Volunteer Spotlight: Kathy Bastas—A Heart for Dignity, Hope, and Community
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At Grandma’s House of Hope, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission. This month, we’re honored to highlight Kathy Bastas, a dedicated supporter who has spent the last two years pouring compassion, dignity, and heart into her work with us.
A Journey That Started with Belief in the Mission
Kathy’s connection to Grandma’s House of Hope began long before she became a volunteer.
“I started as a donor,” she shared, “because I believed in the mission. And the more I learned, the more I wanted to be part of it.”
Her involvement deepened as she followed Irene and Stella—two of Grandma’s House of Hope’s inspiring leaders—through their journey of serving Orange County’s most vulnerable. For Kathy, our mission became more than words on a page.
“I know the mission is true,” she said. “I want to be part of bringing dignity back to people.”
Supporting Wherever She’s Needed
Kathy has rolled up her sleeves in many ways:
Helping with office filing
Donating goods and services
Preparing to volunteer directly in our residential homes
Her next goal? “I’m looking forward to working in one of the homes in the new year,” she told us with enthusiasm.
Why Grandma’s House of Hope?
For Kathy, the answer is simple: Grandma’s House of Hope delivers on its mission.
“Grandma’s House of Hope reminds everyone that they matter,” she said. “We are all God’s children, and when we’re able, we should help one another. Dignity is so important to me. We are blessed to be in positions where we can help.”
The Reward of Making a Difference
When asked what she finds most rewarding, Kathy didn’t hesitate.
“I know that my time and donations really make a difference. Seeing participants graduate into permanent housing—that keeps me going.”
Giving is not new to Kathy; it’s how she was raised. “It makes me happy knowing I can support others.”
Impact on the Community
Kathy sees the ripple effect of GHH’s work throughout the community:
Changing individual lives
Raising awareness about homelessness
Reminding others that anyone can find themselves in a difficult situation
“We don’t know everyone’s stories,” she said. “Anyone can be in this position. We are all children of God.”
Hopes for Participants
Her wishes for those we serve are heartfelt and powerful:
“Hope, safety, dignity—a place where they can get their lives back. Everyone should have a bed to sleep in. Watching participants come back and help others… that’s the outcome I want to see.”
What Sets Grandma’s House of Hope Apart
When asked what makes Grandma’s House of Hope different from other shelters, Kathy put it simply:
“This organization believes in what they’re doing. The staff cares and changes lives. I’ve seen it firsthand.”
What Kathy Wants Others to Know About Grandma’s House of Hope
“Grandma’s House of Hope truly believes in its mission—and we live it every day. This work matters, and it needs the support of the community. The staff genuinely cares, and they are changing lives. I’ve seen it firsthand.”
We are deeply moved by volunteers like Kathy, whose compassion and unwavering dedication breathe life into the mission of Grandma’s House of Hope. Her selfless commitment reminds us that every act of kindness restores hope, dignity, and faith in humanity. Seeing her pour her heart into this work inspires us all, and we are truly honored to celebrate her as our volunteer spotlight this month.
