Michelle Venema, CEO of Home of the Sparrow, recently spoke at the Exton Region Chamber Community Partnership Council’s annual Nonprofit Board Reception about its support for the Council.
The Council is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents through collaboration between businesses and nonprofit organizations like Home of the Sparrow in Chester County.
Venema spoke to more than 100 attendees at the reception.
She pointed out the benefits of partnering with organizations like the Exton Chamber as a way for Home of the Sparrow to network, share resources, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit everyone.
“By joining and supporting the chamber, we’ve gained access to valuable resources, from marketing opportunities to professional development and beyond,” she told the attendees.
She also appreciated the Exton Chamber’s ability to advocate for businesses at the local, state and national levels.
“They represent our interests in discussions with policymakers, ensuring that our community’s voice is heard in critical decisions that affect us all,” whether it’s fighting for favorable regulations or pushing for infrastructure improvements, or for the needs of the nonprofit community, she said.
Home of the Sparrow is a silver sponsor member of the Exton Chamber which has given it access to potential supporters, partners, advocates, volunteers and resources, she said.
“Plus we get amazing promotion and keep our name top of mind,” Venema said.
Home of the Sparrow attends chamber-sponsored events, workshops and mixers, increasing its community connections.
It also promotes Chamber initiatives, sharing information on its social media pages.
“Who doesn’t want to be associated with marquee events like Pints With a Purpose, the annual awards dinner, women centric events, corn hole tournaments and Casino Night,” she asked.
Home of the Sparrow also encourages its board members to volunteer and get involved with the Chamber, joining Chamber committees, engaging in local discussions and sharing its positive experiences.
“Supporting our Exton Region Chamber of Commerce is not just about helping businesses; it’s about investing in our community’s future,” she said.
“It’s about creating a thriving environment where nonprofits like ours and residents can prosper together. By working hand-in-hand with this chamber, we strengthen the foundation of our economy and enhance the quality of life for everyone.”
Home of the Sparrow partners with women facing homelessness to secure housing, achieve long-term stability, and chart new paths for their futures.
Funds raised directly assist women, mothers and children with services that include:
• Emergency eviction intervention with direct payments to landlords
• Rent subsidies giving a woman time to increase her income and decrease her expenses
• Help to pay security costs to acquire affordable housing
• Specialized housing assistance for women re-entering the community after incarceration
• Housing in an HOS home for pre-senior women waiting for subsidized housing vouchers
• Support for Home of the Sparrow graduates and their children through access to family-friendly events, donations from the community including back-to-school supplies, holiday gifts, and bags filled with products and supplies to augment their limited budgets
