Jess Runs Berlin for Families in Philly

In April of 2023, I set a goal to run all six world major marathons (Boston, Berlin, Chicago, London, NYC, and Tokyo) while fundraising for nonprofits. When I set the goal, I already had one under my belt – I ran the Chicago Marathon in October 2022 and raised over $3,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This year I raised over $4,000 for the Human Rights Campaign while giving my most valiant effort to run the New York City Marathon (I’ll be back for that finish line…) And in September 2024 I am going to hit the streets of Berlin – while fundraising for families right here in Philly.

In September, I joined the team at Families Forward Philadelphia (formerly known as Travelers Aid Society of Philadelphia). The mission at Families Forward is to help families experiencing homelessness become healthy, productive, and self-reliant. By providing emergency shelter, community housing, personalized case management, workforce development, education initiatives, and agency supports, we are focused on keeping families together during times of homelessness, helping them create stability by offering housing, comfort, support, and hope.

We operate Philadelphia’s largest emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness, serving 65 families nightly, as well as maintaining 75 transitional and permanent supportive housing units in West Philadelphia. In doing so, Families Forward plays an important role in offering a pathway out of poverty and homelessness in Philadelphia, supporting an average of 200 families annually across our programs—including over 400 children—and facilitating on average 50 positive housing moves annually.

At Families Forward Philadelphia, we believe that family can be defined in many ways. We also believe that families should stick together. You see, Families Forward is the only shelter in Philadelphia that welcomes and serves the entire family—not just the head of household—including serving single fathers and teenage boys. Often families must be separated to access emergency shelter, with mothers and children going to one location and fathers to another.

We know that maintaining the family unit builds continuity of strength that better facilitates the attainment of basic needs services, encourages overall well-being, and helps family members thrive through emotional support and togetherness.

Our government contracts keep our doors open and lights on, but our support makes the difference. The donations made by supporters like us fund comprehensive, life-changing services like individualized case management, workforce development, education services, and general support.

We provide a home for our families while they are hard at work to achieve their personal dream. When they’re here, they’re our family.

I invite you to join me. Homelessness will not be eradicated overnight, but if we all come together, like family does, we will see steady progress to better the lives of our fellow citizens. A gift to the Families Forward is a tangible way to join our mission.

Thank you for your commitment to me and my endeavors – but also to our families, they feel your support!