Giving Hope Network - Autumn 2017 Newsletter 1 HEAR ME NOW YOUTH ADVOCACY (International) YOUTH ADVOCACY (Domestic) HEAR ME NOW: Our program continues to help students with autism through the use of leading edge technology and the help of committed professionals participating in networking forums to share ideas and best practices. To date, several hundred students have participated in our iPad Learning Labs. These students demonstrate significant improvement in their communication and learning abilities and have significantly advanced their life and job skills. GHN is committed to helping individuals with autism become self- sufficient, go to college, obtain employment and live more full and meaningful lives. To support this goal, GHN will collaborate with our partner schools to pilot the benefits of new, innovative technologies. For example, GHN is working with the Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children, to pilot Eye Gaze Technology. Jon Feingold (Executive Director) indicates that “Your gift enables us to continue to provide the finest educational and therapeutic programs to children and their families, helping them to reach their full potential and turning dreams into reality.” In June, Executive Board Member Ted Neuberger was recognized by NJ Governor Chris Christie with the Governor’s Jefferson Award / Becton Dickinson Champion Award. The award was given in recognition of Ted’s volunteer work with GHN and the “Hear Me Now” program. Ted also attended Spectrum 360’s annual meeting where our partner in Verona, NJ expressed their gratitude to GHN for the many contributions we have made to their programs. AUTISM GRANTS: We received grants from Becton Dickinson and Wawa to help advance our Hear Me Now program and continue to transform lives. ROMANIA: GHN has been supporting orphans and disadvantaged youth in Romania since our inception. We provide annual support for necessities like food, medicine, and school supplies. We also encourage children to dream about their futures by supporting special outings, holiday celebrations and education. Our Tuition for College program provides educational sponsorships for children in Romania through a partnership with Eleos International Ministries. The program currently supports 6 students, studying academic and trade-based programs. 100% of students who have completed their study have secured long-term full-time employment within their field. SOUTH AFRICA: A grant from GHN enabled the Hope Centre Orphanage to implement key infrastructural upgrades and to create a new medical treatment facility to re-establish its charter and begin to receive children. The centre is now operating in close partnership with the state department of social services to remain in compliance with state mandates, assuring the centre’s ability to remain open and in constant service. As we close out 2017, GHN will be supporting a Food Delivery Service, as well as a Christmas Celebration for children at the centre. FOSTER CARE: GHN continued to fund CASA’s College & Career Readiness workshops, which took place from January-May. The bi- monthly workshops allowed students in foster care to either plan and prepare for college, or transition into full-time employment. Students were led by 3 experienced coaches who provided information and individual instruction. Through our Stuffed Suitcase program, GHN provided an additional 100 duffel bags stuffed with toiletries & comfort items to students in foster care in Essex County, NJ. This round of giving was made possible due to a generous grant from The Victoria Foundation and product contributions from our partners, including Alex Brands, North Jersey Modern Quilt Guild, and The Bayonne Quilt Club. Two additional rounds of giving are scheduled in 2017: • 165 children in Essex County, NJ supported by a generous grant from Janssen. • Expansion of this program into Ocean County, thanks to a generous grant from the Forked River Rotary. YOUTH ADVOCACY GRANT: Through our Confident Kids program, GHN provided school uniforms to hundreds of students in Essex County, NJ, so they could confidently start the 2017-2018 school year. This program was supported by a generous grant from the Turrell Fund.