My name is Madison Church and I am a tenth grader at Paisley IB Magnet School. As a part of the International Baccalaureate program, I am required to complete a tenth grade personal project. I have founded an organization called “INN MAKERS” that’s mission is to provide support for homeless teens. My first project is to help pregnant homeless teens and teenage mothers and their children through a new program at The Children’s Home of Winston-Salem called “My Aunt’s House.”

After speaking with the Chief Development Officer of the Children’s Home, Norma Pearman, I became convinced that there is a real need for the My Aunt’s House program. My goal is to donate at least $10,000 to the renovation project of the current Reynold’s Cottage where My Aunt’s House will be located. My Aunt’s House will house homeless teen mothers under 18 and their children. Currently in Forsyth County there is not a single shelter that will accept teen mothers and their children because they are minors. The My Aunt’s House program gives new mothers the skills to raise healthy children while they are also working towards their high school diploma, their GED, or otherwise preparing for employment.

The Reynold’s Cottage at The Children’s Home needs major renovations before the My Aunt’s House program can open its doors. The reconstruction project has begun, but the five families currently housed in the Stockton Cottage can not move in until the project is complete. Eventually the house will hold an average of 8 families per year. The Children’s Home goal for this project is a total of $1.4 million. In donating $10,000 to this project we are not only contributing to the beginning of a worthy project but to the futures of many young women who need loving guidance.

 

To raise money, I am holding a benefit concert at Paisley on the evening of September 25, 2009 from 6-8pm. Jonas Sees In Color, a popular teenage band, will perform, a light dinner will be provided (FREE Dominos Pizza, Drink and a Brownie), several raffles will be held, as well as an online silent auction. I will be selling tickets at Paisley as well as around the community. All of the proceeds will be donated to The Children’s Home, Inc. Please support my efforts with a donation to the raffles or silent auction, light dinner, or by a financial contribution. Your generosity will be recognized at the benefit as well as by The Children’s Home.