One program participant has completed her twelve step program for AA. She has become a mentor. It is a joy to watch her excitement as she is now able to give back what she has learned to others.

I had a client who came seeking utility assistance. This particular lady was experiencing medical issues that seemed significant, yet she was chipper as ever. I found it inspiring to work with her, particularly when I learned that she’s been recovering nicely from her medical maladies and was soon to begin employment again.

I had another client who was a tremendous pleasure to work with. This gentleman was in his seventies, though due to his good nature and cheer, I thought he was easily 10 years younger. He came in with his pastor, which also inspired me because this experience provided occasion for me to observe a shepherd tending to his sheep. The day during which I visited this client was particularly challenging. I believe that God divinely appointed this gentleman to shift my focus from the material to the spiritual. I must admit, though, that it felt odd being called “sir” by a man more than twice my age!

We had a homeless man come to us from one of our partner churches on the day before our winter storm of 2/2011.When he came to our office, he had been awake for several hours trying to be safe on the streets. God’s care and provision for him was evident in so many things that happened to help us minister to him. We were able to get him into a shelter and provide warm clothing for him. One of our warehouse workers took him to the shelter on his lunch hour and connected him with VA services. God is good!!

We were able to minister to another man this month that had just been released from prison. He lives with his pastor and works doing odd jobs. We were able to help him get warm clothing, work boots, and also some food. He was one of many clients we helped who was so thankful for a hand up to start fresh in life.

Some warm clothing for four children, food, and diapers were all this struggling family asked for. Thankfully, we were able to provide assistance to this family of 6 who try to survive on less than $1500.00 a month. The mother left smiling, knowing her family would be taken care of for a while longer by the grace of God.

A family had to admit their young daughter into a state mental hospital. They visit her on weekends and attend classes to learn to cope, understand, and handle the behavior of their daughter. It is their goal to learn as much as possible about her problem and the techniques they should use to help her in order to provide the best home environment. They request prayer for themselves, their daughter, and the doctors.

One of the families we serve is close to the end of their time within our transitional housing program. The parents’ combined income wasn’t enough to allow them to be self sufficient, but last month, the mom secured full-time hours at her current employer. This will allow them to become self-sufficient prior to the end of their time with us! The parents want to purchase a house so that they can have an inheritance to leave their children. Currently, they are looking for properties that would allow the mortgage to be affordable for them.

A single dad completed the forklift training class in order to become a certified forklift driver!

I had the privilege of sharing Christ with a client on our January home visit. Keep praying for him. Right now, he wants his daughter to grow up in a church but does not see the need in his own life.

After a long struggle, one of our single mothers has adjusted to working fulltime. It has been difficult for her to complete her task at work in the allotted time and as a result she has had to work late into the evening. She has now learned how to effectively manage her time and for the first time since she came into the program, she is able to watch her children’s basketball games. I am thrilled that she has made it a goal to spend quality time with her children and is following through with that goal.

One of our newer clients received a scholarship to attend college. She is enrolled in basic classes and is doing very well. This has been a confidence booster for her and a great step towards self-sufficiency.