2011 continues to bring challenge, change, and promise.  Even as we move forward with our Center for Hope project, we are fighting, and sometime losing, the battle for funding - jeapardizing vital programs that bring the basic necessities of food, clothing and warmth to those we serve.   It has been 70 years since the doors of this organization opened and Monsignor Sheridan began his mission of service to this community.  We are determined that now, when the need is at its greatest, we will continue to provide faithful service to his vision, and the vision of all those who have followed. 

Even as we face our challenges, the kindness and generosity of this community sometimes takes your breath away:  the woman in Owosso who donated the coat off her back to our Community Closet; the young children who come to our door wanting to help; the youth groups that donate their day off to help sort and fold clothes; entire companies that decide to pay for an entire day of meals; the area politician and his staff who volunteer to serve at the soup kitchen once a month (every month); the woman on a fixed income who sends in $2; the list is endless.

A therapist once told me long ago- after finding myself out of a job after many years of hard work and faithful service- "Vicky, everyone needs a helping hand sometime."  I never thought about it the way he meant it until I experienced it first myself.  Everyone does need a hand at some point in their life, and I am grateful that I can extend mine...with your support.  The value of a soul is immeasurable, and we work hard to keep this in mind as we work with our clients.  Thanks for doing all you can to help us serve those most in need!