Sunday, March 23 -
St. John’s March Outreach Collection, on Sunday the 23rd, will benefit Identity, Inc., whose last board chair (and current board member) is St. John’s own Sarah Whitesell. In addition, St. John's member Melanie Folstead has served as Identity’s investment advisory. Identity is a Montgomery County nonprofit serving Latino and other historically underserved youth and families for more than 25 years.
At school, in the community, and on playing fields, Identity helps Latino and other historically underserved youth and families reach their highest potential and thrive. Identity works with 10,000+ clients plus their families each year, benefiting 50,000 residents with culturally sensitive, trauma-responsive social-emotional, academic and workforce programs through six high school-based Wellness Centers, two community-based Youth Opportunity Centers, and out-of-school-time programs at twenty schools. All programs are complemented by family case management and clinical and non-clinical behavioral health services.
Identity transforms lives, and its clients demonstrate tremendous resilience in the face of great challenges.
Like family, Identity celebrates their victories and offers help when something extra is needed.
Identity youth report real improvements in their ability to manage difficult emotions; resolve conflict; speak up for themselves; and avoid substance use and other harmful behaviors. They also show improved school attendance and achievement, and their families report improved trust and communication and more involvement in their children’s lives and civic life.
St. John’s has successfully partnered with Identity to serve newcomers to Montgomery County in many ways, including donating household essentials and winter coats. Identity and its clients are “beyond grateful” to the leadership and members of St. John’s Norwood Episcopal Church for our shared commitment to justice, equity and inclusion. Especially in these times, we can meet the moment together.
You can there are many ways to give. You can donate via Breeze and select "Outreach Sunday: Identity, Inc." Write a check payable to St. John's Norwood with "Identity, Inc." on the memo line. Or give directly to Identity at identity-youth.org/donate or by mailing a check to Identity 620 E. Diamond Ave., Suite K, Gaithersburg, MD 20877. Please contact communications@identity-youth.org if you have any questions or want to learn even more about Identity.
Thanks!
- Sarah Whitesell