“HELP USA saved my life,” enthused a domestic violence survivor who was recently awarded a scholarship to support her educational and professional pursuits as she builds a better life for herself and her family. Founded by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 1986 and named a Congressional national model in 1987, HELP USA is one of the largest providers of housing and services to the homeless population, including victims of domestic violence, veterans, and people living with HIV/AIDS.
At 31 residences throughout the country, HELP USA’s holistic programs have served more than 300,000 people. Today, Maria Cuomo Cole is HELP USA’s chair.
Cuomo Cole created a Comfort Foods line of premium specialty sweets as a social revenue generator. It’s a way to give while giving back. A percentage of proceeds benefits HELP USA programs and services. Products include gourmet imported gray salt dusted "Salty Turtles," luxurious Caramel Almond Chocolate Chip Bars, Chocolate Covered Pretzels, and a decadent caramel and chocolate-covered "Popcorn Extravaganza." The sweets are prepared by designer chocolatier Choco-Logo in Buffalo, NY.
As a complement to HELP USA's successful Culinary Job Training Program which has placed hundreds of formerly homeless men and women into cooking and food service jobs, two female residents at HELP USA's Hickory Street Apartments in Buffalo, located just two blocks from the chocolate factory, are employed in the assembly and labeling of every HELP Comfort Foods order.
Items can be purchased individually or in an elegant tower combination of products. Go to www.helpusa.org/take_action/comfort_foods for more information.