Team: Ashley & Kerry
Deciding to help out the House of Hope Orlando was an easy choice for me. I had the privilege of attending the organization’s “Hope Awards Dinner” last February at which they presented awards to their dedicated supporters. But more importantly, those in attendance got to hear each of the teens’ personal testimonies, stories of hurt and pain that became healed through the faith and love that the House of Hope provides. They were such an inspiration for me that our holiday project seemed like the perfect opportunity to help.
With our shopping out of the way, Ashley and I were both excited to drop off all of the items that we had bought for the teens that stayed there.
Driving onto the campus, we were both a little confused to see that some buildings were reserved for the national offices. We came to learn that the Orlando-based center has had such success in transforming teens’ and families’ lives that it became the model for other House of Hope organizations across the country.
We were met by a friendly staff member, Brenda, who helped us unload and told us a little bit more about the teens’ everyday experiences at House of Hope and what they have planned for Christmas.
A staff member since 1987, Brenda is such a great example of what can be accomplished through giving yourself. In her 21 years at House of Hope, she has seen brokenness and suffering be repaired with encouragement, love and hope.
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