Hope Journal

Growing Pains

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:19:52 GMT

Growth is a gift. It is also uncomfortable

Growth is a gift.

It is also uncomfortable.

Right now, Center of Hope is growing. More families. More volunteers. More partnerships. Expanded services. New systems. New responsibilities. Change is happening...and change always brings tension.

Scripture prepares us for this.

When the early church began to grow in Acts , conflict followed. Needs increased. Communication gaps appeared. Some widows were overlooked. The solution wasn’t denial or blame. The leaders addressed it directly, clarified roles, appointed new leaders, and strengthened the structure so the mission could continue.

Growth exposed weakness and then strengthened it.

That’s where we are.

As Center of Hope expands its reach across Mid-Michigan, serving more individuals and families than ever before, we are refining systems, clarifying roles, strengthening communication, and sometimes stepping into hard conversations. None of that signals failure. It signals stretching.

James writes, “The testing of your faith produces perseverance” ( Epistle of James 1:3 ). Testing produces maturity. Pressure produces strength if we respond with humility.

Here’s how we move through growth biblically:

1. We speak truth in love.

Honest conversations matter. Avoiding tension only buries it. We commit to clarity, respect, and dignity, with one another and with the guests we serve.

2. We protect unity over preference.

Paul reminds us in Epistle to the Ephesians 4:2–3 to be humble, patient, and committed to unity. Growth means not every preference gets preserved. What must be preserved is mission.

3. We adjust structure when needed.

When Moses was overwhelmed in Exodus 18 , wise counsel led to delegation and new leadership layers. Healthy growth requires stronger systems. We are building those.

4. We examine our hearts.

Change can stir pride, fear, insecurity, or frustration. Psalm 139 reminds us to invite God to search our hearts first before we point outward.

5. We return to the mission.

Center of Hope exists for one reason:

"We love and serve our neighbors who are hungry, hurting, in need or in crisis. By building relationships and trust, we work to educate and equip others to live with purpose."

Programs may expand. Roles may shift. Systems may evolve. The mission does not change.

Growing pains do not mean something is breaking. Often, they mean something is being built.

We believe God is doing more in and through Center of Hope than ever before. That requires maturity. It requires unity. It requires humility. It requires all of us.

Growth stretches us.
But stagnation would cost far more.

We are grateful for every volunteer, donor, partner, and guest who is walking through this season with us. Change is happening. And we believe it is happening for good.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” - Galatians 6:9

Called to Lead in Love

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 17:42:37 GMT

A Valentine’s Weekend Reflection for Men

Valentine’s Day tends to focus on the visible symbols of love, flowers, cards, chocolates, maybe a last-minute dinner reservation. There’s nothing wrong with those things. But the love God calls men to practice is far deeper and far more demanding.

Biblical love is not measured by what we say. It is measured by what we are willing to carry.

From the beginning, God called men to lead, not to dominate, not to control, but to lead with responsibility, humility, and sacrifice.

Scripture gives us three powerful pictures of that calling, Adam, Abraham, and Jesus. Together, they show both the danger of failed leadership and the beauty of faithful love.

Adam, The Cost of Passivity

Genesis tells us Adam was placed in the garden “to work it and keep it.”
Before there was a wife, or a family, there was responsibility.

With Eve, Adam was entrusted to guard what God had made, to take God’s word seriously, and to lead spiritually.

But when the decisive moment came, Adam said nothing.

He watched instead of acting.
He stayed silent instead of protecting.
And when everything unraveled, he shifted the blame,
“The woman You gave me…”

Adam’s failure was not that he was too forceful. It was that he was passive.

Passivity is never neutral. When a man steps back from responsibility, things do not remain steady, they deteriorate. Adam’s silence opened the door to fracture, shame, and death. His story warns us that refusing to lead is itself a decision, and often a costly one.

Abraham, When Passivity Creates Problems

Abraham was called to step into the unknown, leave his home, abandon security, and trust God’s promise. He did walk by faith, but he also stumbled in a familiar way.

God promised Abraham and Sarah a son. When the promise seemed delayed, Sarah proposed a solution of her own, to have a child through Hagar.

Abraham did not lead in that moment.
He did not pray.
He did not question.
He did not remind his household of what God had already said.

He simply went along.

The result was Ishmael, not the child of promise, but the product of impatience. The consequences rippled outward, bringing pain into the marriage, injustice toward Hagar, division within the family, and conflict echoing through generations.

Abraham believed God, yet in that moment he chose convenience over trust.

When a man refuses to lead spiritually, someone else will step into the vacuum, but the direction will not align with God’s will.

The grace in Abraham’s story is that failure was not the end. He grew and he returned to faith. Leadership is not about perfection, it is about repentance and continued obedience.

Jesus, The Picture of True Leadership

Then comes Jesus...

and leadership is redefined.

Jesus does not avoid responsibility, he moves toward it.

Scripture calls Him the Bridegroom of His people. And how does He love His bride?

“Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.”

Adam blamed his bride.
Abraham failed to protect his bride.
Jesus died for His bride.

THAT is biblical masculinity, not control, not dominance, but sacrifice.

Jesus leads by serving.
He protects by giving.
He strengthens by laying down His life.

Real leadership is not measured by how many people answer to you. It is measured by how much you are willing to give for their good.

What This Means for Married Men

If you are married, your leadership is not defined by authority but by example. You set the spiritual tone of your home.

You go first in repentance.
You go first in prayer.
You go first in faithfulness.
You go first in humility.

Your wife and children will be shaped far more by what you do than by what you say.

What This Means for Unmarried Men

If you are not married, you are not waiting to become a leader someday, you are becoming one right now.

Marriage does not create leadership, it reveals it.

The habits you form today, discipline, integrity, courage, are shaping the man you already are. You are not on the bench, you are in preparation.

Every Man Is Called to Lead Somewhere

Every man is called to lead,

In his home.
At his work.
In his church.
In the quiet places no one else sees.

The question is not whether you are a leader.
The question is, What kind of leader will you be?

Passive like Adam?
Fearful like Abraham at his worst?
Or sacrificial like Christ?

The Kind of Love That Lasts

Valentine’s Day love fades. Flowers die, cards get thrown away…

but a man who consistently loves like Christ leaves a legacy that outlives him.

Let us reject passivity.
Let us walk by faith.
Let us love through sacrifice.
Let us follow Christ so closely that others are safe to follow us.

Walking Beside the Weary

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:04:22 GMT

Presence, Patience, and the Long Road to Hope

Walking beside someone as they climb a steep, rugged mountain is not easy.

Watching them fight for every breath as they trudge forward, often unable to see their destination, is heartbreaking. Trying to reassure them that the summit truly exists is hard, especially when they have lost trust in most of humanity and don’t yet know whether they can trust you. No matter how much you pour into them, no matter how deeply you try to show that you care, doubt often lingers.

It is hard to watch them stumble and fall, to see them fight for the strength to stand again with bloody knees and broken bodies. It would be so much easier to gather the strength, grab hold of them, and drag them up the mountain. But you know the truth: you don’t have the energy or the ability to carry you both to the top. In fact, trying to do all the work for them, no matter how good your intentions, could cause both of you to fall.

So instead of rescuing them, you choose to stay.

You walk beside them, step by step. When they stop to rest, you rest with them. When each step feels like a battle, you encourage them and cheer them on. When they stumble backward, you help them find the strength to stand again. You gently remind them what’s waiting at the top of the mountain, and why reaching it matters. For me, this step is often the hardest part.

The journey looks different for everyone. Some take paths that lead nowhere, over and over again. Some choose dangerous routes that leave them wounded and worn, not quite the same as before. Some take the longest possible way. And no matter how clearly you try to point out a better path, they may refuse to take it.

It is so hard to watch.

Yet you don’t leave their side, no matter how frustrating or painful it becomes.

You can’t give up on these weary travelers, because you know what’s at the top of the mountain. You love them enough to want them to experience the fullness of joy you know is waiting there.

In my own life, I’ve often struggled not to step in and try to pull someone up the mountain for a while, especially when they are exhausted or on the verge of choosing a harmful path. I intervene, even knowing it won’t actually get them to the top any faster. Recently, I’ve walked through a season of watching more than one person I’ve invested deeply in experiencing major setbacks.

Let me tell you, knowing someone, pouring into their life, and then watching them fall back into the same patterns that led them into the valley in the first place is one of the hardest and most painful things to witness. It is frustrating to see momentum lost. It is heartbreaking to see them broken once again.

And yet, the Lord keeps reminding me that I am often that same weary traveler.

He walks beside me. He never stops loving me, no matter how often I wander off the path He has set before me. He never gives up on me. His love does not change.

So as long as I live, I pray that I never give up on the people He sends my way, especially each broken soul who walks through the doors of the Fenton Center of Hope. I pray for patience and wisdom for every journey I am invited to walk alongside, and for forgiveness when my grace runs thin. Above all, I hope to show each and every person the love of Christ, because it is only through Him that any of us ever reach the top of the mountain.

“You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11

What Happened to You?

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 17:04:09 GMT

A Reflection from the Center of Hope

A young man walked into the Center of Hope recently, searching for resources. Homeless and living in a tent, he spoke softly, slowly, and with a surprising gentleness. Clean-cut and polite, he began telling me about his education. It was impressive; far beyond what I expected.

Despite his academic achievements, the only job he could find, and manage emotionally, was at a local fast-food restaurant. I couldn’t help but wonder, what happened to him to lead to this point?

As the days passed and our conversations grew deeper, I learned more. I learned of the childhood abuse he endured. Of the dozens of foster homes he cycled through. Of time spent in juvenile detention, not for committing a crime, but for defending himself. I learned that the only person he had ever truly loved, his mother, had died. She was the one person he never seemed angry with. His anchor. Gone.

She showed up at our door needing diapers and clothes for her children. Homeless, living in her car, and returning to the town where she once lived as a little girl, she came seeking a fresh start. She had a calm presence and carried herself with grace. From the outside, she looked like she had it all together. But the truth was very different.

When I heard her story, my heart broke.

As a teenager, she was trafficked. Innocent. Vulnerable. Her childhood ended in an instant. No counseling. No support. No words like "trafficking" to explain what had happened. People in her community didn’t talk about things like this.

The next two decades were spent bouncing from state to state, man to man, each one more abusive than the last. And now, she has two beautiful children witnessing the same painful patterns. She is desperate to break the cycle but doesn’t know how.

He’s been coming to our food pantry for years . Always with a smile, a joke, and a big hug on the way out. One of the kindest men I’ve ever met. Though he battles chronic health issues and is a senior himself, he’s spent years caring for his elderly mother.

He rarely asks for anything. Visits are sporadic, months apart sometimes. So when he called one day and specifically asked for me, I knew something was wrong.

When I answered, all I could hear was sobbing. He tried to speak, but the words wouldn’t come. Just cries. Deep, soul-aching cries.

Finally, I made out a few words: “I want to die.”

His mom had recently passed. Shortly after, his sister, who he cared for during her cancer battle, also died. In the chaos of funeral planning and grief, he fell behind on rent. Now he was being evicted. Alone. Heartbroken. Hopeless.

She comes regularly for diapers and food. She often misses appointments and can be short with our staff. She breaks rules. She’s tired, sad, and always seems weighed down, even with her vibrant children at her side. I used to wonder, how can she be so miserable when surrounded by such joy?

So we got curious, not judgmental.

We paired her with a consistent mentor. We gave her space. And slowly, she opened up.

Her father, her hero, her sole support, had recently taken his own life. She was postpartum at the time, battling depression, overwhelmed with grief. She had spent her entire monthly budget on his funeral. Then, during a routine medical checkup, she was told she had cancer.

We still don’t know the full story of her home life, but we know enough to offer grace. And she’s beginning to trust us, one step at a time.

This is why I’m writing.

Because you never know what someone is going through… or what they’ve survived just to stand in front of you today.

It’s so easy to judge. To get frustrated. To react.

But what if we stopped and truly listened? What if we asked not, “What’s wrong with you?”, but “What happened to you?”

I’m a fixer by nature. I always want to help, to solve, to rescue. But the older I get, the more I realize: I can’t fix everything. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is simply listen .

Recently, someone told me that the greatest gift I gave her was that I heard her.

That’s what we strive to do at the Center of Hope. We can’t erase trauma. We can’t undo the past. But we can love people where they are. We can walk alongside them through their hardest days. We can offer dignity. We can offer presence. And, most importantly…

We can offer HOPE .

Be Kind

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:47:57 GMT

You never know who you'll impact

My mom’s been in the hospital for the past month, and it’s been quite the journey. She’s been through five different rooms – from the emergency room to rehab and everything in between. I’ve lost track of how many nurses, aides, and staff we’ve met along the way. I’ve even gotten to know the security team at the front entrance, and my favorite guard always greets me with, “Welcome back” whenever I walk through the doors.

There’s also a cleaning guy who came in every day to clean my mom’s room, and he always made sure to chat and be friendly. One of the cleaning gals always had something nice to say about my mom, complimenting her on anything from her slippers to her smile. And there was this one woman who took extra time when it came to my mom’s diet. She’d pull up a chair and brainstorm creative, new ideas for meals that would work within the restrictions – and she did it all with such care.

All of these people made our days in the hospital just a little brighter. They didn’t have to go out of their way, but they did, and it’s made such a difference in some pretty dark times for my mom. I’m sure they’d all say they were just doing their jobs, but honestly, they were just being themselves – kind, good-hearted people.

Here’s the thing – you never know how much a small act of kindness can mean to someone. We never really know what others are going through, but something as simple as a smile or a kind word can have a huge impact. Trust me, I’ve seen my fair share of grumpy people throughout this experience, but thankfully, the good ones far outweigh the bad.

This whole experience has made me stop and think. I want to be the kind of person who makes others feel good. I want to be the one who offers a little kindness whenever I can. (I have a bit of a “loud” face, so I’ll start by smiling more! Haha, it’s genetic – I come from a long line of expressive faces.) A teacher once told me back in 6th grade that I’d regret all the frowning when I got older and had wrinkles – she wasn’t wrong!

After all the stress and sadness of the past month, I truly understand how much a simple smile or kind gesture can mean. So here’s my little reminder to you: Be kind. You never know how many people you’ll impact by just being yourself.

A Bowl of Chili and a Side of Hope

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:06:13 GMT

A Simple Act of Kindness

One day recently, a man stopped by the Center of Hope, asking quietly if we had any food to give him. He’d been living in his car for months, a situation that, sadly, we’re encountering more and more often. His face was drawn and tired, a visible testament to what he had endured. I felt an instant pang of empathy as he spoke softly about his situation, hesitant yet grateful to be here. Without a stable place to live, he didn’t have access to a kitchen or even a reliable source of food. He just needed something to get him through the day.

With a nod, I got a shopping cart and guided him toward our pantry shelves. We carefully picked out essential food items, focusing on options he could eat without needing to cook, canned goods, protein bars, and fresh fruit. As we added items to his cart, I noticed him watching the shelves with a quiet resignation, like he wasn’t used to receiving help. He mentioned he hadn’t eaten a proper meal in days. I’d brought a pot of chili for the staff that morning so I offered him a bowl. He looked at me with a mix of surprise and gratitude, as though the simple offer was an unexpected gift. As we went into the kitchen I filled a bowl as he sat down at the small table. He asked if I was going to join him so I got a bowl for myself.

As we sat together, I made small talk, hoping to put him at ease. I asked where he was from, what he liked to do, and as we chatted, he started to open up. He shared pieces of his life that painted a picture I wouldn’t have guessed. He had an extensive education, impressive job experience, and at one point, he had led a comfortable life. Hearing this, I was struck by the fragility of circumstance. Just a few twists and turns in life, and he found himself here, struggling for the most basic needs.

There’s always a story behind each person’s circumstances. Often, it’s an unexpected incident, a health crisis, a layoff, or even the passing of a loved one that changes everything. In his case, it was a series of setbacks, one after another, that led him to where he was now. As we finished the meal, he put his head down, visibly emotional. When I gently asked if something was wrong, he looked up and said, “This is the first time I’ve sat down and shared a meal with someone in a long time.”

Hearing that, I felt the weight of his words settle over me. Something so simple, something I’d taken for granted countless times, sitting down to share a meal with another person, was something he hadn’t experienced in months. That moment, that small, shared connection, held a depth that was difficult to describe. For him, it wasn’t just the food that mattered; it was the human connection, the feeling of being seen and cared for.

The next evening, he returned to the Center of Hope and told the staff that he’d left with more hope than he’d had in months. He said that while his situation remained unchanged, he felt a renewed strength to keep going, a sense of dignity restored. The truth is, in those 30 minutes, we couldn’t change his circumstances. He still had no home to go back to that night. But he left feeling recognized, respected, and, most of all, less alone. That simple bowl of chili, and someone willing to listen, had given him a sense of hope and belonging.

In our work at the center, we’re often reminded that people don’t always need answers or solutions to their problems, they just need someone to see them, someone to show that they matter. A little kindness can go a long way. To us, it may seem like a small thing, but for someone in need, it can make all the difference. Sometimes, all it takes to change a person’s outlook, to rekindle their hope, is a simple act of kindness and a willingness to sit down, listen, and share a moment of compassion.

Seeing Beneath the Surface

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 12:37:40 GMT

A Moment of Realization

You’re feeling unwell and have to go to the hospital. You end up getting poked repeatedly as blood is drawn for labs, and an IV is inserted. Your fear of needles, combined with feeling sick, heightens your discomfort. But a skilled professional turns the experience into something bearable. She is gentle and kind, making small talk that helps distract you from your fear, and you instantly feel calmer. Her next patient is a baby, the one after that an elderly person. For the rest of her 12-hour shift, she will treat each person with the same level of skill and compassion. And she’ll do it again the next day, and for the next twenty years.

She trained in the military, serving her country for nine years. Though she now wishes she had stayed long enough to retire, she left to focus on her family. Marriage, motherhood, and eventually single motherhood made her decision to leave the military a necessary one. She returned to her hometown of Flint, Michigan, where she had the support of her family. Yet, despite all her efforts, she faced hardships beyond her control. Alone once again, she raised her family. Two of her children went on to finish college and build lives of their own, while one fell into the devastating grip of drug addiction.

I met this woman about a year ago when her caseworker brought her to the Center of Hope for food. The caseworker was helping her secure permanent housing. She had been staying in a shelter before that. I’ve always tried to view people impartially, without judgment, and believed I was doing a good job of it—until yesterday.

I’ve known this woman for a few months, always greeting her with a smile and exchanging small talk, but I never truly took the time to get to know her. In my mind, she was a woman on the brink of homelessness, someone in need. But yesterday, something changed. I offered her a ride home and, during that short trip, I learned about her time in the military and her medical career. She was the one people called for the “difficult” cases, considered one of the best at what she did. She had served her country, built a successful career, and raised a family. Yet here she was—without a home, without a car, and relying on a food pantry to get by.

That car ride wasn’t long enough to understand all the events that led to her current situation, but it opened my eyes. After I dropped her off, I returned to the Center of Hope where volunteers were waiting to serve in the food pantry. I shared with them what had just happened, admitting how narrow-minded I had been. I had seen her through the lens of her current struggles, not the full life she had lived.

It reminded me of an important lesson: we can never truly know someone’s story just by looking at them. Everyone who walks through our doors has a life, full of triumphs and hardships that brought them to this moment. I had become so focused on serving the increasing number of people in need that I lost sight of the individuals behind the need.

Any one of us is just one tragedy away from seeing our lives change drastically. I’m grateful that I took the time to give someone a ride home. That simple act allowed me to see her in a new light, and it has renewed my commitment to never lose sight of the humanity behind every person we serve.

Lost Girl

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 13:59:15 GMT

It can happen anywhere

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a presentation on human trafficking hosted by G.H.O.S.T. (Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team). G.H.O.S.T. is a critical piece of law enforcement working to protect Genesee County communities from the threat of sexual predators and sex trafficking. The presentation was shocking, devastating, and deeply informative. No matter how many times I hear them speak, their stories and statistics always affect me profoundly.

During the presentation, a slide appeared showing a quote from a survivor thanking the team for rescuing her and saving her life. At that moment, one of the presenters pointed at me and said, "Remember her, you were part of that story." At first, I wasn’t sure if she was actually pointing to me, and I had completely forgotten about the specific case she was referencing. I must have looked like a deer caught in the headlights, feeling slightly confused for the rest of the presentation. I kept thinking, "Surely she wasn’t referring to me." After the presentation, the speaker, a detective I know who works on human trafficking cases, approached me and reminded me of the case she was talking about. A few years ago, I had contacted her about a missing girl, asking her to keep an eye out for her.

Let me tell you about this young woman. Her younger sister was a friend of my daughter’s back when they were in junior high. They knew each other from a church youth group. Although I didn’t know her parents well, I knew they lived in a nice house in our quiet little town. I had driven her home a couple of times. The older sister, the one this story is about, seemed like a typical teenager—hardworking and always holding a job. I only saw her a handful of times until years later when she came to us for food from the pantry we ran.

The change in her was shocking. She was much thinner, and her once thick, beautiful hair was now thin and dull. Despite this, she still had the same sweet smile. She told us she had gotten a boyfriend who introduced her to drugs. From that point on, and for the next couple of years, we walked with her through addiction, rehab, abuse from her boyfriend, breakups, getting back together, losing a baby, and endless heartache. She would come around for a couple of weeks, then disappear for weeks on end. I had some tough, honest conversations with her, but I tried to show her love and kindness through it all.

Then, one day, her mother contacted me, worried. No of her family or friends had heard from her in weeks. People her mother reached out to were dismissive, having written her off as just another “druggy.” I didn’t know what to do other than pray, keep trying to contact her, and message the one detective I knew who searched for young women like her every day. I gave her a description of the young woman and shared any detail that might help find her. It was hard to have hope and I couldn’t stop imagining the worst—that she was dead from an overdose in some abandoned house or, worse, murdered and buried in the middle of nowhere.

Two weeks later, this young woman was found during a raid on a house just ten miles from the sleepy little town she grew up in. She was chained in a basement with other young women, drugged, and subjected to horrific abuse. My detective friend was one of the officers who freed her that night, proving to me once again what a hero she is.

After that, the young woman spent more time at the Center of Hope, just to stay busy and distracted. She worked alongside other volunteers in silence, simply not wanting to be alone. She was in counseling and recovering from addiction. It was heartbreaking to watch her struggle to heal from all she had endured. During that time, she wrote a letter to the team that rescued her, thanking them for saving her life. A part of that letter was the quote shown in the presentation I mentioned at the beginning of this story.

I wish I could say she’s now thriving and that her life has completely turned around, but the truth is, I don’t know. I know she’s alive, but she’s drifted away from me and the Center of Hope. She knows we’re always here for her, and I hope and pray that someday she will return. Until then, I continue to pray for her safety and wellbeing.

This is a heartbreaking story, but it’s important to share because it reminds us that this can happen to anyone, anywhere. This young woman was a beautiful, healthy, outgoing girl who graduated from high school, had a family that loved her, and lived in a beautiful house. But one boyfriend led her down a path that drastically altered the course of her life. This could happen to your daughter, granddaughter, neighbor, or the sweet girl you see at church every Sunday.

This world is a dark and dangerous place, and we need to love and encourage our young people more than ever. At the Center of Hope, we offer free counseling, as well as classes and resources for those struggling with identity, addiction, self-harm, eating disorders, relationships, and other issues that keep people from true freedom. I believe with all my heart that God has a plan and purpose for each person. But I also believe there’s an enemy who will do whatever he can to whisper lies and thwart those plans.

You can make a difference. Understand that this can happen anywhere. If you have suspicions that someone is a victim, show kindness to them even if they behave strangely. Pay attention to changes in their behavior. Look for clues that they may be in distress and need help.

You may not realize it, but you could be helping to save a life.

Hidden Trauma

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 14:20:43 GMT

I recently had the opportunity to attend a week-long conference that addressed some difficult but vital topics—predators, pedophiles, human trafficking, and trauma. It was an intense week, but I had the privilege of learning from leading experts from across the state of Michigan. These experts specialize in areas such as criminal psychology, DNA technology, mental health, and forensic genetic genealogy. At times, the information was so dense I felt like my brain might explode! The most powerful presentations were from survivors of horrific abuse. These brave women shared their stories and have since dedicated their lives to giving victims a voice. One now advocates for justice as a district attorney, another leads a law enforcement team handling these cases daily, and one has become an author and speaker, traveling the country to inspire hope. Their courage and resilience deeply impacted me and changed the way I view my work.

This conference wasn’t just an emotional experience—it was enlightening. I’ve always believed I approached my work at the Center of Hope without judgment, knowing that anyone who walks through our doors may be in a state of desperation or chaos. We’ve always extended grace, allowing people time to receive help before we start addressing the deeper issues that may be holding them back. But this week showed me that there are far more layers to trauma and healing than I ever realized.

I learned how trauma affects the brain, not just for those who directly experience it, but for those of us who encounter it second-hand. This revelation brought to mind countless people I’ve met through the Center of Hope: the woman living with an alcoholic husband who was kind when sober but a monster when drunk, forcing her to seek help to feed her family; the man who quit his job to care for his terminally ill wife; the young mother navigating life with a husband suffering from PTSD after military service; and the woman who lost her mother and son within a week, paralyzing her with grief. These are the tales of people we encounter every day—people who look like everyone else but are struggling just to keep it together.

This week made me realize just how many broken people walk among us. Everyone has a story, and often those stories are hidden beneath a brave face or a quiet smile. Society teaches us to suppress our pain, to keep moving forward without addressing the hurt. But what we don’t realize is that by doing this, we’re passing that pain down through generations. We’re taught that seeking help makes us weak, when in reality, it takes incredible strength to confront our trauma. What I know now is that trauma produces not just negative emotions, but physical and mental responses when our ability to cope is overwhelmed. It’s not something we can control, but there are ways to work through it and heal. Thanks to this conference, I now have more resources to support those seeking help at the Center of Hope.

One of the saddest truths I learned is that many people don’t even recognize that they’ve experienced trauma. They believe it's just life, and unfortunately, many in my field see them as a mess, undeserving of grace.

I went into this conference believing I was already doing my best to help others. Sometimes, I’ve gotten frustrated when I suspected someone was scamming us, and I’ve followed procedures to cut ties when needed. But now, I find myself thinking differently. I can’t look at someone seeking help without wondering what they’ve endured—whether childhood trauma, a troubled home life, or secrets they’ve kept that shaped the course of their adult lives. I’ll be more intentional about creating a safe space, giving people the grace and patience they need as we work through the layers of their pain.

If you’re reading this, I encourage you to approach the people in your life with the same perspective. Whether it’s your family, neighbors, friends, or even the grumpy guy in the grocery store, remember that everyone has a story. Everyone is fighting battles you may not see.

This conference also opened my eyes to the importance of caring for myself. Like so many in law enforcement, healthcare, social work, ministry, and teaching, I’ve experienced secondary trauma. I used to think it was a sign of weakness or being overly emotional, but I now know it’s simply how the brain responds. Moving forward, I’ll be prioritizing my mental health so that I can continue to serve others effectively.

The older I get, the more I realize how much I still have to learn. I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend this conference—the one I didn’t think I had time for but that ended up changing my life and the way I approach my work with the community.

Daily Miracles

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:09:39 GMT

A Journey of Transformation

Working at the Center of Hope allows me to witness God’s presence in remarkable ways every day. I see lives transformed as He performs miracle after miracle. These moments make the challenging days easier and offer a glimmer of hope amidst the tough stories we hear.

One of my favorite recent stories happened a couple of months ago when I was working late. The pantry was bustling with activity, and I was in my office doing some desk work. Suddenly, I heard a loud bang from outside, which I initially thought was a gunshot. I rushed to the front reception area and discovered that it was just a truck backfiring. However, what struck me was the crowded waiting room filled with people waiting their turn for groceries. In the corner, a young woman huddled in a chair, looking absolutely miserable.

First-time visitors often have a look of discomfort and shame as they come to ask for free food. It’s a humbling experience for many, despite our efforts to create a warm and safe environment. Witnessing this always breaks my heart. I can only imagine what they have gone through to feel such shame for needing help. Whenever I see someone like this, I try to make it a little easier for them.

When a seat next to the young woman became available, I sat down and introduced myself. As I suspected, this was her first time visiting the pantry. I tried to make small talk to put her at ease, telling her about the various services we offer. She mentioned she was exhausted, frustrated, and afraid because she had been job hunting for days without success. I was surprised, as she seemed like someone who would be a great hire—well-spoken and competent. She then revealed that she didn’t have a car and had been job hunting on foot. Moreover, she had recently been released from prison and couldn’t find anyone willing to hire a felon.

She openly shared her story about the incident that led to her serving three years in prison. My intuition told me to believe in her. She had worked in an industry we knew well, and it turned out we had connections with an owner of multiple locations in that industry. Although she had already applied there and been turned down, I decided to text the business owner. The conversation went something like this:

Me: “Do you hire felons?” Him: “Let me guess, you have a felon you believe in?” Me: “Yes, I just met her, but she seems great.” Him: “For you, yes, I’ll hire a felon. Tell her to come for an interview this Friday at 10 am.”

Her reaction, when I told her about the interview, was priceless—shock, confusion, disbelief, and then pure joy. It was AWESOME!

She went to the interview and started her new job the following Monday. She’s been there a couple of months now and is being trained for a management position. Her employer says she’s doing a great job. The sad but good part of this story is that I don’t get to see her often anymore because she no longer needs to use the food pantry. She’s financially stable and thriving.

When people come to the Center of Hope, they might think they are coming for food, diapers, or counseling, but what we truly aim to give them is HOPE. We desire to see those we serve move on to live self-sufficient, happy, healthy lives. There’s nothing particularly special or unique about us who serve here—we don’t have magic formulas or advanced degrees. But we know that God loves all His children, and He’s a good Father. We’ve been blessed with amazing resources and community partners who are willing to give someone a shot when the rest of the world won’t, like the business owner in this story.

All I can say is God is good, and I love my job!

2023 Year in Review

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 21:18:11 GMT

2023 in Review and Vision for 2024

Welcome to the Center of Hope's 2023 Year in Review and 2024 vision, a short journey through the defining moments of the past year and what’s planned for the upcoming year. We can not express enough thanks and gratitude to you, our supporters! Read on for glimpses of achievements, moving stories, and the impactful results made possible by you!

As we’ve continued our mission of loving and serving our neighbors who are hungry, hurting, in need, or in crisis, we’ve seen dramatic growth in the number of people seeking help. Numbers of those needing food assistance have increased over 75% in 2023 and continue to rise. As a reflection of our philosophy of preserving the dignity of those we serve and giving them the best we can, we’ve rebranded the food pantry as the Free Choice Market. The Free Choice Market is a place where guests can get the items they need but also have the freedom to choose just as they would in a grocery store.

The most apparent changes for the Center of Hope have taken place in the property as it is developed into a Community Care Complex. We are so thankful for the volunteers who have worked diligently on the property to make it a working center. Their many days of effort are producing fruit in the finished main building! With that building now completed, renovations on the first of the three houses continues.

Fully occupying the big building has changed the ministry of the Center of Hope. The increased exposure offered by being on Fenton Road frequently invites the curious and searching to stop. Of the many instances in which this has happened one in particular stands out. A retired grandfather who had recently gained custody of his three grandchildren was in his car talking to a friend on the phone. As he drove he expressed his frustration over how his grandkids were having trouble adapting to their new home and school. On top of that his fixed income was stretched beyond its limits, and outside help seemed non-existent. His friend suggested that he search for a charity organization that might help him. At that very moment he approached the Center of Hope, saw the sign and pulled in knowing nothing except that it said “hope”. After much time talking, getting advice and resource recommendations, He was taken shopping in the Free Choice Market and given food, and prayer. Most importantly this grandfather was given hope and the reassurance that he wasn’t alone. Stories like this are a weekly occurrence now.

In 2023 we were able to provide a fantastic selection of classes to our Baby Closet moms. As that program has grown we’ve noticed that those being served include more than just mothers; now we also serve dads, foster parents, grandparents and more. To more accurately reflect the broader demographics of these families, as well as increased services, we’re now using the name Center of Hope Parenting Program. Under the umbrella of the parenting program will be the Baby Closet, Classes, Mentoring, and more.

As we begin to put to full use the finished meeting spaces of the big building we will be offering more learning and mentoring opportunities to everyone we serve! We now have spaces that will seat small groups all the way up to larger groups of 100 people. Additionally, we have screens in all of these spaces allowing us to present video when needed. Coming in 2024 there will be regularly scheduled monthly life skills and financial workshops as well as mens and womens gatherings. In addition there will be weekly classes and small groups on a variety of subjects.

We’ve also planned more community events. In addition to the Independence Day Celebration and the incredibly successful Back to School Blast, we’ll also be hosting a concert and an annual open house for the community to learn more about what the Center of Hope is doing. The Thanksgiving Outreach and Christmas Outreach events this year were both successes and were transformed through the use of our larger building. We look forward to improving and expanding these events and more in the upcoming year as the Community Care Complex continues to be developed! Our aim is to bless not just the people we are directly serving but also our neighbors in all of the surrounding communities!

Finally, in 2024 we will begin in earnest developing the houses on the property into temporary and emergency housing for women and children. The need for this type of service in our general area is real and growing. In particular we are regularly meeting women and children fleeing domestic abuse and even human trafficking. The three dormitory style houses on the property are 8,000 square feet each and will be developed into a variety of units which will house single women and women and children for different lengths of time and with different needs. The goal is not only to provide a safe place to stay but to nourish souls, teach, counsel, and encourage. We want each person at the Center of Hope Community Care Complex to leave with the resources they need for life, prepared for success.

To make the Community Care Complex a reality there is much to do. We will be searching for an architect who can guide us through the process of reimagining the houses and determining how best to utilize them. We also hope to find individuals with the knowledge and skills to spearhead a capital campaign to raise the funds for this project.

The growth and change that has happened at the Center of Hope in the last year has been tremendous but there is a shared feeling that things are just getting started and that 2024 will be an amazing year of transformation!

Thank you for being a vital part of the Center of Hope community!

The Food Pantry has a new name!

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 13:41:12 GMT

The "Free Choice Market" is offering healthy choices.

November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, providing us with an excellent opportunity to shed light on its impact on the Center of Hope and the people we serve. Diabetes is a global health concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. While it can affect people from all walks of life, those facing financial hardships are disproportionately burdened by this chronic condition. The prevalence of diabetes among those in financial need is a pressing issue we aim to delve into, emphasizing the pivotal role of diet and accessibility to healthy foods in addressing this health disparity. We will also explore how the Center of Hope can make a tangible difference by providing nutritious food options.

The link between low income and diabetes is well-documented. Individuals with limited financial resources often encounter unique challenges that heighten their risk of developing diabetes. These challenges encompass restricted access to healthcare, educational resources, and employment opportunities. However, one of the most significant contributing factors is the lack of access to healthy and affordable food.

Diet plays a crucial role in both the development and management of diabetes. Consuming a diet high in processed, sugary, and unhealthy fatty foods significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, low-income individuals frequently find themselves unable to afford fresh and nutritious alternatives.

Many low-income communities are situated in areas often referred to as "food deserts." These are neighborhoods where residents have limited access to grocery stores and farmers' markets offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food options. In contrast, fast-food restaurants and convenience stores that sell highly processed, high-calorie foods are prevalent in these areas. While the areas served by the Center of Hope may not be classified as food deserts, the challenge of finding affordable healthy foods persists for many.

In the face of these challenges, the Center of Hope remains committed to assisting low-income individuals and families by providing access to healthy food options at no cost. A key component of this effort is the Center of Hope's Food Pantry which has been renamed the Free Choice Market to better represent the philosophy behind it. The Free Choice Market offers a genuine grocery shopping experience that empowers guests to select their desired food items themselves, accommodating those with dietary restrictions and specific health requirements. Beyond offering choice, the Free Choice Market strives to also maintain a variety of low-sugar and low-carb options, and most importantly, a wide selection of fresh produce high in fiber.

The Center of Hope's efforts extend beyond the provision of food. Equipping individuals with educational resources and support to make informed decisions in all aspects of life is crucial to lifting individuals and families out of chronic difficulties.

Helping Senior Citizens in Our Community

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 17:46:50 GMT

Senior citizens are often the most vulnerable group in our community

As the cost of living continues to rise, it is becoming increasingly difficult for many people to make ends meet. This is particularly true for one of our most vulnerable groups, senior citizens, who often have fixed incomes and limited resources to cover rising expenses. One resource that can provide critical assistance for seniors who are struggling to afford basic necessities like food, utilities, and medications is the Center of Hope, and in particular, the Food Pantry.

The Center of Hope is a non-profit organization that provides essential services for struggling families and individuals. It distributes food items, such as canned goods, pasta, and other non-perishables, as well as fresh produce, meat, and dairy products. The goal of the pantry is to help alleviate hunger and food insecurity, particularly among individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet.

For senior citizens, who may be on fixed incomes and facing rising expenses, the cost of groceries, utilities, and medications can be particularly burdensome. The Center of Hope Food Pantry can provide much-needed assistance by helping to reduce the cost of groceries, allowing seniors to redirect their limited resources to other essential expenses like utility bills and medications.

In addition to providing food assistance, the Center of Hope Food Pantry also plays a crucial role in promoting community support and solidarity. It relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations, as well as volunteer efforts from members of the community. By supporting a local food pantry, people can help their neighbors who are facing financial challenges, and build a stronger sense of community and empathy.

For seniors, the Center of Hope Food Pantry can be a lifeline in times of financial hardship. In addition to providing food assistance, Center of Hope also offers other services and support that can help seniors maintain their independence and dignity, even in the face of financial challenges. Most important though are the friendships and connections that are made and which provide spiritual and emotional support when it’s needed most.

If you or someone you know is a senior citizen facing financial challenges, consider reaching out to the Center of Hope for Food Pantry assistance. And if you are in a position to help, consider donating your time, money, or food items to support this important community resource. Together, we can help ensure that seniors in our community have access to the resources they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives, even in times of hardship.

Human Trafficking Close to Home

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 21:17:12 GMT

Human trafficking is a serious issue that affects millions

Human trafficking is a serious issue that affects millions of people around the world, including people in our home state of Michigan. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline there were 295 cases reported in the state in 2021. This number may seem small, but it represents only a fraction of the actual number of people who are being exploited in the state. In this article, we will discuss the seriousness of human trafficking in Michigan, including the forms it takes, its causes, and its impact on the victims.

Forms of Human Trafficking in Michigan

Human trafficking can take many different forms, including sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and domestic servitude. In Michigan, sex trafficking is the most commonly reported form of human trafficking. This involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel someone to engage in commercial sex acts. Labor trafficking, on the other hand, involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel someone to work against their will. This can happen in a variety of industries, including agriculture, hospitality, and construction.

Causes of Human Trafficking in Michigan

There are many factors that contribute to the prevalence of human trafficking in Michigan. Poverty and lack of economic opportunity are major drivers of human trafficking. People who are desperate for work or money are more vulnerable to traffickers who promise them better opportunities. Other factors that can contribute to human trafficking include addiction, immigration status, language barriers, and a lack of social support.

Impact of Human Trafficking on Victims

Human trafficking has a devastating impact on its victims, both physically and emotionally. Victims of human trafficking often suffer from physical abuse, malnutrition, and lack of medical care. They may also experience psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims of sex trafficking are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy, and drug addiction. In addition, victims of human trafficking often feel isolated and alone, making it difficult for them to seek help or escape from their situation.

Solutions

At the Center of Hope we’ve become increasingly aware of the issue of human trafficking as the frequency and number of incidences in our area increase. As our experience and involvement have increased we’ve learned what measures must be taken to stop it. Often there is a limited window of opportunity to remove a victim from a human trafficking situation. Resources must be in place and ready so action can take place quickly. First and foremost among these resources is safe emergency housing.

The Center of Hope is currently working to convert 20,000 square feet of existing space into short term emergency housing that will accommodate up to 50 individuals. Our goal is to provide a safe and secure place for those newly liberated from human trafficking situations. With this new emergency housing and with existing resources available through the Center of Hope, law enforcement, Genesee County Human Trafficking Task Force, and other organizations, we know that lives can be saved.

Conclusion

Human trafficking is a serious issue, not just abroad but right here in our home state of Michigan. It’s a crime that exploits the most vulnerable members of our society and strips them of their dignity and freedom. To combat human trafficking, it’s important to raise awareness about the issue and to support organizations such as the Center of Hope that provide assistance to victims. Together, we can work to end human trafficking in our area and around the world.

Heart for Housing: A Mission to Provide Safe Haven for All

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:51:41 GMT

Housing is a basic need for everyone

Housing is a basic need for every individual and yet many people struggle to find a safe place to sleep when trouble comes. The Center of Hope is on a mission to change that. The "Heart for Housing" program was established with a goal to provide funding for safe and affordable housing that will serve families and individuals in our area.

The Center of Hope offers a range of services to help our at risk neighbors find stability in their lives. These services include a free-choice food pantry, programs and services for mothers, training and classes covering a wide range of subjects, and one-on-one mentoring. Now, through the "Heart for Housing" program we've set our sights on providing the area's only emergency housing center.

One of the primary goals the Center of Hope has in providing emergency shelter is that of giving refuge to women and children in critical situations. Abuse, human trafficking, neglect, drugs and related crimes are perhaps surprising to some, but unfortunately they are all too common. These circumstances can seem nearly impossible to leave for victims, but the Center of Hope intends to remove the biggest obstacle by providing free emergency shelter to those who need it. This is often the first step to freedom.

The Center of Hope has also helped many families and individuals overcome the difficulties that prevent them from keeping or securing stable housing. For people struggle to afford the cost of rent, utilities, and other household expenses, we've worked to develop a customized plan to help them overcome these challenges and achieve financial stability; for those who need it, we hope to soon provide warm and safe temporary housing as well.

The Center of Hope is supported by individuals, churches, civic organizations and businesses who want to make a positive impact on people's lives. By providing access to safe emergency housing, we intend to help those in need overcome their challenges and achieve financial stability. It's a mission that is close to the heart of the Center of Hope, and we are working tirelessly to make a difference by bringing these resources to the community.

To learn more about Heart for Housing or any of the services the Center of Hope offers, or for a personal tour, please call our office at 810-620-8167

We have a New Home!

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 00:52:52 GMT

The Center of Hope is moving

Our prayers have been answered in a big way and we're so excited to report that the Center of Hope now has a new home! With the help of individuals and organizations who share our vision for the community, we've been able to purchase land on Fenton Road, in front of Camp Copneconic. This property has a building that was formerly used as a church and has enough space to become our offices, life-skills and mentoring classrooms, baby closet and food pantry. In addition the property has three large houses that will in time be used as emergency and temporary housing! There's also a beautiful lawn area with parking that we'll be able to use for community events! God is so good!

The coming weeks will be filled with lots of activity as we start to plan the move so keep your eyes open for more news!

The Step-mother Who Shaped a President

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 01:51:21 GMT

I t's difficult to think of Abraham Lincoln as anything other than the great leader we know him to have been, but his life could have been drastically different if not for one woman, his Step-mother.

It was in the year 1818 that nine year old Abraham Lincoln lost his mother and his champion, Nancy. His father, Thomas, was a cold, stern man who was unable to read or write; it was young Abe's mother who had been the one to encourage the education of her two children. Between the two parents there's no doubt that she was the one who was nurturing and loving. Upon her unexpected death, Abe, the younger of the two children was left primarily in the care of his 11 year old sister while their father earned a living. Being just a child herself, Abe's sister was unequipped to take on the responsibility of her brother and their home. Things quickly began to fall apart in the Lincoln household.

As was common at the time, Thomas Lincoln soon arranged a marriage of convenience with a recently widowed woman he had known from their former home in Kentucky. Her name was Sarah Bush, she was 31 years old and she brought to the family three children of her own.

Upon arriving at the Lincoln homestead she found the two Lincoln children so dirty and unkempt that she made bathing them her very first task. She soon brought order back into the children's lives and In the coming days she would take on the role of a loving mother, treating them just as she did her own children.

Young Abe was found to be intelligent and warm and very open to the attention she gave. His new step-mother picked right up where his mother had left off, encouraging his curiosity, love of reading and sense of humor. She was also the boys biggest defender, often standing up for Abraham during the frequent arguments between the father and son. The relationship that developed between Abe and Sarah was strong and the two remained close even as Abe became an adult. She was the one he referred to later in life when he spoke of his "Mother".

What would have happened to young Abraham Lincoln if Sarah Bush hadn't come into his life? We can only guess. What we do know is that the love and care she gave him made a tremendous positive impact on his personality and character and equipped him to become one of our greatest presidents.

We should never underestimate the positive influence we can have in the lives of our children. At the Center of Hope we work to keep people fed, clothed, and housed, but our highest priority work is to help make healthy families. Healthy children are raised by parents who have the right knowledge, skills... and love... just like Sarah Bush Lincoln. That's why the Center of Hope puts an emphasis on helping parents and grandparents become equipped to raise their kids as well as maintain the household. The Center of Hope offers a large selection of classes on subjects such as pregnancy and birth, child care, life skills, money management, and more. But it doesn't stop there, we also offer small groups, mentoring, friendship, and hope!

If you'd like to get involved with the Center of Hope, either as someone who needs help, or as a volunteer, please contact us at (810) 620-8167

A Season of Change

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 00:50:45 GMT

The Center of Hope Moves Forward

As October quickly approaches and Autumn is under way, the leaves aren’t the only things changing!

The last two years have been very challenging for everyone, and the Center of Hope is no exception. The situations resulting from Covid-19 have tested us in so many ways and it seems we’ve been in a constant state of adaptation. We’ve been forced to re-examine our methods and practices as well as our thoughts and plans for the future of this organization. Change is often painful and uncomfortable but God is always faithful! We see now the many ways that he’s been preparing us for things we hadn’t dreamed of before and we’re excited to share with our friends and supporters where the journey is taking us!

We’ve been blessed for over five years to have been able to occupy our current location on the property of Freedom Center Church. As many of you know Freedom Center Church birthed and nurtured the ministry which has grown to become the Center of Hope. We'll always be grateful for the positive contributions so many of that church body have made and continue to make on behalf of the Center of Hope. Thank you so much! But the time has come to move on to bigger accommodations that will help us serve the surrounding communities in ever expanding ways. Accordingly, a timeline has been set in which the Center of Hope will be moving from the Freedom Center Church property. While we would prefer to have the leisure to move at a more comfortable pace, that’s not the reality of the situation and we are busily preparing in whatever ways we can to move by the end of this year. Yes, you read that right, the end of 2021! Again, change is difficult and there are many hurdles to surmount but we trust that God will work on our behalf. We don’t always understand the situation or where He’s leading but we do know that God is always faithful and provides to fulfill the purposes he has for us.

We currently have a potential property in mind but nothing has been secured at this time. We ask that all of our supporters, followers, clients and fellow believers pray with us in anticipation of an answer to our needs. We also ask that if you feel the urge to give towards the financing of new property and the associated move, you would click the link below and make a secure donation.

https://app.donorview.com/N76KK

Thank you for being there in the past and onward with us into an exciting future!

A Center of Hope

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 20:03:02 GMT

Changing Lives

Sometimes we're reminded in a profound way that what happens through the Center of Hope is life changing. As servants of Christ Jesus we're called to follow him and in doing so participate in his redemptive work; Everything good that happens here happens because of HIM and we are blessed just to be a small part of that wonderful work. The following letter was sent a while back. Each of you who has contributed time, money, resources, and prayer has been a part of the blessings described!

"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

2 Corinthians 5:17-20

I'm not sure who reads this, or if anyone does, but I truly needed to type this out, so even if it's like journaling, it's worth something for me. The Center of Hope, has been to my family exactly what the title claims to be. A Center of Hope! My family has been struggling in almost a constant way, since fall of 2019, we lost my Nana and she was the glue to our family. Summer of 2020 I lost my father. Fall of 2020 my fiancé lost his job after his hours almost constantly being cut. I sought out help from the Center of Hope for help with diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and Food! I am by no means claiming that the Center of Hope has fixed every single problem that I have ran into since then, but I wanted to share some of the blessings that I have had that truly feel I was blessed with because of the Center of Hope or the incredible humans who work there! When I came in to fill out an application in September 2020 Jenifer said to me during that process how much she thought government housing (Dauner Haus) would be so much better for my family. I had been on that waiting list for 3 years, didn't feel like we were ever going to get in. She said it. October 3rd I got a call that our application was pulled. A little over a month later we were moved in! Our first Thanksgiving in our new home, a WHOLE meal was dropped off to us! We ate a beautiful Thanksgiving Feast, thanks to the Center of Hope! Mid December my niece was in a car accident I got the call while on my way to the food pantry, I didn't know the extent of the accident, but although it was a drive through only, a phenomenal woman prayed that "all it would take is 2 Tylenol to heal her" she did wear a neck brace, but to cure her pain 2 doses of Tylenol was what it took! My car had been on the fritz for sometime, because of our financial situation, Jenifer said "please dear god let her car make it until next year (2021)" it did it did make it until February! We have been blessed by the stimulus checks to be able to start looking for a new vehicle for our family! Yes all of these blessings are fantastic! During a global pandemic, and all the other everyday problems we have had something that remained constant! My son has had a nice dry butt, because if I'm low on diapers, all I have to do is call and they have them ready for us, almost every 2 weeks I have came to the Center of hope, and have been provided with food, more than just something to survive off of. We are offered foods that create beautiful meals that we actually enjoy eating! During the drive through only period, in one of my bags were some personal items, and one of them was Dove spray on deodorant, it may seem sooo small to others, but pulling that item out of the bag my eyes filled with tears! I have never had the money to afford that, since I was old enough to use deodorant, my mom had always struggled. The Center of Hope provides sooo much more than just survivability! They provide stability, they provide a warm smile, positive attitudes even when they are standing in the cold for who knows how long loading massive amounts of groceries in your car and never making you get out, every time I'm there someone prays for me and my family! I need the food, I need the diapers, but most of all I need these warmhearted individuals who legitimately make my life better everyday! I have been to quite a few pantries growing up, the food is normally things to help you to continue surviving. The Center of Hope provides things like coffee! That is such a luxury! Dog food, even my dog has benefitted from the Center of Hope! My goal of putting this all into words is to let these individuals that what they are doing is so much more than just providing food. I know I would never have the time to say this when I'm there because they are helping many people, not just me! This is just what it's done for my family, and it's much more than what I'm typing out. I want the people who continue to offer their time to serve people in need at the Center of Hope it does not go unnoticed, and it has meant so very much to me and my family! I cannot wait for the day that I can give back to this incredible Center of Hope who has given everything to my family through such a hard time, and I know that they are there for us, with warm hearts and smiles that can turn any rainy day into a nice warm meal, and piece of mind! So thank you, from the bottom of my heart, and if anyone does read this, I'm so sorry it was soo long, it honestly could be longer I have so many feelings about the wonderful blessings that have brought to my life because of the Center of Hope. But thank you for reading, and you can share this with the people that serve there if you desire. If you share it outside of those people I'd just rather my name be left out, for personal reasons, but Thank you!