Latest news with #RaisingHope
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Erie nonprofit group working to raise hope for foster families and children
Jun. 3—DIXON — What started as a closet full of supplies has grown into a nonprofit organization helping foster children and families across the Sauk Valley. Raising Hope, Erie is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster and adoptive families by providing essential items — such as toiletries, diapers, wipes and clothing — completely free of charge. The organization began in 2021 as a small "foster closet" created by Tiffany Garcea of Erie. Since then, it has evolved into a vital community resource, ensuring that children in care have access to the necessities they need. "I started it as a response to some of the needs I encountered as a former foster parent over the years," Garcea said. "Sometimes children come into foster care and they don't have anything with them. Maybe there wasn't time to gather any personal possessions, and so this helps to ease that transition." Garcea and her husband, Joey, are both pastors at local churches. They began fostering after learning about a child connected to Joey's church who was entering the foster care system. "Although we weren't needed at that time, we did end up finding out about children who were sleeping on the floors of offices because they couldn't find enough foster parents in our area," Tiffany said. "So, that got us looking into the process of how to become foster parents." After sharing her hopes and dreams of starting a foster closet in the area, Tiffany's friend and fellow Raising Hope board member, Stacy Bomleny, offered a space to start the endeavor. Eventually, more people became involved and in 2022, the small group had grown to become an officially recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with board members Andrew Bohall and Leanne Holland. "As word of mouth continues to spread and more people get involved in foster care, it has helped us to grow and reach more families in six counties across Illinois," Tiffany said. Raising Hope depends on community donations and a handful of dedicated volunteers to help over 100 children each year in Whiteside, Lee, Ogle, Carroll, Jo Daviess and Rock Island counties. The organization also hosts an annual Angel Tree Christmas present program and a summer carnival. This year's carnival will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Heritage Park, 421 Highland Ave. in Erie. Want to make a donation or volunteer? Message the Raising Hope, Erie Facebook page, call Tiffany at 815-656-0356 or email her at raisinghopeerie@
Express Tribune
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
8 sitcoms to binge while waiting for the 'Malcolm in the Middle' revival
Fans of Malcolm in the Middle have a major reason to celebrate, with a four-episode revival landing later this year on Disney+. The new instalments will feature most of the original cast and promise a fresh wave of chaos and heartfelt moments that made the show a generation-defining classic. If you are finding the wait unbearable, it might be the perfect time to dive into other series that capture a similar offbeat spirit. When Malcolm in the Middle first aired on Fox in 2000, it shook up the sitcom format with its single-camera style, absence of canned laughter, surreal yet grounded storytelling, and frequent breaking of the fourth wall. In the years since, many shows have borrowed and evolved this formula. Here are eight sitcoms to binge that echo the magic of Malcolm in the Middle. 1. Raising Hope (2010–2014) From the creator of My Name Is Earl, this quirky family sitcom follows young Jimmy Chance as he unexpectedly becomes a single dad to baby Hope. Featuring hilarious, often absurd family dynamics, Raising Hope delivers a sweet, off-kilter humour that Malcolm fans will instantly appreciate. 2. Modern Family (2009–2020) A multi-generational look at modern life, Modern Family uses a mockumentary format and single-camera setup to brilliant effect. Its sharp humour, heartwarming moments, and chaotic family energy make it a perfect binge while waiting for Malcolm and the gang to return. 3. Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000) Although short-lived, Freaks and Geeks left a lasting mark. This coming-of-age dramedy captures the awkwardness of adolescence with sharp wit and raw realism, much like Malcolm's journey through the madness of his own family and school life. 4. Everybody Hates Chris (2005–2009) Inspired by comedian Chris Rock's childhood, Everybody Hates Chris offers a hilarious, relatable portrayal of growing up in a tough Brooklyn neighbourhood. Its dry humour, voiceover narration, and underdog protagonist feel very much in the spirit of Malcolm. 5. Arrested Development (2003–2006, 2013–2019) If you love dysfunctional families who are their own worst enemies, Arrested Development is essential viewing. Known for its intricate jokes, layered storytelling, and rapid-fire humour, it's a brilliant substitute for Malcolm in the Middle's chaotic charm. 6. Grounded for Life (2001–2005) This underrated gem follows the working-class Finnerty family as they juggle parenting teenagers while barely holding themselves together. With its fast pace, heartfelt core, and mischievous humour, it will easily fill the Malcolm void. 7. The Middle (2009–2018) No relation to Malcolm, but The Middle captures the struggles of a working-class family with plenty of humour and heart. Starring Patricia Heaton, it portrays the beautiful mess of raising kids and making ends meet in small-town America. 8. Malcolm in the Middle (Rewatch!) And of course, why not revisit the original? Whether it's for the zany cold opens, Reese's ridiculous antics, or Lois's unhinged parenting style, now is the perfect time to rediscover everything that made Malcolm in the Middle so groundbreaking.
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Lynne Marie Stewart, Miss Yvonne from ‘Pee-wee's Playhouse,' dies at 78
Lynne Marie Stewart, best known for her role as Miss Yvonne on Pee-wee's Playhouse and Charlie's mom in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, has died at 78. A beloved comedic actress, Stewart was a longtime member of the Groundlings, the Los Angeles improv troupe where she met Paul Reubens. She starred alongside Reubens in Pee-wee's Playhouse (1986-1990), earning the title 'Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland.' Her acting career spanned decades, including roles in MASH*, The Golden Girls, Night Court, and Raising Hope. She appeared in films such as American Graffiti (1973), The Running Man (1987), and Bridesmaids (2011). Stewart gained a new generation of fans as Bonnie Kelly, Charlie's eccentric mom, in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. She debuted in season one (2005) and made her final appearance in 2023. Friends and colleagues, including Elvira star Cassandra Peterson and SNL alum Laraine Newman, mourned her passing, calling her 'kind, funny, and an icon.' Her impact on comedy and television remains unforgettable, from her Pee-wee days to her final onscreen moments.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shifting Gears Casts Raising Hope's Lucas Neff as Kat Dennings' Ex — Will Riley Let Jimmy Back Into Her Life?
Riley's estranged husband shows up to win her back, much to Matt's dismay, in the Feb. 5 episode of ABC's Shifting Gears — and TVLine has your exclusive first look. Lucas Neff, best known to TV audiences for his starring role as Jimmy Chance in Fox's Raising Hope, has been cast as, well… a different Jimmy! He first shows up at the Parkers' front door in Episode 5 — and as the photos below indicate, Matt is not welcoming his son-in-law inside with open arms. More from TVLine Shifting Gears Enlists Nancy Travis for Last Man Standing Reunion With Tim Allen Tim Allen's Shifting Gears Adds Jenna Elfman in Recurring Role TVLine Items: Annette Bening's Apple Series, Last Week Tonight Return Date and More Riley seems slightly less upset to see Carter and Georgia's father, who arrives with a bouquet of flowers in hopes of turning over a new leaf. As she considers what it is she wants to do, Riley will find support 'in an unexpected place,' according to the official logline. In Shifting Gears' Jan. 8 premiere, Riley returned home and told Matt that she was divorcing Jimmy. It had been 15 years since she bailed on college and took off with her soon-to-be ex — a philandering bass player with whom she eventually settled in Las Vegas. Alas, 'he's on the road all the time,' and dabbles in 'everything that comes with that,' Riley explained, at which point Matt offered his estranged daughter and her two kids a place to stay. Neff — whose myriad TV credits also include American Primeval, Carol's Second Act, Downward Dog and The Handmaid's Tale — is one of several high-profile guest stars confirmed for Shifting Gears Season 1. As previously reported, Allen will reunite with Last Man Standing wife Nancy Travis in an upcoming episode, while Jenna Elfman (Dharma & Greg) will recur as dance studio owner Eve Drake, a potential love interest for Matt. New episodes of air Wednesdays at 8/7c on ABC (and stream next day on Hulu). Last Man Standing Cast Changes View Gallery5 Images Best of TVLine Stars Who Almost Played Other TV Roles — on Grey's Anatomy, NCIS, Lost, Gilmore Girls, Friends and Other Shows TV Stars Almost Cast in Other Roles Fall TV Preview: Who's In? Who's Out? Your Guide to Every Casting Move!
