Tim Carroll, donor

Tim Carroll began giving his time and resources by volunteering at HopeWorks before he ever gave a dime. He was introduced to the organization when it was known as Memphis Area Cooperative Services and got involved early on by helping out the commodities closet.

When I was in between jobs or had a couple of part-time jobs, I looked for something to do with my extra time, and HopeWorks was a good fit,” said Carroll, now the principal of Sterling Ledger payroll service.

As Carroll spent more time at HopeWorks, he found more ways to get involved. Carroll employed a HopeWorks student as an intern for his real estate business at the time and helped a couple of other students secure internships and long-term employment. He is now a faith encourager throughout the year.

Carroll chose HopeWorks because he witnessed the organization truly trying to make a difference in the city of Memphis. He sees HopeWorks not as an organization that’s out to serve its own interests but as an organization driven by the needs of those it serves. Carroll believes the organizations’ passion for the community and focus toward helping the “whole” person is evident in every service HopeWorks offers.

“It’s this holistic approach that appeals to me and is working at HopeWorks,” Carroll said. “Tying the physical life to the spiritual life is so important. You can give to those organizations who provide food and clothes, but one that helps people find and seek God makes the real difference.”

Volunteering at HopeWorks solidified Carroll’s belief in the organizations’ holistic approach. And it’s one of the reasons he began giving financially.

“If you’re a volunteer, you want to see your impact reach beyond the time you spend. If you’re a donor, you want to see and believe in what you are giving to,” Carroll said. “And, as in my case, one often leads to the other.”

Carroll also says that regardless of the success of HopeWorks, the students who come through the program are the people God has called us to support. And while some people feel called to give to the beggar on the street, Carroll feels HopeWorks is helping keep people off the streets by enabling them to become responsible and employed.

“It’s something that lifts them above where they are,” Carroll said. “Some students desire simply to be reunited with their families, stay out of prison or be employed – things we take for granted every day. HopeWorks is enabling that change to happen.”

Through his time and experience with the organization, Carroll says he can easily tell HopeWorks makes a difference in the lives of its students. He believes it’s a “heartfelt” change, one that has the potential for long-term impact. But Carroll’s belief in the HopeWorks program isn’t the only reason he gives to the organization.

“I don’t need to witness one of HopeWorks’ many inspiring stories firsthand to start giving. It’s something God says for us to do – and this is where I want to give,” Carroll said. “For me personally, giving and volunteering at HopeWorks also helps me combat the prejudiced thoughts I’ve struggled with in the past. By keeping myself confronted with this issue, it helps keep me in check.”

Carroll also cites the trend of area churches committing less resources to the poor as another reason he supports HopeWorks financially.

“When I started seeing churches pull out of the city, build bigger buildings and take away resources from the poor, I decided to start giving more to HopeWorks,” Carroll said. “I was convicted about focusing my giving toward missions and the poor in the city of Memphis.”

By volunteering and financially supporting HopeWorks, Carroll is helping break the cycle of crime, addiction and irresponsibility one person at a time.

“Scripture tells us to give to the poor and the children. Each of us focuses our giving on these areas as we are able,” Carroll said. “I’m trusting God that the money I give to HopeWorks will be used for His purpose, and I’m confident that it is.”