He Called It Home

How do I even begin to tell you what it feels like in words…

I watched a little boy enter the Acres of Hope campus with such anger. He was all of 3 years old. When approaching him to welcome him for the first time, he was armed with a cup of ramen noodles. He was going to use that pasta to defend himself from my greeting, and provide a shield from me having access to his mother. I listened to the deepest shrill that a three year old boy could make. His mighty roar to defend off any danger. Within myself my heart wept a bit. I asked myself what have you seen little one, that would allow you to rise up with such a defense. I stepped back and with both feet, I kept inching my way towards a standing space that would provide his security.

Over time, I watched this same little boy go from being his mother’s line of defense to being a kid. I watched him transform from holding a consistent scowl, to having the largest smile spread across his face. I have watched him strengthened and encouraged by his mom as each day she grows stronger and healthier. I watched as he figured out the big bikes, trust jumps, and proclaiming with all his might and belief, “I Love You”. Yet there is one thing that came across my radar this week, that made me weep tears of joy when I heard it. His mom said, “He called this place home. He called Acres of Hope home”. This little boy who never had a bed of his own until he came to Acres of Hope. This little boy who felt he had to be his mother’s first line of defense at the age of 3. This little boy who has learned love, trust, and to be a kid, has also learned he has a home. That’s right, he’s home, right here at Acres of Hope.

Being a place where children are safe, loved, supported, and their mother’s can grow healthy and strong is the consistent evidence that we are pouring forth to you our community. Right now you, our community, can help us provide the children on campus the opportunity to say “I am home.”

You can help provide a sense of peace, security, and HOME to the families of Acres of Hope by donating at:

acresofhopeonline.org/givenow

Your gift will help provide housing, utilities, pantry food items, and other important basic essentials for day to day living that supply our families with a the reassurance that they are safe, secure and “home” throughout this COVID-19 pandemic … and beyond.

Acres of Hope is still here, breaking the cycle of homelessness for women and their children, and we know you are too.

Thank you for joining us in the mission.