Stories of Hope
Stories of Hope is an e-communication that is sent to our subscribers on the 15th of each month. These stories will be brought to you through the voices of our staff, volunteers, donors, patients, and community partners. Our goal is to highlight the hope that is present in our community through the interconnected world of faith, healing, service, and advocacy. To receive these stories as well as other important messages, click here to subscribe.
April 2025
Growing up in Colombia, service was something that was ingrained in our daily lives, though we didn’t label it as such. I remember my neighbors bringing my family and I food during their Ramadan celebrations, and my mom cleaning, cooking, and serving elders at family functions. However, we never really talked about those things as service or serving others. These acts of kindness unconsciously shaped my understanding and passion for service before I came to Goshen College, the same place that “Where Everything Connects,” became more than a catch phrase, it became a place to frame experiences of my past and put a name to them.
Arriving in the United States many years ago made me feel like I didn’t belong. However, my dreams to make my family proud kept pushing me further and further. I quickly learned English and took on opportunities like joining the National Honor Society in high school. There, I was once more surrounded by a culture for community service. My most remarkable experience was restoring my school’s memorial garden and also helping newly arrived students adjust to life in a new country, something I understood deeply.
At Goshen College, the motto “Culture for Service” took on a new meaning. At first I didn’t think much of this, I was excited my hard work had paid off and I was actually in College. However, as time went by, I began to see how my past experiences connected with my present. Afterall, I grew up with a mom that exemplified this motto.
During my second year of college, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Center for Healing and Hope and everything clicked. I became a Natural Helper at the Center for Healing and Hope and later received facilitation training through the Bienvenido Program, which empowers community members to facilitate group conversations that support mental health and connections for individuals who are adjusting to life in the US.
This facilitation program and my volunteer work at the Center for Healing and Hope not only allowed me to learn skills and tools to work with others, but it also allowed me to meet amazing people who have an immense passion to help others and believe in the power of community. This has also made me reflect about myself and my own experiences, helping me realize that, like so many others, is one of strength, not struggle. In addition, it has demonstrated that I can use my experience as an anchor of opportunity to help others feel they belong in the community.
As a Natural Helper, I had the opportunity to organize and lead a financial wellness workshop. My goal was to help my neighbors gain confidence and allow them to see the impact of being in control of their finances. Watching attendees come up to me, ask me questions, and thank me for the workshop, reminded me the importance of this work.
This is what the Center for Healing and Hope does: not just satisfying needs, but cultivating hope, dignity, and belonging.
I share my story to inspire others to volunteer, as it allows you to reflect on your life while also strengthening our entire community. I also share my story to thank everyone who supports the mission and vision of the Center for Healing and Hope, as your support allows the clinic to grow and help others feel seen and valued. Together, we are not only transforming ourselves, but we are also building a community where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Center for Healing & Hope congratulates Fernando on accepting the Vibrant Student Leader award at Goshen College’s Community Engagement Fair this past March (pictured with award in title image). Along with the award came a financial grant that Fernando chose to donate to the mission of Center for Healing & Hope. We are grateful for Fernando’s time, talents, and treasure, and are excited for the bright future ahead of him!
Tune in next month for another story!
2025 ARCHIVE
January – Greeted with a Smile
February – Seeing it Through
March – In Bloom