It’s a joy to serve together, as we remember the words of Jesus, `I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me,” (Matt 25:40). And it certainly was a joy to be part of the transformation which blessed the girls and staff at Vista Maria.
Vista Maria, located in Dearborn Heights, is Michigan's largest, private, non-profit child welfare agency for girls and their families and has been rebuilding lives for 150 years. On October 10th, Guardian Lutheran Dearborn members joined forces with Enchanted Makeovers to bring about change, both in the surroundings and the lives of the girls and young women of Vista Maria. Enchanted Makeovers is an internationally recognized non-profit organization that “transforms shelters for women and children into places of peace and possibilities—not just where basic needs are met, but spiritual needs for hope and beauty also.”
Guardian members volunteered over 243 hours of time and talent to patch, prep, tape, caulk and paint alongside other Enchanted Makeover volunteers. Under the direction of Enchanted Makeovers founder, Terry Grahl, they primed and painted walls and furniture, installed doors, fixtures and personal touches, and provided a delicious lunch for the final day and Makeover reveal on November 15th.
Time, talents and treasures were shared as the Guardian Foundation also contributed a sizable financial donation. Several other members provided additional monetary support as well as food donations for the luncheon on the final day. This was truly an inspiring outpouring of Christian love and service. Some of the girls responded with shrieks of excitement, some cried, some quietly took it in, and others hugged volunteers and whispered, “Thank you.” A staff member of Vista Maria said, “My friends, one of the greatest things about working at Vista Maria is when I see how volunteers and supporters, like you, make the girls feel like they are worthy of spectacular things. You and I both know that they are more than worthy of greatness. But when they realize it for themselves, it is a very special thing. Thank you SO MUCH to Terry and all the volunteers at Enchanted Makeovers for doing this special project for our girls.”
The project at Vista Maria touched all those involved-the volunteers, the staff, the donors, and the residents. “No words or amount of hugs could ever match how much I appreciate how Guardian Lutheran stepped up and put ''faith'' into action.” As we fulfill our mission of transforming shelters into heartwarming havens we gather people together. Whether they are a donor of handmade items, monetary support, or physical work, their special talents and love are ingredients in the final product. It is a thing of beauty to behold. It oozes of love and wraps its arms around the women and children. It exults, "You are loved. You are special. You are worthy of beauty. You too can create beauty," Enchanted Makeovers founder, Terry Grahl.
View a slideshow of the makeovers and excitement at www.terrysenchantedcottage.com. For more information about Guardian Lutheran Dearborn, visit www.guardianlutheran.org. To learn more about the programs offered by Vista Maria and for volunteer opportunities, visit www.vistamaria.org.
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