Why I Give: Susan Hasek

by Susan Hasek

I first visited PCHAS’ Waxahachie campus with my youth group from First Presbyterian Church of Richardson, TX. I was in the 8th grade. We had a little tour and spent time playing sports and doing arts and crafts with the kids who lived in the group homes. It made me realize just how much I had: loving parents who were always supportive and a loving church family who wanted us to know PCHAS.

My parents were very active in the church and making it a special part of our lives. They both volunteered as high school Sunday school teachers and my dad drove my younger brother and his youth group to PCHAS the year after my visit. My parents were so touched by the program that they immediately started making donations. When my dad retired from Mobil Oil in 1986, giving to meaningful organizations became an even bigger part of my parents’ lives and PCHAS was at the top of their list! Now that they are no longer here, it means everything to me to give to PCHAS in their memory.

Recently, I was inspired by the PCHAS luncheon I attended which featured two powerful presentations. The first was shared by a single mom of five who left an abusive husband and found her way through her darkness to PCHAS, her “lighthouse”, where she met caring staff whom she views as her “angels.” The second was shared by a foster mom living at PCHAS’ foster care village. I was pleased to learn about the Itasca campus’ specialization in caring for large sibling groups and was inspired that she and her husband are caring for four siblings. Such great testimonials!

The luncheon touched my heart, especially because I know how much the PCHAS ministry meant to my parents. It also means so much to me. I believe donations are the best way to support the children and families PCHAS serves, people in need of hope, love and empowerment to improve their lives. It is my joy to make annual donations in memory of my parents, Ralph and Fran Horak. They are my angels. God bless PCHAS.