STORY OF SUCCESS … Colby, Clayt, Sandy, Brayden and Parker all came to support Clayt Beltran as he shared his success story with those at The Sanctuary Homeless Shelter’s 31st annual gala.
By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
anna@thevillagereporter.com
The annual gala for The Sanctuary Homeless Shelter was held on April 9th at the Wesley UMC Fellowship Hall off Center Street in Bryan.
Pheba Sam welcomed everyone, sharing that the last year has been exceptionally well as the community has come together to support those who are unhoused.
She thanked everyone for their hard work and support with regards to helping The Sanctuary help the unhoused and expand their means to be able to do so.
Part of this expansion is their basement project, which was then shown on the screen to attendees. Mike Stuckey and his team were thanked for their work on the project, and volunteer Logan Stuckey spoke on behalf of the volunteers.
Sibin Sam then introduced Clayt Beltran, who shared his own battle against substance abuse and homelessness.
After battling addiction on the streets of Toledo, Clayt hopped a train, and found himself in Bryan, Ohio, where he said he was pulled to be by “Jesus.”
He shared how knowing that God loved him when he felt unlovable gave him the strength necessary to pull himself out of addiction, and how places like The Sanctuary helped him to facilitate the new path he chose for himself.
He shared how his real prison was the self-doubt he felt around being himself, and now that he has embraced Christianity, he can look at himself with pride.
He, most importantly, urged everyone to let go of the fear they carry around that they may not be good enough, or don’t fit in, and their hurt and shame, and embrace the lives they have to live.
Pheba then thanked the volunteers and community for their help in bringing “amazing changes” to people’s lives.
Thanked were the prayer partners, supporting churches, volunteer staff, the basement project helpers, year-round event volunteers, the stylist who provides services to Sanctuary residents, social service agencies like JFS and Sarah’s Friends, Bryan city officials including the police, Mayor Carrie Schlade, and John Betts, the BAF, BDF, and PIP, the Bryan Chamber of Commerce, Bryan Schools, and the board members.
Martin and Liz Shannon were thanked alongside Susie’s Catering for the food, Pastor Steve was thanked for his help with music, and a heartfelt thank you was given to everyone who has helped to support The Sanctuary this year.
