Chandler, with her pastor, Ben Fugate, inside Hope House.
Who are you, and what roles do you fill in your community?
My name is Sarah Jane Chandler and I am the Event and Fundraising Coordinator for Hope House in Hazard, Ky. I’m mostly just a church member, a wife, and mom, though!
What do you most appreciate about your community?
There are several things I appreciate about Hazard. Most of all, I appreciate how much this community wants to change and give. I have been truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support that everyone has offered to Hope House. The community members here have shown nothing but love for our vision and have made it possible for us to start and sustain the homeless shelter.
What’s your vision for Hazard, and what’s a community project you’ve been a part of that makes strides towards that vision?
My vision for Hazard would be that there would be no division. I would LOVE for outsiders to come in and not see a difference between those with and those without. There is a Dr. Seuss book I think about when I think of our residents, “The Snitches.” Our residents, and others like them, have “no stars upon tears.” I would like for the homeless and the poor to have every opportunity to better themselves and make a life that before, they only dreamed of.
Hope House is not only a homeless shelter, we are a center for visionaries. We are striving to be life changers. We will be assisting our residents in getting gainful employment, not just a job, and helping them overcome any obstacles, whether that be drugs, alcohol, mental illness, or even social issues, and also housing. We feel that there are plenty of people that are right here in Hazard, at our disposal, that can help us with our vision. We have had so many offer up theirselves and their services. We truly appreciate our community!
Who is a member of your community that you admire and why?
This is a hard question because there are so many. The person that stands out to me most is, Diana Patula. She is the owner of McDonald’s in Hazard and Whitesburg, but furthermore, she is a leader and visionary. Diana moved here from Pennsylvania and has made a HUGE footprint on this town. She is involved in many community projects and groups that are all working constantly to better Hazard. She has the biggest heart and would do anything for anyone. Diana is humble but strong. A true Proverbs 31 woman.
"My vision for Hazard would be: A community that can grow for our youngest to our oldest. Without growth there is no future for our children. We need to continue to grow and bring back industry to our community. We need have better higher education programs and Universities, and better paying jobs so those who are growing up here do not feel as if they have to leave in order to live and have a good life for them and their family."
Hazard Spotlight: Sandra Olinger
appalachiantransition.org
Who are you, and what roles to you fill in your community? My name is Sandra Olinger, I’m the Family resource and Youth Services Director for Hazard Independent Schools. The goal of the Famil…
"My vision for Hazard would be that there would be no division. I would LOVE for outsiders to come in and not see a difference between those with and those without. . . . I would like for the homeless and the poor to have every opportunity to better themselves and make a life that before, they only dreamed of."
Hazard Spotlight: Sarah Chandler
appalachiantransition.org
Who are you, and what roles do you fill in your community? My name is Sarah Jane Chandler and I am the Event and Fundraising Coordinator for Hope House in Hazard, Ky. I’m mostly just a church…
"The last thing we need is a smooth transition from the last generation to this one, we need a bold statement that says 'We are back.' . . . We are pouring vision into our residents every day that with the proper steps their world can look different and so can our town. . . . My oldest is 10 years old and I made myself a promise a long time ago when we decided this is where we would be, that I will do everything in my power to make sure she doesn’t despise us for staying here. So, I’m working with a level of urgency, a clock ticking over my head and I’m ok with that, but if that means jumping in to push the change we need, I’ll jump in. . . . because I have vision that causes me to toss and turn at night for Journey, for Hope House, and for our city. I just want to see Hazard live out its potential."
appalachiantransition.org
Who are you, and what roles to you fill in your community? I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have four amazing kiddos. I have the privilege of serving as Lead Pastor of Journey Chris…