(Photo by Joshua Sudock,Orange County Register/SCNG) , JOSHUA SUDOCK, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
I vividly remember the joy of bringing my children home for the first time. Children are a blessing from the Lord and it is time of celebration and excitement when a family grows. Unfortunately, this is not always the case for homeless and hurting families. They can feel lost and afraid when bringing a child into the world in a time of financial insecurity and turmoil.
The Exchange Club of Tustin did not want our newest resident of the Tustin Veterans Outpost, Hope Ramos, and her parents feeling this way. The wonderful ladies of The Exchange Club threw a beautiful baby shower to welcome baby Hope into this world and into her new home at the Tustin Veterans Outpost, where she will have a safe and loving environment to grow up in.
Please take a look at this article from the OC Register sharing more information about this joyful occasion:
Hope comes to the new Tustin Veterans Outpost
Her name is Hope, and she is the first baby born to parents living at the Orange County Rescue Mission’s new Tustin Veterans Outpost. But, no, she was not named after the mission’s transitional housing facility Village of Hope or its address, 1 Hope Drive.
“My husband got the idea from a Christmas ornament,” Hope’s mom, Aissa Ramos, said with a laugh. “It was between ‘Hope’ and ‘Faith.’ ”On Sunday, a group of volunteers with support organization The Exchange Club threw a baby shower for Aissa and veteran Juan Ramos. “We are so appreciative,” Aissa said. “It was a lot of fun.”
This time last year, the couple and their older daughter, Sophia, were on the verge of homelessness after Juan lost his computer instruction job with a nonprofit. “We were renting a room for all three of us,” Aissa said. “We quickly depleted our savings on food and transportation.”
Last August, at seven months pregnant, Aissa moved with her family into the just-opened Veterans Outpost. Juan served in Desert Storm.
(Photo by Joshua Sudock,Orange County Register/SCNG) , JOSHUA SUDOCK, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Shower guests showered Aissa with diapers and formula. “Those are the best gifts a mom can get,” she said. Hope received an array of cute clothes. Five-year-old Sophia scored, too, with an aptly named–though not spelled–Sofia the First Disney bathtub doll. She also unwrapped a My Little Pony stuffed animal. “They did not leave her out,” Aissa said. “She was thrilled.”
The menu included croissant sandwiches and an Asian salad. Party games included one inspired by “Price Is Right” in which contestants guessed the cost of common items such as a baby bottle. Aissa’s mom, Aida Renderos, won all four rounds. “She’s an expert shopper,” Aissa said.
As for Hope’s name, Aissa might just let OC Rescue Mission take credit.
“It is, at least, a co-inky-dink,” Aissa said. “My husband calls it a sign.”
