We never know for sure how today’s actions will influence tomorrow. Sometimes it’s not until years later that the impacts of our decisions are fully understood…

Over the years I have had numerous opportunities to speak to students ranging from elementary school to college. Many times I have been approached afterwards by a student expressing how the services at the Mission had blessed their family. Sometimes that blessing came through their experience as a volunteer or when a family member needed support. Other times the connection is even more direct.

I was being interviewed one morning for a television program through one of the local high schools. As I looked out into the audience of students and faculty, my eyes were drawn to a young man whose eyes were keenly fixed. The intensity of his gaze let me know he was holding onto every word. His eyes filled with tears as I continued to speak. There was nothing very personal about what I was sharing, but this eighteen-year-old boy was obviously touched as he wiped his tear-stained face with the back of his hand.

Seeing the gratitude of this young man’s heart reminded me of my own mother. My biological dad was killed in an airplane crash in Germany while my mom was pregnant with me. He was in the Army and as two planes collided, he plummeted to his death. I knew some of the story but never asked questions. Since it happened before I was born, I never gave it much thought.

At age thirty-five, I was married with two small daughters and my mother was living in Alaska. Rather than haul everything with her, we were keeping some of her items in our basement for storage.

While fiddling around the basement one day, I came across an old box of her memorabilia I decided to peruse. As I opened the box and began rummaging around, I came across an old newspaper clipping from the Topeka Capital-Journal. The large picture on the front captured my eye; in it stood three smiling women. They were in the New York City harbor as they stood on a ship, waving cheerfully as it slowly pulled away. I smiled as I read the article about the young ladies who were eagerly leaving the United States to join their husbands in Germany. My heart filled with pride as I thought of my mom.

I finished the article and put it aside. Directly underneath was another clipping with an entirely different feel. “Three Went, One Came Back Alone,” the headlines read. My heart sank as I realized the article was about my mom and the devastating tragedy that had taken the life of my dad. She was now coming back to Topeka, twenty-one years old, pregnant and alone.  Then reality hit me… the child in her womb had been me.

Feeling sorry for her, some soldiers had snuck her onto a huge cargo plane so she wouldn’t have to endure the two-week trek home by ship. For hours, she bounced in the air suffering from the effects of her pregnancy, motion sickness and sorrow.

When Mom did arrive back in town, she had nowhere to turn. The survivor’s benefits from the military had not yet kicked in and she had no income. Had her parents not still been alive and in town, she too would have been homeless.

While I read the article, my heart was gripped for the first time with the realization of the sacrifice of my mother and what she had done for me. She could have easily given me away or attempted to seek an abortion. Instead, out of her love and sacrifice, she held on and gave birth to her son.

I trembled with great emotion, heaviness and gratefulness in my heart as I picked up the phone and called Alaska. “Mom?” I said as she picked up the phone. She responded but I couldn’t speak. I had a lump in my throat the size of a watermelon and no words could escape. She asked if I was okay. When I couldn’t respond she asked if Tami was okay… and then about the kids… and then once again, she asked about me.  I still couldn’t speak. Finally, through the cracking of a tearful voice, I whispered,  “Yes… I just want you to know how much I love you.”

I explained to my mom what had occurred and how I had read the newspaper articles from so long ago. I told her I never realized the extent of all she had endured and done just for me. “Thank you for keeping me,” I breathed.   Still trembling I spoke and continued to share and thank her for the many ways she had been such an amazing mom.

The young man I met at the high school knew, but hadn’t realized, the sacrifices that had been made just for him. When I looked at my mom, I now realized the same. The loss, the fear, and the pain these two women had to endure just to keep their boys, is still more than I can hardly comprehend.

Jesus had a mom. She carried Him in her womb, nursed Him, nurtured Him and stood by His side. The difference between this child and others was that He was born to die. I can only imagine the pain she felt as she walked through her life. The rejection she endured as her pregnancy was scoffed, the sorrow she felt knowing one day she would have to release her firstborn from her care, and the unexplainable pain she experienced as she watched Him die in anguish before her very eyes. As Jesus sacrificed His life, she sacrificed her son… all so that you and I might live.

Are we really aware of the many sacrifices that have been made for us?

There were days for these mothers when they must have wondered if they could really go on; if their sacrifices were really worth the effort. But through their love and in spite of the hardships that came their way, they pressed on and continued to care for the children God had placed in their hands. Through Christ, each one of us can find the strength to do the same. You do have the strength to
carry on.

I thank God that He sent His Son, that through Jesus I would have eternal life. And I thank my mom that she endured through the pain and trials that I might experience life in this world.

Who is it that you have to be thankful for today? It’s never too late to say “thank you,” and give honor where honor is due. May you never forget the multitude of sacrifices that have been made, just so that you could live.

The room began to clear as I prepared to leave but the young man stayed behind, evidently waiting for the appropriate time to approach me in private. When the last person left, he walked forward and bravely shared.

When he was just a baby, he and his mother became homeless. His biological father had disappeared; his mother had no money and knew very few people in Topeka. Hopeless, with nowhere else to turn, they moved into the Mission.  For the first time in his life, while listening to me speak, this young man began to realize what it must have been like for his mom. She had told him over the years it was because of God and those who served at the Mission that she had survived the experience. It was only now that he caught a glimpse of what she had meant.

As the young man continued, he shared of friends he knew who had gone through similar situations. The difference with them was that their mothers had walked away and given them up. With an expression of gratitude and awe he faintly said, “But my mom kept me.” The tears were now streaming down his face as he looked up and with all sincerity said, “Thank you for helping my mom.”

In time, his mom got back on her feet and did what she could to give him the best life possible. His face lit up as he spoke of the amazing man she married who had become his new dad and of his two younger siblings. He was now making plans for college and was excited about his future. Before saying goodbye, he shared with a smile, “It wasn’t until today that I realized how much my mother has done for me… and I can’t wait to tell her tonight when I see her.”

Lord,
My heart cries out in gratitude to You. Thank You for the abundant sacrifice that You gave that I might live. Give me an understanding and revelation of others who have sacrificed, allowing me to be alive this day. May I  go to them with my thanks and appreciation and may their lives be blessed for their giving.
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen.

This story is an excerpt from Barry Feaker’s book “In Darkness, A Light Still Shines”.

View Printable Version of Needs List

CHILDREN
T-Shirts (boys and girls, 5T to 14)
Shorts (boys and girls, 5T to 14)
Hats or Visors (pre-school to teen)
Swimming Floaties (arm type)
Children’s Spring/Summer Clothing (2T – 18)
Shoes (boys & girls, all sizes)
Sunscreen
Insect Repellant
Girls Jeans (sizes 10-18)
Underwear (boys and girls, 2T-8)

FOOD
Canned green beans
Coffee
Cold cereal
Canned meats (tuna/chicken)
Macaroni and cheese
Canned soups
Spaghetti
Peanut butter and jelly
For sack lunches:
Individually wrapped
crackers
and snacks
Fruit, jello and pudding cups
Granola bars

FURNITURE/APPLIANCES
Sofas, recliners, loveseats, dressers and tables
Large and small appliances—washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators and microwaves
Mattresses all sizes

CLOTHING
Men’s white socks all sizes
Men’s tops—2XL and larger
Men’s boxers—s,m,l
Men’s underwear sizes 28-34
Men’s jeans all sizes
Men’s belts
Shoes-Men, Women ,Children
Shorts-Men’s and Women’s all sizes
Women’s socks all sizes
Women’s Underwear—(5-9)
Women’s plus size tops and jeans
SUPPLY NEEDS
Toothbrushes
Shampoo and conditioner (large)
Deodorant (both genders)
Facial tissue
Baby wipes
Diapers—sizes 4 and 5
Pots and pans (new and used)
Sheets and blankets
Bath and hand towels and wash cloths

We are in need of funds designated specifically to aid children’s programming and activities as we approach the summer months. Last year we experienced record numbers of children residing with us and anticipate more growth in the upcoming months. Your monetary donations in this area are greatly appreciated!

For a number of years, the Topeka Rescue Mission has been examining why hunger, homelessness and poverty has been increasing in Topeka/Shawnee County. In doing so, we have discovered that there are significant areas of the community faced with these concerns. In an attempt to address the causes of hunger, homelessness, poverty and community safety, we have developed NET Reach (Neighborhood Empowerment and Transformation) to strengthen the health of our neighborhoods.

A number of our neighborhoods have been identified as, “in need of care”.  One of the most significant areas is Hi-Crest West. In this area of 5,700 residents, 92% of the children are living in poverty and 13% are involved in gang activity. In addition, 5% of all calls coming into the Topeka Police Department are generated from this area In attempts to intervene and bring improvement, we will have a staff presence at  the former Avondale East Elementary School in collaboration with Community Resources Council, Topeka Public Schools, local churches and social service agencies. A number of strategies will be implemented to bring the necessary tools and resources to strengthen individuals and families while also bringing about the opportunity for relationship building. The ultimate goal is to bring about the transformation from an unhealthy to healthy neighborhood.

We are excited about this opportunity to further reach out to those in need and thank you for standing with us in these new endeavors. If you would like more information about NET Reach, please contact Terry Hund at thund@trmonline.org or 785-354-1744-x370.

“Someone has well said that nature forms us, sin deforms us, the penitentiary reforms us, education informs us, the world conforms us, but only Jesus transforms us”
Author Unknown

A young man planned on giving his friend a ride home from work on a cold December evening but was unable to enter the parking lot. It was a crime scene. He could not reach his friend by cell phone and was worried about his safety. Later he found that the friend was safe but he was shaken and traumatized from the event that had occurred.

He called his mother for comfort. She could hear the fear in his voice and decided to go to his apartment. While driving across town she prayed that she would be able to bring him peace. In her car was a copy of “In Darkness, A Light Still Shines”.

They sat together on his sofa as she read chapter after chapter to him. The combination of their bond and the stories read brought a sense of calm. By the end of their evening both could clearly see that because of Christ, even in darkness a light truly
does shine.

We want to hear from you! Submit your testimonials to: www.alightstillshines.org, alightshines@trmonline.org or 785-354-1744-x325.

Be sure to like “In Darkness, a Light Still Shines” on facebook and view the book website and blog: alightstillshines.org

NOW AVAILABLE ON KINDLE!

Paperback copies are available for purchase online through Amazon.com or at the following Topeka locations:

The Eclective – 900 N Kansas Ave., W-Sat 10a-3p

Straight Water – 1023 SW Gage Blvd., M-F 9a-6p, Sat 9a-4p

Mission Thrift Store – 1312 N Kansas Ave., Tue-Sat 10a-5p

Educational Credit Union: (at the following locations)

2808 SW Arrowhead Rd., M-F 8:45a-5:15p, Sat 9a-12p

4701 NW Hunter’s Ridge Cir., M-F 8:45-5:15p

3623 SE 29th St., M-F 8:45a-5:15p

901 SW Topeka Blvd., M-F 8a-5p

Have you been praying for a family member, co-worker or friend and wondering how to share the Good News of Jesus with him? Have you been praying with or working with a new believer or someone who knows God that you want to keep feeding encouraging resources? Is there someone you know that could use some inspiration in her life? How many of us know more than one person who has recently lost a job, family member, home or is struggling with a difficult challenge in life right now? Please consider forwarding this to your contacts.

The primary goal and purpose of the newsletter is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. That Good News is this—it doesn’t matter if you’re a KU fan, K-State fan, or fan of another school or not a fan of any school. It also doesn’t matter if you’re like Jerry McAuley before he met Christ and while he was a riverboat thief or falling off the wagon 60 times before defeating alcohol, with God’s help, and launching what would become the very first rescue mission in the US in New York. It doesn’t even matter if you’re like Saul and quite skilled at persecuting believers. The Good News is that Jesus loves you and wants to know you. Period. He loves you SO MUCH and just wants a relationship with you.

The second goal of this newsletter is to share how God is working here at TRM, in the lives of the people we help who are hungry, hurting and homeless and in this community. We share those stories to encourage you, our reader. No matter where you are in life, keep your head up. God not only loves you and wants a relationship with you, he holds you in the palm of his hand.

One of our favorite volunteers of all time is featured in this month’s issue. He gave more than 5 decades of service to this ministry and truly demonstrated what it meant to have the heart of a servant. As an active and passionate KU fan—I teased him frequently when I saw him wearing his K-State jacket—letting him know I’m sure we could find him a great KU jacket if he would like one. He always politely declined and he never quit smiling—because he enjoyed rooting for K-State and, more importantly, he loved Jesus. If he were here today, we believe he would tell you, “Don’t ever give up on yourself. Life may be hard, but there’s always hope—because one day the Lord will wipe every tear from your eyes. Regardless of circumstances you may face, don’t quit pressing forward and don’t quit believing.”

Please consider forwarding this to your contacts. Also, please let them know they can sign up for a copy on our homepage at http://www.trmonline.org

Jesus bless you!
Mark DeGroff
Communications Director

$999 on Green Beans for 2 Months

Have you noticed that the monthly grocery bill for your household has been steadily increasing over the past year? In the Mission’s household, we are noticing much of the same. Because of these increased food prices, more and more people are unable to make it through the month on the food their finances can provide. As a result, they are turning to us. We are doing the best that we can through the hot meals we serve in our kitchen daily and the food baskets we distribute, but we’re also seeing the effects of these changes on our budget.

Just a few short years ago in 2010, we were only spending about $20,000 a year on food. This number climbed to nearly $65,000 last year. Just this past month we spent $999 on green beans alone… and that was only for a two-month supply. Every day, it takes 2 large cans of ground coffee just to serve breakfast. While we trust the Lord to supply for all of our needs, we also know that He often works through people to fill our shelves in the times when they are bare.

Please prayerfully review this month’s needs list below and see how you might be able to assist. Not only does every dollar count, but every can counts too. Thank you in advance for your dedication  and support!

Current Needs Printable April Needs List

FOOD
Canned green beans
Coffee
Cold cereal
Canned meats (tuna and chicken)
Macaroni and cheese
Canned soups
Spaghetti (noodles and sauce)
Peanut butter and jelly
For sack lunches:
Individually wrapped  crackers and snacks
Fruit, jello and  pudding cups
Granola bars

FURNITURE/APPLIANCES
Sofas, recliners, loveseats,  dressers and tables
Large and small appliances—washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators and microwaves

SUPPLY NEEDS
Toothbrushes
Shampoo and conditioner
Feminine hygiene products
Deodorant (both genders)
Facial tissue
Baby wipes
Diapers—sizes 4 and 5
Pots and pans (new and used)
Plastic grocery sacks—new/used
Sheets and blankets  (all sizes, new/used)
Bath and hand towels and wash cloths
Cleaning supplies (Disinfectant wipes, sponges, dish soap,
laundry detergent)

MEDICINES/FIRST AID
Adult cough and cold medicines—day time cold/flu tablets, night time cold/flu tablets, high blood pressure cold/flu tablets and non-alcohol cough syrups

CLOTHING
Men’s white socks—all sizes
Men’s tops—2XL and larger
Men’s boxers—s,m,l
Men’s underwear—sizes 28-34
Men’s jeans—all sizes
Men’s belts
Shoes—All sizes Men, Women and Children
Men’s and Women’s shorts— all sizes
Women’s socks—all sizes
Women’s Underwear— sizes 5-9
Women’s plus size tops
Women’s plus size jeans
Children’s Spring/Summer clothing—2T-18
Children’s underwear—2T-8

It hasn’t been long since the Topeka Rescue Mission said goodbye to a longtime servant, friend and Board member of 54 years. Leonard Johnson passed from this world into eternity on February 14th, a day that was filled with much sorrow for those left behind but also much rejoicing in the knowledge of a life well lived and now receiving its reward.

It was 1959 when Leonard first joined the Mission’s Board of Directors. Safe to say the ministry was nothing like what it is now, but he didn’t mind. He believed in the ministry that God had birthed and was committed to seeing it succeed. The foundation he helped to lay is in part why the Mission stands as it does today.

Leonard was no stranger to hard work. He began his first job at age eleven; working in a grocery store to help keep food on the table after his father had walked away from his family. He eventually was hired with Nabisco and took pride in the perfection of the cookie displays he would meticulously construct. He was very successful in the business and believed in professionalism every step of the way. That’s just one of the many qualities he carried with him and imparted into the lives of those he informally mentored at the Mission. To many who hadn’t been successful in life, he became a coach; to others who didn’t believe in themselves, he became a father. As he took them under his wing, he was able to use his drive for excellence and success to help others to see the importance of the same in their own lives.

When Leonard first came to the Mission he served in varying capacities, including Board president.  He later became the Mission’s treasurer and Thrift Store volunteer manager where he faithfully served until the time of his death. With Leonard, every penny was accounted for and expenditures were scrutinized to ensure we were doing everything necessary to stretch dollars. He drew up the financial reports faithfully each month by hand and never missed a dime. Though times changed over the five plus decades that he served, he was never interested in the modern conveniences of computers or calculators. While the Mission has accountants we work with, Leonard would compute by hand what it took someone else the same amount of time to calculate with a computer. And his numbers were rarely, if ever, wrong. We had the Leonard-way and the modern-way, but the two always molded
perfectly together.

“It was an amazing journey to serve alongside Leonard for nearly three decades. I will forever remember his smile, his tenacity and his heart of gold. The Lord used him to shape both me and the ministry into who we are today. And for that, we will ever be grateful.”
Barry Feaker
Executive Director

In spite of being the Mission’s treasurer and working with large sums of resources, Leonard was always most concerned about others. He often reminded us that it’s never about a building or money, it’s about helping people. While he wanted to do everything in his power to stretch dollars, he also wanted to go above and beyond to bless others. He was a great man of generosity, both in finance and in deed.

After Leonard had served 27 years on the Board, I became the new executive director. I learned quickly that he would never be one to haphazardly give his stamp of approval to anything new I came up with. Instead, he would challenge me to the extreme until he was certain that the new venture was of the Lord. Once he felt confident that God was in it though, he was one of the biggest supporters I’ve ever had.

In my first few years of service at the Mission, Leonard and his dear wife Phyllis of 64 years, would often come and listen to me speak. I was always so appreciative of their support and glad to see them, but eventually became concerned that they were getting bored hearing the same message over and over again. One evening, while thinking they were once again there in admiration of my speaking abilities, I approached them and thanked them for their support. But Leonard was quick to correct me with a sly smile. “I’m just here to make sure that you’re not getting out of line!” And that was the truth. Leonard was a man of the Word and wanted to ensure that I wasn’t saying anything to compromise the message of Jesus Christ. He had a genuine love for the Lord and love of the Gospel. I was shocked at his forwardness, but also grateful for the accountability. Leonard strove for perfection and there was no room for compromise in his vocabulary… and he was making sure that the new Executive Director was acting the same! However, it’s because of those expectations and the constant push towards them, that we are where we are today.

“At first appearance, I was a little intimidated by Leonard’s strong personality, but upon getting to know him, I grew to understand him and call him my friend. I always enjoyed talking with him. He had definite opinions and expressed them freely, but he was always open to discussion and willing to hear what I had to say. I appreciate the fact that he was very practical in his thinking, which contributed to my respect for him. His work ethic and diligence inspired me, and I hope to be able to do even half of what he did when and if I reach that age. I am still trying to get used to the idea that he won’t be around anymore. He left a huge gap and some shoes that will be hard to fill. He is missed.”
Guillermo Pena—Dir of Facilities and Security

“I worked with Leonard for 16 years. Through that time I saw the picky side but I also saw the fun side. We are always able to joke with one another. He was very faithful and dedicated in all that he did for the Mission.”  Doris Foster—Business Administrator

The Mission went through a lot of struggles in Leonard’s first 27 years just to stay open. Yet time after time, he was there yielding everything he possibly could to give of his finances, leadership and prayers to keep it alive.

The second 27 years that he served benefited from the first in that the foundation had been solidly laid and it was then time for the exponential growth of the ministry to take place. Because of the time and effort he put into his first half of service, we were ready to meet the increased needs of homelessness, hunger and poverty while reaching out to our communities to an even greater degree. Through it all, Leonard was an incredible support to me personally as well as the ministry as a whole. He was always a great encourager and coach who consistently cheered us on.

When I was in school, I played football with some great teams and excellent coaches with several winning seasons. Leonard was like those excellent coaches who always pushed their players forward to win. And the true way to win in his eyes was to do everything as unto the Lord (Colossian 3:23). True, there were some (including me initially) who though he could be a little too harsh and did a little too much pushing. But, once we got to know him and really discovered the love and compassion he possessed, we were able to find a new sense of purpose and ability emerging out of ourselves. Many staff and guests alike have gained a new understanding of their value in life because of the constant push administered by Leonard. He wasn’t being uncompassionate; he just understood Paul’s words when he said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).  He wanted others to recognize the same. And while he might not have obtained everything that he wanted to in life, he never quit pressing. Now, he is enjoying the prize of that perseverance and faithfulness of service.

“Leonard was a good man and a tremendous man when it came to studying the Bible.  He could see two sides of an issue and somehow always know what God wanted.  He was always willing to wait. We will really miss that.”
Marvin McKinley—Board Member of 25 yrs

“Through the years of becoming acquaintances and friends with Leonard, he became like a father figure to me. He always had sound advice and a lot of the advice I use in my life today, I owe to him. There was a great amount of love and compassion that he shared with me. It is his influence that helps me to be a better man today. Yes, I owe it all to Jesus; but Leonard was the tool He used.” Larry Combs – Thrift Store Manager

Leonard helped make the Topeka Rescue Mission what it is today. He was an outstanding treasurer, a phenomenal mentor and one of the best coaches I’ve encountered. Yet with all of his skills and talents, he humbly stood and served day after day alongside men and women who were homeless, broken, hurting and hopeless. For over 54 years, he encountered much suffering but he never lost hold of the hope that is promised in his favorite scriptures, Revelation 21:4-7. And he never quit sharing that hope with others. I believe if he had the opportunity to stand next to you today he’d tell you, “Don’t ever give up on yourself. Life may be hard, but there’s always hope because one day the Lord will wipe every tear from your eyes.” He shared that message with countless people who have passed through the doors of the Mission and now, in his memory, we share it with you. Regardless of circumstances you may face, don’t quit pressing forward and don’t quit believing.

We’re grateful for the legacy that Leonard left for the Topeka Rescue Mission and we’re thankful for the opportunity to share a small piece of his influence in this newsletter. Thank you for continuing to stand with us and for the role that you play in continuing to help this ministry succeed.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away. Behold, I make all things new. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God and he shall be My son.”
Revelation 21:4-7

 “Two sisters with different lives and many miles separating them did not feel they had much in common. Both received ‘In Darkness, a Light Still Shines’ for Christmas. After reading the first couple stories one sister called the other to see if she had started reading yet. It was quite a surprise to both to find that the stories affected them in the same way. They were laughing, crying, and praising together for the first time in decades. Many events in life had put a wall between them but a few pages in a book started a new chapter in their relationship.”

“I purchased your new book at Straight Water while in town and got to read through the first four stories while on my return flight back to North Carolina Thursday. AWESOME is what comes to mind. What a gift to your community. I appreciate your efforts in sharing your experiences and the ways it can touch our lives. I am a Christian and will enjoy your teachings of the Word and how we can all learn from your book. I plan to use the book as a weekly devotion for the next year. Thank you for what you do and have done for the last 25 years in the Topeka community at the Mission. I consider myself fortunate to have the book as a resource for my life.”

“The true stories in this book inspire and encourage me. It reinforces my belief that God is with us, even in our darkest times.”

Please tell us how these writings have touched your life. We’d love to hear from you! Visit alightstillshines.org, e-mail alightshines@trmonline.org or call 785-354-1744-x325.

Be sure to like “In Darkness, a Light Still Shines” on facebook and view our new website and blog: alightstillshines.org

NOW AVAILABLE ON KINDLE! Paperback copies are available for purchase online through Amazon.com or at the following Topeka locations:

The Eclective – 900 N Kansas Ave., W-Sat 10a-3p

Straight Water – 1023 SW Gage Blvd., M-F 9a-6p, Sat 9a-4p

Mission Thrift Store – 1312 N Kansas Ave., Tue-Sat 10a-5p

Educational Credit Union: (at the following locations)

2808 SW Arrowhead Rd., M-F 8:45a-5:15p, Sat 9a-12p

4701 NW Hunter’s Ridge Cir., M-F 8:45-5:15p

3623 SE 29th St., M-F 8:45a-5:15p

901 SW Topeka Blvd., M-F 8a-5p

Tamara came to the Topeka Rescue Mission with her mom and sister as a small child. Though the reasons behind their stay are still unclear, she knew her mom was having difficulty raising her children on her own and making ends meet. While she doesn’t have a lot of memories of her stay, she does remember feeling confused. “Why are we here?” “Who are all of these people?” “Why is it so crowded?” Though she never received answers as a child to the questions she had, she found comfort and joy in the smiles that were readily provided by the staff who greeted her every day.  As long as the people around her were smiling, she felt secure and unafraid.

Twenty years later, Tamara is a mom herself. She understands the struggles that accompany parenting small children and is able to relate to children and parents who are currently occupying the Mission’s walls. For years, she has been a donor and has recently involved her children in the giving process as well. This past Christmas her children, aged 4 and 5, went through their toys and picked out items that would be a blessing to other children in need. They had a lot of questions as they drove to the Mission to donate their goods, but their mother just smiled; understanding to a greater degree than they just how much of a difference their gifts would make.