Press Releases  |  In The News  |  Awards/Recognition  |  People Are Saying  |  Contact

Press Releases back to listings 

Winner of the Avon Hello Tomorrow Fund - July 29, 2008
Laura Sabino Honored with $5,000 Avon Hello Tomorrow Fund Award
July 29, 2008

Irving, Texas Resident Wins Cash Award To Help Provide Temporary Housing And Counsel For Pregnant Teenage Women


(New York, NY, July 29, 2008) Thana Simmons, 28, has been selected to win the weekly $5,000 Avon Hello Tomorrow Fund award for July 29, 2008. Thana will use her winnings to launch Destiny’s House, a shelter that provides temporary housing and counsel for pregnant teenage women in the Dallas metropolitan area who are homeless or runaways. The award will cover the security deposit on the housing facility and also fund the initial renovations required to accommodate the expectant mothers.

Having experienced pregnancy as a teenager herself, Thana wanted to find a way to help other girls and give them a place to turn to for help and support. Thana has organized annual conferences and health fairs for women to empower them on issues of health, wholeness, literacy, as well as various other topics. She notes that many young expectant mothers need to know that someone cares for them and that they are loved.

Thana was inspired to create Destiny’s House by her work, personal experience, and the need within the Dallas area. Her goal is to emphasize the importance of community and support for pregnant teens. Thana will use her Avon Hello Tomorrow Fund award to make her dream of opening Destiny’s House a reality. The eight-bedroom residence Thana is securing will provide transitional housing for expectant teenage mothers for the duration of their pregnancy. She will also offer job training, career counseling, and mentorship and classes on health and sexual education.

Thanks to her Avon Hello Tomorrow Fund award, Thana will be able to offer the expectant teenage mothers in her community the education, comfort and support they need to become successful women and mothers. Congratulations, Thana!

back to listings