Posted Wednesday, November 27, 2019 10:02 am
By CHRISTY ARMSTRONG
As friends and neighbors across the country gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving, many are taking the time to share what they are most thankful for this year.
The leaders of local charitable organizations are no different, and several recently shared their thankful lists with the Cleveland Daily Banner.
As leaders of organizations doing everything from providing food and clothing to helping people become homeowners, many highlighted the progress made with help from volunteers.
Eva VanHook, executive director of Family Promise of Bradley County, expressed her thankfulness for getting to work with “such an amazing organization.”
Family Promise provides temporary shelter and other means of help to homeless families with children. It does this with assistance from local churches which take turns transforming Sunday school rooms into rooms where families can stay as they work toward stability.
“I am surrounded by caring volunteers, generous donors and fabulous staff and board of directors. I am especially thankful for the growth we have seen,” VanHook said. “I am most excited about The Church at Grace Point joining the host network and our recent accomplishment of becoming a United Way partner."
Corinne Freeman, executive director of The Caring Place, expressed her thankfulness for the organization’s volunteers and community supporters.
The Caring Place is an organization which offers assistance with food and clothing, social work services and additional programs designed to help people work their way out of poverty.
"As the executive director of The Caring Place, I am thankful for community; a community comprised of diversity, the joyful desire to know someone beyond your own circle, care for one another, and the willingness to unite around a common goal,” Freeman said. “When you are a part of that kind of community, it is beautiful and full of hope.”
Angie Benefield, director of the Family Resource Agency’s Family Violence Program, said she is grateful for the support her organization’s staff receives as they help people in some of their darkest times.
The Family Violence Program assists victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through counseling, court advocacy and more. It also operates the Harbor Safe House, a shelter for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
“During this season, I am especially grateful for the Family Violence Program staff who work tirelessly providing for the needs of the clients we serve,” Benefield said. “Without them, we would not be able to function, and many who are experiencing domestic violence and/or sexual assault would have nowhere to turn.
“I'm grateful that we can always learn from the courageous people we serve," she added. “Most of them have been through unimaginable things in their lives, yet they choose to get up every day and try to heal and move forward. I'm grateful for a community that understands our needs and provides for them accordingly through both funding and donations.”
Ruthie Forgey, corps administrator for The Salvation Army of Cleveland, said she is grateful for the support the organization as it works to help people in need.
The local organization offers help to everyone from those who are struggling with drug addiction — sending them to treatment centers The Salvation Army operates in other communities — to those struggling to keep food on their tables.
“What I am thankful for this season is a community that truly cares, that walks their talk and is always eager to help,” Forgey said. “I am thankful for the addicts who made it to treatment and are experiencing their first sober holiday in years; for many it’s been decades. I am thankful for the once-homeless friends who are now in their own homes, sleeping in their own warm beds with food in their bellies and in their cupboards.
“I’m thankful that they are giving back by coming to serve meals to others in need and offering them hope,” she added. “I’m thankful for the kids and youth who have earned badges, moved from learner to leader and are passing on the gift of mentoring they have received.”
Tammy Johnson, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Cleveland, said she is grateful for her organization’s volunteers and donors as the organization works to help low-income families become homeowners.
Would-be homeowners put in “sweat equity” hours as homes are built with help from Habitat for Humanity donors and volunteers. Homeowners can then purchase the homes through "no-interest” mortgages.
“To our great community, we say, ‘Thank you for showing up early and staying late. Thank you for helping, serving and encouraging. Thank you for everything that’s so easy to take for granted,’” Johnson said. “You see, kindness and gratitude are the keys to our success. They unlock the door to everything we are seeking to accomplish. When we get quiet, get away from the noise of the world and think for a moment about what we are grateful for, it’s you.”
Suzanne Burns, executive director of Foundation House Ministries, said she is especially thankful for how her organization is growing.
Foundation House Ministries, assists mothers facing unplanned pregnancies with housing and other needs. Though it primarily began as a maternity home, it has grown to include a job training program called Healing Springs Gifts, which sells bath and body products. The organization is also buying a house, after having rented one.
“I’m grateful for the tremendous support of our community this year,” Burns said. “With the help of our supporters, we have expanded our job training program for our clients and are going to be available for retail sales at several area malls. We’re in the process of buying a house, and the Lord has blessed us this year with seven new babies!”
These are just a few of the leaders of charitable organizations serving the Cleveland community. This holiday season, many others are thanking the community its support as they continue to help those in need.
