Today we’d like to introduce you to Laneace Lee.
Hi Laneace, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In my youth, I often volunteered and yielded my skills to assist in any way possible. I was always willing to help anyone I could. Growing up one of five siblings, I learned early to be thankful for God, family, and life. It wasn’t always easy, nor were my parents wealthy financially; however, they were rich in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. My parents cultivated and shaped my siblings and me in an environment where love and care for one another were valued. What was instilled in me as a child carried over to my career choice! I received my Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in 2002. I persevered and, in 2003, received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from East Carolina University. Now with my credentials backing me, I could marry my fascination with medicine and desire to help people. For nineteen years, I pursued my passion for service with a unique blend. I served as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, where I helped care for mothers and newborns before, during, and after birth. I exercised great poise as patients looked to me for information, knowledge, reassurance, and guidance in handling a delicate new life, new family member, and entirely new experience. I was able to meet their emotions with compassion, address their questions with a calm and honest attitude, monitor their pain with proper treatment and support, and prioritize the health and safety of their newborns. Often in the community, I am stopped by former patients who eagerly wave and share stories of their delivery experiences! One patient even named her newborn after me. That was a humbling experience.
As a clinical nursing instructor, I taught many striving nursing students to become the best in their fields for several years. My strategy has always been to serve those in need with holistic care. I strive daily to teach and encourage others to live healthily from the inside out. As I continue in my nursing career, pushing on year twenty-one, I am broadening my nursing career by experiencing other aspects of nursing. I am indeed enjoying a love for nursing and education on another level. Through my years of service, I have encountered many people who have fallen on hard times! They often needed a secure option to receive a hand up and a lack of resources for total comprehensive care.
Moved to compassion, my husband and I would make up the difference out of our pockets to ensure those connected to us would not lack. Hope Now House, INC was conceptualized simply from this fateful reality! As a trailblazer and community advocate, I aim to knock down barriers to ensure my community flourishes. I am most thankful for the support of my husband and four children, who are constantly by my side, encouraging me to succeed and accomplish my mission and dreams.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am thankful that this process of birthing Hope Now House, INC, has been relatively easy. I cast my vision, and it came to pass. I am blessed to have a supportive family and a team of qualified experts who were and continue to be willing to offer their expertise in making Hope Now House, INC the success it continues to be. The Hope Now House team is the best group of young, innovative, skilled, and knowledgeable people to be surrounded by as we unfold the many layers of HNH. I thank them for being willing to lend a hand in making HNH what it is today. I would say our challenge has been connecting to funding sources! We are a start-up organization, and there is a level of proving oneself before you acquire certain grants. Although we put in the work every day using our resources, it never seems like enough when you consider the outstanding number of people without the basic necessities. In 2020, the top five states for homelessness per capita were New York, Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Washington, with North Carolina at 35th, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH).
According to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, our county has (12.2%) of 22,700 food-insecure people in Johnston County. 19.1% of 9,320 children under 18 are food insecure in Johnston County. There is a real problem, and Hope Now House has the workforce of volunteers to address the issues but we need the funds to match our efforts.
Who Is Hope Now House, INC?
Mission: We are a 501c3 multifaceted non-profit organization providing social, private, and transitional housing with a holistic approach and aiming to offer a hand up to individuals and families who are; in low- or moderate-income situations or in need of emergency housing due to change of status or other barriers toward long term sustainable housing.
Vision: We seek to empower individuals to break cycles of poverty and homelessness by providing fair housing and education for people who may find it difficult to access housing in a private market. We seek to see people liberated by offering recovery programs, life skills training, and coaching that affords sustainable life improvement.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My goal as Director and Founder of Hope Now House INC is to raise 400K to provide sustainable housing by serving up to 300 families with various needs, purchasing a home, and providing life skills resources to our clients to break the cycle of instability. Since launching on June 14, 2022, we have served over 30+ families throughout North Carolina and Chicago. With the generous donations of those who desire to see people “Hope again,” we have been able to serve our community without hesitancy. As an active member of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce, we seek to continue fostering relationships within our community that will allow us to continue to serve at this level.
Please talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy.
What makes me happy is hearing the testimonials we receive from our Hope Now clients—seeing the smiles on their faces once they realize their chance to hope again is now a reality. Many have obtained jobs, permanent housing, car purchases, and more. Hope Now House is your place to hope again!
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