Friends in Hope has been an extremely helpful organization that has helped many community newcomers and long-term members with mentoring and gentle teaching of identifying true friendships.
I was asked to assist with Friends in Hope as an employee of The Salvation Army and making appropriate referrals to Friends in Hope when a need was identified. Marilyn Terlouw and Robyn Taylor have been there since the very first connection and friendship.
The transformations of great friendships developing from the many walks of life is remarkable. Families have become self-sufficient during these friendships. People who may have found themselves making bad decisions or through no faults of their own, facing homelessness and, basically with no support system have been met with a warm smile, warm words of encouragement and ultimately have developed long and lasting friendships and have been able to mentor others in a friendly way. Many of the initial friendships were because personal vulnerabilities and life experiences had caused sadness and desperation and family members and previous friends had shunned the member. Friendships were invited, formed and engagements have been proactive in a life improvement.
I am writing to encourage people to volunteer or recognize the founding members an offering of appreciation and encouragement or thanking the continuing volunteers for their efforts in giving people a reason to shine in their darkest days. Great appreciation is also expressed to Mission Coalition for designating the proceeds of the annual pie sale to Friends in Hope for revenue to the charity. The hours I have walked in the journey of watching the friendships form and continue has been so rewarding and the hours of work the volunteers have given to families is unsurpassed as is the knowledge, the lessons, the transportation trips, the selection of furniture and house-goods to start over can not be thanked enough. Thank you.
Kelly Zach
Newton
