We held a lovely little fundraiser last Friday at The Gathering Place in Wasilla. When we arrived, the roads were snowy and the ice fog was settled over the mountain view. We began setting up tables, started the fireplace and set the scene for our guests. Growth is on our minds as we all are anticipating Spring. We cut fresh flowers for the center of our tables. Bobbi and her team from Caffe Dolce in Wasilla arrived and put the most beautiful and delicious trays of bacon pecan cheese spread and a jalapeno cheese spread surrounded by a colorful array of crackers, fruits and olives.
As our guests arrived, we were so pleased to meet new friends, and connect to folks in our community that had been referred to us and wanted to hear more! Some of our faithful supporters came out to hear more, give their time, encouragement, and creative ideas to collaborate together! Rachel Olson (Executive Director) greeted everyone and we ate together while she shared statistics, history and the vision going forward with REACH 907.
Josh and Katrina Wommack, who serve on the Board of Directors as well as Program Leads for the Teen Boys and Teen Girls program, each shared their own story of why they are involved with REACH and their passion to help teens know they are valued and loved.
Katrina shared a story of a young lady who has been struggling with life choices, and we were able to match her to a mentor to spend time with her. The caregiver told Katrina that the difference was immense and so noticeable that this young lady wanted now to do her homework, get good grades, etc. For the first time in her young life, this gal had goals and was excited about the future. The caregiver attributed this drastic change to the time that the mentor of REACH 907 had poured into this young lady’s life.
Josh also shared a story about a young man who was very closed off when he first started coming to REACH 907 events. It was difficult to get much out of him other than one word answers, but with persistence, and consistency, and one volunteer really pouring into him and for the first time since summer camp, he started to come out of his shell. Recently, they went swimming, and this young man was nervous to do a water slide because he said he couldn’t swim. The volunteer came over to him, began engaging and before we knew it, they were tossing a ball back and forth. This young man was so happy and enjoying himself. This volunteer really made a difference in getting this kid to come out of his shell.
Josh and Katrina said they are really in dire need of mentors. We are reaching out to Alaska Bible College to recruit volunteers and mentors for the Teen program, and if you are interested in becoming more involved, please let us know!
By the end of the hour, our bellies were satisfied and our hearts were full of hope for the future. Conversations with great connections were formed while being renewed, and we are so grateful for the time we had. As the ice fog had lifted, we enjoyed the majestic view while we dreamed together, sharing our vision of what we feel God has in store for REACH 907.
Moving forward, we still need funds to help us cover the growth that is before us. If you would consider partnering with us on a monthly basis, we would be so grateful. We have a lot of movement coming with Summer camps and adding the clinical component to our services. We are thrilled to see God’s hand at work and the love that these kids receive. To donate, please go to https://reach-907.networkforgood.com/projects/125176-donate-now
Thank you for partnering with us, and for being an integral part of this organization through your prayer support, financial and time.
