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When Family Connection Executive Director, Susan Johnston, announced that the nonprofit agency needed help with food and other supplies for runaway and homeless street youth in Birmingham, AT&T employees answered the call. Lynetta Baldwin, David Campbell and Jo Marie Allsup with AT&T led a food drive among the employees and collected boxes of food and other essential living items. They delivered the items and helped sort them so they were ready to give to youth who entered day shelter that day. Family Connection’s Project HOPE is a day shelter and street outreach program for runaway and homeless street youth. The purpose of these services is to assist youth in leaving life on the streets by providing access to stable housing and supportive services in order to reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse, exploitation, or physical assault. "These much needed items will allow us to help even more youth in crisis,” said Susan Johnston, Executive Director. “We strongly believe that many of these youth are victims of their circumstances and just need someone to help them.” “We know that this program makes a difference.” Family Connection, the connection that makes a difference in the lives of children and youth.
A note from youth who entered day shelter: “Let me tell how the Hope House has helped me when I was down they helped me to get a job and a place to stay. When I was hungry they gave me a good meal and the staff here are wonderful they talk to you and get you motivate for the real world and they have a way for us to get around…So that is why I like the Hope House they have clothes and you can take a bath and you can be a clean person. Love Always” May 12, 2009