It is difficult being young, single and pregnant. Now imagine being young, single, pregnant and homeless. Unfortunately, that’s the plight of over 1000 women and children each year in Greater Cleveland who find their way to Continue Life Inc., a homeless shelter and transitional housing program for pregnant and parenting women.
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Visibility Marketing Inc. will hold Don’t Drop the Dream, a fundraiser for Continue Life, Inc. “These women need so much. We want to alert Greater Clevelanders that there are young women and children who need their help. Even a little goes a long way…from diapers to mattresses to carpeting and home repairs to tickets to an event,” said Montrie Rucker Adams, chief visibility officer for Visibility Marketing Inc. “Most of us are fortunate to have a safe place we can call home. If it’s just for a moment during a time of crisis, these ladies can call Continue Life home,” added Adams.
Don’t Drop the Dream begins at 5 p.m. Thursday, October 7 at Massimo da Milano, 1400 W. 25th Street. Entertainment includes Cecil Rucker and Good Vibes, and singers Nancy Redd Shelton and Kelly Chapman.
After working several years in the public relations industry, Adams founded Visibility Marketing Inc., a marketing communications and public relations firm focused on making their clients “more visible.” “This is a very significant occasion for us,” said Adams. “I was ten years old when, after visiting my father’s chemical plant in Puerto Rico, I decided to own a business. I didn’t know what kind, I only knew that eventually I would make it happen. That little girl’s dream never left me.”
Don’t Drop the Dream is a celebration of perseverance and hope. “So often along this entrepreneurial journey I’ve thought about giving up and ‘dropping the dream,’ but then I think about the sacrifices my father and other entrepreneurs in my family made. I also think about those who encouraged me. The women of Continue Life have to persevere – never losing sight of their dreams and goals for their families. They must be encouraged to not drop their dreams.”
Balinda Cavor, Continue Life’s executive director explains that the teens and women who come to them have had their dreams crushed by others as well as themselves. “They report feeling like nobody cares and are often shocked when they learn that we genuinely want the best for them. They sometimes give up before the miracle happens,” she said. “It is a wonderful day when they bring a new baby home and then stick it out and watch their dream of housing, employment, a GED and for some college, come true. We get so excited when they allow us to help them make their dreams real,” offers Cavor.
Don’t Drop the Dream is a free event, however a $10 or more donation to Continue Life Inc. is encouraged. Reservations are required. For more information, visit visibilitymarketing.com, continuelife.org or call 440-684-9920.