We are excited to be one of the non-profit organizations highlighted at the June 25 Barnstormers game hosted at Clipper Magazine Stadium! A portion of each ticket sold will benefit AFH!In addition all games are open so anyone can purchase a ticket to a game in support of Ambassadors for Hope throughout the season! So if you or someone you know plans to attend any games this year please use this link to purchase your tickets: fevo.me/ambassadorsofhope23
If you purchase your tickets at the box office for any game this season be sure to tell the ticket agent that you want part of your ticket proceeds to benefit Ambassador for Hope! Please tell your friends and family about this wonderful opportunity to enjoy a hometown baseball game and benefit AFH! This is for any game all season long!
If you choose to attend the game on June 25 when Ambassadors for Hope will be one of the highlighted non-profits here is what else you can expect:
We are incredibly grateful to share that in February the Mitzvah Kids raised $505 to support the needs of children of incarcerated parents through their "Art With Heart" online auction off their Valentine's Day art! All of us here at Ambassadors for Hope are so thankful to have been able to work with them! To learn more about the Mitzvah Kids and what they do please check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MitzvahKids
Over the last several months I have been busy with several Family Fun Fest events at Millersville University by participating in the children’s activities prior to the performances. These events always draw a large crowd, and as usual the Ambassadors for Hope table was a hit with the colorful Legos and giant bear!
While the Millersville University student helpers turned their attention to the children, I was able to talk with the adults about AFH and the children we advocate for. These events are a great opportunity to educate the community about this important need and how they can help.
I have also attended several events at Burrowes Elementary school, most recently was the Health and Wellness event. The Community School Director, Alexander Rohrer organizes these events to connect the families at this school to community agencies on a regular basis throughout the school year.
Great progress has been made on the selection of books for middle school and high school ages for the children’s book project! I have continued working with several students and Dr. Lesley Colabucci, PhD – Associate Professor of Early, Middle and Exceptional Education at Millersville University, to review over 15 books. The goal is to provide a recommended list of books by the end of spring so decisions can be made regarding purchasing and distributing the selected books.
In addition to the above projects, I have also been busy coordinating with Clipper Magazine Stadium on our participation in the “Non-Profit of the Night at a Barnstormers Game” to be held on June 25. If you would like to join us in support of Ambassadors for Hope, please use this link to purchase your tickets: https://fevo.me/ambassadorsofhope23
The Family Services Advocate continues to support the unique needs of children and caregivers that are impacted by having a loved one in prison. To make the most impact possible, Karlee and other individuals at Compass Mark and Ambassadors for Hope have met to discuss what research is saying is best to support these families. One of the strongest recommendations is to offer evidence-based parenting classes.
The Family Services Advocate Program started implementing Parenting Inside Out, an evidence based parenting class for criminal justice involved individuals, at Lancaster County Prison in March 2023. These classes are offered to both males and females who have children and want to improve their parenting skills.
The FSA Program continues to mainly receive referrals for case management services from Lancaster County Prison and a few from schools or community organizations. There is a great need for parent connection, such as special visitation or any way for the child and parent to see or hear each other.
Karlee has presented to social workers and lawyers about the impact of parental incarceration on children and their families as well as the support the Family Services Advocate Program can provide.
In Spring 2023, two Millersville University undergraduates interned with the Family Services Advocate program. As interns, they worked closely with Karlee on all aspects of her role as Family Services Advocate. The FSA Program hopes to consistently maintain interns which will allow students to get hands on experience working in the community with families while also interacting with incarcerated individuals.