Project Embrace hosts Christmas celebration for families

Santa Claus brought the Christmas spirit to the attendees at the event.
Photo by James Foster

Food was served for those who attended the event.

By James Foster
Outlook writer

Tanunokuro Bonnie moved to Tallahassee with his children, hoping to provide a better life despite the uncertainty he faced.

 
They are enduring, though, with the help of Project Embrace. Through the support organization, Bonnie’s children have been able to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast, while wearing comfortable clothes that they also received from the organization.

 
This past Saturday morning, Bonnie’s family began to celebrate the Christmas holidays at a reception hosted by Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, which has been involved with the organization for a little more than a year.

 
Bonnie called the celebration, which recognized two other families during the event, one of the best things that have happened in his life.

 
“I was running away for my life and then I finally found this place,” said Bonnie who didn’t give specifics of the circumstances that led to his move to Tallahassee. “Since I’ve found this place my kids have seen changes and they love this place and they treat them right. They give them free food in school, they give them clothes for school and they gave us food for Thanksgiving.”

 
Project Embrace was established last year in Tallahassee to help families who have challenges, giving them the necessities to become more self-sufficient. Participants enjoy benefits that include food, clothing and shelter.

 
During Saturday’s Christmas celebration, Project Embrace provided food and gifts for the families. One other highlight featured the children singing Christmas songs. Santa Claus also stopped by.
Roslyn Wilson, director of the Project Embrace program, said that the goal of the faith-based program is to unify families and reduce the number of children in foster care. The program currently has helped four families with 15 children but the goal for next year is to expand to 25 families, Wilson said.

 
“On a daily basis we provide educational services for them here at our Christian Academy and their tuition is free,” said Wilson. “We’re not only impacting the children but the parents as well because they feel like we generally care about their struggle.”