Donor Stories

A Journey of Generosity

By Emily Tritabaugh, Volunteer, Young Professionals

How can your passions be reflected in your giving? What does it mean to give generously? What is your God-given generosity DNA? What season of giving are you in currently? On November 5, at an event hosted by Twin Cities Christian Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy, over 100 women gathered to hear six women share stories of their generosity journeys. Each journey shared was unique to the individual and was a beautiful reflection of her passion, her season of giving, and her generosity DNA.

TreeHouse supporter Kim Thompson and her daughter, Emily Thompson, were two of the women who shared their unique generosity journeys. Kim and her husband, Mark, who is also a TreeHouse board member, taught their four children at a young age what giving generously means. It meant opening their children’s eyes, minds, and hearts beyond their family of six. Kim’s season of giving is tied to her family and raising her children. This combined with her passion for reaching beyond borders led her and her husband to take each of their children on a service trip. These insight trips taught them the importance of reaching out and giving to those in need, internationally and in their own community. Kim fostered a legacy of generosity and this legacy is reflected in her daughter Emily’s generosity journey.

Emily’s season of giving and passions have led her to create, organize, and lead the TreeHouse Young Professionals Group. Everyone has a unique definition of generosity and to Emily it means “loving the people who are next to you.” She has reached out through her network to pull together a group of individuals who are volunteering their time, talent, and treasures to TreeHouse. While still in its early stage of development, the group has partnered with TreeHouse employees to create a new program called “Passport to Your Future.” The program will help TreeHouse participants with college readiness, including: taking them on campus visits; helping them with ACT/SAT prep; and helping them fill out college and financial aid applications. Emily’s generosity journey is about inviting others to participate in helping those living in our communities.

God has blessed each of us with passion and talent that when combined with a desire to give and serve will lead each of us on our own unique generosity journey. Where will your generosity journey take you?