The Brightside: Village of Hope gives families a fresh start in Salisbury
SALISBURY, Md. — Village of Hope is a transitional living program that supports women and children who need help getting back on their feet. In the latest edition of The Brightside, we take a look at how community leaders are supporting the village, sponsored by Choptank Electric Cooperative.
Village of Hope provides one- and two-bedroom apartments for up to two years for women at risk of homelessness. The goal: to offer help that builds confidence and fosters independence, including employment, financial, and housing stability.
President and CEO Annette Johnson said, “We also want them to have a sense of empowerment. Even though they may have gone through challenges, they had the courage to seek out a resource and an opportunity to rebuild their lives.”
A resident of the program, Phyllicia Innis, started at the Christian Shelter before joining Village of Hope.
“I was homeless, I found out I was pregnant, and I didn’t have anywhere to go. They took me in. I applied for this program, and once I got accepted, it took a little patience,” Innis said.
Through workshops, programs, and guidance, the village helps residents feel at home.
“Christmas — my very first Christmas here — was a special experience. The gifts and donations they gave me and my child were incredible, because I really wasn’t able to give him as much as I wanted,” Innis said.
Johnson said it’s crucial to make the village feel like a community.
“It’s important that we provide an experience like Christmas. Every child deserves to experience the holiday at the happiest, most joyful level possible,” she said.
These experiences encourage others in the community to get involved.
Kim Nechay, executive director of the Perdue Foundation, said, “At Perdue, we believe in delivering hope to our neighbors. There’s no better way to do that than through Village of Hope.”
The Perdue Foundation donated $67,500 to help renovate the apartments. Village of Hope has been in operation since 1988 and plans upgrades for 15 apartments, including new refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, and any necessary electrical work, Johnson said.
“They deliver hope to these families and women in need, and we’re honored to participate,” Nechay said.
Perdue and the Village of Hope are calling on the community for your help, “We’re hoping that all of our neighbors, other businesses, other individuals who know the value of what village of Hope does here in Salisbury will be interested in investing in it, because we certainly where we know the good that they do, and we’re honored to be able to participate and hope others will join us.” said Nechay.
To join the cause and for more information, you can check out their website.
Do you have a Bright idea? Email us at Newsroom@wmdt.com.
