This past 4th of July, the youth in our residential program didn’t just watch fireworks—they experienced something many of them had never truly felt before: the comfort and joy of a traditional Independence Day celebration.
Thanks to a generous fireworks bundle donated by Friends of Harvey County ERT, our youth were able to enjoy a full evening of fun, food, and festivities. The connection began when Constance Vanbuskirk, a Peer Support Advocate on our Newton campus, reached out to the ERT fireworks tent after a friend from the Sheriff’s Department encouraged her to make the ask.
The result? An unforgettable evening for our youth and staff.
Each year, EmberHope hosts a 4th of July Bash for the youth in our residential program. The evening begins with a cookout and yard games near the gazebo by Opportunity Academy. Staff members and their families are invited to join, creating a community-centered atmosphere that feels more like a family reunion than a residential care event. After dinner and a quick stop back at the cottages for medications and bug spray, the girls return to enjoy more games, snow cones, and—for the first time this year—strawberry and blueberry shortcakes.
As night falls, the girls gather on blankets with staff by their sides to watch a private fireworks display—made possible entirely through the donation from Friends of Harvey County ERT. Additional funding for was also due to the generosity of Holmes Garci Advertising, helping to supply other key elements of the celebration.
“Every year when we are all sitting around the gazebo and having dinner with the staff and everyone’s families, there’s a sense of normalcy,” Constance shared. “A lot of the girls we serve have never been able to experience this. This is the feeling that always stands out and sticks with me.”
During the fireworks, Constance says any tension or troubles from earlier in the week seem to melt away. The girls sit in awe, just enjoying the moment.
“Thank you never seems to cover it,” she said to the donors. “And I’d make sure they understood they aren’t just donating fireworks. They’re helping make it possible for a bunch of kids to just be kids. Even if it’s just for a few hours.”
Help Us Create More Moments Like This
When businesses, churches, and organizations give back, they help us create powerful moments of joy, healing, and connection for youth who’ve experienced trauma. A cookout, a sparkler, a snow cone—these may seem simple, but in the lives of the girls we serve, they mean everything.
If your group is looking for a way to make an impact, we invite you to partner with EmberHope. Whether it’s through in-kind gifts, event sponsorships, or organizing a drive, your support helps restore hope and wholeness to children and families in need.
Together, we can continue to create celebrations—and futures—worth remembering.
