Annual Holiday Appeal
HSS Programs Change Lives – You Can Help
December 28, 2019
Some kids ask for toy trucks and cars. Others dream bigger and put Ipads and Xboxes on their wish lists from Santa. But Alex, at just seven years old, had one wish this Christmas – to have his daddy home for the holidays. Alex hadn’t seen his dad in a long time, and it was hard when...
SeeMore Inn’s Story
November 15, 2018
With blue polo shirts tucked neatly into khaki pants, the two women shuffle their hands in nervous excitement, eager to greet their next guests. For days now, this is the moment they’ve been prepping for. The linens have been washed and lovingly arranged on the beds. Fresh baked muffins sit on the kitchen countertop. It’s showtime. Welcome...
Shawn’s Story
November 15, 2018
When Shawn steps into the Walmart parking lot, he stands a little taller. A slight smile is almost always on his face as he moves through his workday. The job involves a seemingly neverending task — moving shopping carts from the edge of the lot to the inside of the building. Some might groan and complain. But...
Olivia’s Story
November 15, 2018
Her hands are dusted in flour as they knead dough, purposefully molding the bread into shape. Later, she’ll mix batter for cakes, carefully measuring ingredients and scooping the soft gooey mixture into the pans. It’s methodic, calming work. There’s something rewarding about watching the fruits of her labor come to life as the baked goods rise in...
Michelle’s Story
November 21, 2017
When they first began to talk about her, she was visibly overwhelmed. Her cheeks flushed crimson as she covered her face with her hands, momentarily uncomfortable in the spotlight. But then, a giggle escaped. Another quickly followed. Soon, any signs of shyness evaporated and in its’ place was another, more powerful emotion - joy. A joy so...
James’ Story
November 21, 2017
There’s a framed picture of his mom on the wall, and James is quick to point it out to guests. Beaming with pride, he’ll show you the television, the gaming system and the view from the windows in his upstairs bedroom. Then on the way out, he’ll mention the picture of his mom. The house has all...
Mickey’s Story
November 21, 2017
He’s no longer a young man, but when Mickey smiles, his eyes twinkle with the pure, unadulterated joy of youth. There’s a light inside Mickey, the kind you can see without ever having to hear him speak a single word. Mickey, 63, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a child and is deaf. He communicates through sign...
Morgan’s Story
November 21, 2017
When the door opened, her eyes nervously scanned the counselor’s office. At 10, she was already cautious and skeptical of strangers. Satisfied that her surroundings were safe, Morgan quietly slipped into a chair without a word. She fixed her gaze on her tennis shoes and the dirty hem of her jeans. Her silence added plenty to what...
Alex’s Story
November 21, 2017
Real men aren’t supposed to be bothered by silly things like nightmares. Men of his father’s generation certainly didn’t let “feelings” get in the way of responsibilities like work and family. And yet, here he was. The nightmares were relentless, torturing his sleep. The days weren’t any better, though, because memories of the trauma haunted his waking hours. Alex tried...