At first, I just dropped off donations. Then I helped serve lunch. As the years went on, I sought new ways that I could help the Hope Center, because I saw them giving a lifeline to people like my friends. When I was asked to join the Board three years ago, I jumped at the chance. I consider it one of the greatest responsibilities I have ever taken on in my life. One I would take on a thousand times over.
Serving on the Board has been an eye-opening experience. Each meeting includes a client testimonial—where we hear directly from folks who have gone through one of the Hope Center’s many shelter or recovery programs. Every person who speaks offers a powerful testimony to our mission: We help. We heal. We give hope. Some people were exposed to drugs as children or abused. Others suffered terrible accidents and came out of those ordeals addicted to opioids. Many of our clients come to us from correctional facilities. I’ve seen time and again how the staff at the Hope Center reach out to those in truly desperate situations and offer a helping hand, a way out from despair.
As the Chair of the Board’s Finance Committee, I see firsthand the challenges that the Hope Center, our staff and our clients face every day. Housing is becoming more expensive, social support programs are being cut, and more and more administrative barriers to providing care go up. The need has never been more urgent, and the challenges have never been greater. If you are able to volunteer or donate in any capacity, I ask you to do so. Your support sustains our mission in trying times. We simply could not continue all of the wonderful programs without the generosity of the people of Lexington. If you don’t believe me, I challenge you to come down here and see for yourself. We’ll be happy to show you around.