Nola Renz has over 20 years experience in non-profit management and 12 years experience working with low-income families. She is co-chair of the Governor's Advisory Council on Homelessness, is on the Board of Directors of the Washington State Coalition for the Homeless and their conference chairperson. She has been recognized for her leadership and vision many times, being named a Friend of Housing, a Woman of Influence, and a Non-profit Leader of the Year. Nola Renz has been the Executive Director of Helping Hand House since 1997.
Dear Friends,
2010 was an amazing year with new relationships developed with families who are homeless, with donors, volunteers, foundations, and each of the communities which Helping Hand House serves. The beautiful piece in this is that those who were able to have increased their support - the time, labor, donation of supplies and financial contributions helped us at the end of the year to serve over 250 families.
With a year filled with so much bad news we were encouraged over and over by the accomplishments of our families. Our families finished vocational and educational programs and entered the workforce, families who learned how to be effective parents, take care of their home and juggle the demands of life again, and families who saved money and were able to graduate from our programs into housing with no government or program support. With the economy still struggling, seeing these families persevere truly keeps my faith strong and blesses our communities each time they succeed.
Although much of our focus and attention has to be on the parents in order to meet our goals for each program, I must tell you the children were truly amazing as well. The children’ school attendance improved, which also improved their academic success. With donations and grants we receive focused on the children, we were able to provide new school clothes, school supplies, school backpacks, birthday presents, birthday cakes, music lessons, fishing poles, art and ballet classes, prom dresses, school pictures, and after school activity participation in school and community activities to our children in the programs.
None of this would be possible without each of you and your generosity in sharing of your gifts and talents! May you feel the blessing of what you supported!
Best Wishes,
Nola B. Renz
Executive Directo