A few months ago, Donnie walked into Star of Hope Mission with his 3-year-old son. Donnie is one of a small, but growing number of single, homeless fathers who want their children to have a better life than they did.
Star of Hope’s Women & Family Development Center at its Cornerstone Community® transformational campus is designed to allow them to stay together in a place mostly filled with mothers and children. Few places across the country can do that.
Donnie and his son would be in a rough situation without Star of Hope. He had nowhere to go after walking out of a long-standing relationship, with Donnie Jr.’s mother, that had turned violent. He left everything but his son behind. Then he and Donnie Jr. came to Star of Hope praying for a place to stay and a better life.
As a 28-year-old single dad, Donnie could have chosen the easy way out. He could have given his child to someone else. But instead, he is seeking change, knowing his son needs him strong, sober and right with God. He shares his Star of Hope experience with these words:
“I wanted to change our surroundings, and I couldn’t do that without working on myself to be in a better position to provide for him and be the best dad I could possibly be. We are pretty much like one big family at the Star of Hope.”
Donnie appreciates the kind help and support he has raising Donnie Jr. He is receiving education and training for work and, eventually, help to find housing. He has made friends with the other moms and dads, and his son is happier too as Donnie Jr. wakes up every morning excited to “play outside with his new friends!”
Hearing success stories such as Donnie’s, helps me realize the impact Star of Hope has on so many lives and that none of it would be possible without your help and God’s faithfulness to our mission! Thank you for helping both Donnies, and others like them, have hope for a better future. Your kindness is appreciated.