Current News
July 11, 2006
The Frank Howard Allen Mill Valley Office
Supports AHO With Matching Grants
Highlights From the Presentation at the Company's
July 11 Office Meeting
MILL VALLEY, CA - Mill Valley Office Manager Andy Gellepis comments on the excitement generated at today's office meeting. "We were fortunate to have a number of people from Ambassadors of Hope and Opportunity (AHO) and community leaders present at our office meeting today to enlighten our agents to the vital role AHO plays in the lives of youth in transition. We're proud to be able to support this important organization with our Matching Grants Program. The enthusiasm exhibited by our company and agents was extraordinary."
Ms. Zara Babitzke, Founder and Executive Director of AHO presented to Frank Howard Allen agents along with the CEO of the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Kathy Severson, adding her perspective. Other community leaders such as Mike Kadel, VP of Tamalpias Bank, San Rafael Office, were also present. Zara announced that 6th District Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey has pledged support of AHO and agreed to become an Honorary Board Member and Advisor for AHO. "Lynn already has plans to assist us with our development" Zara revealed. "She will be connecting our organization with other groups in Marin County to generate more awareness about this underserved group of people ages 18-25 that are making the transition to adulthood. Largely unknown, this is the fastest growing homeless population."
Kathy Severson shared her view of AHO's importance in the local community: "I have teenagers and recently had first hand experience with the vulnerability of youths at this stage in life. Our family was able to take in some teenagers and help them through some of their life changes. The opportunity to become a mentor was invaluable and an experience for all of us. I appreciate the role we can play and understand the real benefits an organization like AHO can provide more than ever. It's great to see a company like Frank Howard Allen supporting our local communities directly with programs like this."
Zara noted the primary challenges AHO faces at this time. "When we get an opportunity to engage with our youth in need, we are able to affect positive change in their lives. Getting the word out to businesses like Frank Howard Allen, that are community-minded, and have programs that can help, is important to educating the community regarding this issue and educating people about the volunteer host family and life coach mentor opportunities we have available to work directly with our youth in need. It's interesting to note that the young adults we help are our greatest evangelists, engaging other youth to a new lifestyle. They are leaders among their peers, and often become peer mentors; peer to peer mentors are truly our best outreach to this unique culture of youth ages 18 to 25. They're the ones that inspire others in need to come to us."
For those interested in understanding the issues facing youth in transition in our society, there are two films worth seeking out. On May 22nd, a AHO brought the community together for a forum and screening of 'Aging Out,' a 2004 film by Roger Weisberg and Vanessa Roth, was featured as part of a community-wide forum at the Rafael Film Center. "The emotional connection with the audience at the screening of this film was profound. There were many youth present that identified with the subjects and commented that they felt as though they are not alone… they could have an impact and a chance to own their future. Last Sunday, July 9, 'Gas, Food and Lodging,' directed by Allison Anders, was screened at the Center. It was created in the 1992 and helped pave the way for a new genre of film making that increased awareness about this growing group of people that are often falling between the cracks of society."
About Frank Howard Allen's Matching Grants Program
Frank Howard Allen has a long history of supporting community causes. Each office chooses a local organization for inclusion in a Company-sponsored Matching Grants Program. Participating agents give a percentage of money from transactions, that the Company matches dollar-for-dollar, that directly goes to the cause. This year, Frank Howard Allen's Mill Valley Office has chosen Ambassadors of Hope and Opportunity (AHO) as their Matching Grants recipient.
"AHO fits several of the areas we believe are most important in our efforts to give back to the communities we serve," states Frank Howard Allen's President/Owner, Larry Brackett. "As youth make the change to adulthood, housing and social challenges in today's world are a significant issue. Our philanthropic activities are focused on children, education, culture and special needs, and AHO is serving critical needs in all of these areas. I'm honored that our Company has a chance to partner with our agents and support AHO in their great work."
About AHO
AHO is focused on preventing homelessness for youth, ages 18-25, and providing stable housing, guidance and a support network that is vital to the health of people making the step from adolescence to adulthood. The culture of AHO brings people that are homeless, yet often invisible to us, into an environment that engages them with pride and dignity and guides them through life transitions.
