I Have a Dream

I have a dream. I haven't really expressed it or said it out loud until the other day. My son-in-law asked me what I dreamed about, if anything were possible. I was hesitant, because it seems silly and impossible. As he encouraged me and as I began to articulate what was in my heart, I found myself becoming excited and passionate about the possibilities.

When we started the PARC we wanted it to be a place for those that are homeless to come to be known, be accepted and find the version of themselves that God intended. What I have always loved about the PARC is that everyone who comes in here comes on equal ground. Most of the time you can't tell the difference between a volunteer and a member. We come here to find relationship, not to be above, better or less than. What I have seen as a result of that is that EVERYONE who comes here leaves feeling accepted and begins becoming the version of themselves that God intends.

I have always felt that the PARC would usher in a change for our city. As those who are homeless are seen as people to be loved, we also find that those who are wealthy or workers or business owners are people to be loved. We aren't on levels. We are all people to be loved and who long for acceptance. You can find that at the PARC.

So, I have a dream. I have a dream where the PARC becomes that place in our community where people come together on equal ground to find relationship with those that may not look like them or have similar backgrounds. A center point in our community where everyone comes, and no matter who they are they find acceptance and value and make a new friend.

As we began to plan for our Fall Fundraising Event I deeply wanted it to exemplify this. I wanted it to be held in the heart of downtown. I desire our whole community to want to come, have fun and make a new friend. (And give lots of money. lol ) I am so excited about it. More details will come, but mark your calendars for October 22. We are in the process of trying to build on our new property. The vision for this new building is that it will be a beautiful signpost on the edge of downtown. A beautiful signpost that invites those in our community to come, find acceptance and move to their next. This fundraiser is the impetus for this dream as it becomes reality. We often say that changing lives ends homelessness. We are changing lives. We are changing our community one person at a time. It is indeed exciting to get to be a part of what God is doing.