Summer 2018 newsletter
Read the rest:THE Summer ScoopPArental Suite UpdateThe Home: PAintapalooza!HOMe EvaluationOUr GradsA call for friendsWays to partner:
|
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of closing our Parental Suite. In 2016, with Ben and Deirdre Stevens transitioning out of their role as House Parents in preparation for the birth of their child, a partnership was proposed to open a Parental Suite below their new home. There was a recognized void in supportive housing for young parents at risk of losing their children to foster care, and a desire to provide continuity of relationship for a father and son who had been living with Ben and Deirdre in our Home.
With the financial commitments of opening of The Home in 2014 and the launch of Inner Hope’s Post-Secondary program in 2015, it was a leap of faith to open the Parental Suite in 2016. The hearts of Ben and Deirdre for this ministry were very evident when they raised half the funds for the first year of operating. As doors opened, Inner Hope’s leadership was hopeful that we could grow our financial capacity to sustain this vital ministry. We know that many of you were touched by Ben and Deirdre’s vision and gave generously to make the Parental Suite a reality. For this we are extremely grateful. We are also thankful for the ways the parent and child have grown over their year and a half in the Parental Suite. The impact is immeasurable. In order to responsibly address the $30,000 deficit in 2017 (noted in the annual report) we have made the difficult decision to end our financial support of the Parental Suite on June 30th, 2018. The parent and child will remain a welcomed part of the Inner Hope community and we will continue to support the father through our Post-Secondary program. We want to acknowledge Ben and Deirdre for their faithfulness. They have had a huge impact on this father and son over the last three years. Their decision to continue to live in community with them at this time is a testament to their commitment to life-changing, long-term relationships. Please pray for Ben, Deirdre and the father and son through this time of transition. Jenny Shantz (on behalf of the leadership team) “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jer 29:11 |
