Kenny was just 22 years old, homeless, and without hope.  He pleaded for a job, just an opportunity to prove himself. “Show up tomorrow at 9,” Assistant Manager, Jason, told him.  “We don’t have a position, but you can volunteer in the stock room.”   Kenny showed up the next day, and kept showing up day after day. Jason arranged for Jubilee REACH to provide for some of Kenny’s essential needs to get him started, as we call a hand up, not a hand out.  Soon, Kenny earned a position. 

“Loving Kenny wasn’t always easy,” Jason, himself a former felon, remembers.  “But I remember the grace shown to me which compels me to extend grace to him.”   Jason held Kenny accountable.  He called it truth and love.  In the process, Kenny learned how to process and price merchandise and shows a natural knack for electronics. More importantly, Kenny learned how to become a responsible and accountable man.

During 2011 Christmas season, Kenny learned that Nintendo was hiring.  He asked Jason and Store Manager, Susan, for their blessing  and applied. Not only was Kenny hired, but he was one of only 2 of 200 who were asked to stay on into the New Year.  He now works full time in their IT Department and has received two bonuses for his performance.  The seed of hope was planted in the heart of a young man two years ago and transformation took root.

When you donate clothing and household goods to Heart & Home Thrift Store, you are inspiring hope in the hearts of many like Kenny with job opportunities, relationships and hope.  It’s making a difference.

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Sometimes a degree requirement can become a truly life-changing experience – just ask Sally. Sally is a vibrant Career Specialist at Lake Washington Technical College who is finishing her Master’s degree in International Care and Community Development. She is also a volunteer at Jubilee REACH.  Several years ago, Sally started an internship at Jubilee REACH as a requirement for her degree. She had a passion for local community care to low income families the Jubilee REACH Chaplain. She quickly felt a tug to volunteer in the KidREACH program tutoring kids, which is where she met “Rose”.

Today, Sally and Rose study history, math, literature and any assignment Rose’s teachers give her. They share life together, giggle over funny names of famous people, and discuss life decisions while studying world history. They can also be seen on the basketball court playing a game of HORSE or discussing “health topics” over a bag of Rose’s favorite snack, Cheetos.  Immersing herself into Rose’s world, Sally has become a mentor and, most importantly, a friend.  Through their friendship, Sally and Rose continue to spend time together after the school year is over: getting icecream together and going to movies. The impact Sally has made in Rose’s life has made it easy for Rose’s family to welcome Sally into their home.

Looking back on the past three years with Rose, Sally mentioned, “I never thought I would get to the end of that first school year and want to keep mentoring Rose, but we became a special part of each other’s lives. I couldn’t imagine a Tuesday without Rose. I benefit from our time as much as she does!”  When asked what she has learned from volunteering, Sally passionately replied:

“I have learned to set individualism aside for something greater: Community. When you volunteer; when you make yourself available and open to help others, it has transforming power for both you and those around you. It has the potential to open up new facets of who you are! You gain as much as you’re giving, if not more. I never expected to get so much.”

Experience the "something greater", by volunteering and being a part of Community!

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