Archive for March, 2012

Thank you, Jeff!

Monday, March 5th, 2012

Solutions for Change has been awarded a grant of $2,500 from the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Million Dollar Round Table which is an association of financial industry professionals. The foundation makes grants to “charitable organizations that are empowering people in need in MDRT member communities worldwide.”

Our application was submitted and championed by long-time Solutions supporter Jeff Crane, who is a Financial Consultant at a local Thrivent Financial for Lutherans office. During his more than three years of involvement with Solutions, Jeff has become an enthusiastic advocate on behalf of the organization. Jeff sees a close fit between the ideals of his professional life and the goals of Solutions for Change. Both seek to provide long-term security and solutions, while maintaining high personal and ethical standards for everyone involved.

“As a financial professional, I was also impressed with the Solutions plan in strictly economic terms,” says Jeff. “When Solutions speaks of creating a permanent solution for a family, they mean giving people the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to become and remain housed, tax paying members of the community—forever. It’s a program based on accountability and responsibility.”

The MDRT Foundation grant will be used to advance Solutions’ Finding Our Way Home program, whose goal is to help 200 families and their 400 children find a permanent solution to their homelessness within three years.

“The MDRT Foundation is proud to honor your volunteerism and commitment to North County Solutions for Change” said the letter to Crane announcing the foundation’s decision.

Thank you Jeff for your involvement and continued support!

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An Amazing Journey: Linda Martin

Monday, March 5th, 2012

Can dreams come true? Can miracles happen? Can those who’ve been homeless rise above almost insurmountable odds and seize an opportunity to succeed?

Ask Solutions for Change resident Linda Martin.

Last Friday, a dream came true for Linda. A miracle happened. She was acknowledged and honored with the 2011 Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Award at the group’s “Live Your Dream” gala, held at the Shadowridge Country Club. The award carried with it a $1000 scholarship toward her studies in criminal justice at Mira Costa College, a congressional recognition plaque signed by Congressman Darrel Issa, and a proclamation read by Vista Mayor Judy Ritter declaring the next day as Linda Martin Day.

From homeless to a congressional plaque, a day in her honor, and an award for being a person who “faced economic and personal hardships and is seeking to gain skills, training and education.” What an amazing journey it has been for Linda and her eight-year-old son Isaac.

The story that has such a happy ending had a difficult beginning. Two years ago, Linda and her son were homeless and out of options. Linda knew she had to do something, find some way to get back on track, not only for herself but for Isaac, who was then only six years old. Linda wanted Isaac to have a bright future, so she made the most important call of her life—to Solutions for Change.

From the time she and Isaac walked through the doors at Solutions nearly 2 years ago, Linda has been on a clear path to success. She has inspired residents and staff alike with her commitment, dedication, and can-do attitude.

And can-do she does. Linda is now a full time student at Mira Costa College and expects to receive her degree in criminal justice in May of 2013. It’s the first step toward a career path that includes paralegal, and possibly law school.

“Sometimes, all people need is someone to come alongside them, to believe in them and to help activate the potential within them. They’ll take it from there, as Linda certainly did,” said Solutions President and Executive Director Chris Megison.

“I’m grateful to everyone at Solutions, and all the people in the community, for the support that has made my new life all that it is and will be,” said Linda.

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Books on the Move

Monday, March 5th, 2012

How do you move several thousand books? With lots of helping hands, which is what several Wells Fargo North County employees brought to local nonprofit Solutions for Change on Sunday, February 19.

Solutions, which serves homeless families in North County, has a three year old program called Books for Real Change. Books donated by members of the community are sorted, cataloged, and offered for sale on Amazon.com, generating income for programs that provide the skills, knowledge, and resources parents and their children need to regain their footing and become self-sustaining and housed once again.

The Books for Real Change program outgrew its quarters at the main Solutions for Change campus, and moved to the group’s new Solutions Training Center in Vista.

On Sunday, a team of 40 Wells Fargo volunteers packed, moved, unpacked, and shelved books—and they even  assembled the shelves, as well as repainted the old facility with paint donated by Vista Paint.

“I’m very proud of our team members who have volunteered to help support Solutions for Change,” said Teresa Moseley, Wells Fargo Community Banking District Manager for the Tri City Market, who along with Wells Fargo Vista store manager Ismael Zermeno have championed the Solutions for Change program within their organization. “Our team members care about giving back to their local communities and want to support the many North County families who are working so hard to have a place they can call home.”

“Books for Real Change is an important program for many reasons,” said Solutions co-founder and vice-president Tammy Megison. “It helps Solutions’ residents learn job skills, it generates income for our programs, and it impresses on everyone the need to find real solutions when confronted with challenges.

“We’re very grateful to the Wells Fargo employees who are giving of themselves to assist us,” said Megison.

“We’ll have a lot more capacity in our new facility, and we encourage anyone with any kind of books they wish to donate to call us at (760) 941-6545 or visit us at www.Solutionsforchange.org,” said Megison.

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