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Devante is a true success story at Hillcrest. He has successfully graduated to self-sufficiency. Before entering the program he hung his head and had little to no self-esteem. Through the Hillcrest program he gained a positive network of people to support him, friendships and self-confidence! He now holds his head up high and smiles from ear to ear. He is 23 years old and never had a drivers license until going through the Hillcrest program. His church sponsor worked with him diligently to pass and he did!

When Mike Anderson toured the Hillcrest facility, he toured Devente’s apartment and was able to have a conversation with him. Devante explained to him that he was in the process of getting his driver’s license and graduating the Hillcrest program. He explained to Mike that he walks to work everyday regardless of weather conditions. Even though he does not have children, Mike told Devante that he should apply for a car through Anderson once he gets his license. We are not at that moment! He is so excited for this opportunity and he is so deserving. Hillcrest and Devante  both truly appreciate the care donation that Because People Matter was able to provide.

Matt is trying diligently to make his situation better. He is a single father of 3 beautiful children. His vehicle recently broke down and was towed to Anderson Ford. The vehicle has 283,000 miles on it and was going to cost far more to get it fixed than what it was worth. Matt is currently getting to work by his bike, the bus and by others giving him rides. This is not easy for him being a single father. Hillcrest felt he was very deserving of a vehicle from Because People Matter, and we agreed.

It is with great pleasure that I recommend Jordan “Jay” Alford for BPM Donation. Sis. Jordan has volunteered and worked at Word of Faith FWC and our community learning center (MidCity Excellence CLC) for the past 7-8 years. She has been instrumental in choreographing praise dances for at-risk teen girls (Inspirational Angels), for the kids (God’s Little Angels), Sons of Thunder Stomp, Redemption (College & Career) and for the Golden Wings (a special needs groups of adults and seniors). She has not only worked and volunteered over 100 hours as a dance instructor, she has been an excellent role model in mentoring at-risk youth in Word of Faith Teen Church by sharing her stories of academic success, perseverance during bereavement of her baby sister’s demise at 23 months and during her grandmother’s cancer battle and facing peer pressure. At a young age, Jordan has also endured many obstacles as being bullied at a past university, staying strong during her parents recent split up, and care giving for her sick mother and elderly grandfather while being temporarily housed. Despite all of her difficult challenges, she often testifies of her love and commitment to Jesus Christ and has brought numerous college students to church.

It has a been a joy watching her grow up in our community center since she was 6 yrs. old and she has diligently volunteered at the nursing homes, for the Apple Blossom Parades, helped organized the annual praise dance festival and even worked in the church office. Some other events she has been instrumental in were: 1) acted as a substitute for the church drummer on Sunday mornings; 2) taught the youth during children’s church and prepped them for Resurrections/Easter Celebration services; 3) choreographed the Teen Church co-ed team in praise dance dramas; 4) has coordinated our city-wide praise dance festival; 5) has participated at our Heart of America Council Sunday School Regional Convention in the praise dance with a group of youth and 6) has served as my office assistant for many years.

 
It is for these reasons that I highly recommend Sis. Jordan Alford to be considered for this donation in order to encourage her pursuit of a Communications bachelors (minoring in dance) degree at the Missouri Western State University (St. Joseph, MO) and in her pursuits to open a non-profit dance studio for impoverished youth after graduation.

Because People Matter in St Joe had an evening of fun and excitement at the annual Noyes Home Block Party. The Farmer’s Market theme party had free food, live music, hay rides, games and much more. There were activities for kids and adults and was a fun time for all involved.  BPM had a table with games for the children with prizes!  The Noyes Home was established in 1894 is a 45 bed establishment that provides temporary housing for children facing homelessness or other challenges.

“They have someplace safe and warm and caring that they can go that is going to empower them to grow and just be kids,” Elizabeth Leslie said. “They don’t have to worry about adult issues and can just be kids.”

All proceeds from the event to to support the Noyes Home.