When I found out that our 2017 benefactor would be Raleigh Wake Partnership to end homelessness, I was ecstatic. For four years I have been volunteering at their Oak City Outreach center with my youth group. This being my first year on student council, having previous experience with the benefactor made me feel more connected and eager to be involved in the overall process.
The special part about this partnership is their unique purpose. Their mission is to provide not only shelter and food, but most importantly a safe community for these people. Without a supportive community to lean on, the viscous cycle of homelessness can not be broken. I have seen this outlook play out through the years I have come to their center. My favorite memory was around Christmas time, the year Adele’s album 25 came out. I remember that specific detail because there was a man who started played “Hello” on the speakers, and the whole center broke into song. Seeing everyone’s smiling faces as we sang along made me realize something that we always say, but do not always truly understand: money can not buy happiness. I am so lucky to be born into a privileged lifestyle where I do not have to worry where I will sleep or eat next. But these people do not have that security, and they were as happy, or even happier. Of course, money will aid in buying them the security they need, and that is what our monetary mission with Charity Ball is. But our mission goes deeper than this; we want to make an environment that mimics that of Enloe’s halls. We want create an environment to “be ourselves together”. Without the support from my friends in student council and Enloe, I could never be where I am today. This new facility that our donation will help fund is a place I am certain will be used to bring people together and joy into their lives.
Ann Winstead
Junior Class Advisor