This February, mentor Eileen Darden from the Progressive Church of God in Christ volunteered at the fourth annual Faith Community Luncheon. The luncheon, hosted by Mayor John Hickenlooper and his Clergy Council, raises up new mentoring congregations for the Family and Senior Homeless Initiative. Eileen welcomed guests--mentors, faith leaders, and city officials--as they arrived in a steady stream. She says of the experience, "It was awesome!   It was my first time attending. I got to meet everyone! It was quite an experience, to see the willing workers, and the amazing turnout, the hearts that go out to other people. I was so impressed by the diverse congregations. Everyone was willing to work together. Four or five hundred people were there. It was so exciting to see the camaraderie of each one of the churches and to hear the awesome speakers."  

"I felt really proud to be a mentor."  

About a year and a half ago, a family member suggested Eileen try mentoring through the Family and Senior Homeless Initiative. She jumped at the chance. "They do more than just feed the needy," she says of the program's first tug at her heartstrings. "At first, I didn't know the program was as broad as it was. I called and asked to speak to Wayde [Congregation Relations Coordinator], and he came out and interviewed me. I've been mentoring ever since. I've stayed because I like what you all do for not just seniors but for families, too. I'm so glad to be a part!"

Eileen has always had compassion for people who are struggling and discouraged. She's worked professionally with juvenile offenders for years and also seen family members grapple with difficult financial situations. From these personal and professional experiences, Eileen has gleaned a simple truth.

"There are more to people than what you see," she says.

She continues, "People and families present well, but when you get to know them and walk the journey with them you know it's only by the grace of God they have overcome [struggles]. And you wonder how they even got that far."

"[Homeless] families do have a lot of pride!" she adds. "Their personal lives are their personal lives. They can be very guarded. They know you cannot trust everyone. You have to win over that family...that's the number one hurdle to cross."

As time has progressed and the mentee family has come to trust Eileen and her team, she's learned more about the storm of trials they've weathered. The family has sustained identity theft, family members' incarceration and a brutal car accident. The head of the household is a grandmother trying to balance raising a grandchild, caring for a quadriplegic, her own poor health, and poverty--all the while searching for a job in a difficult economic climate.

Eileen has been able to help her with the job interview process. "I just give her pointers on getting employed and dress code," she says. "If she needs a ride, I will take her."

"We book appointments once a week and hit every temp agency, workforce places, everything we can find."

Eileen is honest about the challenges this family faces. But she intends to continue providing help, connections and friendship beyond the official mentorship period. "I just hope we can do what we need to do to get her stable," she says.

When asked what she would say to people considering becoming mentors, Eileen says, "Not only is it rewarding, but you gain so much knowledge. I now have a great resource base through FSHI. Working through FSHI has really been a blessing for me. So I would tell them, 'By all means do it!   Become a mentor.' "

Thank you, Eileen, for your mentor team's grit and unwavering determination. And thank you for being an important part of our annual faith luncheon. The Family and Senior Homeless Initiative owes its success to compassionate mentors like you! Thank you for using your gifts to help those who most need support and friendship.