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which youth will receive services such as case
management, character building, educational
assistance and advocacy, medical care coordination,
and transportation to appointments.
“Many of us don’t realize how many children
in Rankin County are in crisis,” Michelle
shares. “It’s easy to get caught up in our own
world and assume everyone has the same
lifestyle we do. Unfortunately, many children
suffer the negative consequences of their
parents’ choices and actions. We want every
child to have a chance for success, regardless of
his or her home environment. Whether the
issue is abuse, neglect, a child in need of
supervision, or even a runaway, Shannon’s
Home will be a safe place to stay. Our hope is
that the partnerships we forge with the
community will inspire a culture that embraces
and supports vulnerable children as we work
with families and authorities to eventually
reunite families.”
Shannon’s Home of Hope will have a social
worker on staff who will work with families to
assess needs and connect them with available
resources. Working with parents and not just
the youth can help prevent sending kids back
into a toxic environment. Parenting classes,
alcohol/drug services, and GED classes all
benefit the family as a whole. Additionally, if
parents cannot provide basic necessities such
as food, shelter or transportation, a stable
home life is difficult to maintain, so connecting
families to available services in our community
is vital.
While the search continues for land and a
home, help is being provided in other ways.
Donations from individuals and community
partners allow Shannon’s Home to assist with
immediate needs which vary from situation to
situation. Anything from clothes to haircuts to
groceries have been provided, as well as a hotel
room for a mother and child who were in a
domestic violence situation. On June 12th,
Shannon’s Home of Hope held the second
annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament to raise
money for its mission. All Things New
ministries graciously donated hamburgers and
gatorade, and corporate sponsors and community
members contributed time and money to
make this a successful, fun event that organizers
hope will grow every year. Funds raised
bring them that much closer to the goal of a
permanent home.
Before she passed away, Shannon Love
purchased a plaque, the words of which
perfectly sum up her philosophy, as well as
those who carry on her mission. “Start where
you are, use what you have, do what you can,
and it will be enough.”
For more information on Shannon’s Home of Hope, visit
shannonshomeofhope.org or follow them on Facebook.
Hometown RANKIN • 85