The GRACE Family gathered this week to welcome a new member into our fold. Dozens joined us digitally to welcome our newest Transitional Housing client into her new home. We look forward to a time when we will be able to conduct these Home Reveal and Home Blessings in person but until then we will continue this beloved tradition online so that everyone can stay safe but still enjoy this wonderful day.
Our newest TH member comes to us from Louisiana originally…Centrelle Franklin came to Texas looking for a better life and after living with her sister for a short time, she found out about GRACE and this program. She developed a relationship with TH Case Manager Ravan Anderson and was eventually invited into the program.
Miss Franklin, as she is known, showed true emotion and offered kind and thoughtful words when she spoke about her journey and the future to come.
“Thank you to all the services and hands that played a major part in receiving me,” Miss Franklin said.
“God moves through you all and I appreciate it from the depths of my soul…not from my heart….but from my soul. You all make me feel like I’m at home, I’m at a loss for words…this means so much.”
Events like this are never complete without the usual cast of characters that are always there to help make sure our TH tenants feel supported and live in a clean and beautiful space.
A huge team from White’s Chapel United Methodist Church helped with the furnishings and decoration. Guided by the WC Ministry Volunteer Team lead, Martha Reukema, Lisa Barham, Janey Bond, Kathy Bramlage, Leigh Lynde, P.J. Luke, Suzanne Deaton, Kay Abshier, and Don Reukema did another outstanding job making sure our newest resident has everything she needs in her new home.
Glen Bradshaw led the home repairs team known as the ‘Dirty Dozen’ who make sure the home not only looks good but is in good shape as well.
Dorothea Christ and Kim Stinson worked hard organizing this massive effort from WCUMC. The event wouldn’t be complete without a beautiful home blessing, which was led by Pastor Sterling Smith.
Miss Franklin is currently working locally and is planning to go back to school soon.
“This program exists to help me help myself and I’m going to do that…I’m a wounded warrior but I’m on the way up.”
We couldn’t agree more. Welcome home, Miss Franklin.
