A Season of Possibility

Dear Friends,

As a new school year approaches, we at Everstand (formerly United Methodist Home for Children) are inviting you to help us launch a season of possibility—for young people who need it most.

With some school supply categories rising more than 20% in cost since the pandemic, for the students we serve, many of whom face significant financial hurdles, this growing burden can make back-to-school season feel overwhelming.

Your support can be the difference between a student simply returning to school and truly thriving. With your generosity, we can provide the tools, support, and stability that pave the way for lifelong success. All donations make an impact—for example:

• $25 could help to offset the cost of essential school supplies, ensuring every student has the basics to start the year with confidence.
• $50 could sponsor one individualized tutoring session, building a strong academic foundation for a struggling learner.
• $100 could provide access to engaging enrichment opportunities like art, culinary, or horticulture programming.
• $250 could supply multiple students with backpacks fully stocked with appropriate grade-level materials.
• $500 could underwrite calming kits or sensory tools to support students coping with trauma or anxiety.

You have the power to ensure that the youth in our programs start this school year ready to succeed—inside the classroom and beyond. You can visit www.everstand.org/backtoschool to make a fast, secure contribution today. No matter the size of your gift, it will create a lasting impact on a young person’s life. If you prefer to support our youth by purchasing supplies directly, please use the link provided to access our Amazon wish list. https://a.co/3OcNDH6

Thank you for being part of the Everstand family. Your support makes all the difference—and we’re so grateful to have you with us as we begin a new school year full of hope and promise.

Warmly,

Laurie Anne “LA” Spagnola, MSW
President & CEO, Everstand

Everstand Highlights Human Trafficking Crisis in Annual Report

Everstand* is proud to announce the release of our FY24 Annual Impact Report, a comprehensive reflection of the transformative work we have accomplished this year. This report celebrates the resilience of the children, youth, and families we serve and highlights the essential programs and partnerships driving our mission forward.

One of the most compelling features of this year’s report is a special profile on our Regional Navigator and Lotus Programs, which serve survivors and suspected survivors of human trafficking. These programs provide critical support, including safe housing, trauma-informed care, pathways to healing and independence, as well as crucial education to raise awareness within the community.

Human trafficking is a harrowing crisis that disproportionately affects vulnerable youth, especially those in the foster care system who have experienced childhood trauma. Studies reveal that youth with a history of abuse, neglect, or unstable living environments are at a significantly higher risk of being exploited by traffickers. For Everstand, this reality underscores the urgency of our work and deepens our commitment to standing against exploitation in all its forms.

Through the Regional Navigator and Lotus Programs, Everstand offers survivors not only safety but also hope. The programs provide wraparound services that prioritize each individual’s unique needs, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and empowered to reclaim their futures. In the last year alone, these programs have provided life-changing support to dozens of survivors, connecting them to resources, legal advocacy, and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity.

As we observe Human Trafficking Awareness Month this month, Everstand invites you to join us in standing against the exploitation of children and youth. Together, we can amplify awareness and inspire action to combat human trafficking and support survivors.

On #WearBlueDay, observed annually on January 11th, we encourage our community to wear blue as a symbol of solidarity. By participating and sharing your support on social media, you can help spread the word and stand with us against this devastating issue. Tag us on Facebook (@everstand.social) or Instagram (@everstand_social) and use the hashtag #WearBlueDay to demonstrate your commitment to protecting children and youth from exploitation.

The FY24 Annual Impact Report also includes powerful testimonials from our donors and volunteers, insights into our innovative therapeutic programs, and a look at Everstand’s ongoing efforts to address systemic issues affecting vulnerable populations. We invite you to explore the stories and successes that have defined our year and inspired our vision for the future.

To support our mission and learn more about the impactful work you make possible, visit www.everstand.org. If you’d like to request a hard copy of the FY24 Annual Impact Report—or additional materials such as informational brochures—you can do so easily through our online form at www.everstand.org/supplies.

By working together, we can break the cycle of trauma and exploitation and create a brighter future for all children and youth. Thank you for standing with Everstand as we continue to champion hope, healing, and resilience in the face of profound challenges.

*New name, same great programs! In 2018, The United Methodist Home for Children (UMHC) in Mechanicsburg, PA merged with Board of Child Care. In May of 2024, we began operating under the unifying name of Everstand, which reflects our commitment to standing beside, standing up for, and standing strong with those we serve.