PART OF THE FAMILY: DIANA'S STORY
Diana (center) and her family
I was first introduced to Jenny through my younger sisters. Jenny and Carla had opened their house to my sisters (who were in elementary school), creating a safe place for them to hang out and play board games after school and weekends. As my sisters grew up and moved on to high school, Jenny and Inner Hope were there to support each of them in whichever way they needed in that time of their life. At that time my first daughter, Aaliyah, was about 4. She was introduced to Jenny and my sisters' mentors, and she wanted to be a part of Inner Hope and have her own mentor. Aaliyah was too young at the time for the programs Inner Hope had, but she started to go to church with some Inner Hope members to feel involved. Now that she's old enough, she's part of the Boundless program and even signed up to go to camp through Inner Hope.
As my daughter grew, so did my family. My husband Renan and his son Cristopher, who were in Honduras, joined Aaliyah and me in Vancouver after 4 years of being apart. Inner Hope was there to help welcome them home by providing rides to pick them up from the Airport. Inner Hope was also there as Renan and Cristopher settled in, helping them feel welcome inviting Cristopher to join in their programs. They went the extra mile in introducing him to Claudia, another Spanish speaker who he was able to feel comfortable with.
Jenny and the staff and volunteers with Inner Hope have always been accommodating with me, my family, and kids. Aaliyah and Cristopher are now in High school, and have two great mentors through the Boundless program. Mark (the Youth and Community Programs Manager) is a huge support to Aaliyah and Cristopher. He set up a safe environment and homework support for my kids as they do online classes. When my kids were not getting the support they needed in their previous school, Mark connected them with a private school (St. Regis), and makes sure they are receiving the support they need. He always touches base to see how my kids are doing, and if they’re staying on top of their work and goals. He also helped my family find housing by connecting us with the management of our current home.
Our family truly appreciates all the support that Inner Hope provides to my kids and family—they really do go above and beyond.
As my daughter grew, so did my family. My husband Renan and his son Cristopher, who were in Honduras, joined Aaliyah and me in Vancouver after 4 years of being apart. Inner Hope was there to help welcome them home by providing rides to pick them up from the Airport. Inner Hope was also there as Renan and Cristopher settled in, helping them feel welcome inviting Cristopher to join in their programs. They went the extra mile in introducing him to Claudia, another Spanish speaker who he was able to feel comfortable with.
Jenny and the staff and volunteers with Inner Hope have always been accommodating with me, my family, and kids. Aaliyah and Cristopher are now in High school, and have two great mentors through the Boundless program. Mark (the Youth and Community Programs Manager) is a huge support to Aaliyah and Cristopher. He set up a safe environment and homework support for my kids as they do online classes. When my kids were not getting the support they needed in their previous school, Mark connected them with a private school (St. Regis), and makes sure they are receiving the support they need. He always touches base to see how my kids are doing, and if they’re staying on top of their work and goals. He also helped my family find housing by connecting us with the management of our current home.
Our family truly appreciates all the support that Inner Hope provides to my kids and family—they really do go above and beyond.
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