Orlando Sentinel Family Fund, A McCormick Foundation Fund, Donates to HOPE Helps, Inc.

OVIEDO, FL. (April 30, 2014) – HOPE Helps, Inc. announces receipt of a $20,000 grant through the Orlando Sentinel Family Fund, a McCormick Foundation fund. HOPE Helps, Inc. will direct these funds toward the Kids of HOPE Enrichment Program, specifically School Lunch Break Program, which feeds children from low-income families during all school breaks throughout the year. These students typically receive free or reduced lunch when school is in session and they are able to pick up free, healthy lunches at HOPE’s Food Pantry during each school break throughout the year! Additionally, the parents receive access to other resources, as part of HOPE’s effort to help them get their family back on its feet.

“The support through the Orlando Sentinel Family Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund, allows us to continue our efforts in alleviating hunger for children in our community, said Joan Faulkner, CEO of HOPE Helps, Inc. “Now in its 6^th year, Kids of HOPE has been extremely successful in tracking progress of families in need and helping them to self-sufficiency. When parents register their children, they are able to meet with a case manager to help them with a personalized plan to get them back on their feet. We’re into the month of May and already have 554 school children registered for the program”, Faulkner said. “Our client families will then be invited to register for the annual Back to School Bash, which provides everything a child needs to start school. The Orlando Sentinel Family Fund, a McCormick Foundation Fund, has been extremely instrumental in their support in funding this program.” 

HOPE Helps, Inc. Board of Directors receives a check from Lisa Jacobsen,
Corporate Giving and Communications Manager of the Orlando Sentinel Family Fund.

“The Orlando Sentinel Family Fund is proud to support HOPE Helps and their Kids of Hope program. Feeding hungry children during the school vacations and summer is critical and the need in our community is high. HOPE Helps is able to provide measurable outcomes that show an impact in helping to move these children and their families to be more self-sufficient,” said Lisa Jacobsen, Charitable Giving and Communications Manager, Orlando Sentinel Family Fund.

About HOPE Helps, Inc.

HOPE Helps Inc. prevents and reduces hunger and homelessness in Central Florida by assisting individuals and families in times of crisis and by equipping them to become self-sufficient through Housing, Outreach, Prevention and Education. HOPE’s services include a Food Pantry, Resource Center and Thrift Store. For more information, please visit www.hopehelps.org.

About Orlando Sentinel Family Fund

The Orlando Sentinel Family Fund, a fund of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, is committed to supporting programs that move low-income children and families to self-sufficiency. Since 1990, through the Fund, more than 870 grants totaling more than $35 million have been awarded to local nonprofit organizations serving Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake and W. Volusia Counties. To learn more about the Orlando Sentinel Children’s Fund, visit www.orlandosentinelfamilyfund.org.

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