A Quinceanera Miracle! – Door of Hope

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by Katie Joseph
All, Birthday Angels, Events, Hope Stories
August 9, 2020

Just 12 hours before Jaquelyn’s 15th birthday, her mom had no way of giving her the Quinceanera she had dreamed about since being a little girl. That’s when Marisela and Middle Creations stepped in as our birthday-angels to help! Today we’re giving them a big thank you for making this mom and daughter’s Quinceanera dream come true!

Having just graduated from Door of Hope’s program, there was not much left over for Jaquelyn’s special 15th birthday, her quinceanera. She didn’t complain or ask for a single gift (even when we asked her for a wish list!) In her time with us, Jaquelyn stood out for her quiet gratitude in all situations, always kind, always humble. Her strong faith in God was her foundation!

We don’t think anyone was expecting the surprise our birthday-angels had in store for Jaquelyn! Marisela delivered the birthday cake, cards, gifts…and an incredible custom-made balloon bouquet made by Middle Creations WOW!

Jaquelyn was completely surprised and so thankful for the birthday blessings! She looked like a princess in her new dress and absolutely glowed in front of her birthday balloons. Her Mom took about 100 pictures — they were both beaming with joy! Being there for such a special moment was a highlight for so many of us. Thank you Marisela and Middle Creations for making it all possible!

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Pasadena, CA 91101

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Partner in Prayer

In our desire to be fully led by God, we value prayer as a fundamental part of seeing our mission become a reality. We invite you to join our Prayer Team. You will receive a weekly text to pray for a family’s specific need, and a monthly invitation to join our staff for a thirty-minute prayer meeting, virtually or in person. To indicate your interest, please email volunteer@doorofhope.us

Carla

Carla serves as the Marketing Associate where she creates digital and print visuals that communicate awareness of our organization and mission to end family homelessness. But more than that, Carla considers this role as an exciting opportunity to reveal all the goodness and glory that God is doing in our community. Whether it is the transformative stories of the families, the generosity of our donors, or the love from our volunteers, Carla loves to share how God is on the move!

Carla earned her BFA in Studio Art from UC Riverside, and a Professional Designation in Textile Design from FIDM, Los Angeles. Carla loves reading and working on various art + writing projects. She lives with her nerdy husband Andrew, her daughter Windy, and their three cats, Marlin, Mila, and Moo Moo.

Carolyn

As the Development Associate at Door of Hope, most of Carolyn’s work is “behind the scenes”. She manages the donor database and answers questions donors may have about their contributions. She loves working at a Christian non-profit and being able to put her organizational skills to use.

Carolyn earned her BA in Sociology from Furman University in South Carolina. After college, she worked for a non-profit in Northern California for a year before returning to Pasadena and joining the Door of Hope team. During her free time, Carolyn enjoys baking, spending time with her dog, and is an avid reader.

Emily

Emily Abbott serves as the Associate Director of Development where she builds relationships between Door of Hope and individuals, churches, organizations, and businesses. She also works closely with the Volunteer Coordinator. She is delighted to be working for an organization that makes a real difference in the lives of families facing homelessness.

Prior to Door of Hope, Emily used her fundraising, communications, and community organizing skills at the California Institute of Technology, U.C. Riverside, the Constitutional Rights Foundation, Bread for the World, Church World Service, and the Interfaith Hunger Coalition. She earned her BA from Occidental College. Emily loves reading, hiking, gardening and spending time with her husband and dogs.

Alli

Alli Burnison serves as Door of Hope’s Volunteer Coordinator, working with our community of volunteers and in-kind donors. In this role, she has the pleasure of collaborating with volunteers willing to share their time, skills, and passions in a way that furthers the mission and impact of Door of Hope. More than anything, she enjoys witnessing connections formed and trust developed between volunteers and residents.

Alli is a recent graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary with an M.A. in Theology and an emphasis in Islamic Studies. Prior to seminary, Alli studied Journalism and Intercultural Studies at Pepperdine University. Having lived in various cultural, ethnic, and religious contexts across South America, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa, Alli deeply values learning from diverse traditions. She is passionate about seeking justice in communities, and above all, hopes the Church acts as a conduit of peace. On a day off, Alli can be found sitting in the sun with a good book.

Ruby

Ruby works as an Intern in the Development department supporting the team. She thanks donors by mailing postcards, letters, and invitations and calling donors personally. And she also helps the team brainstorm marketing ideas. She especially enjoys learning about the donors’ reasons for giving and working in a Christ-centered organization.

Fa La La Along

During the Christmas season, we have opportunities to enrich the holiday experience for parents and kids. You can Be a Secret Santa by sponsoring a family and purchasing their desired gifts. You can Donate to our Toy Drive by helping to fill our “Toy Store” for the Christmas Festival for residents and Alumni families. You can Donate a $50 Target Gift Card that helps a family purchase items they really need. SUBSCRIBE to our emails and be the first to hear and sign up for these opportunities…they go fast! No application is required.

Carmella

As Director of Development, Carmella serves a team of fundraising and marketing professionals as we seek to connect supporters with the families we serve. Carmella considers it an honor and privilege to share the stories of the Door of Hope community (families, donors, volunteers and staff) and deeply believes our purpose in development is to facilitate mutually transformative relationships…for His glory.

Carmella earned her BBA from Ohio University. Her first love is accounting, starting out at Price Waterhouse, then Chief Financial Officer at banking institutions and later in secondary education. Carmella loves movies and limited series (especially true stories), audible books, jigsaw puzzles, walking, running and hanging out with friends and her twin daughters.

Create an Opportunity

Celebrate the season! Join us in the holiday tradition, be it organizing an Easter egg hunt, donating ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal, bringing candy for Halloween or honoring our moms on Mother’s Day with flowers and chocolate. Perhaps you’d even like to share a tradition you do with your own family. Your efforts go a long way in spreading joy during any season. To apply, please complete the General Application.

Support our Graduates

We want to celebrate and bless our families who have made the transition from our shelter to their new home. In the spirit of acknowledging their efforts, we have set up a special Amazon Housewarming Wish List to bring together items needed to help furnish their space. When you make a purchase, you’re invited to share in the graduation ceremony and celebration. To apply, SUBSCRIBE to our email below, where upcoming graduations are announced. No application is required.

Host a Booth

Let’s have some fun! During our Summer Carnival in July, and our Christmas Festival in December, we need volunteers to host booths for games, treats, crafts, or any delightful engagement that brings smiles and joy to you and our families. From face painting to water balloon tossing to a hot chocolate booth and even a water dunk booth, we’re open to all imagination for a fun-filled experience. To apply, please complete the General Application.

Become a Birthday Angel

We LOVE to celebrate our kids who live with us at Door of Hope, and what better way than on their birthday! Birthday Angels purchase a gift on a child’s wishlist, wrap it up in bows and love, and deliver it to our Community Center along with a hand-written card. It could even be a tradition you do on your own birthday! To be connected with a child’s wish, please email volunteer@doorofhope.us Application is not required.

Spread the Word

Invite your friends, family, or colleagues to attend a public or private, in-person or virtual Stories of Hope tour where we share about the homelessness crisis, our response to it, and learn how you can join us in making a difference. You’ll also engage with our Executive Director, ask questions, and hear from a family who has experienced our program. To indicate your interest, please email volunteer@doorofhope.us

Practice Your Profession

We are seeking those who are willing to donate their professional services to our families. Whether you’re a practitioner in immigration services, family law, dentistry, optometry, cosmetology, an administrative, or would like to contribute a professional service we haven’t yet mentioned, we invite you to join our ever-widening network of generous professionals. To apply, please complete the General Application and Supplemental Applications.

Teach a Life Skills Class

Life skill classes empower our families to cultivate skills and establish patterns that sustain them in their journey toward healing and home. Classes offered in our program include parenting, financial literacy, nutrition, computer skills, and etiquette. Use your knowledge and experience to teach, train, and empower. We’ll provide the curriculum. This is typically a one-hour per week, six-week commitment. To apply, please complete the General Application and Supplemental Application.

Chaperone a Field Trip

From June to August, our Summer Kids Program includes field trips to a variety of locations such as cooling off at the pool, enjoying movies at the theatre, and being dazzled by the sea creatures at the aquarium. Scheduling begins eight weeks in advance. To be a chaperone, you must be at least 18 years of age, complete a Live Scan background check, provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19, and complete the General Application and Supplemental Application.

Engage in Childcare

Volunteers helping with childcare are able to build relationships with the kids in our homes while simultaneously serving our working and student parents. Opportunities are typically in the evening, Monday – Thursday. To be a childcare provider, you must be at least 16 yrs of age, complete a Live Scan background check, as well as provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. To apply, please fill out the General Application and Supplemental Application.

Meal Donor

Enjoy Cooking? Nothing says family more than enjoying dinner around the table. We invite you to join our table by preparing a meal for five to eight families at our Pasadena homes during the weekdays. Whether you’re a meal donor on a consistent basis or just once, it is deeply appreciated. Assembly a group, cook a meal, and gather at the table to connect and enjoy the meal with families. To apply, please complete the General Application.

Support program graduates by purchasing housewarming essentials.

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