The Development Committee of the Board of Humility of Mary Housing, Inc. is busy planning several fundraising events for the summer. First on the schedule is a fun-filled Night at the Family Museum. If you are looking for an activity that you and your children or grandchildren can enjoy together, the Family Museum in Bettendorf is the place to be Saturday, June 11 from 5pm to 8pm. Clifford the Big Red Dog will be there as a special guest. In addition, there will be hot dogs, chips, beverage, and dessert; entertainment; and entrance to the museum and its many activity centers. Admission is $5. Please call 563-326-1330 to make your reservation.

This event, as well as the others being planned, is to benefit Humility of Mary Housing, Inc. (HMHI) in its mission to provide a supportive housing program and opportunities for growth and development to single parent families who have experienced homelessness. It is a program that helps families help themselves; helps them reach their potential and their dreams. It is a program that helps two generations at once. The parents work on education and or job training goals as well as life skills of parenting, budgeting, nutrition and housekeeping to reach their goal of self-sufficiency. The children learn there is a different way to live; they achieve in school and get help when needed so cycles of homelessness and poverty can begin to disappear. One mother said HMHI "not only provided a roof over their heads but also a foundation under their feet." Nearly 700 families including nearly 1400 children have been provided supportive housing services by HMHI since 1990. Each family has its own furnished apartment and works with one of the professional social workers on staff to put together a plan for achieving their goals. This plan, as well as other needs, is monitored through weekly meetings.

This program has grown and has been successful because it has a professional, committed and caring staff and a strong, supportive base of volunteers and donors who have a great passion for the mission of HMHI. The support of the Quad City community is essential in order for HMHI to continue working to meet the great need. Over 300 applications are received each year and there are only 47 apartments available in the program.

Other events being planned are the 22nd annual, very large, Fresh Start Benefit Sale of new and gently used items held at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds starting the evening of August 16 and going through noon of August 19; and, the second annual Jazz Brunch scheduled for September 25 at the Crow Valley Golf Club. Watch for more information on these events.

Mark your calendars for all these events and, please, let us see you there. For additional information about any of them, please call 326-1330; email: hmhiowa@netexpress.net or click on to our website at www.humilityofmaryhousing.com.

Just Kids Commemorates Anniversary with Sports-Themed Celebration


April 26, 2011 - Just Kids Early Care & Education Centers in Milan, IL is celebrating 35 years of providing high-quality early education services to the Quad Cities community.

Just Kids is a non-profit, United Way partner that has been providing services in Milan since the organization's inception. They operate 4 child development centers and serve over 250 families annually. Just Kids has over 50 early childhood professionals working together to educate young children, build public support for high-quality programs, improve professional practice and support area families.

"All young children deserve high-quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for life. Just Kids has had a great opportunity to contribute to this need for the past 35 years," said Vera Hinrichsen, Executive Director of Just Kids. "I am honored that parents have continued to turn to us to help give their children a positive start."

The organization is inviting the community, particularly current and former Just Kids families, to celebrate their 35th anniversary at their "High Five for 35" event on May 11, 2011 from 5:30-7:30 at the Milan Community Center, 2701 1st Street East, Milan. This sports-themed event will feature free family activities, crafts, raffle baskets and dinner for $1. Kids can also meet Mo Mallard and Monkey Joe. Blackhawk Bank & Trust, a loyal supporter of Just Kids, is serving as the principal sponsor of this celebration.

For more information on Just Kids Early Care & Education Centers, please visit www.justkidsinc.org.

Makes Record 2000 Pushups

MOLINE, IL– May 2, 2011 - John Morrow's Push-Ups for Peace event last Saturday netted $5000 for charity and a world record 2000 push-ups on the backs of hands in an hour by John Morrow. According to Morrow, the current Guinness World Record holder for this event is Paddy Doyle of England, who made 1940 five years ago. Morrow will submit his claim to Guinness for review.

"I'm still running on adrenalin," said Morrow on Monday, two days after the event. "I feel terrific, and it's nice to be on the way to eating again!" Morrow accomplished 2000 push-ups in the hour on the backs of his hands, after fasting for 41 days. His videographer, Chuck McClurg, has the event recorded as the climax of a video documentary Morrow hopes will air on national TV.

Approximately 200 people were in attendance, including the group push-uppers, volunteers and the media.

"We more than doubled last year's donations to kids' charities," said Morrow. "It was great to see so many people show up with such enthusiasm and willingness to participate in any way they were able."

All push-up proceeds are evenly divided between Quad City Children's Therapy Center, Kids Against Hunger, and the Make A Wish Foundation. Spectator admission proceeds will benefit the Rock Island Word of Life food pantry.

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The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program today named an Iowa student as one of America's top ten youth volunteers for 2011 at the 16th annual national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Honored as a National Honoree was:

Sarah Cronk, 18, of Bettendorf, co-founded a cheerleading squad at her high school that includes students with disabilities, and then formed a nonprofit corporation that encourages teens across the country to start similar squads at their schools.

Also recognized during the four-day celebration as an Iowa State Honoree was:

Jungah Kelly Lee, 14, of West Des Moines, organized a small group of youth and adult volunteers to clean up trash once a week in her neighborhood in order to make it safer and more attractive.

As a National Honoree, Sarah received a personal award of $5,000, an engraved gold medallion, a crystal trophy for her school and a $5,000 grant from the Prudential Foundation for the nonprofit charitable organization of her choice. State Honorees received awards of $1,000 and engraved silver medallions. Both students received an all-expense-paid trip with their parents to Washington, D.C., for this week's recognition events. At last night's event the two students received personal congratulations from Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon.

About the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
The Prudential Spirit of Community of Awards, the United States' largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer service, was created in 1995 by Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). The program serves to honor young people who are committed to making a positive difference and to inspire others to consider how they can also contribute to their communities and the world.