BIOGRAPHY - Prior to working at Sanctuary, I ran an organizing, staging and decorating company that I started in 2001. Very early on, my company began to thrive and in short order, I was being interviewed and featured in newspapers, magazines and on TV. However, the more successful I became, the more like an imposter I felt. I was living a life that some people only dream of, yet I didn't feel the least bit fulfilled by it. I knew I needed to pair this success with more down-to-earth activities, so my quest for balance began.

By 2005, God changed that arbitrary search into a strong desire to participate in some sort of inner city outreach. Early in 2006, I came to visit Sanctuary and it made such an impression upon me that I stopped my search. Then in June of 2008, I was asked if I would like to come work at Sanctuary - full time! Almost immediately, I said yes, shut down my 7 year old business and dove head first into my glorious new life working with the people I had come to love.

I consider it a great honour to be a seeker of new individuals and groups who could support this community. I truly believe that doing so deeply enhances the lives of all concerned. Having heard more than one friend say, "I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be alive today if it wasn't for Sanctuary. I love this place." takes away any doubt that Sanctuary is making a difference in this hurting world.

A standard week for me includes regular participation in street outreach and drop-ins, but my primary involvement at Sanctuary is Donor Relations. Cultivating meaningful relationships between this community and the individuals, churches, foundations and companies who support Sanctuary is so rewarding.

It intrigues me that, regardless of what level of participation people have, they benefit from just having come in contact with this place. Sanctuary truly lives up to its name. Overflowing from within its doors are unconditional love and encouragement.

NEWSLETTERS - December 2008

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