My Nonprofit Reviews

On behalf of Hope in a Suitcase, I want to take a minute (though you deserve more than that) to THANK YOU and SHELTER PARTNERSHIP for the items you sent Hope in a Suitcase & The Emporium's way in late July!

From our new headquarters at The Emporium: Foster Resource & Literacy Center, Hope in a Suitcase and our Emporium Partners provide new clothing and essentials to Los Angeles children during their most vulnerable times: As they are first entering foster care; when the suddenly move from home to home; and when as they age out of the system. Many of the children we serve have little but the clothing on their backs or a few items which they carry in a plastic garbage bag.

We serve 3,500+ foster youth eacy year, and we simply could NOT function without the amazing support of Shelter Partnership, and the shoes, clothing, bags and other items they provide. They efficient and sensitive to our needs and, more importantly, the needs of the youth we serve, who are struggling to fit in to new communities and new school situations.

Rhonda Villanueva (our primany contact point) clearly understands and cares about the population we serve and their needs - both tangible and emotional, and also just makes it possible for our lean organization to function by making sure we get what we request, when we need it - never too much or too little for the children we are anticipating.

Recently, our volunteer led non-profit was forced to move. We are really up and running full swing now, thanks in large part to Shelter Partnership's help in "stocking the shop", where children in foster care are invited to come choose for themselves the clothing and literacy material they want and need, entirely free of charge. The clothing, shoes, socks hats and hygiene bags you sent have been a big hit.

This past Sunday alone, Hope in a Suitcase served 129 foster children, and they were so overjoyed to be able to choose from great items and start the new school year off with confidence.

I know the older TAY (transition aged youth") Emporium shoppers are loving the "wear to work" items and dresses as well. Having the right items to wear to an interview or a new job can help make the difference between getting on their feet, or living in a car for some of these youth.
A couple memories from a recent event: A seven year old girl who walked in feeling very nervous, and an hour later was dancing around in a pair of sparkly vans shoes. A middle school aged boy who wanted to play sports at his new school, and was over the moon when he found a pair of Nikes that would make him "jump higher"

One thank you note from a 15 year old girl I've transcribed below:

"I would like to thank you first off for one the experience. For all the kids out here with nothing, you help show that there are brighter days. I am so grateful that words are not enough to explain. My auntie has tried time & time again to find me clothes and shoes I'll like, or more importantly fit. & today I was able to walk out of here with everything I needed & more. The volunteers are very kind & patient. They made me feel at ease. Honestly, that's all one can really hope for and you at Hope in a Suitcase & Shelter Partnership made that possible for me today! I hope this letter of thanks was able to show at least a sliver of my gratitude! Thank you, Andrea"

THANK YOU!!!! WE ARE SO GRATEFUL FOR RHONDA, SHELTER PARTERSHIP, AND THE WONDERFUL COMPANIES THAT DONATE ITEMS !