GivingGuide2019

1 R Special Advertising Section | SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2019 11 Amanda, a single mother of a toddler, was homeless when she turned to Hopelink for help. She had no job or high school diploma, everything she owned was inside her barely running car. But when they moved into a Hopelink shelter, things started to change dramatically. Working with a case manager, Amanda found a job and set goals for her future. Today, she and her son are settled into their own home, and she has a thriv- ing career. Joining family in the United States, Gabriel arrived from Sudan ready to go to work; hopeful that his decade of experience as an electrical engineer would translate into a similar position here. But even though he spent eight hours a day looking for work, he struggled to succeed on his own, so he turned to Hopelink for help. By studying English for work and connecting with a Hopelink employment specialist, he created a résumé suited to applying for positions in the United States, and learned how to interview for jobs here. His per- sistence paid off. Seven months later, Gabriel landed a full-time posi- tion in his field. Severe anxiety and other mental health issues had prevented Joseph from maintaining stable housing and employment. Sometimes, his only food source was whatever he could find in a dumpster. Turning to a Hopelink food bank for help was not easy, but having a five-day supply of fresh, healthy food every two weeks ensured that Joseph would no longer struggle just to survive. Hopelink’s five food banks provide a vital first step toward stability and a path out of poverty — as well as a lifeline for Joseph and others like him. Hopelink has a proven track record of changing lives: ensuring that children have enough to eat and the tools to succeed in school; that young families have a stable place to live and a plan of action for getting back on their feet; and that retired seniors have food and heat to help them stay safe and healthy in their homes. The Hopelink approach to ending poverty delivers a synergistic network of programs — from food, shelter and heat to adult education, transportation and employment help. Based in Redmond, Hopelink serves 63,000 people every year. More information is available at hopelink.org. By guest author, Hopelink With Hopelink’s help, lives change for the better PROVIDED BY HOPELINK GIVE TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY