Cat Kerr

Storage space transformed for moms and their babies at Samaritan House

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What began as one thoughtful neighbor’s desire to serve mothers in need became a beautiful expression of faith, community and compassion.

Macy, a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes and an active member of the Denver Home Builders Association, learned about a small room tucked behind the singles dorm at Catholic Charities’ downtown Samaritan House location. At the time, the space was primarily used for cot storage—a practical but uninviting room with untapped potential. Working alongside the Samaritan House team and other supporters, Macy envisioned transforming the space into a welcoming room where mothers could care for, feed and bond with their babies in comfort and privacy.

The project was especially meaningful to Macy because it came at a deeply personal time in her own life. Having welcomed a baby just a year earlier, she understood firsthand the joys, challenges and vulnerability that come with caring for an infant. As a new mother herself, she felt a special connection to the women staying at Samaritan House and was inspired to create a space where they could experience comfort while caring for their children.

Inspired by her faith and the example of the Blessed Mother, Macy set out to bring the vision to life. Drawing on relationships through the Denver Home Builders Association and the broader homebuilding community, she rallied industry partners, donors and volunteers to support the project. A variety of companies in the homebuilding industry contributed furnishings, baby items and supplies, while many additional pieces were sourced through community connections and local resources.

Among the organizations that helped make the Mother’s Room possible were Kimberly Timmons Interiors, Phoenix Drywall, Sherwin-Williams and numerous other industry partners whose generosity transformed an underutilized space into a nurturing environment for families staying at Samaritan House.

The transformation gained even more momentum when Sherwin-Williams generously donated paint for the project. With fresh colors on the walls and the support of countless volunteers, the former storage room began to take on new life.

Then came the finishing touch.

Using her artistic talents, Macy painted a beautiful mural of Mother Mary holding the infant Jesus. The image now serves as a reminder of love, hope and God’s presence for every mother who enters the room. For women facing uncertainty, the mural offers a quiet message: you are seen, you are loved and you are not alone.

To celebrate the completion of the Mother’s Room, Samaritan House hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by supporters, staff and community members who helped bring the vision to life. The gathering marked not only the opening of a newly renovated space but also the collective generosity and collaboration that made it possible.

“This room is more than just a physical space—it’s a place where mothers can find a moment of peace, privacy and dignity while caring for their children,” said Jennifer Daies, Regional Director of Operations. “Every detail was thoughtfully designed to help mothers feel supported, valued and cared for during a challenging time in their lives.”

For Macy, seeing the completed room was a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together in service of others.

“I hoped we could create a space where mothers would feel comfortable and cared for, but seeing it come to life exceeded my expectations,” Macy said. “It’s incredibly meaningful to know that this room will provide comfort and encouragement to women and families when they need it most.”

Every brushstroke, every donation and every act of kindness helped create a space where mothers and babies can find a moment of peace—and a reminder that they are surrounded by a community that cares. Through the leadership of one dedicated volunteer and the generosity of countless community partners, the Mother’s Room stands as a lasting testament to hope, compassion and the power of people coming together to support families in need.

A Saving Grace: Veterans Rebuild Their Lives at Courtyard Commons

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After serious heart surgery, Paul knew he needed a fresh start.

What he didn’t expect was how much healing would come simply from being understood.

Paul, a Navy veteran, moved into Courtyard Commons, a Catholic Charities Housing community offering affordable apartments for veterans and seniors, after spending time at Samaritan House, the Catholic Charities shelter that was the first building in the nation designed specifically to support neighbors experiencing homelessness. At the time, he was recovering physically while also trying to regain stability in his daily life.

Coming to Courtyard Commons, he says, felt like “a saving grace.”

“They had a fully furnished apartment ready for me thanks to a federal program for veterans,” Paul says. “I could focus on getting my daily life and my mind right.”

Because of his surgery, Paul has difficulty walking long distances and now uses a motorized wheelchair to get around. Living at Courtyard Commons has made everyday life more manageable and accessible in ways that support both his physical and mental health.

For Paul, simple things like being able to easily get to the grocery store, access the nearby bus stop or spend time outdoors at Cheesman Park have become important parts of his healing.

“It helps just being able to get out and be around people,” Paul says.

For Paul, the apartment itself was only part of what made the experience meaningful. What mattered most was the community waiting for him there.

“Everyone just gets it here. Being in the armed forces is a bond we share.”

Courtyard Commons, has become a place where veterans naturally lean on one another. Conversations happen in hallways, over coffee and during quiet afternoons outside.

Some residents openly talk about their time in the military. Others don’t. But there’s comfort in knowing the people around you understand sacrifice, transition and the challenges that can follow military service.

Federal funding that supports veteran housing programs like this one is currently at risk of being cut. That possibility weighs heavily on Paul because he knows firsthand how life-changing stable housing can be.

“This place changed my life,” “I hope it changes other veterans’ lives too.”

He worries about veterans who may still be searching for stability after service — people recovering from health challenges, facing isolation or struggling to find housing they can afford.

“These are people who served. They deserve a place where they can heal too.”

Centro San Juan Diego: A Place to Be Heard

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Long before Legal Night begins, people are already lining up outside Centro San Juan Diego.

Some come with questions about immigration. Others need help understanding housing concerns, employment issues or family matters. Many arrive carrying uncertainty and fear, hoping they will have the chance to speak with one of the volunteer attorneys before space runs out.

For Maru Gutierrez, Program Manager at Centro San Juan Diego, those long lines reveal something important: people are searching for trusted places where they can feel heard.

“People are already carrying so much when they walk through our doors,” Gutierrez said. “When we take the time to meet them where they are and connect them with the right information, they feel seen, supported and more confident taking the next step.”

That understanding shapes the way Centro and its community partners approach outreach and legal education. Rather than overwhelming families with information that may not meet their immediate needs, the goal is to create welcoming spaces where people can receive relevant guidance, ask questions and build trust.

Centro San Juan Diego, now officially part of Catholic Charities of Denver, promotes the common good of the Hispanic community through education, family support, integration and leadership formation. Located in Denver’s historic Sacred Heart neighborhood, Centro offers English classes, GED preparation, citizenship support, leadership development and community resource navigation while serving as a trusted home for immigrant and Latino families across the region.

One of Centro’s most impactful resources is Legal Night, a free legal clinic offered on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Volunteer attorneys provide guidance on immigration, housing, employment and family law matters for individuals who may not otherwise have access to legal support.

Gutierrez says many people arrive early because they are afraid there will not be enough time or enough attorneys available.

“They line up so early for that because they’re afraid our legal volunteers will run out of time to help everyone,” she said.

For families navigating unfamiliar legal systems, even a short conversation with an attorney can provide clarity and relief. Centro staff and partners are now exploring additional ways to make those services more accessible, including short educational workshops and outreach during existing community programs.

“I just want to make sure people see this and understand,” Gutierrez shared. “Maybe outside organizations think one thing, but for this community it can feel totally different.”

That commitment to listening first is what continues to make Centro a place of hope.

The conversations happening during Legal Night are about more than paperwork or legal processes. They are about dignity. They are about helping people feel less alone while navigating difficult situations. And they are about creating trusted relationships within a community that often carries challenges quietly.

As Catholic Charities of Denver and Centro San Juan Diego continue building partnerships across the community, families are finding more than services inside the walls of Centro.

They are finding compassion, guidance and a community ready to walk beside them.

The Veteran Next Door

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Ray keeps his memories close. Inside his apartment at Courtyard Commons, a Catholic Charities Housing community offering affordable apartments for veterans and seniors, tucked beside family photos and carefully folded papers in a box are reminders of a life most people could never imagine — a Vietnam watch worn through war, combat ribbons, Purple Hearts, … Read more

One Parenting Class, Five Moms and a New Community at Samaritan House

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When Kara Collidge first walked into Jessica Blackwell’s parenting group at Samaritan House, she expected another class — another meeting to attend while balancing the stress of shelter life and raising her 14-year-old son Joey.

What she didn’t expect was community.

Now, weeks after graduating from the program, Kara still carries the parenting book Jessica handed out during that first six-week Nurtured Heart Approach cohort. The pages are worn with notes and highlights, evidence that the lessons didn’t end when the class did.

“I still go back to the book all the time,” Kara said. “It really changed the way I think about parenting.”

Samaritan House, operated by Catholic Charities of Denver, has served individuals and families experiencing homelessness since 1986. Founded as the first building in the nation designed specifically to serve people experiencing homelessness, Samaritan House provides emergency shelter, nutritious meals, case management, housing navigation, mental health support, employment readiness programs and other critical services for women, families and veterans across the Denver metro area. With multiple locations throughout the Archdiocese of Denver, Samaritan House remains committed to restoring dignity, stability and hope for neighbors facing housing insecurity and crisis.

Jessica Blackwell, an on-site therapist at Samaritan House, launched the parenting program after recognizing a need among families living in shelter — particularly parents navigating trauma, stress and the daily realities of raising children in an unstable environment. Built around the Nurtured Heart Approach, the six-week class focuses on strengthening connection, encouraging positive behavior and creating healthier family dynamics.

But somewhere between the weekly lessons, journals and charcuterie snack boards Jessica brought each session, something deeper happened.

“It built a community,” Kara said. “Before the class, if I saw another mom sitting by herself in the cafeteria, I probably would’ve just walked by. Now we sit together. We check on each other.”

That sense of belonging became one of the most meaningful outcomes of the first cohort, which recently celebrated its graduation — joking that they deserved caps, gowns and a ceremony after completing all six weeks together.

“We really did feel proud,” Kara laughed. “We all stuck with it.”

Each week, the moms gathered for ninety minutes to learn parenting strategies, process challenges together and talk honestly about what was happening at home. Many of the parents, including Kara, were raising teenagers, which created space for conversations that felt especially relatable.

“We could talk about teen stuff that other people might not understand,” Kara said. “That helped a lot because parenting teens is hard.”

For Kara, the class also reshaped the way she viewed her own upbringing — and the patterns she wanted to change moving forward with Joey.

“It made me think about how I was raised and how some things don’t have to continue,” she said. “It helped me change how I respond to my son.”

Jessica’s ability to connect with the parents came from more than clinical experience. Though she works as a licensed therapist, she openly shared parts of her own story throughout the group — including becoming the primary caregiver for her younger sister at just eighteen years old and later helping raise her sister’s child.

That honesty made the group feel safe.

“She understands parenting in a real way,” Kara said. “And because she’s also Joey’s therapist and my therapist here onsite, she already understood what our life looked like.”

Jessica intentionally designed the cohort to feel welcoming and dignified. Every week included snacks, drinks, journals for note-taking and practical conversations families could immediately apply in shelter life.

“I wanted them to feel cared for,” Jessica said. “Not like they were being lectured.”

By the final week, the room had transformed. Moms exchanged phone numbers. They stayed after class talking. Some even began meeting on their own to continue reading the book together after the cohort ended.

For Jessica, that was the true success of the program.

“They built relationships with each other,” she said. “That’s huge when you’re living through hard things.”

The parenting class is just one of several new mental health and youth support programs Jessica has helped build at Samaritan House since joining the team. In addition to individual therapy, she coordinates with schools, helps families access evaluations and services and creates groups tailored to the specific needs of children and parents living in shelter.

But the first parenting cohort holds a special place in her heart.

“These moms showed up every week for themselves and for their kids,” Jessica said. “That’s not easy when life already feels overwhelming.”

As Samaritan House prepares for the next parenting cohort, Kara hopes other parents will take the leap and sign up.

“You don’t realize how much you need something like this until you’re in it,” she said. “It gave us tools, but it also gave us each other.”

A Saving Grace: Veterans Rebuild Their Lives at Courtyard Commons 

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After serious heart surgery, Paul knew he needed a fresh start. 

What he didn’t expect was how much healing would come simply from being understood. 

Paul, a Navy veteran, moved into Courtyard Commons, a Catholic Charities Housing community offering affordable apartments for veterans and seniors, after spending time at Samaritan House, the Catholic Charities shelter that was the first building in the nation designed specifically to support neighbors experiencing homelessness. At the time, he was recovering physically while also trying to regain stability in his daily life. 

Coming to Courtyard Commons, he says, felt like “a saving grace.” 

“They had a fully furnished apartment ready for me thanks to a federal program for veterans,” Paul says. “I could focus on getting my daily life and my mind right.” 

Because of his surgery, Paul has difficulty walking long distances and now uses a motorized wheelchair to get around. Living at Courtyard Commons has made everyday life more manageable and accessible in ways that support both his physical and mental health. 

For Paul, simple things like being able to easily get to the grocery store, access the nearby bus stop or spend time outdoors at Cheesman Park have become important parts of his healing. 

“It helps just being able to get out and be around people,” Paul says. 

 For Paul, the apartment itself was only part of what made the experience meaningful. What mattered most was the community waiting for him there. 

“Everyone just gets it here. Being in the armed forces is a bond we share.” 

Courtyard Commons, has become a place where veterans naturally lean on one another. Conversations happen in hallways, over coffee and during quiet afternoons outside. 

Some residents openly talk about their time in the military. Others don’t. But there’s comfort in knowing the people around you understand sacrifice, transition and the challenges that can follow military service. 

Federal funding that supports veteran housing programs like this one is currently at risk of being cut. That possibility weighs heavily on Paul because he knows firsthand how life-changing stable housing can be. 

“This place changed my life,” “I hope it changes other veterans’ lives too.” 

He worries about veterans who may still be searching for stability after service — people recovering from health challenges, facing isolation or struggling to find housing they can afford. 

“These are people who served. They deserve a place where they can heal too.” 

Honoring Georgine Through Generosity

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When Dan first received an email about a Lenten diaper drive, he didn’t expect it to answer a question he had been quietly carrying for years.

In January 2020, Dan lost his sister, Georgine. Though she was never married and had no children of her own, her life was marked by a deep and unmistakable love for children. That love endured despite the immense challenges she faced. Since the early 1990s, Georgine had been unable to walk and relied on a ventilator, yet those who knew her remember something far stronger than her physical limitations—her generosity.

“She didn’t have much,” Dan shared, “but she had a giving spirit.”

After her passing, Dan was entrusted with a portion of Georgine’s remaining funds. He wanted to use them in a way that truly reflected who she was, but for a long time, he wasn’t sure how best to do that. Then came the invitation to support families through the diaper bank at Marisol Services.

It clicked.

Here was a way to honor Georgine’s quiet love for children—by helping mothers care for their babies in moments when support matters most.

Dan made his first gift in her memory, knowing it would make a tangible difference. But he didn’t stop there. With additional money still set aside, he is prayerfully considering how to continue Georgine’s legacy of compassion, trusting that it will again be directed where it’s needed most.

In every diaper distributed, every mother supported and every child cared for, Georgine’s legacy lives on—not defined by the limitations she endured, but by the love she gave so freely.

And through Dan’s generosity, that love continues to reach families who need it most.

Cherished Dresses, Precious Lives

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A wedding dress tucked away for decades is now helping bring dignity and comfort to families experiencing unimaginable loss.

Through a partnership supported by Catholic Charities, donated wedding gowns and other garments are being repurposed for the Precious Lives ministry at Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services of Colorado. The fabrics are carefully transformed into infant burial casket linings, blankets and garments for babies lost during pregnancy or at birth.

For Mary Ann Lenzi, donating her mother’s wedding dress felt like giving the garment a renewed purpose.

“Knowing that my mom’s dress could now bring comfort and dignity to families who are grieving made it feel like the right way to honor it.”

Catholic Charities helps gather many of the donated garments through employee engagement, parish relationships, donation drives and partnerships throughout the community. The organization regularly works alongside ministries and nonprofit partners to identify practical ways people can support families in need.

In this case, dresses once preserved as keepsakes are now becoming part of a ministry centered on compassion and accompaniment.

Deacon AJ Misiti, director of parish engagement at Catholic Charities and one of the coordinators of the donation effort, says the ministry creates a powerful connection between donors and grieving families.

“The beauty of this ministry lies in the comfort it brings to two groups: the grieving families of the infants we cover in prayer and the women whose cherished dresses provide a dignified resting place as these little ones await the resurrection,” he said.

The Precious Lives ministry serves families facing the heartbreaking loss of a child during pregnancy or at birth. During those moments, many parents are navigating overwhelming grief while also facing difficult decisions about how to care for their child’s remains.

Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services of Colorado walks alongside families during that process, providing placement in one of its Catholic cemeteries at no cost to the family. As a ministry of the Archdiocese of Denver, the organization serves all families regardless of faith background.

For Catholic Charities, the partnership reflects its broader mission of supporting ministries across northern Colorado and helping connect community generosity with people in need.

What begins as a simple donation ultimately becomes part of a ministry rooted in dignity, compassion and care for families during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Ride With Purpose. Run With Mission.

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Team Samaritan Calls Colorado Catholics to Ride, Run and Serve

As the days grow longer and Colorado begins to show off its best summer weather, many people are looking for new ways to get outside, stay active and connect with others. Team Samaritan offers the perfect opportunity to do all three — while making a real difference for those experiencing homelessness in our community. Now is a great time to join the team, invite others to participate and become part of a growing movement of faith, fellowship and service.
Whether you prefer two wheels or running shoes, Team Samaritan’s cycling and running teams are welcoming athletes of every age and ability to join their mission-driven community this season. New members are encouraged to come try a ride or run, meet the community and discover how their miles can help change lives. More than just training groups, the teams are built around fellowship, faith and supporting the life-changing work of Samaritan House.

For cyclists, summer means group rides through some of Colorado’s most beautiful scenery, from casual weekend rides to challenging training routes that prepare riders for signature events later in the season. Runners are also gearing up for races and community events throughout the summer and fall, encouraging one another mile after mile along local trails, neighborhood streets and race courses across the Front Range. Whether you are just getting started or already training regularly, Team Samaritan welcomes anyone looking for purpose alongside fitness.

This year, many Team Samaritan members are especially focused on preparing for Ride Across America, an ambitious cross-country cycling effort taking place in October and November through Samaritan Cycling USA. The ride aims to raise national awareness about the growing homelessness crisis while also generating critical funding for Samaritan House locations operated by Catholic Charities. Riders will spend weeks traveling across the country, using every mile as an opportunity to advocate for neighbors experiencing homelessness and invite communities nationwide to become part of the solution. Supporters can follow the journey, pray for riders, donate or even join portions of the effort along the way.

Guided by Catholic Charities’ mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to the poor and those in need, Team Samaritan sees athletics as a powerful way to serve others. Samaritan House, one of 18 ministries of Catholic Charities serving the Archdiocese of Denver, has been a place of refuge, hope and second chances since opening in 1986. In fact, it was the first building in the nation built specifically to shelter neighbors experiencing homelessness. Today, Samaritan House has expanded to five locations across Denver, Fort Collins and Greeley, where women, children, veterans and men facing crisis receive shelter, nutritious meals, compassionate care and pathways toward permanent housing every night.

The Ride Across America effort comes at a time when homelessness continues to rise across the country, affecting more individuals and families than ever before. Team Samaritan riders hope their journey will shine a light on the needs of vulnerable populations including veterans, seniors, single women and families working hard to rebuild stability in their lives.

But Team Samaritan is about far more than fitness goals or finish lines. Every ride and every run helps raise awareness and support for Samaritan House and the people it serves. Team members know their training has a greater purpose: helping neighbors find dignity, stability and hope. Those interested in making a difference this summer are encouraged to take the first step by joining a ride, attending a training event or connecting with the team online.

One of the things that makes Team Samaritan special is its spirit of community. New members quickly discover a supportive group that celebrates personal milestones, encourages one another through challenges and shares a commitment to serving others. You do not need expensive gear, elite athletic ability or racing experience to participate — just a willingness to show up and be part of the mission. Parish groups, families and coworkers are also encouraged to participate together and support one another along the way.

Samaritan Cycling USA describes its mission simply but powerfully: “Through endurance rides and community support, every mile brings hope and opportunity to those rebuilding their lives.” Its vision is to inspire nationwide awareness, compassion and generosity that transforms how communities respond to homelessness across America.

Now is the perfect time to get involved. Whether you are an experienced cyclist, a casual runner, someone training for your next big event or simply looking for a meaningful community, Team Samaritan has a place for you. Invite your family members, friends, parish groups, coworkers and neighbors to join alongside you. Every new rider, runner, volunteer and supporter strengthens the mission and helps extend hope to more people in need. Even small steps — attending a group run, sharing the mission with a friend or volunteering at an event — can make a lasting impact.

Many participants say they originally joined for the exercise or charity aspect but stayed because of the friendships, faith and sense of purpose they found along the way. This summer, do more than stay active — become part of something bigger. Join Team Samaritan, help spread the word and encourage others to lace up their shoes or hop on a bike in support of our most vulnerable neighbors.

To learn more about Team Samaritan’s cycling and running teams, Ride Across America or ways to support the mission, visit teamsamaritan.org.

A Weekend That Brought the Mission to Life

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At this year’s Knights of Columbus Colorado State Convention, more than 350 Knights, family members, clergy and guests gathered for a weekend of fellowship, faith and service. Along with the meetings and celebrations, something else was happening—something more revealing.

Throughout the weekend, attendees didn’t just hear about the work of Catholic Charities and Marisol Services. They encountered it. And for many, that encounter left a lasting impression.

Stepping Inside the Mission

Just outside the convention, the Marisol Health Mobile Clinic quietly drew people in.

At first, it was curiosity. But stepping inside changed things.

It’s one thing to hear about services like pregnancy testing, ultrasounds and compassionate care. It’s another to stand in the very space where women are met in vulnerable moments and offered support, dignity and hope. Nearly half of the convention attendees toured the clinic, along with all 40 members of the Knights Ladies Auxiliary—many experiencing a mobile clinic for the first time.

The clinic itself is a fully equipped medical unit on wheels, bringing essential care directly to women who might not otherwise have access. That reality is made possible in large part because of the Knights of Columbus, whose generosity has helped fund the clinic and provide the ultrasound technology inside.

That partnership came into even clearer focus during the conference banquet, when a newly completed national video highlighted the collaboration between Marisol Health and the Knights. It wasn’t just a presentation—it gave attendees a glimpse into lives being changed.

Two Vehicles, One Mission

Just steps away, the Marisol Health Mobile Clinic and the Marisol Family “Miles” truck stood side by side for the first time at a public event. Together, they told a fuller story of care.

If the mobile clinic represents the first moment of support, the Miles truck represents what comes next—delivering diapers, clothing and essential baby items directly to families in need. It’s a continuation of care that extends far beyond a single appointment.

Both outreach efforts exist because of the same shared commitment, and both have been made possible through the partnership and generosity of the Knights of Columbus.

Throughout the weekend, the two vehicles became a natural gathering point. They sparked conversations, welcomed visitors and even served as the backdrop for photos with Knights of Columbus Colorado State Officers. More importantly, they made the mission visible in a way words alone never could.

From Awareness to Action

Inside the convention hall, that sense of mission turned into something tangible.

A diaper drive organized ahead of the event grew into a striking display behind the Marisol Services table. Piles of donations quickly stacked up, offering a visible sign of support for the mothers, babies and families served by Marisol Family, the Catholic Charities ministry that supports young families with material and educational support. By the end of the weekend, those diapers were already on their way to families who need them.

But the generosity didn’t stop with donations. Attendees stepped in to serve in hands-on ways, assembling comfort bags for women who have just received a positive pregnancy test. Filled with simple items like cozy socks, tea and self-care essentials, the bags offer a small but meaningful reminder that no one is alone in that moment.

Others helped prepare baby layette items, ensuring that families approaching delivery will have what they need to welcome their children with dignity. What unfolded over the course of the weekend wasn’t just awareness—it was participation.

A Recognition That Pointed Beyond Itself

Amid the activity, one moment drew particular attention.

Tom and Sandy Wanzeck were named the Knights of Columbus Colorado Pro-Life Couple of the Year, an honor presented by state leadership and witnessed by Archbishop Golka, Bishop Rodriguez and the Sisters of Life. For those familiar with Tom’s work for many years at Catholic Charities of Denver—where he has helped spearhead pro-life initiatives including the development and building of Marisol Health Northern Colorado—the recognition felt fitting.

But for Tom and Sandy, the moment was less about recognition and more about opportunity. It was a chance to point back to Marisol. To highlight the mission. To invite others into the work of supporting women and families.

In many ways, their response reflected the spirit of the entire weekend.

More Than a Convention

From a $40,000 ultrasound machine made possible through Knights support to hands-on service and shared moments of witness, the impact of the partnership was clear at every turn.

But what stayed with people wasn’t just what they learned—it was what they experienced.

Over the course of a single weekend, the mission of Marisol Services was not simply explained. It was seen in action, encountered up close and carried forward through the hands of those who chose to be part of it.

And through that shared effort, awareness grew, connections deepened and hope continued to take root.