The House of Darla← Back to the House

Good people still exist.

If you don’t know one, be one.

What is Good People Still Exist?

It started as a thank-you.

Following your heart can be tough. Taking a leap of faith can be even tougher. Every step of The House of Darla’s journey has been carried by people who showed up: individuals, businesses, organizations and families who gave gifts, donations, furnishings, prayers, a helping hand and kind words.

Every one of those moments reminded us of something the world can make easy to forget: good people still exist, and so do their good deeds.

So we made it a movement. Good People Still Exist is how we honor the good we see, make room for more of it, and invite everyone to be part of it, one small act at a time.

Kindness. Compassion. Support. Making a difference.

With love,
because Love Always Wins,
The House of Darla ♡

Read our thank-you letter

In the journey of following your heart, there are moments of uncertainty and challenges. It takes immense courage to take that leap of faith, and we recognize the significance of every step you’ve taken with us. Your unwavering support, kind words, and generous deeds have been the driving force behind our progress. With profound gratitude, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the individuals, businesses, organizations, and families who have stood by us.

Your contributions, whether in the form of gifts, monetary donations, or lending a helping hand, have made a profound impact on our ability to bring positive change to the lives of others. Each act of kindness and support has propelled us forward, filling our hearts with hope and inspiration.

It is through your incredible support that we have been able to embark on our mission in making a difference in the lives of those we seek to help. You have become an integral part of our journey, and we cherish the sense of togetherness and unity that emanates from our shared vision of: kindness, compassion, support, and making a difference.

As we continue this rewarding endeavor, we want you to know that your belief in us has made all the difference. Your generosity has not only touched our lives but has initiated the act of also touching the lives of those we serve. Together, we are creating a brighter future and spreading positivity in the world.

From the depths of our hearts, we thank you for being with us every step of the way. Your support has given us the strength to keep moving forward, and we are deeply grateful for your presence in our lives. Together, let us continue making a lasting impact and touching the lives of many more in need. Thank you for being our guiding light on this incredible journey of compassion and service to spread love and light, uplift and empower, equip and instill.

What a wonderful feat: Good People Still Exist, and so do their good deeds!!

Love Always Wins,
April N. Jackson
& The House of Darla Board of Directors & Team

P.S. To everyone who will join us next: thank you. Every gift, every hour and every kind word keeps our doors open for the young people and the communities we serve. We can’t wait to thank you by name.

What we mean by good

Good doesn’t mean perfect.

People are precious. Not perfect. Precious. So we handle people with care, and we own what is ours to own.

Good isn’t a label we give people. It’s something we practice. Sometimes it’s big. Sometimes it’s ordinary. What matters is the direction you’re choosing to move.

Intention+Action+Accountability

We’re not interested in performing goodness. We’re interested in practicing it.

Good can look like…

And also: listening · checking on someone · giving your time · sharing what you know · being patient · taking responsibility · letting someone merge

SPIN

Spin Some Good.

One spin. One small act of good.

Check on someoneCheck on someone you haven’t heard from.

Saw our wheel at an event? This is the same one. Spin it and take it with you.

It doesn’t have to come to us to count

Do some good where you are.

Close to homeHelp your neighbor. Call someone you love. Check on your friend.
In your communitySupport another nonprofit. Share an opportunity. Mentor somebody.
For yourselfRest. Set a boundary. Give yourself some grace. Sometimes the person who needs your good is you.

And when your good lines up with the House, we’d love to meet you.

Coming up at the House

Good can happen here.

Upcoming chances to show up, pitch in and make someone’s day. Pick one. Every little bit counts.

A neighborhood restaurant front

Wed, Nov 18 · Dinner at 5 PM

Feed our Friendsgiving

Restaurants and businesses: provide dinner or food for HOD Friendsgiving.

Friendsgiving · Nov 18

I want to help →
A box of hats, scarves and gloves for a winter coat drive

Collecting from Nov 1

Keep a neighbor warm

Clean coats, new or gently used. New gloves, hand warmers, scarves and skullies or beanies, please. For neighbors experiencing homelessness. Use the warmth box on our deck, Tue & Wed, 3–6 PM.

Winter warmth · Starts Nov 1

I want to help →
Smiling volunteers with donated clothes

Ongoing

Be a volunteer

Help a young person find their next step. Tutor, mentor or help at drop-in.

Mentorship · Ongoing

I want to help →
Hands with glitter and paper crafts

Wed, Nov 4 · 3 PM · The Space

Cards & crafts for our seniors

Make cards and crafts with us, or donate card stock, markers, stickers and yarn.

Seniors · November

I want to help →
A toy truck and wrapped gifts under a tree

This season

Cards for kids in the hospital

Make a card with us or drop one off. Card supplies welcome too.

Hospital cards · This season

I want to help →
Someone carrying a stack of wrapped gifts in the snow

Nov 1 – Dec 4 · Gifts go out Dec 11

Dear Santa Toy Drive

Gifts for ages 13–24, toys for their younger brothers and sisters, and wrapping paper. Host a box or drop off at The Space.

Toy drive · Holidays

I want to help →

Drop-offs: The Space, 296 Park Ave, Bridgeport · Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 3–6 PM · Coats and winter wear: the warmth box on our deck · Toys and supplies: inside · Can’t make those times? Tell us and we’ll find one.

November – December

Join the Holiday Volunteer Squad

Pick a shift. Bring a friend. Every pair of hands counts this season.

  • Wed, Nov 4 Make cards and crafts for our seniors, 3 PM
  • Wed, Nov 18 Friendsgiving: set up 4:30, serve at 5, clean up by 6:30
  • All November Sort coats and toys as they come in
  • Dec 5 – 10 Sort and wrap toys for the Dear Santa Toy Drive
  • Fri, Dec 11 Hand out gifts
Join the squad →

Our team will follow up with next steps before your first shift. Volunteers who work directly with youth complete a short screening, including a background check, first.

Why volunteer?

  • Earn community service hours
  • Support a mission you believe in
  • Give back to your own community
  • Build skills and references
  • Meet good people
  • Make a young person’s season

After each event, we’ll share the good we saw here. Good People Sightings start with you. 💛

Bring something good to the House

What do you have?

Some people walk in needing something. Some walk in with something to give. Pick what fits.

Ways to show up

Be one.

Volunteer & tutorGive your time at drop-in, events or study hall.Get involved → DonateEvery gift keeps the doors open and the culture strong.Give → Partner with usBusinesses and organizations that share our values.Let’s talk →

Good people still exist. Let’s keep proving it.