housing ($5,000) operates 350 units of affordable permanent supportive housing throughout Marion County.

Sheltering Wings Center for Women ($5,000) gives women in central Indiana a safe, protected retreat from abuse for them and their children, coupled with resources and guidance to help them rebuild their lives free from domestic violence.

Help yourself by helping others

2009-09-29T17:25:00Z

I think everyone would agree that it has been a long year since the economy really took a turn for the worse last fall. All of us have had to make adjustments in our business plans, our spending habits and our consciousness of the vulnerability of those around us.

Yet, today, there are glimmers of hope. From the Foundation’s standpoint, we are glad that service providers for the homeless have been able to stay afloat and serve the ever-growing population of families in need.

What can you do to help the situation when you may have your own concerns?
·         Volunteer. We guarantee it will be a gift to yourself, not only the people you are helping. Volunteering keeps things in perspective.
·         Donate money. Whether it’s a neighbor in need or an official charity, everyone has something to give, and every dollar counts.
·         Be aware. Look for issues in the paper that affect our most vulnerable citizens, such as the legislation surrounding the documents required to get a State ID card. Spread the word to everyone!

The bottom line is this: this economic condition is not going to be cured by a single act of Congress or a single home or car buyer. It takes everyone to be engaged. To learn more about the Foundation’s efforts to solve homelessness, contact Molly Hahn today at the Foundation office: 317/956.5255. We promise you it will be a call that can change your life forever!

Homelessness and Harvard collide

2009-09-10T13:29:00Z

For some reason, homelessness and Harvard have collided in the news twice lately. These are both interesting pieces about young people finding their way through the homeless system.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/06/24/homeless.to.harvard/index.html?iref=newssearch

http://multimedia.boston.com/m/25672397/homeless-at-harvard.htm

What a Month!

2009-08-05T12:07:00Z

It's been nearly a month since I've shared insight with you on this blog - sorry that I've been a bit busy! I hope some of you have caught our short updates on Facebook and Twitter during that time.

Much of July was spent gearing everyone up for our Foundation golf outing, which was a great event on July 23. Thanks to all of our volunteers, sponsors and players who helped raise just over $22,000 for the Foundation's efforts to solve homelessness!

With families still in crisis in central Indiana, the Foundation still needs your help this year. We just received nearly $300,000 in requests for grants, and we would like to do our part to fulfill those requests. Can you help by donating $50, $25, or $10? Do your part today by clicking here! http://www.realtorfoundation.org/

Did you catch one of the Foundation's Board members in the Indy Star last week? What a great story! Click here for the full version: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009907260385

One last note for today - Maria Larrison, the CEO of Sheltering Wings, has started a new blog. If you want to learn more about their programs for victims of domestic violence, click here: http://shelteringwings.org/blog/

Hidden Homeless

2009-07-09T18:24:00Z

Some of the statistics reported in this article really surprised me. This is a population that is obviously overlooked and growing rapidly.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009907030355

Annual Meeting results

2009-07-02T20:49:00Z

Our Foundation development coordinator, Molly Hahn, attended CHIP's annual meeting. If you would like the recap, check out this story on Channel 8 (WISH):

http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/local/region_1/Experts_meet_about_homeless_prevention_20090701

CHIP's Annual Meeting

2009-06-23T18:35:00Z

Are you ready to help every central Indiana family find a home? Join us at CHIP's (Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention) Annual Meeting, to be held on July 1 at Barnes & Thornburg in downtown Indy (11 S. Meridian St., 5th Fl). Registration is from 8-8:30 a.m. and the program will last from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m..

No cost to attend - and your attention to this important discussion will be much appreciated!
RSVP to Corey Behmer at cbehmer@chipindy.org or call 472-7631.

www.endhomelessindy.org

Family homelessness on the rise in central Indiana

2009-06-18T19:33:00Z

Desperate times are becoming more desperate for area families, according to local estimates on family homelessness. Check out this article that posted yesterday on WTHR: http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=10547035&nav=menu188_2

A Sad Story in Boone County

2009-06-15T00:17:00Z

http://www.indystar.com/article/20090612/NEWS02/90612047/1145/LOCAL02/Ex-wife+dies++ex-husband+to+face+new+charge This story appeared over the weekend in the Indy Star and proves that domestic violence can happen any time anywhere.

The Under-employed in America

2009-06-03T13:57:00Z

In a meeting the other day, we were wondering if there are any statistics on the "under-employed" in America. We all know unemployment statistics have been rising, but there is another story happening. While this story on Yahoo! this morning does not give any numbers, it is definitely a sign of our times.

http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/107145/From-Ordering-Steak-and-Lobster-to-Serving-It

Great event

2009-05-22T15:53:00Z

Wow, it's been a busy month! Among all of our preparations for Foundation Awareness Week (June 8-12) and Taste of Indy (June 11) as well as the usual May activities in Indy, yesterday I attended an event to kick off the Super Bowl Legacy Project for our Super Bowl in 2012. On the Near Eastside, a home ownership incubator project is underway that will offer residents a chance to work toward home ownership. Here's the story from WTHR: www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=10407212 I think this looks like a great project!