"There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:13

Dear Friends,

This past weekend, Kevin, Chelsea and I had the opportunity to see our favorite musical again - I say again because I think it was our eight time.  We have seen it in LA, New York, London and various other locations; we know the words by heart and many times Kevin and I would be singing along. This musical has been so impactful to the Ham family that Chelsea had the words memorized by the age of 4.

By now, you may be asking what musical can make such an impression?  It is Les Misérables -based on an 1862 French novel by author Victor Hugo that is widely considered one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century. The title is variously translated from the French as The Miserable, The Wretched, The Poor Ones, The Wretched Poor, or The Victims. Beginning in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion, the novel follows the lives and interactions of several characters, focusing on the struggles of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption.

This musical examines the nature of law and grace and elaborates upon the history of France,  politics, moral philosophy, anti-monarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. The story is historical fiction because it contains factual and historic events.

Yet, each time we see it I find myself in tears because the theme of redemption resounds throughout the musical.  At a critical juncture Jean Valjean says “to love another person is to see the face of God”.  I believe that is exactly what City Impact is about – we the staff, board and volunteers have personally experienced God’s redemptive love and forgiveness in our lives.  In response, we reach out and love the children, youth and families that we come in daily contact.

As we move into the fall and winter months, City Impact’s work goes into high gear.  Therapeutic counseling for Special Education children and youth, our Youth Impact staff will carry on with our Intervention Programs and the Food Distribution program will provide for the vital needs of so many. 

Honestly, we could not do this without you and truly appreciate your continued love and financial support of City Impact – please know we do make a difference.

Because of Him,
​Betty Alvarez Ham
President