Julie & Alex’s Senior Pictures

We want to thank Hollie Girvan from Artistry Images Photography for her generosity in donating a senior photo shoot to Juli and Alex. Hollie was an amazing photographer. The twins said they “loved it” and “they felt wonderful”. I also want to thank my daughter Rebekah and my niece Alyssa for helping Juli and Alex get ready and doing their hair and make up. And, a BIG thank you to Tammie, Diana, and Kerrie from Rootz Hair Salon, in Lynwood, for donating hair cuts for Juli and Alex. They had an amazing experience at the hair salon. 🙂

“GIVING BACK; I heard Juli and Alex’s story, and offered to give them something they didn’t think they could ever afford, it felt so good to give a session to these girls, who have been through more than most at their age!” Hollie Girvan–Artistry Images www.artistryimages.com

You can check out more of Juli and Alex’s senior pictures on this link…https://service.pass.us/client/event/xtHdW2572664

Thank You Ellen–Newport Oregon Vacation!

I want to thank Ellen Brotman and her family for their generosity in donating their 3 night stay at a resort in Newport Oregon to Juli and Alex, the homeless twins who are staying with us. Ellen’s husband suddenly passed away this year. She says that her family has been so blessed this year from family and friends that they were not feeling like they “needed” a vacation. So when she heard about Juli and Alex and their story she donated their 3 night timeshare resort to the twins. My daughter, Rebekah and I, had the privilege of taking them to Newport Oregon.

Juli and Alex (the twins) had never been on a vacation, stayed in a hotel, been to the beach, gone out to a Mexican Restaurant, etc. It was a special ladies time with great conversations. My daughter Rebekah showed both of them how to shave, they said they have never felt so clean. They experienced ordering at a restaurant, leaving a tip, shopping for clothes at a store that has multiple colors and sizes (instead of only choosing what they have at a thrift store). Thank you everyone who donated gift cards and cash for Juli and Alex. We took advantage of being in Oregon and did a lot of shopping without sales tax. 🙂 They were able to get much needed clothes and basic needs items. Both of the girls felt very loved by the outpouring of generosity from our community.

We went to an aquarium and they wanted to read all of the descriptions and find all of the fish. They asked so many questions that an aquarium volunteer followed us around like our own tour guide.

The only downside was I discovered that all 3 girls had lice. So we spent a lot of time doing laundry and watching Harry Potter movies while going through hair. They said that they do not have words to explain how they are feeling. Their teachers at school have e-mailed me that now the girls have smiles on their faces and spring in their steps.

Their Story: Juli and Alex

Juli and Alex are homeless high school girls who are currently staying with our family. The twins are in need of clothes and basic need items.

Thank you for your consideration and support. Feel free to share this post with others who may be interested in helping Juli and Alex during this difficult transition time.

Imagine with me…you have been working very hard in school, looking forward to graduating from high school in just a few weeks, you have been working a part time job for almost 2 years, paying rent to help your family and just 10 weeks before graduation you get the shock of your life. Right before spring break, you find out that you and your twin sister need to move out. Your mom and step dad feel like even though you are contributing a large portion of your income to help support the family it is not enough. And your income added to their income is preventing them from getting the government housing and food subsides they have received in the past.

 

You talk to the school counselors for ideas on shelters, apartments, etc. You find out that because you are not pregnant or have kids there are no services available. The Cocoon house offers to help with money for the first and last month for an apartment but even with your combined income you are not able to work enough hours and finish school to pay for a 1 bedroom apartment in Snohomish County. 

 

The only housing you are able to find is a shelter in Seattle. But it would take 2 1/2 hours riding a bus to get to the shelter. And it would cost each of you $10.00 a night. You would not be able to finish high school or keep your jobs if you stayed in this shelter. 

 

Well this is a true story. We would like to introduce you to Juli and Alex (twin girls who are high school seniors at Cascade). They are currently in transition and are living with our family. We are having an Open House–blessing shower for the twins, Sunday May 7th, from 10:00-2:00.

 

This Open House is an opportunity for our community to come together and bless Juli and Alex during this difficult transition time. The shower gifts can be new or gently used. We want to show Juli and Alex that there are generous and caring people in our community who are willing to help them during this season in their lives.

Here is a link to a list of ways that you can help and bless Juli and Alex. http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080b4bafa82ea57-

The Blessing Shower will be at our house.

Please bring a card or a written word of encouragement for both Juli and Alex. (A Bible verse, quote, inspiring story, personal words of encouragement, etc.) We want to help them make a scrapbook so they can look back on this chapter in their lives and remember how the Lord provided for their needs and also remember all of the caring people in our community.

Hope to see you at the Open House. If you are unable to attend but would still like to bless the girls, feel free to send a card or contact me and we can arrange a time to meet.

If you have any questions, please let us know.