Hanna's Story
A few years back, my granddaughter, Hanna, graduated from college and started out with a job at Americorp. In her job, she became acquainted with homeless families who had no resources or options to get themselves off the street.
As the somewhat naiive and positive-minded young lady that she was, she didn’t just say, “Someone should do something about that.” She immediately decided that SHE could and would do something. She researched the processes for organizing a community and a nonprofit org, trusting that if others had done this, she could too.
Hanna contacted a national organization called Family Promise and got the information to set up a nonprofit affiliate program in Lincoln City.
Then, armed with a bright smile and the belief that people want to do good, the new graduate approached churches and businesses in the area, explained the problem, and asked them to help. Business leaders and church parishoners were caught up in her enthusiasm, and energized, They stepped up to do what she asked of them – providing not only basic shelter on an ongoing basis, but many engaged personally as volunteers in the process.
Ultimately, they joined in supporting her development of a nonprofit with the lofty goals of getting homeless families into meaningful lifestyles, with education, career paths, and jobs. Along the way, she has faced many challenges, including personal health issues, but she has continued to pursue her passion, making a positive difference for those families to live happier, healthier lives.
Here is Hanna with the founder of the national Family Promise organization, who recently presented Hanna with an unprecedented award to recognize the success of the Lincoln City program.
You can follow Hanna’s Family Promise journey in the Lincoln County and coastal newspapers online: Promise Kept – Nov., 2015
