An Outreach for At-Risk Children, Youth & Families
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Employment
    • Our Community Partners
  • Programs
    • Program Highlights of 2020
    • Counseling Programs
    • Youth Outreach
    • Family Outreach
  • Events
    • Beachfront Run 2023 >
      • Run Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Golf Classic 2023
  • DONATE
    • Additional Ways to Give
    • Volunteer at Events
  • Contact
  • Blog
Picture

BETTY'S BLOG

BETTY ALVAREZ HAM,
​
PRESIDENT OF CITY IMPACT

Please Stand With Us!

4/1/2020

 
Picture
“Love paid a price so HOPE could become a reality.” 
- Susan Gaddis
Dear Friends,

Recently, Kevin and I reflected on the weddings we have officiated and attended over the past 30 years. So many joyous memories of young love ready to experience the journey called marriage. As we talked, laughed and reminisced over these moments, we came to a realization. As of late, we have officiated and attended more funerals than weddings.

We posed a few questions to each other, "Why the change in events?" "Are we getting older and is this the natural progression?" "Are loved ones dying earlier?" Although, we did not come to a firm conclusion, we did have an epiphany.

Now, realize this is from my perspective, funerals are so much more meaningful. I am not saying I don't enjoy weddings; Chelsea and Kyle’s wedding last January still warms my heart and brings a smile to my face. However, when I officiate a funeral, hearts are wounded and grieved and they need to experience our Savior's love, embrace and healing comfort.

A funeral is the outward conclusion to our life here on earth - it is filled with the memories of weddings, births, celebrations, challenges and struggles. It is a full circle of two ends meeting - which normally causes one to examine their own life. Is this all there is to life? I do wonder, if these were any of the thoughts of the two Mary's and Salome? 
 
“When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?" But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.” -Mark 16:1-8

As City Impact’s staff walk daily with at-risk children, youth and families through times of difficulties, pain and hardships – it is the most incredible blessing to share that there is a hope. A hope that is not based on their ability, personality or finances. It is founded on that fact that Jesus loved each and every one of us so much that he paid the ultimate price so hope can become our reality.

Friends, that is exactly why City Impact exists so we may share Christ’s reality of HOPE. This Easter, will you consider giving a sacrificial gift to help us continue sharing that special message? Blessings to you and your loved one this Easter.

Because of Him,

​Betty Alvarez Ham

Betty Alvarez Ham
President
Picture
City Impact asks you to stand with us during this difficult time within our communities.

​Please consider making a donation today.
​

We thank you for bringing HOPE to the at-risk children, youth and families we serve within Ventura County!
DONATE HERE

Comments are closed.

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    September 2015

Picture
City Impact promotes the educational, physical, spiritual and emotional well-being of the children, youth and families we serve through our programs. Learn more >> 
Picture
555 South A Street, Suite #185 • Oxnard, CA 93030 • (805) 983-3636 • Fax: (805) 988-2240 • info@cityimpact.com
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Staff
    • Employment
    • Our Community Partners
  • Programs
    • Program Highlights of 2020
    • Counseling Programs
    • Youth Outreach
    • Family Outreach
  • Events
    • Beachfront Run 2023 >
      • Run Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Golf Classic 2023
  • DONATE
    • Additional Ways to Give
    • Volunteer at Events
  • Contact
  • Blog