Spreading Joy, Sharing Hope: One Donor’s Mission to Serve Her Community

Community change is a group effort — something that Leigh Ann Paugh knows firsthand. 

Leigh Ann and her family moved back to North Georgia in 2013 where Leigh Ann connected with the Chateau Elan community and two donors with strong ties to Home of Hope.

“[Home of Hope donor and Board Member] Peggy Slappey was probably the first one to invite me to an event,” Leigh Ann shared. “Then [Home of Hope Executive Board Member] Jim Jodecke explained to me what the program was.

“Jim told me, ‘I need and I want you to support this!’”

Peggy and Jim’s recruiting paid off when Leigh Ann attended a Home of Hope gala and learned more about the shelter’s mission. She resonated with the ways Home of Hope was serving vulnerable mothers and children.

“I had some challenges in my life growing up, and people came alongside me when I was young,” she said.“To give back is now a mission of mine.

“I love the fact that [Home of Hope] provides an environment that makes [mothers and kids] feel safe as they get back on their feet. What I really love is Home of Hope doesn’t just give to people; they really teach mothers how to become independent.”

She also appreciates how Home of Hope’s services help prevent further crises for mothers and children down the road.

“I give to different organizations, and I love that the company I work for does the same thing. A portion of my company’s earnings goes to fight human trafficking,” she explained. 

“I feel that a lot of times, moms with kids in hard situations can unfortunately end up trapped in trafficking. I appreciate that [Home of Hope] is trying to help people before they get to that point.”

After her first gala, Leigh Ann was convinced she could help, and since then, she and her husband have been faithful supporters.

This year, Leigh Ann decided to make an even bigger difference by sponsoring Home of Hope’s upcoming Masquerade Ball — and by inviting others to participate, like Jim and Peggy invited her.

“By being a sponsor and having a table there, I can invite even more people who might have an influence or impact on Home of Hope,” she shared. 

Through donating and connecting other supporters with Home of Hope, Leigh Ann is helping mothers and children fight for better futures. 

“Before, these mothers didn’t have any assistance,” she said. “But [at Home of Hope], they’re being taught what they may not have known or learned along the way and helped back on their feet.”