10 Years and Growing Stronger
By Colleen Starr | October 11, 2010
Can it be possible that just 10 years ago Vine Maple Place was barely a dream? That dream blossomed into reality when a group of churches joined together with our community to help end homelessness among the growing number of single parent families. Our mission was clear: help homeless families with children build lives of hope, stability, and greater self-sufficiency by providing them with transitional housing and support services.
We have been humbled and astonished when each year God has provided for these families through the generous support of churches, businesses, groups foundations, the City of Maple Valley, and many, many individuals in our community. Consider that in the past 10 years:
- 77 single mothers, 2 single fathers, and 128 children have been given a chance while at VMP to break the vicious cycle of poverty and homelessness. Think of the future generations who will have a chance for better lives as a result!
- Thousands and thousands of volunteer hours have been invested in this community effort, at an estimated value of $1.4 million.
- 14 apartment homes were transformed from places of darkness, decay, and despair into places of new hope, new life and new beginnings for families with children.
- Thirty churches and countless local businesses and community groups have invested time, expertise, and resources in making this a safe, welcoming place for families to overcome the trauma of homelessness and poverty.
- In December 2009, Vine Maple Place paid off all our debts, including mortagess, which means these 14 homes and a small office will always be available to help families in need.
God has blessed this effort beyond any of our dreams and we give thanks and praise to Him! Sadly, there is still an urgent and overwhelming need to help more families who are homeless or about to be. It's our greatest desire to continue serving our community by helping even more families. That's why we have developed and are implementing a Succession Plan that will ensure our future growth and stability using experienced managers and staff. We are pleased to welcome Alan Bulger as our Operations Manager and Kathi Ridge as our new Development Associate. We are also pleased to promote Carra Purvis to Director of Development. These changes will allow us to continue the work God has given us well into the future.
Vine Maple Place is God's ministry and we are privileged to be a part of it. Thank you for joining with us over these past 10 years....and continuing with us into the next 10 years and beyond!
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