TITLE
Title
BUDGET AMENDMENT: CAMP HOPE AMERICA GRANT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Sonya Desai, Family Justice Center Director
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BACKGROUND
Background
The Guilford County Family Justice Center (FJC) has been awarded a grant for $50,000 from the Alliance for HOPE International for our local Camp HOPE program.
Camp HOPE America, a program of Alliance for HOPE International (Alliance), is the first and largest evidence-based camping and mentoring program in the United States focused solely on children impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Camp HOPE America began in California and has 52 established partners nationwide. Thanks to a generous grant to the national organization from Carolina Complete Health (formerly WellCare), Family Justice Centers and Camp HOPE programs in North Carolina were invited to apply for funding.
Guilford County’s Camp HOPE program was the first in North Carolina. Since our inception in 2017, we have provided pathways to hope and healing for 589 youth and 405 families impacted by domestic violence and child abuse. With over 50% of youth participating for at least 3 years, youth are experiencing an ongoing community of support as they heal from trauma and discover pathways to their future goals. Over 25,000 hours of mentoring and wrap-around support have been provided by 140 young adult volunteers, and 115 professional support staff. In addition to a transformational week of overnight summer camp where children experience intentional, supportive community and build confidence through challenge-by-choice activities, participants experience ongoing relationships with their peers and volunteer mentors through year-round group activities. Families consistently report that their child has grown significantly in confidence, self-esteem, social skills, empathy for others, goal-setting, and emotional regulation as a result of their participation in Camp HOPE. Children and families also frequently share that Camp HOPE is a reliable source of comfort, peace, and joy for them. Our dedicated team of volunteers and experienced professionals makes our Camp HOPE community a safe, loving environment for youth and their families. In 2026, Guilford County hosted the largest overnight camp with nearly 90 campers, and three (3) former campers serving in leadership for the first time as camp counselors. As our program continues to grow, we are committed to supporting the unique needs of youth and families who are healing from family violence, providing a safe place for them to heal, connect, and grow.
The funding is not restricted to current year expenses, so these funds can be utilized to support Camp Hope in Fiscal Year 2027.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
General Fund
$50,000 increase in appropriation to Family Justice Center
$50,000 increase in Other Revenue
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Approve receipt of the Camp Hope America Grant and amend the General Fund budget ordinance to increase the appropriation to the Family Justice Center by $50,000, with $50,000 in Other Revenue.
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