An example of the work you are supporting
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Your Support Saves Lives
This true story has been de-identified to protect the confidentiality of the youth. A teen was kicked out and came to us. This youth had a history of running from home and didn't talk much while we first worked to repair the relationship and reunite them with their family or get them to another location approved by family and the youth while they were in shelter at BHYS. However, soon they opened up and told staff about frankly horrific abuse they were experiencing at home, to the point that they wanted to die rather than go home. The parents at this point had regretted kicking them out and were fearful they would divulge the abuse. They began to harass staff and call non-stop. Once the teen had told us about the abuses they experienced at home and we were able to connect them to safe extended family members who were desperately worried about them - we worked fast to coordinate between DCF, SOS, the Emporia Police Department and law enforcement in the town from where the youth had come. The forensic interview found evidence of physical abuse and neglect which fit the report from the youth about what they had experienced. Coordinating closely with these other agencies, we know we literally saved this youth's life, including attending court and sharing what we knew. We are so happy to be able to report that today this teen is living happily, healthily with extended family and is back in school, which they had been pulled from against their wishes. If Bloom House had not been there for this youth, we don’t want to think about what might have happened. When faced with challenges and hard days, it is the outcomes like this that keep us going, reminding us about why we are here. we are often asked: What is your big funding need right now?
If you are here on this page, you care about runaway and homeless youth!
The Office of the State Fire Marshal requires installation of a fire suppression and alarm system in the shelter is required for us to continue to serve youth in need in Kansas. We need just 57 people or groups to rally together with us to raise $1,000.00 and we will meet our $57,000 goal in no time! This will ensure we complete our fire safety upgrade plan in accordance with state fire code and DCF specifications. We take fire safety very seriously; we have a drop ladder for each room on the top floor and large egress windows and wall-afixed ladders up to them in the basement level rooms. We have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each room, and a fire extinguisher on each floor. Additionally, we do monthly fire drills and the youth in shelter are always under supervision with no open flames are allowed. However, we need to go farther with our fire safety plan. The fire marshal's approved plan for us includes the installation of a sprinkler system and fire alarm in the building. This will be crucial to be able to stay open and providing the best, safest, environment for the youth who need us. The youth we serve are runaway, homeless, and housing insecure teens in need of shelter or prevention services. By stepping in early to help set them on a path of success, we decrease the likelihood these young people will experience homelessness as an adult; we aim to stop dangerous cycles and give them the tools needed to be confident, self sufficient, community engaged adults. In 2024 we had - 24 shelter stays, 28 in 2023 (up from 13 in 2022 the first year we opened), some of which were chronic runaway or homeless scenarios - a very vulnerable situation. A snapshot of our numbers over a period of time shows the need we are meeting daily. We are already working with Jayhawk Fire Co, McElroy Plumbing, and Marmic Fire Alarm to make this happen! The Jones Testamentary Trust awarded us $35,000, Emporia Rotary gave $4,305.82, Evergy donated $2,500.00 and LCSB donated $500 during the Christmas holidays. This means we need just over $57,000 to cover the total needed for this project. |
A Snapshot of What We Do
from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024 656 Individual food pantry visits 970 Hot meals served 142 Individual hygiene closet visits 982 Instances of engagement in group recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities 137 Visits to our clothing closet 200 Engagements with case management 225 Youth Engagements with art therapy 56 Parent/guardian therapy sessions 53 Laundry services usage See the full 2024 service numbers on the home page! WEAR YOUR SUPPORTClick on the image below to buy your "Drop Bars Not Hate" shirt designed by Lisa Congdon!
Cost of this project: $52,227 (Sprinkler Install) + $21,000 (Plumbing) + $29,000 (Alarm) = $102,227 - $42,305.82 (Raised thus far) + 2,237.18 board and staff commitment = $57,684 needed
If just 57 people committed to raising $1000, we would have this made!We have so many ways for you to donate! You can donate via GiveButter, which does not take any fees!
That means 100% of your donation goes where you want it to go! You can also donate to Bloom House via Venmo or Paypal, whichever is your preferred way to give! |
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| certificate_of_good_standing_april_2024.pdf |