Glen Lloyd

Caldwell’s Hope

I met Mrs. Karen Durham almost a year ago, and my life hasn’t been the same since. We were introduced three months before that, but only formally. Little did I know about the wonderful things that she and HOPE had prepared for the community. As we began to meet and talk on a daily basis, the more I realized we shared the same desire for not only the people, but the community as a whole.

Our relationship grew to be one of the best friendships and blessings I’d ever witnessed. The daily routine or her job description (Caldwell Coordinator) slowly became a way of life for me. To watch her build relationships, counsel and uplift the people of the community became something I admired and still to this day amazes me. I volunteer to help in and with anything that’s needed. But I didn’t really understand the true meaning of the “HELP.”

Through our friendship I’ve seen situations where adults and kids have been touched in such a positive way that it’s unexplainable other than “GOD’S BLESSINGS.” Karen has introduced me to a host of people from Hope. I’ve never met such great-hearted and spirited people before! Though we are from different backgrounds, we all share and have the same desires to do our part in making things better.

Speaking for myself, my life has taken a positive more forward. Being a part of the Green House (Oasis of Hope), Toys of Hope, Neighborhood Clean-up, Winterizing Homes, October Fest and many others has shown me the true meaning of “HELPING.” To see the smiles of people of the community while volunteering on these projects and to hear ‘Thank You’ from people that I’ve known my entire life have been the greatest rewards I could ever achieve!

During the winterizing homes project, I received an acknowledgement that assured me I was heading down the right path. Mrs. Tolbert is a woman that has known me since I was a child and has watched me grow through my good and bad stages. We were finishing her home and she pulled me to the side and said, “Glen, your Grandfather would be so proud of you to see the man you have become.”

My grandfather passed away in 2002, and he was the man in my life who taught me what being a man was truly about. He was a great friend to everyone in the neighborhood. For Mrs. Tolbert to tell me that was like winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Because I felt as though I’m becoming the man my grandfather always wanted me to be.

I can’t put into words what the people of Hope have done for me, my family, and community because it’s unexplainable. I hope through time that I can bring as much joy and peace to someone as Hope has done for me. With Hope’s 14 point plan and their member’s passion, there truly is “Hope for Caldwell.”

May God Bless Mrs. Karen and all the people of Hope Presbyterian Church.

Glen Lloyd and Family