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The Pope Foundation’s new Grantee Profile focuses on SECU Family House, a 40-bedroom hospitality house located in Chapel Hill that offers an affordable, safe, nurturing home away from home for seriously ill patients: Before Family House opened in 2008, many patients were forced to sleep in hospital waiting rooms, on hospital couches, or in their own cars because they couldn’t afford to stay in nearby motels. SECU Family House solved that problem by offering standard rooms for $35 per night and $50 per night for a suite. Families who cannot afford those rates may pay even less. Family House provides a kitchen fully equipped to meet the demand of the 40 to 80 guests likely to be in residence on any given day. Every guest room has a private bathroom with a roll-in shower, its own phone with voicemail, an in-room safe, and a television. Family House fulfills its mission exclusively through the generosity of individuals, local businesses, and corporate and foundation grants — without any financial help from government.  Why is SECU Family House important? According to House Manager and Interim Executive Director Janice Ross, it’s because Family House offers patients a chance to ease their pain by providing healing and support along with a bed and a meal. “Folks here also support and encourage each other,” she said. “There are so many instances of our guests telling us how close they’ve become to other guests. Some of these friendships last for years after they’ve left Family House.” Read more Grantee Profiles here.

RALEIGH, N.C. FEB. 19, 2013 — The John William Pope Foundation, one of the top-giving philanthropies in North Carolina, is proud to announce the 2013 class of Pope Family Eagle Scout scholars. The scholarships, valued at $20,000 for each student, will help four young men pursue careers in the military, small business, and music industry. The mission of the Pope Family Eagle Scout Scholarship is to further the course of study for devoted Eagle Scouts who want to become leaders in the free-enterprise system. Since the first class of scholars in 2001, the Pope Foundation has invested over $1 million in these promising young men. “Helping these Eagle Scouts become the greatest leaders of tomorrow — that’s our goal,” said John Akerman, CEO of the Occoneechee Council, the scouting council that administers the scholarship. “We’re excited to see where life takes this newest class of young men.” The Pope Foundation funds two scholarships, valued at $40,000, and the Occoneechee Council funds the other two, also valued at $40,000. The Occoneechee Council is the largest scouting council in North Carolina, serving 20,000 youths and covering 12 counties. The 2013 class of scholars comprises: Michael Beley: Plans to pursue a career in mechanical engineering and own an engineering firm. Timothy Germann Jr.: Plans to pursue a career in the United States armed forces. Charles R. Smith: Plans to study business management with a minor in economics and own a financial or management company. Cameron Theobald: Plans to pursue a career in music and own a recording studio. For more information or interviews, contact Dave Riggs or David Bass at 919-861-6445 or press@jwpf.org. ABOUT THE POPE FOUNDATION The John William Pope Foundation, located in Raleigh, North Carolina, works to improve the well-being of the citizens of North Carolina and the nation through the advancement of individual freedom and personal responsibility. From its first grant in 1986 to the present, the Foundation’s giving has totaled over $100 million, primarily to charities and organizations in North Carolina. The Foundation is a private family foundation supported by the late John William Pope Sr. and his wife, Joyce W. Pope, and their children: their late son, John William Pope Jr.; Amanda Pope; and Art Pope. The Pope Foundation receives additional support from the family’s business, Variety Wholesalers Inc., which owns and operates Roses, Maxway, Super 10, and other discount stores, and has its offices and distribution centers in Raleigh and Henderson, North Carolina. ###

The John William Pope Foundation’s new Grantee Profile focuses on the Helping Horse Therapeutic Riding Program, a nonprofit that provides equestrian therapy to special-needs children in Wake County and the surrounding area: For many developmentally challenged youngsters, a miracle is waiting on a 13-acre farm north of Raleigh: a horse. Time on horseback can be life changing for special-needs children. Some children speak their first words while riding. Directing a powerful animal like a horse boosts confidence, improves coordination, and teaches valuable skills — skills that can set kids on a path to new life. Such dreams come true every week at Helping Horse, a therapeutic riding program that helps children grow and develop through recreational activities with horses. Founded in 1989, Helping Horse serves an average of 30 riders each week. The program is run entirely by volunteers — up to 75 a week — and has no paid staff. In 1997, the program moved to its current location on the White Farm north of Raleigh, North Carolina. “I’ve had a lot of parents tell me that their kids are so much better today than they were in the past — in walking better and living better,” said Toni Hofsheier, who serves as Helping Horse’s instructor coordinator. “At the same time, I feel that I get a lot more out of it personally than the kids do. It’s very rewarding.” Read more Grantee Profiles here.

The John William Pope Foundation’s new Grantee Profile focuses on the Raleigh Rescue Mission, a nonprofit serving the homeless in North Carolina’s capital city: Robert came to the Raleigh Rescue Mission with a long list of medical problems: prostate cancer, lupus, a knee injury, and a hernia. At the time, he had been living on the streets of downtown Raleigh for five years, destitute and alone. “It was cold nights. It was rainy days,” Robert said when describing his homeless life. “I couldn’t do anything but go between the soup kitchen and the shelter. I couldn’t find a job.” Without the Raleigh Rescue Mission, Robert admits that he would be dead today. “I am really grateful for being here,” he said. “I really am. The Mission has given me a second chance at life, and I really need it.” Another client, Melissa, says that the Mission saved her life. Her drug addiction had taken control of her, but after she got help, she’s been back in school to become job ready. “All of my needs were met at the Mission,” she said. “I have food. I have shelter. I have clothes. I have love. It’s really awesome.” Read more Grantee Profiles here.

The John William Pope Foundation’s new Achiever Spotlight tells the story of Lynn Daniell, executive director of the Raleigh Rescue Mission: Every popular super hero has an alter ego. Batman has Bruce Wayne. Superman has Clark Kent. Spiderman has Peter Parker. Lynn Daniell — executive director of the Raleigh Rescue Mission, a nonprofit serving the homeless in North Carolina’s capital city — has an alter ego, too. Throughout the year, Lynn changes his clean-cut appearance to dress up as Howard, a homeless man with long hair, bent teeth, and grubby clothes. He speaks at schools, churches, and other events. No one in the crowd realizes who Howard really is; they simply think he’s an impoverished man there to tell what it’s like to lack the basic necessities of life, comforts that most of us take for granted. When Lynn walks into the room dressed up as Howard, the usual reaction is dead silence. “Some people feel sorry for me,” Lynn said. “Others are scared to death.” Lynn uses his alter ego as a powerful method of communicating the hardships of homelessness. On a given night in Wake County, 1,100 men, women, and children are without shelter. The Raleigh Rescue Mission serves them, feeding 1,575 meals each week to individuals who otherwise might be forced to eat out of garbage cans. Read more Achiever Spotlights here.