October 15, 2010

A mother, father and their two young girls came to live at Door of Hope four months ago. During a time of despair and desperation, wonderful things started happening in their family. The father completed his high school education, and received his diploma. The mother attended church with the family last week, and accepted the Lord as her Savior. Then, she got a part time job, and started working toward a better life for her family. Recently, the family even got a car donated to Door of Hope.

The family is doing well, and thankful for the support they receive at Door of Hope. The husband is looking for work, and although he does temporary work, he’s still looking for full-time employment.

Door of Hope provides a refuge for those who are in need of a home, a job, and, most importantly, hope. But it also acts as a catalyst for good things to start happening in the lives of those who are struggling through hard times.

Pasadena Graduation: October 6, 2010

Warm, smiling faces. Happy children. The joy of a family gathering, and the anticipation of a new chapter in life. This is graduation at Door of Hope. It’s always bittersweet when families graduate from Door of Hope’s program. Everyone is so proud of how far these families have come. They’ve journeyed from being homeless, to Door of Hope’s temporary housing, and finally, to permanent housing. This accomplishment comes with hard work and dedication on the family’s part. But in the time they stay at Door of Hope, they become part of something larger: a close-knit family unit. Every family at Door of Hope becomes intertwined. They all support each other, and Door of Hope supports and loves each and every one of them.

“My heart is connected with all of you guys,” says Almaz Negusu, Director of Volunteers and Follow-up Care. “I thank God for you.”

“Before I came to Door of Hope, I pretty much had no hope left,” says one mother. “Door of Hope restored my hope and gave me a second chance.”

Every person involved in Door of Hope has a similar story. They are stories of God’s provision and love during desperate and lonely times. They are stories of laughter and triumph. Most importantly, they are stories of hope.

The families graduating have come a long way. They are now self-sufficient, and ready to transition into life on their own. Many are excited about new jobs, new housing, and new opportunities. But the all have something in common. 

“Once you’re part of Door of Hope, you’re always part of Door of Hope,” says Executive Director, Tim Peters. “We’re family.”

Nathan and Esther Delahay Sponsor a Room

Nathan and Esther Delahay have sponsored a resident room. Sponsoring a room is a monetary donation that enables us to do the prep work during transition between resident families. This includes purchasing new linens for beds and new towel sets for each member of the family. It also includes painting and any repair work needed during the time of transition. The following is what Esther shared with us in a recent email:

Nathan and I decided to sponsor a room at Door of Hope because after visiting the home and speaking with Tim about the program, we felt that this was a place that God was working through and in ...MIGHTLY. We have both been exposed to many "programs" for the poor and homeless, but the Door of Hope was more than a "program" that met the physical needs of people. Door of Hope's ministry is wholistic and we strongly believe in living our lives like that. All of life is connected, and our spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional life cannot be separated. Door of Hope is working at the root and foundations of families lives to bring about life long change. We can think of no better place to support a ministry and family who is doing the work of our Father.

Thank you for sharing with us the reason behind your sponsoring a room. And thank you so much for doing so.