Real change begins with HOPE

Real change begins with connection and hope, especially for those working hard to redirect their lives after enduring hardships, and those community connections are often what start to turn a life around.

“My life has been either really bad or really good. There have been many times when I wanted nothing to do with this crazy world and when I felt completely alone. But when I found Shepherd’s House and Furnish Hope, I learned about grace and that God was not against me. That’s when I started to get better.”

For Ken Baker, his personal hardships began at the vulnerable age of four years old when he suffered unimaginable physical abuse and torture at the hands of family members, including forced exposure to opiates. He didn’t stand a chance against an upbringing marred by such abuse, and his subsequent journey into a life of addiction and homelessness went largely unchallenged for years. When he eventually found Shepherd’s House Ministries, which led to a referral to Furnish Hope, Ken began a new journey where community and hope are hard at work to offset his persistent life struggles.

“Furnish Hope helped me so much - more than just giving me a bed to sleep on. I had felt worthless for much of my life, and then these wonderful people gathered around me and made me feel loved for who I was. That feeling is largely why I have stayed connected to Furnish Hope. Plus, what they are doing, and what I started helping them do as a volunteer, was just a genuinely good thing to do.”

Currently living at Bethlehem Inn, Ken remains on this journey. Some days are a step forward, and other days a step backwards, but he remains positive, hopeful and committed to putting his best foot forward. What’s more, Ken is intent on helping others while helping himself. A recipient of furnishings from one of our very first deliveries, Ken’s connections with Furnish Hope admirably evolved as he joined forces with our volunteer team and even became a Team Hope donor. Ken is the true embodiment of what it means to endure as a human being and what our Cycle of Hope strives to achieve. 

“It’s been a ride; it’s been a good ride. I wasn’t always the best, but I tried. Thank you for taking me in and working with me.”

- Ken Baker