Your compassionate support is bringing hope and relief to your neighbors here in our community. Some are facing hardship for the first time, and others are working hard to leave generational poverty behind.
Stephanie
"I never thought I would need these services one day."
In college, I came here to do volunteer hours. I went into case management and social work. With me being on the other side helping people, I never thought I would need these services one day.
I ended up being in a position where me and my husband were unemployed at the same time. Honestly, I was really embarrassed. I came here and talked to a counselor. And he let me know it was OK. You’ll get through this. I was right at the brink of my lights being disconnected. He helped me with food and everything else. He supplied me with places I could possibly look for employment. I thought that was really amazing. To come here and get all of that in one.
After that, I eventually got employed. I applied here and got hired. It makes me feel good when I can help others because that’s what I enjoy doing.
The experience getting help has really impacted the way I look at things in life. When you have someone welcoming, who empathizes and understands what you’re going through, and they pray for you in that moment, that’s what really stood out when I was going through those hard times.
Lissy
Overcoming Language Barriers to Excel in College
Coming to America five years ago was a hardship for me. There was a different language and different culture. Language for me was hard, but I was able to graduate from high school with honors. I understood that I had to do my best. I would go home, read and translate my college homework. I wasn’t able to understand in the beginning. But I did my best to get where I am.
I graduated with honors from HCC, and I said, “It doesn’t stop here.” So I kept going at UH. With the scholarship from Second Mile, I am able to be a full-time student. I’m very thankful. I can continue studying. I know I’ll do my best. I know it will all be worth it.
Margie
Regaining Her Sense of Purpose
I come from Mississippi. I had been working in a school district 18 years. I thought with the experience and knowledge that I had that it wouldn’t take me long to get a job. I just spiraled down. But at Second Mile they let me know I’m not alone.
I got involved with the classes, which has tremendously put a smile on my face. It gave me a sense of purpose. It lets me know I’m not alone. I’m able to still help. When you’re not working, you have this sense of no self-worth.
I want people that have nowhere to go, that think no one loves them, that think they’re not able to help or give, that are too proud to ask for help, to come to Second Mile. They’ll never not once ever look down on you. They’re here to help you up, not to push you down.
Without Second Mile I wouldn’t be where I’m able to be now. I am able to hold my head up, I'm able to be a proud person and to be able to give back to society. So I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done.
Estella’s Story: Grief and Shock After Her Husband’s Passing
On a Friday afternoon at 4, we met “Estella”. It was the day before her husband’s funeral preparations. She had no food at home and no clothes for her husband’s body. Her every penny had gone to covering funeral expenses. Because of her financial situation, she had received only one day’s notice about the funeral time.
A staff member searched through our store and found a suit, shirt and shoes in just the right size. As she compassionately talked with Estella, Estella burst into tears of relief. She felt seen and cared for. She went home with clothing and groceries.
Like many who walk through our doors, Estella didn’t know if there was any hope for her situation. She was trying to take care of so many details with so few options, without a moment to stop and grieve or even care for her own needs. With your generous support, your neighbors like Estella can see that God is with them.
Second Mile demonstrates the love of Jesus by offering physical and spiritual care to our neighbors living in material poverty or crisis, providing personal growth and empowerment opportunities, and inviting others to become compassionately involved.
