July Upside Down Moments Newsletter

July was a month of significant progress for UpsideDown Moments. Even during the slower summer season, our mission never paused - this month brought life-changing milestones for young adults aging out of foster care, two babies welcomed into loving families, and generous fundraising support from across our community. From vehicle graduations to a Gala save-the-date, there's plenty of noteworthy news this month. Thank you for your continued support and for helping us create brighter futures for those we serve!

July Impact Statistics:

• 2 young adults graduated from the VEH program and purchased vehicles

• 1 young adult graduated from The Next Step Program

• 2 babies placed with foster families

• 1 vehicle donated (2012 Nissan Sentra from Paula Silva-Joyce)

• 3 community groups held fundraisers/donation drives (JWSL, a Latter-Day Saints congregation, Stonebridge High School football team)

• 13 total people assisted

Big Milestones, Bright Futures

Two participants who were the first to go through our VEH (Vehicle Empowering Hope) mentorship program back in April have now graduated and purchased their own vehicles - a 2020 Subaru Forester and a 2020 Nissan Altima!

Thanks to a grant from the Cloudbreak Foundation, we were able to help put down deposits on both vehicles. Because of mentorship, support, and community, these young adults aren't just getting cars - they're gaining stronger footing toward independence and a stronger future.

One young adult also graduated from The Next Step Program this month! She celebrated by completing a grocery shopping trip - building her own list, sticking to her budget, and putting her new life skills into practice. UpsideDown Moments was also able to help her with her security deposit as she settles into her own place.

Welcoming Two Babies Home

This month, two babies were placed with two wonderful foster families. We were honored to come alongside them with a crib, pack n' play, bouncer chairs, a stroller, a by-the-bed bassinet, a monitor, baby toys, books, diapers, wipes, swaddles, and clothes. Thank you to everyone who donated to help make these placements move forward - you helped welcome these babies into safe, loving homes.

Community Generosity

• Paula Silva-Joyce generously donated a 2012 Nissan Sentra to our VEH program, to be presented to a young adult aging out of foster care.

  

• JWSL, a local Latter-Day Saints congregation, and the Stonebridge High School football team all held fundraisers and donation drives on our behalf, collecting a large bin of new socks, school supplies, and backpacks for the kids we serve.

Thank you to everyone who gave their time, talent, and resources this month — your generosity is what keeps our mission moving forward!

Team Member of the Month: Madhav Jhunjhunwala

I’m honored to be recognized as this month’s team member. Over the past five months, my core responsibilities have included authoring our newsletter and drafting our annual impact report. As a high school student interested in marketing, I am passionate about amplifying youth and family empowerment and expanding the reach of UpsideDown Moments.

Volunteer of the month: Marlena E. Bremseth

Fourteen years ago, after retiring from teaching college, Marlena E. Bremseth established a licensed home-based bakery, Raven's Revenge, Inc., located in Round Hill, VA.  Since then, she has been producing and selling baked goods as well as canned salsa, chutneys, and pickles.   

In April 2024, a baker friend introduced Marlena to Cake4Kids, a national non-profit organization of volunteer bakers who bake and deliver birthday and special event cakes, cupcakes, or cookies to agencies that sponsor at risk and impoverished youths, ages 1-24. Subsequently, she applied to become a volunteer baker and completed their orientation program in May 2024.

In her spare time, Marlena likes to build doll houses and to read mysteries.  

She also enjoys traveling abroad with her husband, a retired Navy officer and strategic consultant. Marlena is proud to be a member of an organization that celebrates kids and makes them happy, if only for a day. If you wish to learn more about Cake4Kids, visit the organization's Facebook page.