A Few Hours, A Big Impact
How much difference can a few hours make? Blair Chandler, would say it’s more than you’d think.
Blair first connected with Home of Hope around five years ago through Gwinnett and Hamilton Mill Church. Since then, she’s volunteered at Home of Hope several times through opportunities with the Be Rich program, her work and small groups.
Although Blair is not a weekly volunteer, she’s still had a huge impact on Home of Hope, and in turn, seen the difference the organization makes on a daily basis. Through the Be Rich initiative and her job, Blair has formed a deep connection with Home of Hope and the work it does.
“One of the things that we believe in at North Point is to have fewer [partner] relationships so that we can have stronger, deeper relationships with nonprofits,” said Blair.
Blair recently helped out with the Back to School Bash this past July. She was impressed with Home of Hope’s approach to using volunteers and the culture it’s fostered.
“They’re just so open to finding a place for people to serve. They’re also a ton of fun!” she said.
“I’ve been able to interact with the moms and the kids. You just feel like you’re having fun with family, and the kids are so inviting. You feel like you are a part of the group and you’re able to truly hangout with them without any type of barrier.”
Her experiences at Home of Hope showed her that the organization offers more than just support — it creates a sense of belonging.
“I think they bring a lot of hope for the families and kids in our community,” Blair said.
“There’s a lot of hardship and it can be difficult, but the staff and families love being [at Home of Hope]. The families feel safe and able to be open, be themselves and be a part of the community there. It’s so encouraging to see how quickly these families are accepted and are able to grow.”
Volunteering has also helped Blair see the deeper connection between serving and understanding the community around her.
“[Volunteering] gives people an insight into who is in our community and helps us feel not so isolated. We can go to the grocery store or to our jobs, but volunteering lets us see who else is out there — the needs that are right around the corner,” said Blair.
“It’s also a tangible way to see and experience how Jesus served. A lot of what He did was busy but not hurried. He heard people’s stories. He understood the needs and how to fill them. Today can have an impact on tomorrow, and I think serving with a nonprofit like Home of Hope is seeing what those needs are and experiencing how God uses each gift to give back.”
Blair was touched by how Home of Hope inspires businesses to give back and see the need in their own backyards.
“I love hearing how businesses are connected as well. Knowing that Home of Hope has a partnership with the local Aldi and that it donated all of the supplies for the Back to School Bash was so cool,” said Blair, “To know that somewhere I go has a partnership with Home of Home really brought [the impact] home. It shows how ‘bought in’ the community is, and that’s amazing.”
The work Home of Hope does is difficult, but rewarding. Blair was moved by the staff’s approach toward hard circumstances.
“Home of Hope does such great work, and I hope they know that. A lot of times in the nonprofit world, it can feel thankless. I hope they never lose their spark — that joy for what they do. I want it to grow as they do,” said Blair.
The little things might not seem like they make a difference, but Home of Hope is grateful for every blessing, no matter the size.
“They are always so grateful and thankful for the donations or the time you give — no matter how small or big,” said Blair.
“They always communicate how it makes an impact and helps the organization. Just knowing the gifts and time are always going to be used for something good is so impactful. Your donation might just be something disposable — like plates or napkins — but it’s something that they don’t have to think about for that week. It’s something that can bring a smile to a kid’s face. Home of Hope loves the little things and is so thankful for everything.”