Dear Tracy,
This isn’t just any year; 2024 marks Saranam’s 20th anniversary! We have so many momentous steps ahead of us this year, but we feel like the best way to begin our celebration is by revisiting our roots.
Saranam was established in 2004 after our founder, Frances Thaxton Ash, left her estate to Central United Methodist Church with the wish that it be used to help families experiencing homelessness.
The task was entrusted to the Council on Homeless Ministries, who committed to designing a program that honored Frances's lifetime of service to others and the 90 years of love she had poured into the community she called home.
After months of research, they had the mission and structure of the program firmly in hand, but needed a name that would reflect the care and hope that families would find in our program. The idea came from close to home: the United Methodist Hymnal, #523.
“Jesus, Savior, Lord, lo, to thee I fly; Saranam, Saranam, Saranam; Thou the Rock, my refuge that’s higher than I: Saranam, Saranam, Saranam. In thy tent give me a dwelling place, and beneath thy wings may I find sheltering grace; O lift on me the sunshine of thy
face: Saranam, Saranam, Saranam”
Translated from a traditional Pakistani hymn, Saranam means “refuge”. The word encapsulated all they hoped the program would offer to families.
If you think about what families may feel when they experience homelessness, words like “scared, lonely, sad” may come to mind. A refuge is a balm for those feelings.
They also hoped it would capture how families in turn would be transformed by their journey with us. If we consider how families feel when they leave us, it might be a very different set of words that emerge: “determined, resilient, hopeful”. A refuge creates the environment that inspires this strength as well.
20 years later, the many meanings of our name still ring true. Saranam is more than just a home: it’s a launching pad for success, a reliable touchstone and a warm cocoon with family. It’s a refuge.
We’ll be planning special ways to celebrate all year. Stay in touch so you don’t miss anything!
Thank you for supporting 20 years of changing lives!
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