In the summer months, volunteers vacation and our centers get a little quiet. We’re glad our volunteers invest in the health of their bodies, minds, souls, and relationships by getting away, especially because we understand the emotional demands and complexities of working with women in poverty and crisis. But we’re equally glad when our volunteers come back from their travels, because without them, we couldn’t teach, mentor, feed, and serve our clients in the capacity we’re able. 

 

Sometimes our very own clients volunteer around the center. When E noticed the weeds had overtaken the yard of her much-loved Hope center, she asked her husband if he could pull weeds while she was in class. He spent 3 hours of his morning meticulously cleaning every inch of ground!

 

It’s a joy when our clients (or in E’s case, when our client’s husbands!) take ownership in areas where we need a hand, but it’s a special blessing to watch them help each other, too. We could tell countless stories of clients picking up a friend or two for class, taking a friend to a court appointment or doctor’s appointment, sharing extra food or offering a bed for a few weeks, or checking in on a client who’s been ill or absent. Our clients have a special tenderness for each other, which might be a reflection of the kindness they receive from our volunteers.

 

So far this year, volunteers have invested 8,262 hours in our programs, reception, boutique, mentoring, in special projects, and in planning for our Night of Hope fundraising gala on Saturday, September 21st! 

 

Is this a plug for our phenomenal event at the Phoenix Art Museum? You bet it is! Our Night of Hope Gala is our opportunity to showcase what we do and why we do it. Raffles, a lovely dinner, our wine pull, and annual silent auction make the evening a good time for a great cause. This year’s musical guest is recording artist, JJ Heller! Don’t miss it! Get your tickets now at www.hopewomenscenter.org.

 

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