JumpStart hosted its second annual Summer Picnic on July 10, 2026 at Rolland Moore Park. The annual event is an opportunity to build community among JumpStart participants and their families and to recognize the achievements of the program’s most recent graduates. In all, 41 people attended, including 15 JumpStart families and their guests.
The past year was a strong one for JumpStart participants. Between July 2025 and July 2026, participants earned 13 degrees (10 post-secondary and 3 GEDs) and 4 certifications, started 51 new jobs, and received 25 promotions or raises.
Fifteen graduates completed the program over the past year, and three were able to join the celebration in person: Jessica Kraus, Erin Staley, and Jennifer Stover. Among this year’s graduates, two completed the program early after giving up their housing vouchers to transition into homeownership, and one fulfilled a lifelong dream of opening her own business.
“The Summer Picnic was a wonderful opportunity to bring JumpStart families together to build community, celebrate accomplishments, and recognize the hard work of our graduates. Seeing participants connect and enjoy time together made the evening truly special,” said JumpStart Coordinator Jamie Cabrera Haller.
JumpStart Coordinator April added, “It was wonderful to invite our participants and graduates to Rolland Moore Park for this year’s celebration. It is a lovely opportunity to see our participants, visit with their kids, spouses, even meet their dogs! Jamie did a wonderful job leading our team through the preparations for this year’s picnic.”
The evening featured delicious catering from local business, Fiona’s Delicatessen, Bakery, & Catering. The celebration was made possible thanks to generous funding from the Don and May Wilkins Trust, which covered the meal and also provided a microphone and speaker for the event. Plans are already underway to make this a lasting annual tradition.
What is JumpStart?
JumpStart is Housing Catalyst’s HUD Family Self-Sufficiency program. The program offers voucher holders a personalized path forward through one-on-one coaching in health and wellness, education, employment, financial empowerment, life skills, and community engagement. Learn more about JumpStart.
