On July 27th, after our Bayview Family Connect, I went home with sticky fingers from holding a mother's popsicle as she put food and other essential items she received into her and her children's backpacks. Nothing feels better than connecting a person's need to necessary resources!
We were honored to collaborate with our Bayview partners for the very first Bayview Family Connect! The success was visible in the smiles of the children and words of appreciation both from providers and participants. It was a day that we all will never forget.
Thank you to all the volunteers who made this event such a success! From set-up and breakdown to food distribution, you all made the day run smoothly.
As I sat with the Project Homeless Connect team to debrief after the event, I realized that the day had a unique and special meaning for all of us. We were touched by the generous, open hearts of our volunteers as well as the appreciation and support shown from participants. It was nothing short of amazing.
One member of our PHC team you may know, but works behind the scene, is our Events Manager, Kate Grzeca. She helps ensure every aspect of our event serves our participants from organizing the chairs and tables to strategizing services. Below are a few words about what Family Connect meant to her and what it takes to plan an event.
Thank you again. Together, we made a difference.
Sincerely,
Kara Zordel
Executive Director
Project Homeless Connect
Hello, I'm Kate Grzeca, the Events Manager for Project Homeless Connect. Most people just see me running around the day of the event or know to contact me for their table and chair needs. I want to give you a glimpse at what goes into an event, especially a new event like Bayview Family Connect.
Our goal for each event is to make sure that we have relevant services for our participants that are organized logically, safely, and efficiently. It took more than seven months to plan and execute the Family Connect event. During those months we were:
Collaborating and meeting with local organizations to address the needs of the community
Identifying accessible spaces to hold the event and working with building personnel on logistics
Obtaining permits and street closures
Inviting non-profits who would provide relevant services
Meeting with city and non-profit agencies to strategize service area management, services, etc.
Coordinating supplies for providers and services
Securing donations of food, hygiene items, children's items and other give-aways
Planning the layout, which included: tables, chairs, electricity, internet access, traffic flow, permit and fire regulations and safety
Creating outreach materials for participants and volunteers
Advertising the event to participants
Identifying volunteer needs and recruiting volunteers
But all of this can't happen without you. Once the event opens it is up to you, our volunteers and providers to make the day great. Thank you for all your work on July 27th. We were impressed by your dedication and spirit. You worked long and hard by our side, helping out in new ways and even staying after to help clean up.
For me, each event is a reward for the months of work it takes to plan. This event was no exception because together we helped families get connected to the long term support they need and enabled a new generation to end the cycle of poverty and homelessness, and that is worth all our efforts. You will see in our outcomes that we were able to do so much!
We are beginning preparations for our next event. Please save the date and join us again for PHC 46 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on October 24th! Volunteer registration opens on September 12th.
Sincerely,
Kate Grzeca
Events Manager
Project Homeless Connect
Total number of client visits: 738
Total number of volunteers: 383
70 Banking Services (Including new Wells Fargo bank accounts)
24/15 Benefits & Follow Up Appointments Cal Works, CalFresh
74 Blood Pressure Screenings
116 California State ID Vouchers
50/33 Dental Screenings/Procedures
147 Employment
92/51/400 Eye Exams, Prescriptions & Readers
31 Hair Cuts
30 Legal Support
42 Massages
47 Medical Visits
45 Prenatal Intake
19 Senior Services
4 Medi-Cal
6 Substance Abuse, Mental Health & Methadone Treatment
13 Fun and Informative Classes
139 Family Portraits
20 Signed up for School with SFUSD
111 Housing Information
300+ Bedtime Totes from Project Night Night
21,226 lbs Groceries from SF Food Bank
600+ Books
Special Announcement
Eighth Annual "Step up to the Plate" Night Raising Awareness for those living in Poverty and Hardship Thursday, 8/23 vs. ATL 7:15 PM.
Partial proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Project Homeless Connect. Your special event ticket package also includes a Jeremy Affeldt bobblehead, only available through this offer! Jeremy is a longtime advocate for human rights and ending poverty.
Click here for more information and to buy tickets today!
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