Nicholas House Client Assistance Fund

Nicholas House (NH), founded in 1982, is an innovative organization serving more than 50 homeless families at any one time to become self-sufficient by providing transitional temporary housing and services to help families with the issues that caused their homelessness - e.g. unemployment, underemployment, education or job training needs, life and parenting skills, managing a budget, etc.

NH helped over 300 homeless children and their families last year. Amazingly, they have a 70% minimum success rate (i.e. after families leave the program, > 70% of them become self- sufficient).

The RCNA has supported Nicholas House for many years, with funding and dinner meal preparation. Jon Yaeger, a Rotarian since 1994, worked with the shelter at St. Bartholomew's in 1982. Recently, the RCNA donated $10K for kitchen improvements - a RCNA record.

This year, RCNA Rotarian Juliet Reising, who has been involved with NH for over 10 years (including as a board member for 5 years & president for 18 months), spearheaded a drive to benefit their Client Assistance Fund. With $350 donated by the RCNA and $930 from individual members, a total of $1280 was raised, involving the majority of our club members. These funds will be used for educational and other support purposes, e.g. providing funds for computers, gas cards for monthly work transit, GED exam fees, and Little League registrations.

The Nicholas House, in partnership with Rotary, is changing many lives for the better. Their unique program is highlighted by United Way as a model for success.