My first encounter with Mindi was the day of our soft open. She attempted to take my order...and um... I'm a tough customer y'all (Lord forgive me).

But even in that "tough moment", when I'm sure I was trying to sub-out-this-for-that-and-add-chicken, Mindi executed a sense of determination. Some would call it grace under fire. There was also a slight eye-roll, but I totally deserved it.

Mindi has what folks call grit: courage and resolve; strength of character. It is how a formerly homeless and drug dependent mother found a job as a part-time barista while living in a rehab facility; and is now our Cafe Manager of over three years.

There was also a community of care that stood by Mindi.

It was her support system at Cove, her then Cafe Manager, our Director Justin and organizations like Love INC. We all fell-in on Mindi and stood beside her as she chose to stand up for her potential and the future of her child.

7:30 a.m. Saturday, Apr. 30 | Mindi's "Big" Habitat Build Day

I've been so encouraged by the story of this young mother--a woman who chose to live unsheltered and in active addiction for many years. She's a wrecking-ball-of-a-woman who now chooses to live up to her God-given potential. And I stand by her.

Stand by Mindi this Saturday in her future neighborhood. Together we'll build a foundation that will inspire excellence in her life and her family for generations to come.

Peace,