OUR STORY |
Not many would argue that it’s a tough world in which most young people grow up these days. Imagine being completely on your own at age 18 without the support of a family or parents, finishing high school with high hopes of
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success, but without the know-how or support to achieve those goals. Circumstances such as poverty, racism, substance abuse, absent parents and other family struggles make it significantly tougher for some young people to navigate successfully into independent adulthood.
Founders Bob and Chrissy Stergos have four sons by birth. In 2001, the family was presented with an opportunity to help a young man in difficult circumstances in need of a new place to grow. The family prayerfully made a unanimous decision to invite the young man into their family, sharing not only shelter and food, but also a wealth of emotional and spiritual support.
It wasn’t long before a second young man, similarly in need of a new living situation, came to their attention through a local youth pastor. The family was gathered, consensus reached and again, an invitation was made and accepted.
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To-date, the Stergos family has invited a total of 5 young men to “take a seat at the table” with them, staying for varying time frames as they work to become independent adults. Each young man came from a unique situation which made living with their own families difficult or impossible, and each has been welcomed into a brotherhood of sorts within the Stergos household where they are not just accepted, but loved, coached, celebrated and encouraged. Each has become a valued member of the family, occupying a seat at the table and a space in the hearts of the family.
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In 2014, Bob and Chrissy sensed God urging them to expand on the vision He’d given them. Sharing their home and inviting others into their family has been on of the greatest joys in their lives and a profoundly formative element in the lives of their own sons. How could they share this joy? What if others could see the needs of these young people and open their arms, hearts and homes to provide a positive parenting presence and loving family environment? Could these others now surround additional young people in need of housing assistance and other resources, such as emotional and spiritual counseling, educational and vocational assistance…and more—all within a loving family-type structure? The opportunity to now involve others became the foundation of A Seat at the Table.
Scripture repeatedly urges us to care for orphans, and we’ve discovered that no matter the age or situation, people flourish with the support of families. We’re now inviting you to join us. If you’re similarly interested in addressing one of the most foundational problems in our society today, we encourage you to pull up a chair and read on.
Scripture repeatedly urges us to care for orphans, and we’ve discovered that no matter the age or situation, people flourish with the support of families. We’re now inviting you to join us. If you’re similarly interested in addressing one of the most foundational problems in our society today, we encourage you to pull up a chair and read on.
