Summer Solstice Success Celebration 2024
Join us as we recognize individuals who have faced immense obstacles and achieved success.
summer solstice success celebration 2024
The annual Summer Solstice Success Celebration is a signature policy and advocacy event. Each year, we recognize the stories of our consumers who have achieved success despite the challenges associated with homelessness.
Homelessness does not have a ‘one size fits all’ solution. Ending episodes of homelessness means addressing health care, housing, and policy issues. The diversity of the success stories presented here is a shining testament to that fact.
success stories
Success in Advocacy: Cynthia English
Ms. English is a long-time advocate who brings personal experience and a commitment to implementing policy solutions for homelessness. Recently, she has been working with Care For the Homeless on the โPass the HPAโ Campaign to expand New York hate crime laws to include homelessness as a protected class. For more information on The Homeless Protection Act, visit passthehpa.org.
Success in Housing: Viola Hariston
Ms. Hariston has overcome many struggles, including using a wheelchair as a child and coping with the loss of her grandmother. She has found strength in writing poetry and has collaborated with the Writing Workshop at Alliance for Positive Change to publish some of her work. She aspires to one day write her own book. Additionally, Ms. Hariston has successfully secured permanent housing and will soon be moving into her new home. To read Viola’s poetry, visit bit.ly/violapoems.
Success in Education: Francis Rodriguez
Ms. Rodriguez has demonstrated remarkable perseverance in overcoming numerous obstacles. She completed a 5-week culinary course at Hot Bread Kitchen and continued her training by joining Project Renewalโs Culinary Arts Training Program. Ms. Rodriguez is passionate about cooking and sharing food with others. She is about to embark on a new role as a Senior School Lunch Helper with the Department of Education and aspires to open a family-owned food truck or small restaurant in the future.
