A FootHills Advocate Story
Every CRI relationship starts somewhere. For Tree, it started with a trip.
“Supporting Children's Relief International has been a deeply meaningful experience that connected both my faith and my family. I signed up for a mission trip to Mozambique with my friend and our sons. Together, we witnessed both the challenges and the resilience of the communities we served.
Seeing the need firsthand and the impact even small acts of service can have made me want to get involved after coming home. I felt called to help create opportunities for people to build skilled livelihoods that could support their families and strengthen their communities. That desire is clearly aligned with the vision of Vo-Tech: providing life-changing education, stabilizing families, and growing local economies.
My in-laws, Bob and Mary, served their community through an auto-repair business for more than 50 years. Today, my brother-in-law, my husband, and our son run the shop. Learning a skill has been transformative for them, and on this trip, I saw how hands-on training can change lives while also strengthening families and communities. We knew this was something we wanted our family to be a part of.
One of the students we support is Maxwell, who is preparing to open his own garage by interning at an auto-repair shop. Having a vocational connection with Maxwell helps to keep him on our minds and in our prayers.
Our story is a clear example of how a mission trip can lead to ongoing commitment that is rooted in faith, strengthened by shared experience, and guided by a desire to make a lasting impact.”