2010 Raising Hope Raised Awareness and Gifts

The "Raising Hope" fundraiser on October 16 brought together 145 friends of The Hope Center at Pullen to enjoy a delightful dinner of locally grown produce and a performance by the acapella trio MKM. With their harmonic voices, Michael, Kevin and Marc sang R&B, Motown and gospel. What stirred the audience the most, however, was hearing the singers' personal stories. All have participated in the Job Readiness Program.

"I initially thought, 'Oh, a mentor, really? At my age?' but it turned out that my mentor was someone wanting to have a conversation with me, not someone to tell me how it's supposed to be," said Marc.

The mentor-based program builds relationships. As a team, a mentor and a program participant address barriers that have prevented the person experiencing chronic homelessness from obtaining and maintaining steady employment.

Working to overcome barriers with someone who cares is the foundation of the Job Readiness Program. Executive Director, Porter Bell said, "By telling how the mentoring relationship made an impact, Michael, Kevin and Marc explained how they began to feel valued. In turn, we have learned the value of taking time to focus on the individual, meeting them where they are without judging them or their circumstance. It sometimes takes a few times of tripping and getting back up before a participant finally realizes, we're still there for them. That's the difference and that's when they feel like they can find that right path to a better way of life."

The dinner, hosted by Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, raised more than $14,000. The Hope Center at Pullen is housed in the bright, window-lit space below the church's chapel.

Check out this video for a preview of the evening's entertainment.