FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
Special moms deserve special treat
BY SUZANNE LOUDAMY Staff writer

Members and volunteers of Giving Hope Ministry shared a night out for Mother's Day.

With Mother's Day coming on Sunday, a local group planned a special night out for special group of mothers.

The Giving Hope Ministry of Whitehouse provided a wonderful dinner for 12 single moms Monday evening. The ladies traveled in style as they were whisked away by limousine to Tyler's Potpourri House.

As the ladies gathered for their regular meeting, they shared their favorite "mom memories." Some shared memories of their moms and some talked about wonderful memories of Mother's Day with their kids.

"My mom was always the life of the party," Kim said. "She raised me right, but she always made sure we had fun and enjoyed life."

Lerkeysher said the cards and cute things her kids have make at school are her favorite memories of Mother's Day.

Melody was a young single mom and felt out of place with people her age.

"I didn't seem to fit in anywhere," Melody said. "But during a Mother's Day celebration at church, my pastor made me feel ver y special and ver y loved."

Photo/Suzanne Loudamy Inside the limo the ladies from Giving Hope Ministry prepare for their special Mother's Day dinner. The children were treated to dinner and some fun and games with the men's ministry and other volunteers at First Baptist Church.

These moms are representative of the many single mothers who struggle to raise children on their own. Even when fathers are still a part of their children's lives and financial support is there, the life of a single mom can sometimes be filled with hopelessness. That's where the Giving Hope Ministry comes in.

The mission of Giving Hope is to provide a Christ-focused ministry for single mothers in need and to identify resources to help these women reach and maintain self-sufficiency. This group stemmed from concern among WISD teachers who saw a need through their students and families and did something about it. Volunteer members are from several different churches and different faiths. The community has supported this organization through donations, garage sales and offering their services to single mothers in need.

"What we offer these women is the love of Christ," said Amy Culpepper, Giving Hope board member and WISD teacher. "This group of women lean on one another. They share their troubles, their struggles and their joys."

"It's the support that makes this group of moms so special," said Carolyn, one of the single moms. "We all support each other. We listen to each other. We're there when no one else is."

Melody said it is the encouragement she receives that has blessed her the most.

Along with the limo ride and the dinner came door prizes. Donations and prizes were compliments of Nix Roses, Holly Steifer - YMCA Massage Therapist, First United Methodist Church of Whitehouse, First Assembly of God Church of Whitehouse and Giving Hope Ministry.

Classic Coach & Carriage of Tyler and the Potpourri House gave the groups a really good deal on the limo and dinner.

One of these moms will be the lucky recipient of an extreme room make-over. The First Assembly of God Church and Giving Hope joined forces to offer the make-over to a deserving single mom. The announcement will be made on Mother's Day.

Ever y mom is a special mom. They are all special in their own way. If it is possible, share this Mother's Day with your special mom. And honor her every day with your love and respect.

Proverbs 31: 28 Her children arise and call her blessed…

31 Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.