 |
Susan and Jack Redmond |
|
Susan and Jack Redmond of Colorado Community Church (Aurora Campus) have mentored several homeless families through the Family and Senior Homeless Initiative. Why has this husband-and-wife team devoted so much time to mentorship? When asked about it, Susan says simply, "My husband and I have gone through hard times ourselves. God's blessed us. We want to help other people."
In working with so many families, the Redmonds have learned that people respond to tough times differently. Some individuals are transparent about their struggles, while others are more reticent to share about their difficulties. Through mentoring in a variety of situations, Susan has learned about a tool that always enriches the mentor relationships: respect. Susan says, "We try to respect them and do whatever we can to help. We just want to let them know that we've been there. It's not helpful to preach to them, and I just think that trying to be open is the best way. We're not here to judge anybody – just be a friend and help them get back up on their feet."
Practicing this principle of respect, Susan adds, helps mentee families feel comfortable and also changes mentors for the better, making them more open, compassionate people. "Every day we're learning how to try and be open and respectful and building that trust with them. Every case is different, so you learn different ways to try and reach people. Also, each case is so different because we're all different. We're always learning how to try to reach someone and to get them to open up. We grow, too."
Currently, Jack and Susan are mentoring a family who went through some very worrisome times. Previously, the family rented month-to-month. When their landlord increased their rent by four hundred dollars, the parents and their three young sons (3 years of age and under) were left homeless. For a while, the family lived in a motel and with relatives until they heard about the Family and Senior Homeless Initiative. They decided the program could help them, and that's when they were paired with the Redmonds.
"It's hard to know what to say or do when they are so overwhelmed," Susan says of the initial getting-to-know-you stage. "But when they see we respect them, they feel that they can trust us."
The Redmonds helped this family work through their budget. They built trust by listening to their mentee family and discovering their specific needs. They found out that the father was suffering from severe back problems and needed a good bed. "We got them that bed within a couple of days," Susan says. "That really started off a friendship, knowing that we cared. We've gotten really close. They look back and see that they really have come a long way. Now, they look at their budget and know what they can afford. They really felt that that was helpful and they just couldn't believe that we would jump in there and help them. They are very positive about the program. They don't feel scared anymore."
The family wants to continue a friendship with the Redmonds after the official mentorship period concludes. Susan remarks that this post-mentorship relationship is different for each family, and that she and her husband try to play it by ear and let the families make the decision. "You want to be respectful," Susan says.
When asked what she would tell people considering becoming mentors through FSHI, Susan says, "I would tell people that it's very rewarding. There will be times where you will get overwhelmed because you want to help, and there are limitations. But we all grow from it, and we're better people because of it. Most people have been at that low point some time, so giving back just makes your life more fulfilling, and it gets your mind off your own problems. It's a chance to show God's love through caring and helping."
Thanks, Susan and Jack, for seeing uniqueness in each family, and for respecting that individuality as you encourage families on to self-sufficiency! Mentors like you are transforming lives and changing the heart of our community. Thank you also, Mayor Hickenlooper and the City of Denver for creating the Family and Senior Homeless Initiative, a program that allows concerned citizens to directly involve themselves in issues of poverty and to grow from this enriching experience. What a privilege! |
