Harvest of Hope and Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr., will host the 2013 Father’s Day Brunch and Silent Auction Fundraiser at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens.

SOMERSET, N.J. – Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. will host the 3rd Annual Father’s Day Brunch and Silent Auction on Sunday, June 16 at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ. This event is planned to honor fathers throughout the state of New Jersey.

“Harvest of Hope is excited to have a great team of volunteers planning a very festive Father’s Day Brunch; this year’s brunch promises to be the best event yet. The team is selecting the best menu items to compliment a decorative afternoon with great entertainment; a celebration for all fathers, families and friends,” said Maureen Archibald, executive director of Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc.

Since its inception in 1996, Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc., a faith-based foster care and adoption agency founded by Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., has recruited and trained over 435 families to become licensed foster families. During the month of December last year, Harvest of Hope accomplished a significant milestone with the placement of their 1,000th child into those homes; more than 250 foster children were adopted by Harvest of Hope resource families providing a permanent solution for their need of a loving family.

The Father’s Day Brunch and Silent Action is an annual celebration and fundraiser organized by Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc., to honor all fathers. This year’s event, as in the past, will honor both men who have opened their homes and hearts for children and youth in the New Jersey Foster Care System and fathers who have continued to raise the bar in their homes and communities. The honorees include fathers, foster and adoptive parents as well as community leaders whose dedication and commitment has extended to volunteerism in their communities to provide children and youth with a stable and safe environment to grow in.

“It is important that we take the time to honor our all fathers, including our resource fathers who give unconditionally to children,” said Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr., founder and CEO of Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. “We know first-hand at Harvest of Hope, all the impactions of not having fathers available to children and so it is important to celebrate those who are have also opened their homes and have becomes segregates to other children,” added Dr. Soaries.

This special event has attracted a wide range of audience and special guests who continuously participate in the annual celebration. Previous honorees include, Dr. Randal Pinkett, a foster care parent and the 2005 winner of NBC’s hit reality television show The Apprentice, who is an active leader for the Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network, a multifaceted social service organization that serves children and youth in the care of the state of Illinois in addition to other at-risk population.

This year’s honorees will feature four fathers who have made an impact in their communities and continue to champion the cause for children daily both locally and nationally.

“We are pleased to bring this event once again to the Central Jersey community. It offers a great afternoon for families to sit together and truly appreciate fathers,” affirmed Archibald.

To register for the Father’s Day Brunch and Silent Auction, please visit http://2013harvestofhopefathersdaybrunch.eventbrite.com

For further information, please contact Stephanie Ahenkora via email at sahenkora@harvestofhopefamily.com

For more information about Harvest of Hope, visit: www.harvestofhopefamily.com

Harvest of Hope and renowned Hope Center Arts will address the needs of children in New Jersey Foster Care in the community.

WHAT:  SOMERSET, N.J. –In December 2012, Center for the Study of Social Policy reported a staggering number of 7,484 children in ‘Out-of-Home Placements’ or foster care in the state of New Jersey – an increase from the 2011 report which displayed 7,018 children in ‘Out-of-Home Placements. Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. and Hope Center Arts will lead The Hudson County Pastors’ & Ministers’ Luncheon on Tuesday, May 21 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hope Center in Jersey City, NJ.  This occasion will mark the second event of the 2013 state-wide campaign, planned by Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc., to organize churches in the expansion of its partnership model and recruitment of qualified families for foster care and adoption to service these children.

The state-wide foster care expansion is geared towards establishing a partnership among churches and faith-based organizations to continue providing permanent solutions for children and youth in the foster care system. Upcoming events will include Bergen County Pastors’ and Ministers’ Luncheon as well as Burlington County Pastors’ and Ministers’ Luncheon in June.

“The state’s goal is to minimize the disruptions for children when there is a need for out of home placements,” said Maureen Archibald, executive director of Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. “Our statewide campaign will create more placement options in the various counties throughout the state. The demands for homes is great for sibling groups and older children and so it is important for Harvest of Hope to create partnership with churches who are able to assist in responding to these increasing needs,” added Archibald.

Since its inception in 1996, Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc., a faith-based foster care and adoption agency founded by Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., has recruited and trained over 435 families to become licensed foster families. During the month of December last year, Harvest of Hope accomplished a significant milestone with the placement of their 1,000th child into those homes; more than 250 foster children were adopted by Harvest of Hope resource families providing a permanent solution for their need of a loving family.

The Pastors’ and Ministers’ Luncheon is a state-wide foster care initiative that will take place in 21 counties in New Jersey. Harvest of Hope Family Services will identify a host church in each county to coordinate this event. Previous events include Camden County’s Pastors’ & Ministers’ Luncheon which marked the launch of the program with Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., as a special guest speaker. In continuation of this effort, Hope Center Arts will host the Hudson County’s Pastors’ & Ministers’ Luncheon in the month of May.

“Discarded children are discarded destinies. Placing these children in qualified, safe, secure and loving homes breaks the cycle of hopelessness,” said Pastor Leigh Piatt-Gonzalez, president of Hope Center Arts. In an effort to increase the awareness and address the needs of children in foster care, Hope Center Arts will unveil its Orphan Night at 7 p.m. to the community as part of the ministry’s mid-week service program. The evening presentation will include appearances by different organizations including Harvest of Hope. “We are making children a top priority and look forward to meeting with families who are equally committed to raising the bar and improving the outcomes for the children who are entering state custody,” stated Maureen Archibald.
It has been widely reported that a substantial percentage of youth who are not adopted prior to aging out of foster care become a part of the homeless population. Across the nation, 20,000 youth ‘age out’ of foster care without stable and lasting families. The faith-based organizations and churches will play a pivotal role in this campaign to improve the outcome of children and youth, specifically, areas where the demand for “forever” families has a huge need in the state of New Jersey.

The state-wide foster care expansion is geared towards establishing a partnership among churches and faith-based organizations to continue providing permanent solutions for children and youth in the foster care system. Upcoming events will include Bergen County Pastors’ and Ministers’ Luncheon and Burlington County Pastors’ and Ministers’ Luncheon in June.
For further information, please contact Stephanie Ahenkora via email at sahenkora@harvestofhopefamily.com
For more information about Harvest of Hope, visit: www.harvestofhopefamily.com

‘Destination Home: Be A Champion for Children’ 5K Run and Walk will raise awareness about the needs of children in the New Jersey Foster Care System on May 4th.

SOMERSET, N.J. – Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. will present the 2nd Annual “Destination Home: Be A Champion for Children” 5 K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the North Brunswick Community Park, located on 2053 Route 130 South, North Brunswick, NJ 08902, at 8:00 a.m. Four-time track and field Olympian Joetta Clark Diggs will be leading the warm-up for this year’s race. The event will mark the organization’s kick-off celebration for the National Foster Care month in May in effort to raise awareness about the needs of 7, 484 children in the New Jersey Foster Care System.

“I invite the community to join us and show their support for children in the foster care system,” said Maureen Archibald, executive director of Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. “We know that everyone cannot open their home but this is a great opportunity for everyone to show their support and take a stand in ensuring the best outcome for all of our children,” affirmed Archibald.

In December 2012, Center for the Study of Social Policy reported a staggering number of 7,484 children in ‘Out-of-Home Placements’ or foster care in the state of New Jersey – an increase from the 2011 report which displayed 7,018 children in ‘Out-of-Home Placements’. In an effort to bring awareness , Harvest of Hope’s Destination Home: Be A Champion for Children 5K Run/Walk will help raise funds to support and service the children as well as resource families who continue to provide permanent homes for many children and youth.

Since its inception in 1996, Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc., a faith-based foster care and adoption agency founded by Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., has recruited and trained over 435 families to become licensed foster families. During the month of December last year, Harvest of Hope accomplished a significant milestone with the placement of their 1,000th child into those homes; more than 250 foster children were adopted by Harvest of Hope resource families providing a permanent solution for their need of a loving family.

“Saint Peter’s Healthcare System is proud to be a sponsor of Harvest of Hope’s annual run and walk in recognition of Foster Care Month,” said Philip Hartman, chief communication officer for Saint Peter’s. “Harvest of Hope does so much to aid children in foster care. These children and their families are our patients. Saint Peter’s is supportive of all measures to improve their lives,” added Hartman.

It has been widely reported that a substantial percentage of youth who are not adopted prior to aging out of foster care become a part of the homeless population. Across the nation, 20,000 youth ‘age out’ of foster care without stable and lasting families. Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. will team up with sponsors such as Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System and Church and Dwight Company Inc., to raise awareness of the needs of children currently in the system and to improve their outcomes.

We invite the community to join us on May 4th at the North Brunswick Community Park. Participants and sponsors may register or make a donation online by visiting www.beachampionforchildren.eventbrite.com.

For further information, please contact Stephanie Ahenkora via email at sahenkora@harvestofhopefamily.com
For more information about Harvest of Hope, visit: www.harvestofhopefamily.com.

It has been widely reported that a substantial percentage of youth who are not adopted prior to aging ou t of foster care become a part of the homeless population.  Across the nation, 20,000 youth ‘age out’ of foster care without stable and lasting families. Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. will team up with sponsors such as Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System and Church and Dwight Company Inc., to raise awareness of the needs of children currently in the system and to improve their outcomes.

We sincerely hope that you can include this in your announcements.

Schedule

• 8:00 AM Registration/T-Shirts & Family Fun Day Begins
• 8:45 AM Visit Vendors
• 9:30 AM Warm up with 4-Time Olympian Joetta Clark Diggs
• 9:45 AM “Just Finish” 1 Mile Family Fun Run Starts
• 10:10 AM –11:15 AM Visit Vendors & “Heels 2 Health” 40 Yard Sprint (Heels must be at least 1.5 inches; NO WEDGED SHOES)
• 11:30 AM Raffle off Prizes
• 12:30 PM Family Fun Run Ends

Entry Fees – Non refundable
1 Mile Fun Run Pre-Registration

- $15 for individuals

- $30 for the entire family & includes a t-shirt and medal Same Day Registration

- $20 for individuals

- $35 for the entire family & includes a medal and t-shirt while supplies last Location

Colonial Park, 156 Mettlars Lane Somerset, NJ 08873 by Spooky Brook Golf Course

Medals to ALL Children * T-Shirts to ALL Pre-Registered Runners, same day registration while supplies last

Great Free Activities * Music * Face Painters * Vendors * Snacks

For more information visit: www.joettasportsandbeyond.com or call 484-851-3148

Harvest of Hope and Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., will facilitate the Camden County Pastors’ and Ministers’ to address the needs of children in New Jersey Foster Care.

SOMERSET, N.J. – The Annie E. Casey Foundation reported in 2011 that there are 7,018 children in the New Jersey foster care system and close to 800 children are awaiting adoption. Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. and Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., senior pastor of First Baptist of Lincoln Gardens, will launch the 2013 Pastors’ and Ministers’ Luncheon on Wednesday, March 27, at 11:30 a.m. at the Tenth Street Baptist Church in Camden, NJ. This event will commence the state-wide campaign, planned by Harvest of Hope, to organize churches in the expansion of it partnership model and recruitment of qualified families for foster care and adoption.

Since its inception in 1996, Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc., a faith-based foster care and adoption agency, has recruited and trained over 435 families to become licensed foster families. During the month of December last year, Harvest of Hope accomplished a significant milestone with the placement of their 1,000th child into those homes; more than 250 foster children were adopted by Harvest of Hope resource families providing a permanent solution for their need of a loving family.

“The agency’s 17 years of history started with the recruitment of over 100 families from the congregation of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens within the first two years. We were extremely successful in the recruitment of families, many of which have gone on to adopt children who were temporary placed in their homes,” said Maureen Archibald, executive director of Harvest of Hope Family Services.

Since the initial years of the program, Harvest of Hope has continued to form partnership with churches throughout the state. “We look forward to this opportunity to meeting with pastors, ministers and church leaders in the Camden area to involve them in conversation and partnership,” said Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens.

The Pastors’ and Ministers’ Luncheon is a state-wide foster care expansion that will take place in 21 counties in New Jersey. Harvest of Hope Family Services will identify a church in each county to coordinate this event — Camden County’s luncheon will kick off this effort. It will be hosted by Pastor Tony C. Evans, Sr., senior pastor of Tenth Street Baptist Church in Camden, NJ.

“When spirit-filled Ministers of the Gospel come together, there’s bound to be ‘A Mighty Move of God…For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them’ (Matthew 18:20). Camden County is in store for a ‘Spiritual Uprising’ as we approach Resurrection (Easter) Sunday,” affirmed Pastor Tony C. Evans, Sr., senior pastor of Tenth Street Baptist Church.

“Harvest of Hope is committed to improving the outcomes for children throughout the state of NJ. We choose to begin this year’s campaign in Camden County due to the very high number of placement calls coming from the local offices in the County. We also know that the resources exist within the County to keep these children within their communities with least disruption from school and activities,” added Maureen Archibald.

It has been widely reported that a substantial percentage of youth who are not adopted prior to aging out of foster care become a part of the homeless population. Across the nation, 20,000 youth ‘age out’ of foster care without stable and lasting families. The faith-based organizations and churches will play a pivotal role in this campaign to improve the outcome of children and youth, specifically in various areas where the need for permanent homes is increasing in the state of New Jersey.

The state-wide foster care expansion is geared towards establishing a partnership among churches and faith-based organizations to continue providing permanent solutions for children and youth in the foster care system. Upcoming events will include Essex County Pastors’ and Ministers’ Luncheon in April, and Hudson County Pastors’ and Ministers’ Luncheon in May.

For further information, please contact Stephanie Ahenkora via email atsahenkora@harvestofhopefamily.com
For more information about Harvest of Hope, visit: www.harvestofhopefamily.com

We are grafeful to each of you.

We wish you GOD continued peace blessings and prosperity for 2013.

Harvest of Hope will celebrate its 1,000th child placed in a home during Martin Luther King’s Commemoration Weekend.

SOMERSET, N.J. – Since 1996, Somerset County‐based Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc., has recruited and trained 435 families to become licensed foster families. During the month of December, Harvest of Hope accomplished a significant milestone with the placement of their 1,000th child into those homes; 250 foster children were adopted by Harvest of Hope resource families providing a permanent solution for their need of a loving family. On Sunday, January 27, First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG) will give a special recognition during its 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services to the board and staff of Harvest of Hope as a part of its month long celebration of the lifelong work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I want to commend Harvest of Hope for their outstanding achievement in providing loving, safe and nurturing homes for 1,000 foster children who are the most at‐risk youth in our state. This organization has literally saved a thousand lives and it has saved the state of New Jersey millions of dollars by significantly reducing the number of children in the foster care system,” said Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation reported in 2011 that there are 7,018 children in the New Jersey foster care system and close to 800 children are awaiting adoption. In addition, it has been widely reported that a substantial percentage of youth who are not adopted prior to aging out of foster care become a part of the homeless population. Across the nation, 20,000 youth ‘age out’ of foster care without stable and lasting families.

“We are committed to creating opportunities and to advocate for the needs of children in the foster care throughout the state of N.J. ‐ recruiting families to commit to short term and long term responses to their need for care,” said Maureen Archibald, executive director of Harvest of Hope Family Services. “I want to thank FBCLG for their ongoing support and recognition of our significant milestone of the placing of the 1,000th child. FBCLG has been recognized nationally for its community outreach efforts and the public is welcome to be a part of this celebration on Sunday,” she added.

“We invite the community to join us as we honor the memory of Dr. King in creating opportunities for children and in finding solutions to improving their outcomes,” affirmed Archibald.

First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens is located at 771 Somerset Street, Somerset, N.J. 08873.

For further information, please contact Archibald via email at marchibald@harvestofhopefamily.com
For more information about Harvest of Hope, visit: www.harvestofhopefamily.com

Dr. Randal Pinkett

“Apprentice” winner and foster father Dr. Randal Pinkett to serve as guest host

(SOMERSET, NJ) – Men who have made an impact in the lives of children will be honored at the 2^nd Annual Harvest of Hope Father’s Day Brunch.

The brunch, sponsored by Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc., is on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 17 at 1:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, 771 Somerset, NJ 08873. Tickets are $25 for adults; $15 for children three to nine years old and children under three eat free. Tickets are can purchased online at http://fathersdaybrunch2012.eventbrite.com/.

In addition to the men being honored, there will be a silent auction featuring items from theater and basketball tickets to restaurant gift certificates and gift baskets. All proceeds raised from both the brunch tickets and auction items will support New Jersey’s foster and adopted children.

“So often, the role of men is overlooked when people think about raising children. We wanted to publicly thank the men who have made a tremendous impact on the lives of foster and adopted children,” said Maureen E. Archibald, executive director of Harvest of Hope, a state-licensed foster care and adoption agency.  “The men we’ve selected this year are outstanding, caring individuals who love children and want to change the lives of children.”

Six men have been selected and will be recognized at the brunch, where Dr. Randal Pinkett, CEO of BCT Partners, “Apprentice” winner and foster parent, will serve as the guest host.

“I am honored to serve as the guest host for an organization that’s working to change the lives of the children in New Jersey. Without Harvest of Hope, hundreds of children would not have a place to call home,” he said.

 “The experience being a foster parent has been life changing and rewarding. Like countless other foster parents, my wife and I believe we are making a difference in the lives of young people and we wouldn’t trade that for anything,” Pinkett continued.

In the last 15 years, Harvest of Hope has recruited more than 400 families to become foster parents to 900 children. Organizers have facilitated the adoptions of 236 children with forever families.

Harvest of Hope was founded in 1997 by Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens and CEO of the Central Jersey Community Development Corporation, parent company for Harvest of Hope. Its mission is to mobilize and utilize resources and advocate for policies that address the immediate and long-term needs of foster children. In the last 15 years, Harvest of Hope has recruited more than 400 families to become foster parents to 900 children. Organizers have facilitated the adoptions of 236 children with forever families.

For more information, visit www.harvestofhopefamily.com or call (732) 247-1270.

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