Hope in Action

Building Bright Futures: The Possibilities are Endless!

Joey, a sixth-grader from Villaggio on Route 66 in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., has big dreams for his future. Through Hope through Housing’s Building Bright Futures initiative, Joey attends the after-school program where he lives and receives encouragement, mentoring and academic support to help build his confidence and self-esteem. Joey loves school, studies hard and receives good grades. His parents never have to fuss at him to do his homework. He already is thinking of college and would like to attend Harvard after he graduates from high school.

Joey has not quite decided on a career, after all, he is only in sixth grade. He has thought about becoming a chef because he enjoys spending time with his mother in the kitchen cooking. Mexican food is his favorite. However, a recent soccer camp held at Villaggio by the professional indoor soccer team, the Ontario Fury, has made him consider the possibility of becoming a professional soccer player.

No matter what he decides, Joey is well on his way. Hope through Housing’s Building Bright Futures initiative is there to help Joey discover that anything is possible and to provide him with the tools and resources he needs to pursue his dreams. The possibilities are truly endless when you give hope!

To learn how you can join Women of Hope, please visit www.hopethroughhousing.org/women-of-hope.

Former Resident Gives Back to the Community He Loves!

Jack Long was a resident of the Fountains at Sierra in Fontana, Calif. from 2010 to 2016. Like many of our seniors, Jack often struggled to live on a limited income. Some months were harder than others. Despite his financial hardships, Jack found comfort in helping his neighbors overcome many of the same challenges he faced. He could often be found in Lynda Roman’s office, the Hope through Housing Services Coordinator for the Fontanas, advocating for the needs of his community.

In 2014, Jack hit the jackpot, literally. On a hot day in July, Jack purchased a winning lottery ticket along with his favorite sugar-free popsicle at the local Cardenas Market. Jack always has been generous, but now he had the means to have a larger impact and really make a difference. He started the Fontana Foundation of Hope, a 501c(3) nonprofit, in 2016 to enhance the quality of life for the communities it serves by making donations to charitable causes that address community concerns and strengthen the capacity of nonprofits in the region.

Hope through Housing has been a recipient of Jack’s and the Fontana Foundation of Hope’s generosity and charitable giving. It is important for Jack to give back to his former community and the neighbors he loved. Because of Jack, the seniors at the four Fontana properties owned and managed by National CORE have a champion whose financial support offers them resources that improve their quality of life. These include scholarships to the Fontana Community Senior Center, which is adjacent to the four communities. Through the Fontana Community Senior Center, our seniors have access to classes and social activities. His support also provides for a bi-weekly fruits and vegetables program and field trips.   Recent field trips include a day at the beach, a visit to the LA County Fair, and tickets to the Quakes Minor Leagues Baseball Games.

To date, the Fontana Foundation of Hope has given more than $200,000 to support Hope through Housing’s Connection to Care program at the Fontanas. With every contribution, Jack lets Lynda know, “This is for the oldies to have fun!”

An Evening of Hope Gala, Endless Possibilities

We hope to see you on October 16 for An Evening of Hope, Endless Possibilities. With more than 95 sponsors and 800 guests, it is going to be a great night! Join us in celebrating what is possible when you give hope. For more details on the event, please visit www.nationalcoregala.org.

Gala Honorees Announced

The affordable housing industry can be difficult and challenging. There are so many factors that go into a successful development. They include leadership, community support and trust, and partnerships. This year’s Gala honorees embody the very best of our industry, demonstrating that when we come together to address the needs of our communities, great things are possible. This year, National CORE and Hope through Housing proudly honor Citizens Business Bank, Dignity Health and Wilfred N. Cooper, Sr.

Yes, CORE’s Got Talent!

At this year’s Gala, Hope through Housing will be featuring the amazing talent of three National CORE residents, 12-year-old Giselle Puente-Rivera, 15-year-old Grace De Dios Castro and Tonji Sookram. All three were discovered during regional tryouts held in June.  From the regional tryouts, the top 12 performances were showcased at the Canyon Montclair, a new music venue in Montclair. Giselle won the $1,500 in cash prizes, Grace received the People’s Choice Award, and Tonji was a Fan Favorite.

We are so excited to highlight these three amazing women. It has been a joy getting to know them. Watch their performances from the night at the Canyon Montclair.