They Came Back to Share Their Thoughts With Us
It’s How They Say Thank You
thanks everyone who attended the 10th Anniversary Annual Dinner this year! It was a time of family, friends, and fond memories. A special shout out to a sponsor who did not get recognition, but none-the-less handled it with grace – Stephen Chaudhry, Making Things Happen. Thanks for understanding that we all make mistakes.
The dinner was a profound experience for the students who attended. It was a transformative event that left an indelible mark on them. As usual, the Pioneer High School, Woodland High School, and Cache Creek High School students were excited to greet, seat, serve, and share their stories with the audience. Each student wrote their speech on short notice after completing the ALMS Trust Series or Job Readiness Session in October (some programs ended the same week or Thursday before). They were nervous, but they took the mic and shared their journey through Trust and Hope.
ALMS will share some of their words, but first, we will begin with Betty, the main speaker. Betty joined ALMS ten years ago. Now she's 28, and when we met, Betty was homeless. Shortly after she started attending ALMS, a couple of her friends were murdered – but she wasn't there. She had become a part of ALMS. Over the years, with the support of ALMS, Betty transformed from a homeless teenager to a confident young woman. Here is a small portion of what she had to say.
“I was lost, broken, and angry. I had been abandoned twice. First by the family that brought me into this world, and then by the family who was supposed to give me a second chance. I was young, hurting, and doing things that could have destroyed me. I didn’t care about myself. I didn’t believe I was worth saving. But ALMS saw something in me I couldn’t see in myself. They didn’t try to fix me – they loved me, fully, freely, fiercely. For the first time, I felt important. Through the volunteer work I did, and through the moments I shared my story, I realized that my pain had purpose. And I wasn’t invisible anymore.
But healing isn’t a straight line.
Like the quote says – I fell again. I crashed hard. I ended up in an abusive relationship that nearly took my life. The kind of darkness that makes you question whether you’ll ever see light again. I had no family to turn to, but I had ALMS. And they didn’t walk away. They helped me gather the shattered pieces of my life without shame or conditions. They helped me breathe again. When I made the choice to move to Oklahoma, they didn’t guilt me. They didn’t hold me back. They wrapped me in support and reminded me I wasn’t starting over – I was stepping forward. Today, I’m proud to say I work as a Trauma Dispatcher – a role I never imagined I’d have the strength to carry. But I do. And I carry it because of what ALMS gave me – hope, truth, purpose, and the permission to take up space in this world. And because of everything this program poured into me, I now pour into others.”
More of our Annual Dinner speeches to come. There are so many exciting developments, but ALMS has to confront the growing pains we are experiencing. As a small nonprofit doing big things, we urgently need monthly giving to keep the lights on. Every dollar given allows us to focus on serving another Betty or the 60 students ALMS served this year. Help ALMS keep the lights on.
Your donation of $20, $50, $75, or $100 is not just a financial contribution. It's a powerful tool that empowers ALMS to do what we do best - come alongside parents and schools to prepare youth for successful employment, change their trajectory, and help them to give back to their community. Your support directly impacts the lives of these young individuals, giving them hope and a brighter future.
All monthly givers will be invited to youth celebration, lunches, and special events throughout the year. For those who can give more, we offer unique experiences like a culinary event in an olive grove with the Executive Director, Board members, and students. Your generosity will be celebrated in a special way.
Thank You for coming !
To make a donation. Simply go to the website link below, www.AllLeadersMustServe.org/donate or ask your bank to pay directly through ‘bill pay’ with no fees. Your bank can send checks automatically each month to ALMS, PO Box 8218, Woodland 95776. For more information on how to get involved with ALMS, contact jayne@almsinyolo.org. Thank you in advance.
Jayne Williams | 916.769.5162 | jayne@almsinyolo.org
