Homes for Youth pays off mortgage early, credits fundraising efforts
Homes for Youth, a non-profit organization that supports foster parenting in Henderson County, paid off an initial 27-year term bank loan, with an original balance of $198,400, in just six years. The payoff event happened Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Main Street Branch of First Citizens Bank in Hendersonville, according to a news release.
First Citizens Bank Senior Vice President Amber Webb accepted the payoff check from Dr. Kathleen Lambert, founder of Homes for Youth, while Bradley Jones, the original loan officer, looked on. Homes for Youth President Angel Chandler credits the generosity of local and out-of-county donors and the hard work of board members and volunteers for reaching this goal.
“Our mission is to provide houses where foster parents can live and care for foster children, and that keeps more kids from being placed outside of our county,” she said. “It is often the case that no foster homes are available when needed, and the Department of Social Services must send the children to other counties, far away from their relatives, friends, schools, and churches. Homes for Youth has served over 30 Henderson County foster children for various periods of time over the last six years, and we have nothing but praise for the foster parents who have lived in our home. We are now embarking on fundraising efforts to buy a second house because the need is very high.”
Homes for Youth took out the mortgage in the summer of 2016. When asked about the relationship between Homes for Youth and the bank, Webb said, “We are proud to support many non-profits in Henderson County and in all the communities in which we are located. We’re strongly encouraged by our company leadership to participate in these organizations, four work hard to support them by getting involved in board service or otherwise, and help to make a difference.”
Foster parents began fostering Henderson County children in the Homes for Youth house in January 2017. Early loan payoff was always a priority goal as it is expanding the capability by purchasing more homes. “Our vision is to have several homes available for Henderson County foster children so that disruptions to their lives can be kept to a minimum,” Lambert said. “We are all pleased to know that many generous donors within and outside our county agree with that vision.”
Homes for Youth has recently entered a partnership with North Carolina non-profit organization Crossnore Communities for Children. According to Tanya Blackford, Executive Director, Western Division of Crossnore, “I remember when Homes for Youth formed seven years ago, knowing the need and lack of services, Homes for Youth was exactly what this community needed. This community is fortunate. Homes for Youth is the perfect example of the Margaret Mead quote, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’ Every child in Henderson County needs safety, family, community, and opportunities; this is especially true for children experiencing Foster Care. We are excited to partner with Homes for Youth and continue this necessary work."
Homes for Youth is planning to have a mortgage-burning celebration Thursday, Oct. 27 starting at 5 p.m. at Guidon Brewing Company, 415 8th Ave E, in Hendersonville. Donations to Homes for Youth can be made at the mortgage-burning event, by mailing checks to P.O. Box 1581, Flat Rock, NC 28731, or by visiting the Homes for Youth website at homesforyouth.org.
This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: Homes for Youth pays off mortgage early, credits fundraising efforts
