Shania was new to the Hudsonville community after being adopted out of foster care as a teenager.
Her first connection to Love Your Neighbor was while volunteering. As an individual with special needs, she would come regularly with a job coach while in high school to further develop job skills.
“My family helped me find resources in my own community that could help me live independently, learning the skills I need to live on my own.”
Flash forward to today and Shania is still connected with Love Your Neighbor, this time utilizing the Life Skills Program. Her first class is financial literacy, where she is learning how to budget her money. Shania was eager to tell us what a great experience it’s been so far – that the volunteers and staff are helpful and accommodating, and that she is enjoying class!
When Shania faced the obstacle of getting to necessary medical appointments during the day, Love coordinated rides back and forth for her through volunteers in their transportation ministry. She has also been able to utilize the clothing ministry at Georgetown CRC, a partner of Love.
“I am thankful to God for resources like this right in my neighborhood. The groceries I get to take home after class have been very helpful due to all the extra expenses of just moving out on my own… I am very blessed to live in a generous community that strives to care for God’s people and help me learn more independent living skills so I can continue to live successfully on my own.”
Shania’s mom shared, “I am so thankful for the community support of helping care for Shania. We recently helped her move into a Harmony Community independent living apartment. The resources at Love Your Neighbor have been so helpful financially, as she’s living on a fixed income while she’s learning skills to hold down a job in the future. She has been very blessed with the groceries she’s been earning while she works hard through the financial class! It was such a fun treat to be able to shop at the clothing ministry and pick out some new-to-her clothes for the school year. God is good!”
We love that Shania is still part of the Love community, and are eager to see how God continues to transform her through this experience!
There are many ways for you to volunteer with Love & we hope you’ll join us: [email protected]
We’ll be sharing 40 stories of transformation leading up to our 40th Celebration Block Party on September 24th. Please join us!