I wanted to reach out and say thank you! Arukah year-end giving raised over $53,000! Many of you gave generously and we are so thankful. Without our 2021 Annual Crab Dinner we were not sure if we would be able to make our budget and have to dig into our reserves. Because of the generosity of many we were able to go into 2022 with some peace. I know by speaking to other non-profit leaders our situation is unique. During these years of Covid many organizations shut their doors, minimized supportive help to those in need, laid off staff, and depleted their savings. Arukah did the opposite. Our doors have always remained open to men coming out of prison and coming out of homelessness. We have helped numerous men within and outside of the home move forward to a self-sufficient life. We hired Mark Comella our house manager from a part-time to full-time position, and because of your support we have been able to continue to be fiscally in the black. We know that God has provided for us and he used many of you to bring that provision so thank you.
We are looking forward to what the future holds in 2022! We have an incredible group of men who live in the house and we are full. My heart’s desire is to never turn a guy away that wants to move forward. We are looking forward to opening our second Livermore house in the coming months (more news about that in the future).
We have also decided to hold our Annual Crab Benefit Dinner on March 6th. We believe that as Covid has leveled, vaccinations are up, churches are open, and sporting events are full. We need to gather and celebrate! So, save the date – it is going to be a blast!
We have a couple of pending needs. We have two graduates that have done amazing at Arukah. Both have fulltime employment, are fiscally responsible, and love Jesus. We are working with them on finding housing, but the market is tough and expensive. If you know someone who has an extra room to rent, please reply to this email. Both of these men would be great roommates. Another need we have is mentors who would be willing to walk alongside one of the guys in our home. These mentors are crucial to the development of the men. It teaches them to build quality relationships with people outside of their norm. It also helps broaden their community. If this is something that interests you, please reply to this email.
Once again, we are so thankful for your support of Arukah. Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Have a wonderful week and God bless!
In Him,
Josh Jonas
President of Arukah