Like many of you, we have been in the middle of back-to-school mode at the Women and Family Development Center over the last couple of weeks. This season has given me the first opportunity to see our incredible volunteers and supporters in action assisting and encouraging our staff and residents during this hectic time.
Our Children and Youth Ministry team has been busy at work making shopping lists of school supplies, uniforms and shoes for all the school-age children. Plus, they have been coordinating bus schedules and transportation to all the different schools our children attend!
Board members and friends of Trees of Hope, a not-for-profit that supports Star of Hope’s Children’s Critical Care Fund, hosted its annual Back-to-School shoe event and brought the ‘special shoe store’ to Star of Hope’s Women and Family Development Center. Trees of Hope Jr. members, children of Trees of Hope board members, shopped at Academy Sports + Outdoors and selected shoes for more than 200 toddlers and children, and the board members assisted the school-aged children in sizing and selecting their new shoes. They also treated our teens to a private Raising Cane’s lunch and shopping trip to Academy so they could select their own shoes.
We also had volunteers and donors who care enough for our residents to support them through the conference “Put on Your Big Girl Shoes” focused on their life recovery. It was pretty awesome!
Yes, 3 months in, and I am still learning. Learning how deep the rabbit hole goes (as they say) – and how deep is the Father’s Love for Us shown in the work of the many volunteers and supporters at Star of Hope.
I really don’t like being called the President and CEO of Star of Hope. My day for being motivated or caring about that is long past. But the title is what it is, I suppose, and people seem to enjoy it. One reason I don’t like it is because it sets me on a pedestal (which my wife will tell you is a big mistake) and sets me apart. At this point of my life, I just feel like another hungry sinner trying to find the next piece of bread. I don’t feel special. But the people who are special in our world are all the incredible volunteers and supporters we have here at the Star of Hope.
Thank you for being there for our residents when they need you the most. YOU make it possible for them to have hope for tomorrow.
1 Comment
New Hope Alumni 💯 2006-2007 with Four Children. I learned how to live not just a good life but a better life. I’m a Director of Supportive Services now, currently at TSU seeking my PH.D. Two of my children work for Harris County Sheriff Department, one is currently in college and the other is a streamer on YouTube.
Star of Hope resource & tools saved us.
My organization conducted a larger Back to School Backpack donation last week with Miles Ministry.
New Hope works if your work it. Grateful for Mr. Patrick!