Monique R. Hurtado | Staff writer
Hope Harbor is hosting a deliciously sweet fundraiser. Amanda Dent, Hope Harbor’s Site Director in Parker, thought it was the perfect time to spread the word about the mission of Hope Harbor to the local community. “I just thought it would be a really fun way to introduce people to Hope Harbor…We can serve teens from this area, and a lot of churches and organizations support us in this area. So, it’s an opportunity for the local community to learn more about the ministry.”
The “Dessert Frenzy” will be this Tuesday, March 21. Join them for a night of sweets and fun at Twisted Pines. The fun begins at 6:30 pm with a social hour followed by short program which dives into the mission and work of Hope Harbor. The short program will also feature an alumnus and her mom sharing how Hope Harbor helped their family.
Guests can purchase tickets for a seat at a table. Each table will then have the opportunity to make donations that will be collected and counted anonymously. The table will gain one entry into the dessert drawing for each thousand dollars raised. The entries will be entered into a drawing. As the entries are drawn, one person from each table will rush to the dessert table and choose a delectable dessert to share. “We’re going to have some really fantastic desserts…. It will go pretty fast, so everybody will have to rush to get their desired dessert,” says Dent.
Founded in 2005, Hope Harbor serves teenagers, ages 12-17, who struggle with past abuse, trauma, anger, substance use, mental health issues, exploitation, self-harm, suicidal ideation, anxiety, and attachment issues. They provide a family-style care program that is biblically based and prayer-focused. “What really makes our program unique to other residental programs is the parent involvement… Parents come every Friday for a parenting class, then every other Friday they have an appointment with our Biblical Counselor. Our mission is to give hope to families by equipping, empowering and anchoring then to Jesus,” says Dent.
Hope Harbor not does receive any government funding or insurance payments. They are completely privately funded and will not turn a family away due to lack of funds. Thus, fundraisers such as this help provide funding for families who cannot afford the cost of services. They are also fortunate to receive funding from a number of businesses, churches and individuals. Hope Harbor has a wonderful crew of volunteers who assist in everything from teaching life skills to helping stuff envelopes. Since its inception, Hope Harbor has served hundreds and teens.
