STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Every year, the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser supports non-profits doing life-changing work in Monroe County. Now in its 22nd year, the event has raised more than $3,000,000 for our neighbors in need, and this year, four organizations were selected to receive funding.
Brianna Strunk with the Pocono Television Network introduces us to the second recipient.
About five years ago, Ana Karen Flores-Alfaro moved to the area with her son after escaping domestic violence. She felt lonely and struggled to start over in a new place as a single mom.
"It's hard because I don't have family here, and I did come from a very close family, so it's not like I can call and say, 'Hey, can you help me?' Because everything's hard right now for everybody," Flores-Alfaro said.
Family Promise of the Poconos, along with Executive Director Timaki Johnson, helped her secure temporary housing and eventually a permanent place to call home.
"She always thought of the school districts for my son, the good school districts, too, so I'm very appreciative of that. The organization operates emergency shelters for homeless families with children in Milford and Stroudsburg. Families also receive long-term support through case management, rental and utility assistance, diapers and furniture, school supplies, and more," Flores-Alfaro explained.
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Last year, Family Promise of the Poconos served about 150 families here in Monroe County, and that need continues to grow.
"I like to push them. Seeing them gradually achieve their goals, things like that, makes me very happy. Knowing they're going to their own space. They have their own room now, they have their own bed to lay in, so that fills me up with a lot of joy," Johnson told 28/22 News.
Today, Ana, Karen, and her 13-year-old son, who proudly made his school's football team, are thriving and have found a family through Family Promise.
"With anything I've ever needed, they've really been a great help," Flores-Alfaro added.
With funding from this year's Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser, Family Promise will continue its emergency shelter and case management services.
28/22 News is a proud sponsor of the 22nd Annual Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser being held on Wednesday at Mount Airy Casino Resort."
28/22 News Evening Anchor Candice Kelly has the honor, once again, to emcee this year's big event. That's when we'll find out just how much each organization is receiving.
