Sparrow friends enjoy Paris 'trip'

Thanks for a "Paris" Day!

Thanks to all who attended and supported "April in Paris" the annual luncheon meeting organized by Friends of Home of the Sparrow on April 10 at Wynstone Country Club, North Barrington!

Between fabulous boutiques and wonderful food, you could easily imagine yourself spending a wonderful day in Paris! Yes, it rained, but skies were overcast there, too!!

All 130 attending enjoyed shopping the "mini-market" of carefully selected vendors who, as usual, provided unusual quality items at reasonable prices with a percentage of their sales going to benefit Home of the Sparrow programs.

In attendance were the Rev. Phyllis Mueller and Sister Nancy Traeger who in 1986 saw the need for a program to provide real assistance to those women and children among us who are in severe personal distress and have no place to go. Because of the concerted efforts and persistence of these two women in rallying local communities, Home of the Sparrow, which provides transitional housing, counseling and job-skills training in a structured caring environment was established!

With facilities in McHenry and Crystal Lake, Sparrow has served over 2,000 individuals and is the only agency in our area licensed to allow mothers with teen-age sons to live with them in the group setting.

Current HOS client Latasha Johnson spoke, and it was clear she is excited and grateful to have the Sparrow opportunity. In financial crisis after a medical illness prevented working, she entered the program with her two daughters in January. Latasha expressed that she has a "new motivation and a new beginning" in her life because of the "genuine kindness of the people there, and the program they have created to help you rise above your situation."

FOHS President Sue Guernsey presented out-going President Jan Broughton with the appreciation of that group for providing dynamic and inspiring leadership over the past several years.

Friends of Home of the Sparrow provides advocacy as well as financial and volunteer support to Home of the Sparrow. Membership is open to all. For details about the variety of participation opportunities, call Sue at (847) 526-3981.

Patricia M. Pulsifer

Friends of Home of the Sparrow