Grays Harbor Hosts Olive Crest
By Don Hay; Edited by Lacey Stecker, Washington Conference communication intern
Pictured left to right: Jim Allen, Fran Allen, and Carol Daitey (Kathleen Abbot not pictured)
On June 19, Grays Harbor SDA Church provided a special lasagna dinner for the Olive Crest Foster Youth Transitional Program.
Olive Crest representative Teresa Snow gave a presentation to the Grays Harbor church board. She requested church members cater a celebration lasagna dinner for three of the Youth Transitional Program graduates and their foster families.
Jim and Fran Allen, Kathleen Abbott, and Carol Daitey, took on the task and began planning. They prepared eight deep-dish lasagnas, three large salads, and supplied garlic bread and beverages. After cooking, they transported the food and beverages to the Polson Museum in Hoquaim.
13 guests were served at the graduation. “I would like to thank you again for the delicious food you prepared for our Graduation Party. There was so much that we were able to send home a whole lasagna with each graduate. They were really excited about that!” said Becky Jones, an Olive Crest representative.
“It was our privilege to serve in this manner, and we were blessed by the opportunity,” Daitey said.
Olive Crest recognizes that navigating life after foster care isn’t easy. When teenagers age out of the child welfare system, they often need additional support as they learn how to navigate life, the stress of day-to-day tasks, and find a safe place to call home. Through the Olive Crest program, participating youth get help finding a small apartment and receive weekly training in basic life skills such as cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, laundry, and conflict resolution. Olive Crest relies on individuals, families, and churches to help prevent child abuse by strengthening, equipping, and restoring children and families in crisis.
Churches have a powerful impact on our communities. We are called to extend our hands and hearts to those around us, offering prayers and support to others. Together, we can make a lasting difference, showing the love of Christ in practical ways that resonate beyond church walls.
Click here to learn more about Adventist Community Services.