The 2021 Celebration of Families Gala honors the successes and resiliency of families
What happens when families dedicate themselves to doing the hard work to strengthen their bonds and remain together? What happens when they have the support of public and private organizations? Lives change! Families prove that they are one of the most important community units. They prove that together we are more.
HAMPTON, Va., Dec. 30, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On December 16th, 2021, Family Restoration Services and the F.O.O.T Community Learning Garden, in conjunction with the Hampton Department of Human Services, hosted the Celebration of Families Gala at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. Five families were recognized for their hard work and dedication to overcoming obstacles that threatened their security.
The line-up of speakers included: the Honorable Anton Bell, Hampton Commonwealth Attorney as the keynote speaker, Tamara Temoney-Porter, Ph.D., Director, Department of Human Services, and the Honorable Stephanie Jackson Afonja as Mistress of Ceremonies. The evening included music performances by recording artists Myra Smith-Jones and Johnny James.
Attendees were treated to a plated dinner and inspiring stories of families that overcame serious obstacles and strengthened their bonds, allowing them to remain together. Amazing things are possible when families receive support from the community, education, counseling, after-school care, and programs that help citizens become self-sufficient.
Celebrated families were honored by having their Christmas wish lists fulfilled and a surprise appearance from Santa. In a year full of struggles, it feels good to celebrate positive outcomes.
The 2021 Celebration of Families Gala was made possible by the following community partners:
- Family Restoration Services
- F.O.O.T. Community Learning Garden
- Peninsula Community Foundation of Virginia
- Dana Robbins, and Robbins Nest Realtors
- Got Fish? Seafood
- Author Walter Jones, and We Are the Change
- Langley Christian Church
- Covered by Aloysia
The F.O.O.T. Community learning Garden is tucked away in the courtyard by the Y.M.C.A. on LaSalle Ave. The Charitable 501c3 Learning Garden is the charitable arm of Family Restoration Services. Founders Adetokunboh ("Ali") Olusegun Afonja and his wife Stephanie Jackson Afonja, who is also on the school Board, started the learning garden in 2014 intending to feed local families. But it has grown into so much more. With a team of counselors, volunteers, and a professional horticulturist, the staff hold classes, show others how to create community gardens, and use the learning garden as a meaningful part of mental health practices. It is also the home of All Hands Hot Sauce, a product made by youth entrepreneur students.
F.O.O.T. (Families Overcoming Obstacles Together) Community Learning Garden is a non-profit in the Hampton, Virginia community. We provide vital education, nutrition, and fresh produce to local families. All learning garden projects emphasize the relationship of healthy living to emotional balance and behavioral stability. We strive to partner with other organizations to support the success of families and want to provide programs that allow families to gain the tools to live their best lives.
http://www.facebook.com/62302414/videos/604016884240693/ link to Celebration of Family Gala Video
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Media Contact
Erin Snyder Dixon, Holistic Family Solutions, +1 7578712855, [email protected]
Erin Snyder Dixon, 7578712855, [email protected]
SOURCE F.O.O.T Community Learning Garden
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