Watch Jon’s interview below as he discusses the Soul Foundation:
The full interview can be found on CNN
December 10 2010
Category Archives: Editorial
December 1 2010
Update on Seattle’s 1811 Eastlake Housing for Homeless Men & Women
DESC is one of the largest multi-service non-profit agencies in the Pacific Northwest serving over 6,500 homeless adults annually. When Jon visited 1811 Eastlake, he was able to see first hand and discuss their Housing First model of providing housing to those in need while also offering on-site support services intended to address the core issues that have led to homelessness. The visit left a lasting impression on Jon and the JBJSF awarded a grant to 1811 Eastlake which was used toward a much needed computer lab for the residents which is now up and running. 1811 Eastlake reports that the residents are thrilled with their new computer lab and the staff is currently organizing classes for those wanting to improve their skills or access services and job opportunities.
Please click HERE to view photos from the computer labs grand opening!
Please click HEREto listen to Jon speak about what he learned while on tour last spring
November 30 2010
Jon Bon Jovi Visits Soul Foundation Projects
Jon’s first stop was in Camden, NJ where he visited with the students and staff of Hopeworks and the C.R.I.B. (Community Responding In Belief). The JBJSF provided funding for this project which opened its doors to its first resident in September 2010. The C.R.I.B. offers students a safe atmosphere with structured learning where youth can succeed. C.R.I.B. will house up to 10 youth, ages 18 and older, who must also be either enrolled in college courses or employed.
To view photos from Jon’s visit, please click HERE
For more information about Hopeworks ‘N Camden and the C.R.I.B. program please click HERE
Jon’s second stop of the day was to check on progress at the Connelly House in Center City Philadelphia. This project is currently under construction and is scheduled to begin accepting residents in Spring 2011. The JBJSF partnered with Project H.O.M.E. and Bethesda Project to help build a LEED-Certified apartment building that will serve as housing for formerly homeless men and women. The new 63,000-square-foot, eight-story high-rise consists of 79 single-resident units, as well as a multi-purpose room, computer lab, exercise facility, offices for Project H.O.M.E. and Bethesda Project, kitchens and additional social service amenities.
To view photos from Jon’s visit, please click HERE
For more information on the Connelly House, HERE
November 8 2010
JBJSF Teams Up With Students from Hopeworks ‘N Camden
Trainees at Hopeworks go through a curriculum that teaches them how to build web sites for clients. Completion of the training can earn them a job in Hopeworks’ web business, which is an incentive to continue in a work skills program that compliments their academic work. The main goal for Hopeworks youth is to continue their education, most often in Community College. They attend daily literacy sessions where they work one-on-one with a teacher or volunteer to improve their skills or to work on their classroom assignments. Part of the literacy program is a Digital Storytelling program where youth write an essay about their lives, record it and use the recording as the soundtrack to a video. This is often the first exposure the youth have to editing a video. Like most young people today they pick up the process quickly and their videos often exceed expectations.
In addition to Hopeworks’ Web and GIS work, their staff also works with trainees to produce videos for clients, such as this JBJSF video. Hopeworks youth will meet with clients, help to plan the location shoots, act as the crew on shoots, log the footage and help to compile a “paper edit”. Generally it is a staff member who does the final edit, reviewing it at different points with the trainees involved.
On this video Jonathan (“Jon”) Lugo logged the footage and worked with staff to develop the paper edit. Trainee Chris Alicea was part of the crew on the location shoot.
Jon is taking a film appreciation class this semester and is in the process of shooting a class project and Chris has been involved with several other shoots and is working on a video that will be uploaded to the Hopeworks site at the end of the year. Working on the JBJSF video gave Jon and Chris more valuable experience in this field as they continue with their studies.
For more information, please visit the website for Hopeworks ‘N Camden
The JBJ Soul Foundation thanks the youth of Hopeworks for their thoughtful input to this video as well as their dedication to moving their lives forward in a productive way… one SOUL at a time!!
October 21 2010
In Jon’s Own Words: What I Learned
In just the four years since our Foundation began its work, we saw the faces of those experiencing homelessness change, thus our recent investment in projects that benefit veterans, youth and families.
When Jon began his Circle Tour, he saw it as an opportunity to explore the causes and issues, as well as resources and strategies at work around the country. Here, in his own words, he shares what he learned, how the people he met validated the work we do, and most of all how they touched his heart and SOUL.
Just like the Tour site visits were stops along the way; our Foundation’s journey to combat homelessness has just begun. We thank you for your ongoing support of our Mission.
Sincerely,
Mimi Box, Executive Director
Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation
Please click HERE to watch the video and listen to Jon’s reflection on the places he visited, the people he met, and the affect it had on him
Please Click HERE to listen to the full audio and more in-depth recounts about his visits
