As many of you know, effective September 1, Chad Houser has taken his
rightful spot as the Executive Director of Café Momentum. With passion as a
spearhead, Chad’s leadership sets up a solid foundation for the restaurant’s
mission and makes the opportunity for growth a real possibility. Now, more than
ever, we want you to engage and connect with this movement. This is your chance
to be a part of the making—helping Café Momentum grow from the ground level.
Your support means being a part of something much larger. The juvenile
justice system allots plenty of room for young offenders to repeat old habits
and act on poor behaviors. Café Momentum interrupts that pattern. It helps the
young men recognize their capabilities and build onto their strengths. To date,
this program has given them vocational training, employment prospects, and
multiple professional references. Without an opportunity like this, many of
them refuse to even acknowledge their potential and return to discouraging
environments. Your contribution helps to create a place that is hopeful and
inspiring.
As a case in point, one of the young men who dropped out of school has
gone on to earn his GED, secured employment at one of Dallas’ hottest new
restaurants, and applied for college. Café Momentum has the ability to
turn these young men’s lives around with just a dash of encouragement. It gives
youth the tools and confidence they need to be successful adults and
contributing members of society. As this
same young man says, “There aren’t that many people who say they are going to
help and then follow through and do it. [At the last Café Momentum Dinner] I
felt like I was at home. Best night of my life.”
We need your help. Secure the
future of these young people by securing the future of Café Momentum. We have
an opportunity once per year through Donor Bridge and Communities Foundation,
where all gifts will be matched (to some portion). Donor Bridge 2012 will occur on September
13, 2012. Your gift will be accepted from 7:00 a.m. to midnight through DonorBridge of Texas. Click on “Youth Village Resources of
Dallas” as the charity and then be sure to click on “Cafe Momentum” as the
program. In order for the Café
Momentum gifts to be matched, you must donate on-line during this time.
As Café Momentum continues its progression toward a sustainable
business, the philanthropic endeavor remains the heart of its mission. As a
community supporter, you serve as a key ingredient to this project. We are
counting on you to be part of the social change and innovation that Café
Momentum has to offer. You make it possible to change the outcomes for these
young men.
Sincerely,
Your Café Momentum Development Team
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken
men”—Frederick Douglas
