Sage II update December 2020
And the work continues!
As the houses are slowly becoming homes, we look to the future and the opportunities for our families. The pictures above highlight the progress on the project this month. You will see walls have been closed in, cabinets have been hung, and the sink station is in in one of the houses. The value that this project brings is not just to the parents of the Sage center but it also will be a catalyst in our community. During build days we walk the project and notice how the community is changing. Individuals are beginning to ask us, “When is the project going to be done, Who can live there, This is such a blessing to the community!”. This project means a lot to the staff, the families, and our community. We can’t wait until we have our grand opening in 2021!
Sage II update November 9, 2020
The Family Recovery Program Inc. is hard at work on its second property- Sage II at Monarch View. This 5 townhome renovation project will allow five families to transition from Sage I to Sage II which is located directly in front of our flag ship property on Rose Street. These five townhomes on Milton Street in Baltimore city will offer the families longer-term, and more independent housing. This will allow their children to be firmly grounded in their educational practices as school transfer is not necessary for them. This project strengthens their ability to network within their community, and it will allow the families to continue to receive support from our program while they continue to strengthen their families. These pictures reflect the very beginning of the project and will get updated on a monthly basis. We are so excited!
Thanksgiving
We all have so much to be thankful for! In anticipation of the thanksgiving holiday, donors reached out to The Family Recovery Program to get information on how they could support our families. With donations from several organizations our families were able to have a wonderful thanksgiving dinner. Our families at both locations received and enjoyed Thanksgiving baskets with all the fixings!
Trip to the Aquarium
On November 3, 2020, our FRP and Sage Center families experienced the National Aquarium. Some experienced it for the first time while others enjoyed visiting again. Throughout the entire visit, the kids stood in awe of the ocean and the many creatures that dwell in it.
As they learned about the different fish, turtles, sharks and the rainforest, their interest began to peak. As always, the dolphins stole the show. The smiles filled the room as the began to learn just how intelligent the dolphins were.
For some, this trip to the aquarium was their first, but for all of us, it will not be our last. With all the uncertainty today, we are so happy that we were able to bring a smile to so many faces.
Halloween Party
On Thursday, October 29, our Halloween celebration was nothing short of spooky and spectacular. Abiding by CDC guidelines, this event required a face covering to be worn at all times. The party kicked off with music, food and story time with Ms. Fran.
FRP, Sage and alumni families had a wonderful time in our office area that was converted into a haunted house by Mr. Dana, Mr. Keith and David. There was a coffin that Mr. Keith jumped out of as the families walked through the haunted house. This haunted house was thrilling for everyone.
The fun did not stop at the haunted house. There were pre-packaged candy bags that Ms. Tiffani gave out to the children as they came out of the haunted house. We ended the night with costume contests for both children and adults. This party was ful of so much love and laughter and we are honored to be the people that brings smiles to our families and communities faces.
We Received our Certificate of Completion for our Shoe Drive Fundraiser
On October 15, 2020, we received our certificate of completion for our Shoe Drive Fundraiser. Our partnership with Funds2Orgs was nothing less than phenomenal. From June 1, 2020 through August 28, 2020 we received shoe donations on behalf of Funds2Orgs. The shoes we collected were sent to Haiti to help with the development of the micro-businesses. The goal for us was to collect 2,500 pairs of shoes and we exceeded that goal! At the end of August, we had donated a total of 2,725 pairs of shoes!
For this shoe drive to be our first fundraiser we are pleased that we exceeded the goal. Not only were we able to raise general operating funds, but we were also able to help those in need in Haiti. Because this was such an overwhelming success, we will be working with Funds2Orgs in the future to provide more shoes to those in need.
Voter Registration Day
Recovery Month Awareness 2020
September is recovery awareness month. We celebrated each of our parents milestones as they have overcome so much adversity. Knowing that their recovery is first their own and then their families drives them to continue to be the best version of themselves. Every step of the way we are there to encourage and uplift them so that they know they are not alone in their journey.
Sage II at Monarch View Groundbreaking Event
What a glorious day this was. Our families, friends, local politicians, and community members came together to celebrate our Sage II at Monarch View groundbreaking event. This event was not only special because of our five new townhomes, we also celebrated 15 years of providing Baltimore City families with reunification assistance!
City Council President, Brandon Scott shared words of encouragement and showed his support for The Family Recovery Program, Inc. (FRP). Joyous moments like this are few and far between so we laughed, danced, and enjoyed it all while wearing our masks and practicing social distancing. Former FRP parent, Monique K. shared her story and how FRP has helped her and encouraged her to keep moving forward. Monique encouraged current residence to utilize the support they receive from FRP because it is life changing.
Dr. Jocelyn Gainers, Executive Director of FRP, Shannon Snow of Episcopal Housing Corporation, Jennifer Rosen, JD of the Department of Social Services, Dayna Harris of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and Roxanne Umphery Board Chair of FRP all came together to cut the ribbon for the ribbon cutting ceremony. John Friedel, the Executive Director of The Baltimore Station spoke on his relationship with FRP and how he has watched FRP blossom through the years.
This event was so much more than just celebrating the acquisition of these five new townhomes, this was a celebration for FRP being able to provide long-term housing solutions for the families that we serve. Every family deserves a fighting chance, and we are here to make that happen.
September Award Ceremony
On September 17, 2020 we celebrated many milestones. Our parents have either started their educational journey’s, moved to a new phase in the program, and their sobriety. There is always something worth celebrating and we make sure our families know just how proud of them we are.