Stepping Stones - June 2025
- Aleta Keith
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Community Gratitude
As we get ready to step into the heart of summer, we’re reflecting with deep gratitude on the many hands and hearts that continue to shape the mission of C-U at Home.
In May, our Business Partner Impact Breakfast brought together a room full of local leaders, advocates, and community members eager to support our work. A special thanks goes to Scott Burnsmier for sharing his powerful personal story, reminding us that service is legacy, not obligation. We’re also incredibly grateful to Elizabeth Hess for capturing the spirit of the morning in her thoughtful article on Chambana Today. Her words helped shine a light on the hope and transformation we strive to offer each day. Check out her article HERE.
Event Updates
Our next major event is just around the corner — the Faith Partner Impact Breakfast on Wednesday, June 4. We’re inviting pastors, ministry leaders, and members of faith-based communities to come learn how they can join us in offering spiritual and emotional support to individuals on the path toward stability. We’ll also be officially launching our Prayer Partner Program — a new way for churches and individuals to walk alongside our clients in prayer and encouragement.
In addition, we’re coordinating multiple yard clean-up projects across our client housing locations this summer. These workdays are a great way for teams to serve together, beautify our properties, and help us prepare for move-in at the new Mattis campus.
If your group is interested in lending a hand — or donating supplies like mulch, weed killer, or gardening tools — please reach out!
Changed Lives:
Lynette's Journey
Lynette (name changed for privacy) arrived at C-U at Home earlier this year, newly sober and determined not to return to the cycle of instability and crisis she had known for so long. She moved into our Mid-Barrier Housing program with a deep sense of vulnerability — but also a spark of hope. Today, Lynette is six months sober and working closely with her case manager on goals for school and work. She’s planning to enroll at Parkland College in the fall, with dreams of becoming a peer support specialist to help others who have walked similar roads.
Her courage, honesty, and resilience are daily reminders of why safe, structured housing — paired with compassionate, consistent support — can truly change lives.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Summer is a fantastic time to get involved at C-U at Home, and we have a variety of opportunities for individuals, families, church groups, and corporate teams to make a real difference.
**Yard Work & Landscaping Projects**
We're scheduling flexible yard clean-up days to help beautify the grounds around our housing properties. Volunteers might pull weeds, plant flowers, spread mulch, or clean up trash and debris. No experience necessary — just bring your willingness to help and a pair of gloves!
**Welcome Kits & Supply Drives**
Help us prepare welcome kits for new residents! These include basic hygiene items, towels, socks, and snacks. You can coordinate a drive with your workplace, church, or neighborhood group to gather needed supplies. We’ll provide a list and everything you need to get started.
**Administrative & Organizational Help**
We’re also looking for volunteers to help with filing, preparing materials, organizing donations, and helping us get ready for the transition to our new campus. If you have a few weekday hours to spare and enjoy behind-the-scenes work, this is a great fit.
**Mentorship & Relationship-Based Roles** (Coming Soon)
Later this summer, we’ll begin onboarding volunteers for deeper relational roles, including one-on-one mentorship and prayer partnerships. These roles will require orientation and background checks, but we’re excited to begin forming that foundation now.
Whether you're looking to serve once or regularly, we’d love to help you find your place here. If you have a group interested in volunteering together, we’ll work with your schedule to make it easy and impactful.
Interested? Reach out to Aleta at aleta@cuathome.us! We can’t wait to connect with you!
Supporter Spotlight
“What I love about C-U at Home is that it’s not just about shelter — it’s about transformation. They give people space to breathe, recover, and rebuild.” Randy, Monthly Donor
“When I got here, I was tired of starting over. But something about this place felt different. There were people who believed I could heal. Now I wake up thinking about what’s next, not what I’ve lost. Lynette, C-U at Home Resident
It’s Already June—How Time Flies!
As we step into the sixth month of 2025, we’re reminded just how quickly time moves. At C-U at Home, what grounds us—what truly matters—is people.
People who live in our homes.
People who pray for our mission.
People who believe in transformation.
People who give their hearts and lives in service to others.
C-U at Home isn’t just a building or a program—it’s a community of people, united in hope and purpose. And yet, people need more than hope. We each need a safe place to live and grow and ultimately flourish. That’s why we’re moving into a new building—so we can continue to grow and serve more people with dignity and compassion and watch them as they flourish.
To those who have already partnered with us on this journey: thank you. Your support makes this work possible. And for those still considering how to get involved—there’s still time, and there are many meaningful ways you can join us in this mission to end homelessness, one person at a time.
~Melissa
Be Part of the Next Chapter
As we prepare to open our new residential facility at 1207 S. Mattis, we are incredibly grateful for the donors and sponsors who help make this work possible. From furnishing rooms to stocking the kitchens, your support is helping us create a space that feels like home — a space where hope can grow.
If you’d like to make a gift this month, consider becoming a monthly Path Builder or sponsoring a specific need.
Our new website — launching this month — will make it easier than ever to give, sign up to volunteer, and stay connected to the mission. Stay tuned for the official launch announcement!
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