Homeward Bound of Marin

Expanding the housing options for our community plays a key part in our work to end homelessness. To that end, we've joined community partners in Housing For All Marin to promote a housing bond measure that could bring $700 million in new funding to the Bay Area. Our Co-Chief Executive Paul Fordham was among those gathered this week to learn more about the coalition and how the bond measure proposed for November's ballot can bridge the funding gap for building affordable homes. If you want to learn more, visit the coalition online or find their table at farmers markets around Marin to get your questions answered.

Along with the June opening of our new veterans housing, we'll celebrate many amazing milestones during this 50th anniversary year for Homeward Bound of Marin. Mary Kay Sweeney this week announced another one with the news that she will retire at the end of 2024, after 31 years of amazing leadership in our community. Our Board of Directors has elevated Paul Fordham to become our Chief Executive Officer, recognizing his 20 years of achievement at Homeward Bound will continue the dedicated progress toward our goal of ending homelessness with training, housing and hope.  Read Mary Kay's letter to the community and stay tuned for more celebrations to come! https://bit.ly/3zSKQYc

Along with the June opening of our new veterans housing, we'll celebrate many amazing milestones during this 50th anniversary year for Homeward Bound of Marin. Mary Kay Sweeney this week announced another one with the news that she will retire at the end of 2024, after 31 years of amazing leadership in our community. Our Board of Directors has elevated Paul Fordham to become our Chief Executive Officer, recognizing his 20 years of achievement at Homeward Bound will continue the dedicated progress toward our goal of ending homelessness with training, housing and hope.  Read Mary Kay's letter to the community and stay tuned for more celebrations to come! https://bit.ly/3zSKQYc

Enrollment is open now for Fresh Starts Culinary Academy! Our flagship job-training program provides 12 weeks of hands-on learning in the kitchen. Know someone looking for a new career path? Visit our website for the online application and more details. https://lnkd.in/gn7FyAJX

We had a fabulous day celebrating this milestone to put Marin County within reach of ending veteran homelessness! #veterans #HomelessnessIsSolvable

One of our favorite events is the year's Volunteer Appreciation Party, where we can shower gratitude on people who are indispensable to our programs. It's heartwarming to see everyone connect and recognize each other for their special contributions. Among our spotlight honorees were Sylvia Barry and Gary Chow, representing district leadership for the Rotary Clubs of Marin. Their Helping Hands Award recognized efforts by the corps of volunteers who helped prepare our new veterans housing for residents. The list of honors also included the Corporate Community Partner Award, accepted by Amy Loflin on behalf of Bank of America, and the Green Thumb Award, accepted by Kurt Lorenzi as a representative of CommuniTyler.

Our community at the New Beginnings Center shelter bids a fond farewell to Dez, who has been part of the team as a spiritual care counselor. She has spent 20+ hours per week since August 2023 in our midst leading meditation workshops and providing a listening ear to anyone who wanted to chat. We wish her well as she continues her studies at the San Francisco Theological Seminary's Shaw Chaplaincy Institute and look forward to an occasional visit.

We're excited to share this article about the work of Vince Beeton and Humans Being Media. His talent and compassion have been a powerful combination for sharing the experience of homelessness and ways that we can make a difference! https://lnkd.in/g9i3vZzT

Everyone is invited to the big event! The Grand Opening of this new veterans housing community will be 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 13. Read more and RSVP at https://bit.ly/3Uq4WiV

A student consulting team from Dominican University of California's Business Leadership course embarked this spring on a collaboration with Wagster Treats. Their goal was identifying new opportunities to grow the all-natural treats produced in the Homeward Bound kitchens. Led by Wagster Project Manager Andrea Rey, second from left, the students analyzed companies that produce treats similar to Wagster's and explored potential dog food distributors beyond state lines. They collected and examined data concerning various distribution channels, allowing them to identify both gaps in the market and opportunities for Wagster to differentiate its product offerings. This partnership not only provided the students with real-world business experience but also contributed to Wagster's strategic growth planning in the competitive pet food industry.