Reflecting and Becoming….
Higher Ground Abodes Community!
Cheers to a new year filled with joy and reflection! As we bid farewell to the festive season, join us in recapping our triumphs in 2023 and unveiling exciting prospects for 2024. As well, don’t leave this page without reading our wish list, also included. As always, we await your thoughtful contemplation and response!
Key Moments that Defined 2023
In retrospect, 2023 stands out as an extraordinary chapter in our history, and the credit for this accomplishment is owed to our incredible Higher Ground Abodes community. Comprising supporters, volunteers, donors, followers, and more, they have played a pivotal role in our journey. Also, a heartfelt acknowledgement is extended to the remarkable team at the United Way of Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM). Beyond providing funding, UWSEM has been instrumental in connecting us with a diverse range of experts and resources, becoming a catalyst for our mission. Your generosity—whether through financial contributions, the vibrancy of fundraising events, the invaluable gift of time and effort, heartfelt prayers, or other unique forms of support—has been the driving force behind our progress. It all comes together to strengthen our infrastructure and resolve to do this work!
Higher Ground Abodes’ Board during its January 2023 Study Session at the The James and Grace Lee Boggs Center - Detroit
“Bringing together people for extremely low-income Detroiters, who live at or below
30% of the area median income, to get home, help, & hope.”
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What Awaits in the Year 2024?
🏠 If you've been following our journey, you know our deep commitment to providing a shared home for foster youth. This year, we're ready to build on the successes of 2023 and make the dream a reality by raising the funds for an actual purchase.
Following the positive response to the Rocket Community Challenge, we're planning another crowdfunding event and at least one community gathering. As we unfold these plans, we'll keep you updated and hope you'll join us in making this vision a tangible, impactful reality. 🤝✨
🌸 This is Huge! Spring and summer will witness the launch of Higher Ground Abodes' groundbreaking Level Up Cooperative Camp. This initiative aims to introduce the concept of cooperative living as an affordable housing option for foster youth. The camp kicks off in May, coinciding with National Foster Care Month (NFCM), a moment to recognize the impact we can collectively make on the lives of children and youth in foster care.
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Ready to Make a Difference? Here's Our Wish List:
1. Ever thought, "I need a way to give back"? Well, we've got some exciting opportunities just for your consideration:
🏡 Architects: Bring your talents to the look and feel of our first home.
📱 Content Creators: Keep our social media buzzing with creativity.
💰 Professional Fundraisers: Join us in reaching our ambitious goals.
🎥 Videographers: Whip up engaging promotional and educational videos to “show-off” our work
🎨 Graphic Designers: Add your touch to our camp's marketing material.
🤝 Passionate Individuals: Join our board and advisory group, guiding our mission.
Also, if you are a student looking to earn some community service hours or do an internship, give us a call or reach out to us via email. Together, let's turn these opportunities into meaningful contributions! 💪🌟We have got you covered. To inquire, contact us via our website or phone at 313-444-2024.
2. Please remember to contact your legislators about the Supplemental Security Income resource limit bills (addressed in the blog last month - December —S. 2767 and H.R. 5408. I included a sample letter for your use below. Use it freely to contact your representatives. Unsure of who they are? Click here.
MAKING IT RIGHT!
Supplemental Security
Income Restriction Legislation
Please remember to contact your legislators about the Supplemental Security Income resource limit bills (addressed in the blog last month - December —S. 2767 and H.R. 5408 - in the process of becoming law. I included a sample letter for your use. See it below.
Use it freely to contact your representatives. Unsure of who they are? Click here.
3. As we journey forward, Higher Ground Abodes Community, please be sure to keep us in your prayers and best thoughts so that we remain rooted and established in love (Ephesians 3:17), seek God in our decision-making (Proverbs 3:5-6), and adhere to the command and promise of Galatians 6:9 that we never get weary of doing good.
4. Finally, please consider making a monthly pledge or a one-time donation. It all helps.
Thanks for your support of the Higher Ground Abodes community. We wish you a happy and healthy New Year!
Higher Ground Abodes Team
