We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby!

Since we celebrated our 8th birthday (or is it anniversary?) on September 24th, it’s a good time to look back at Hope’s Corner origins. One of the founders is Alyce Gorgolinski, who, along with her husband Dean, has been a long-time member of Trinity United Methodist Church (TUMC), which in partnership with Los Altos United Methodist Church (LAUMC), started Hope’s Corner.

What’s in a Name?

Coming up with a name for the new program was done through a brainstorming session. “The way I remember it, a bunch of us were throwing around names –Hope/Mercy, Mercy at Trinity, and so on. Finally, someone said, ‘Hope’s Corner’, and we all agreed.”

One Short of a Dozen

Originally, breakfasts were held in Fellowship Hall. Despite her and others’ best efforts, Alyce recalls only 11 guests coming to the first breakfast, well short of the 200+ guests who come for breakfast these days. She remembers having more volunteers than guests! “Pastor Anne (i.e., the TUMC pastor at the time) made a poster and fliers to give out and announce the program. We took them to the cities of Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale and their outreaches – the parks and libraries. We walked the streets at all different hours. I even walked the creek where I knew the homeless were at the time.”

First Breakfast Food and Fellowship

“Our first breakfast had a lot of cakes, donuts, and pastries as well as fruit, hard boiled eggs, coffee, and juice,” Alyce recalls. Since fewer guests than expected came to the first breakfast, volunteers took a lot of leftover food home. “We heard stories from our guests – good and bad. We tried to help some become successful during breakfasts, but not at the first one. They were getting to know us and we them.”

Hopes for Hope’s Corner

Alyce’s faith comes through when she talks about what she hopes Hope’s Corner will become. “I think big and pray. Give it to God and watch how wonderful his goodness, mercy, and grace works. I still have visions of TUMC becoming a one-stop building where we have all the resources the homeless and needy want and information about where to get housing and find low rents. That would be wonderful.” As for breakfasts, she mentioned, “I would like to see children coming to our breakfasts — a place of safety for all.”

Thanks for the Memories

Although Alyce isn’t involved directly with Hope’s Corner anymore – she was on the board of directors until 2018, she keeps Hope’s Corner in her thoughts and has many fond memories. “I have so many special memories, it’s hard to think of just one. Getting to know our guests and their needs was special. Everyone was special to me.”

Thanks to the Other Founders

Alyce credits Hope’s Corner president, Leslie Carmichael, and her husband and board member, Bob Lee, for their many and continuing contributions to Hope’s Corner. “Leslie and Bob were there in the beginning. They are a true blessing for Hope’s Corner. What they have done is a godsend to our outreach. I cannot thank the two of them enough.”