Future Programs

Season of Giving Initiative

The Season of Giving is a holiday initiative created by Come to Life, a nonprofit

organization dedicated to empowering families in the Lynchburg area through support and community-driven programs. The Season of Giving program provides

underprivileged children with holiday gifts, ensuring that every child in our

community can experience the joy and excitement of the holiday season, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

In 2024, Come to Life aims to serve at least 100 children from low-income families, providing each child with three age-appropriate gifts. This program alleviates the financial burden many parents face during the holidays, allowing families to focus on spending quality time together without the stress of providing gifts.

Problem Statement

Lynchburg and surrounding communities are home to numerous families facing

significant financial hardships. Many of these families are struggling to meet basic needs such as housing, utilities, and food, leaving little to no budget for holiday gifts.

Without intervention, children in these families may experience disappointment or feelings of exclusion during a time that is traditionally filled with joy, celebration, and togetherness.

For families already under immense financial strain, the inability to participate in

holiday celebrations can further damage family morale and emotional well-being. By addressing this gap, the Season of Giving helps restore hope and joy during the

holiday season, strengthening family bonds and community spirit.

Program Objectives:

The objectives of the Season of Giving program are:

1. To provide at least 100 underprivileged children with three holiday gifts each.

2. To alleviate the financial burden of gift-giving for low-income families in the

community.

3. To promote inclusivity and a sense of belonging among children and families

during the holiday season.

4. To engage the local community through donations, volunteer efforts, and

partnerships.

Target Population:

The Season of Giving program specifically targets low-income families in the

Lynchburg area, with a focus on children ages 3–15. These families are typically

identified through local schools, community organizations, and social service referrals.

Many of the children we serve come from single-parent households, families

experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, and those receiving government

assistance.

Outcomes and Impact:

The Season of Giving initiative provides immediate relief to families by ensuring that every child has the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with joy and excitement. The program helps foster a sense of normalcy for children who might otherwise be excluded from holiday traditions due to financial constraints.

Key outcomes include:

Improved family morale: By relieving the financial pressure of holiday shopping, parents can focus on celebrating the season with their children.
Increased community engagement: The program strengthens community ties by encouraging residents, local businesses, and volunteers to participate in making the holidays brighter for those in need.
Sense of inclusion for children: Each child who receives a gift will feel valued and included in the holiday festivities, reducing feelings of isolation or exclusion.

Pathways to Empowerment Program (PEP)

The Pathways to Empowerment Program (PEP) is a holistic initiative created to provide families with the resources, skills, and support necessary to overcome poverty, housing instability, and educational challenges. Through customized action plans, families are guided through financial literacy, housing support, educational development, and family empowerment to achieve long-term stability.

Problem Statement

In the greater Lynchburg area, many families face the intersecting challenges of poverty, housing insecurity, and limited access to quality education. These challenges often prevent families from achieving financial independence and can perpetuate a cycle of instability. The lack of comprehensive, tailored support services leaves families vulnerable to eviction, financial crises, and educational setbacks for children. There is a critical need for integrated services that address not only immediate crises but also equip families with the tools to thrive long-term.

Program Objectives

Housing Stability: To prevent eviction and homelessness by providing housing support and stable housing placement.
Financial Empowerment: To increase financial literacy, reduce debt, and promote savings through workshops and individualized coaching.
Educational Achievement: To improve educational outcomes for children through tutoring and academic support while providing parents with career development opportunities.
Family Empowerment: To strengthen family dynamics, promote emotional well-being, and provide access to personal development and peer support groups.
Holistic Support: To create tailored action plans for each family based on their specific needs, offering a full range of services.

Target Population

The Pathways to Empowerment Program serves low-income families in Lynchburg, VA, and the surrounding counties of Bedford, Amherst, Appomattox, and Campbell. These families may be:

At risk of eviction or homelessness
Facing financial crises such as debt or lack of savings
Struggling with children’s school performance
Seeking opportunities for personal or career development

The program particularly focuses on families with school-aged children, helping them secure a stable home environment and educational success.

Outcomes and Impact

The Pathways to Empowerment Program aims to create lasting, measurable improvements in the lives of participating families. Key outcomes include:

Housing Stability:

80% of families will avoid eviction or secure permanent housing within the first year of enrollment.
Families will maintain housing stability for at least one year after placement.

Financial Empowerment:

75% of participants will create and maintain a household budget.
60% of families will reduce debt and increase savings within 12 months of financial coaching.

Educational Success:

85% of children enrolled in tutoring will demonstrate improved academic performance, as measured by school reports and progress evaluations.
50% of parents will complete career training or obtain new employment.

Family Well-Being:

70% of families will report improved communication and family dynamics after attending workshops and counseling sessions.
Families will form supportive peer networks through participation in family empowerment groups.

Impact:
By addressing housing, financial, educational, and emotional needs in a comprehensive and customized way, PEP empowers families to move from crisis to stability. The long-term impact includes reduced reliance on emergency services, improved quality of life, and increased opportunities for future generations to break the cycle of poverty.