Season 7 - Episode 18 - Finding Gratitude Turning Pain into Purposeful Action

This week, I speak with Stacy Horst, a wife of 33 years, a mother of two, a Co-founder of Erin’s Hope for Friends, a Realtor for 20 years, and a Board member of Nassau Habitat for Humanity. Stacy's journey took a transformative turn when she and her husband founded "Erin's Hope for Friends," a non-profit organization born out of love and tragedy. The organization's namesake, Erin, their beloved daughter, faced the complex intersection of autism, bullying, isolation and ultimately succumbing to the weight of exclusion. In the face of such heartbreaking loss, Stacy and Darren channeled their grief into a force for good. Determined to prevent other families from experiencing a similar fate, this 501c3 stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to helping teens and young adults with Level 1 Autism and their families by creating a safe place “E’s Club” where they can make lasting relationships through joyful interactions. Stacy's life story is one marked by resilience, empathy, and an enduring commitment to turning personal pain into purposeful action. In every role she plays Stacy stands as an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of many. We take a look from her childhood up to the present to see the beautiful thread of Jesus in her life.  You won't want to miss this inspiring episode!https://www.erinshopeforfriends.org/Facebook.com/erinshopeforfriendslinkedin.com/ company/ErinsHopeforfriends/instagram.com/erinshopefor/*Theme Music “Blessed Time” by Ketsa