A spring brunch raised approximately $17,000 toward continuing operations and programs at KentHOPE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing homelessness in the community.

More than 200 people gathered at New Hope Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 29, to celebrate changed lives through KentHOPE and the volunteers, churches and community partners who make it possible.

When combined with other April donations, the tally reaches $20,000 in support of KentHOPE efforts.

Since the KentHOPE Women and Children’s Day Center opened almost 3½ years ago, 361 women and children have transitioned out of homelessness and 160 women have found jobs, according to the organization.

Donations will help homeless women like Geneva, who shared her personal journey coming out of prison, addiction and homelessness.

Geneva would get high to hide from the pain. She lived on the streets with her children for 2½ years. After serving jail time, she went directly to KentHOPE and found it to be “a safe place. It was like one big happy family.”

Geneva went on to graduate from Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission’s Hope Place recovery program. She came back to intern at KentHOPE and now is employed as guest services associate at Hope Place.

“Each day I grow more and more in my own recovery,” she said. “My story is never going to end. There’s something new to add to it every day. Just because God loves me that much”

Dave Mitchell, UGM chief operations officer, gave an update of the future KentHOPE Resource Center to be built on undeveloped property at Kent First Presbyterian Church. Although the church will close its doors later this year, UGM is working with the Seattle Presbytery, the regional authority for the churches and the property owner, to establish a long-term lease agreement. Zoning has been approved and preliminary architectural drawings have been done.

Register for a tour of the KentHOPE Women and Children’s Day Center on Saturday May 13 or June 10, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

To learn more, visit KentHOPE.org.