CONGRATULATIONS JEAN!

Two Years ago, to commemorate 20 years of service, Jean wanted to demonstrate her thankfulness to God by challenging herself to run her first half marathon. Jean participated in the 2009 ING race that took place in Miami Beach, and made it all the way!

This year, Jean made it again!  After months of training, on January 30, 2011, His House Founder/Executive Director Jean Caceres-Gonzalez ran her second marathon in 2 hours and 45 minutes straight!  Jean was accompanied by our Facilities Manager, Herbert Leon, who encouraged her along the way by quoting scripture, and Antonio, one of the His House teen residents.

With fatigue attempting to win them over, the three of them pushed forward, each time harder and harder, constantly reminding themselves of what they set out to do. His House has recently inaugurated a housing program for these teens called, “First Home,” that is open to youth aging out of the foster care system in an effort to prevent homelessness. This mentorship program guides young adults into adulthood, since many are not ready to face the world on their own. Having a burden for teens in these situations, Jean’s intention for running the race was to raise funds for the program. Antonio, who ran alongside Jean during the race, is a resident in this program.

During the race Jean also was able to reconnect with people who at some point in time had an impact on His House. “I loved seeing people I knew running the race too, it was very encouraging!” said Jean.  Out of the 21,000 people there, these weren’t just familiar faces, but they were long time friends and supporters who have joined her in the long distance race of serving His kids.

We are truly grateful to the many people who supported Jean in this endeavor, which proved to be an enormous success. It was because of your help that we were able to raise $9,000!  Thank you for your faithful support in helping us defend the cause of the weak and fatherless.