As I approach my fifth month as the Executive director, I have found myself reflecting Matthew 25, where Jesus tells his disciples, "Whatever you did for one of the least of those brothers of Mine, you did for Me." I feel that of all of my accomplishments in life, this is the one of the greatest... an opportunity to make a postive impact on the "leat of these."

Everyday I experience changes in the lives of women and children because of the loving support of the community through time and resources. It is my HOPE that ALL young mothers at Hope House are empowered to press on to achieve objectives that they have set fot themselves. These young mothers will rise above poverty and become self-sufficient, law abiding citizens, and home and business owners, who will return to society what they have been given; if not more. I envision that "No Woman or child will be left behind."

Hope House will remain focused on ensuring that we continue to assist young mothers in becoming self-reliant. This transformation requires increased skills inparenting and self-esteem to wether the storms that life presents. It requires a pathway through education and/or increased job skills to obtain and retain employment that will lead to carreer advancement. Our mission will be fully realized when we see that the seeds we have sown have blossomed into plants of sucess, extending to the children of the young mothers we serve.

The women at Hope House are incredible and have great potential. They are in need of a continuously safe environment with structure and substance. With the dedicated support of the community, we can make it possible for them to continue to live ina safe, drug-free environment, where they can build healthy relationships with their children and can realize their dreams of completing their education, owning their own homes, and making livable wages incomes.

I close by saying "If you believe there is HOPE, then there's a means to an end."