A homeless woman living in the gazebo at Searland Park in downtown Newton prompted a group of volunteers to found Friends in Hope in August 2014.
Since that time, about 40 individuals and their families have been assisted by the nonprofit mentoring group. The first year marked some successes, many heartbreaking situations and a tremendous amount of learning, said Marilyn Terlouw, who acted as chairperson of the group its inaugural year.
“I didn’t even know there was a need for this type of service,” Terlouw said. “It’s just shocking to me to know how many people don’t have others in their lives that provide support and guidance.”
Not everyone assisted by Friends in Hope is homeless, although many are living in dire living situations. Terlouw said those utilizing Friends in Hope mentoring are oftentimes fragile — either emotionally or physically. For them to obtain services they have to go to several different agencies and fill out lot of paperwork, which can become a barrier to success.
“I knew they needed a friend to help them with the steps to pull themselves out of these kinds of situations,” Terlouw said.
Homelessness remains an issue in Newton, she said.
“We don’t see them visibly, but there are people who sleep in cars, on porches, who are in private sheds or garages — at one time we had five families in commercial storage rental sheds,” Terlouw said.
About a dozen people participate in volunteer work for Friends in Hope, with about six key mentors. Linda Curtis-Stolper, a retired teacher and pastor, recently took over as chairperson of Friends in Hope.
“I’m finding this to be a very strong way for me to try to minister to my community and the people around me. I definitely feel called — this is something I’m supposed to be doing,” Curtis-Stolper said.
Because of the constant need, she is hoping to grow the volunteer base. Whether someone could provide occasional transportation, or is interested in stepping into a mentorship role, the group believes there is strength in numbers.
More specialty type of roles would also help the group — a mechanic who could advise whether or not a car repair should be made and someone in the medical field. Child care assistance is also an ongoing need.
“We try real hard to help find people a different route while at the same time saying ‘this is your life we’re talking about an we need to have you make the decisions,’” Curtis-Stolper said. “If we can do a little bit to support them and find that one little piece that helps break the cycle of crisis that’s a victory. We can start building from that.”
For more information about volunteering with Friends in Hope, contact Linda Curtis-Stolper at 641-840-2417. Those seeking help from Friends in Hope should call The Salvation Army at 641-792-6131.
— Abigail Pelzer