Jackie Bass

My husband, Bishop Coe Bass, and I have been married for 23 years. We are the proud parents of five children and have lived in this North Memphis community for 15 years. My oldest daughter is married and made us grandparents at a very young age. My son-in-law is as much a son to me as my own sons. He is a police officer and a fine example of what a young man should be. Whenever our kids ask to participate in something that is positive, we are behind them 100%, always on the sidelines cheering them on. With five children, that includes just about everything from choir, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, school talent shows, drill team, church, and The Green House. I have had the opportunity to meet and volunteer with many Oasis of Hope volunteers at Caldwell Elementary School over these past 4 years and I have seen the love and commitment they have poured into the kids, teachers, and parents. I have been a very active parent and volunteer at my kids’ schools, since they first became school age and I appreciate all those that come to help educate and inspire our kids.

Oasis of Hope (The Green House) has really been a positive influence and a great help in our North Memphis Community. To be more specific, Ms. Karen, Ms. Kathleen, and Ms. Melinda have touched our family in such a loving and caring way. My middle son, Joshua, loves Ms. Karen. He knows the only way for him to get out of the house after a certain time; is to ask me, “Mom, may I go to The Green House and help Ms. Karen?” He knows he is not old enough to work for a paycheck, but he knows he can help at The Green House with delivering lunches, passing out fliers, or anything that needs to be done. My daughter, Terrian, loves The Green House too! She says that The Green House is fun, cool, and relaxing. If you are sad, walk into The Green House, Ms. Karen and Ms. Kathleen will always help you in any way they can. Ms. Kathleen knows that Terrian loves to sing and dance, so she asked her if she would like to attend summer camp at Girls Inc., and she answered, “YES!” Oasis of Hope enrolled her in Girls Inc. day camp and she is really enjoying her summer. Lastly, there is my oldest son, T.J. He had been putting in job application after job application and no one had called, but then one day Ms. Melinda asked if T.J. would want a job and you know what his answer was, “YES!” She contacted her husband and he had a job opening for my son at his company. I told him God always knows best. The friendships and relationships that have been built between Oasis of Hope, our family and within our community are a sure sign of God’s hand at work in the lives of us all.

I am also thrilled to have been asked to serve on the Board of Directors for Oasis of Hope and look forward to deepening our relationships and impact in the community.

God bless you all and thank you,

Jacqueline Bass
Caldwell Parent and Neighbor