A participant in Home of the Sparrow’s Women’s Re-Entry Assessment Program found a unique way to express her gratitude to Home of the Sparrow by asking for donations to the nonprofit as a way to celebrate her 40^th birthday.

Judy, a single mom, posted her birthday fundraiser on Facebook, writing “Home of the Sparrow has been a HUGE help in my and Maddie’s lives. In honor of my 40^th birthday, we’d be honored if you’d contribute, so HOS can continue to pay it forward.”

She was able to raise $240 with her birthday fundraiser to help Home of the Sparrow continue its work in the community.

Judy successfully completed Home of the Sparrow’s re-entry program, also known as WRAP.

The program is a collaboration between Chester County’s Adult Probation, Parole, and Pretrial Office and Home of the Sparrow.

Its goal is to “wrap” each justice-involved woman with personalized services that meet their individual needs.

The idea is to help women like Judy regain their dignity, as they successfully re-enter the community and create a path toward a more stable housing and financial future. 

Stable housing is a key to reducing recidivism rates, according to the Home of the Sparrow website.

“We are so touched by this incredible act of paying it forward!” reads a statement on Home of the Sparrow’s LinkedIn page.

Home of the Sparrow’s mission is to partner with women and children in Chester County facing homelessness to secure housing, achieve long-term stability in their lives, and chart new paths for their future.

The nonprofit was founded in 1994 and now supports over 500 women and children each year.

It provides a safety net for single women, mothers, and their children.

Home of the Sparrow brings organizations and people together to solve the problem of homelessness, providing housing support, local resources, education, financial literacy, life-skills training, and counseling and parenting support.