Update, announcement, invitation

In this post, you're getting an update, an announcement, and an invitation.First, the update: Back in December, I started a new part-time job at Door of Hope, an amazing non-profit organization whose mission is equipping homeless families to rebuild their lives.Given my social work experience addressing homelessness back in Hawaii, I've been thankful for the opportunity to get involved here in Los Angeles County, where an estimated 254,000 men, women and children experience homelessness during some part of the year and around 82,000 people are homeless on any given night.So far, I'm finding the work both challenging and rewarding. It takes many hands on deck to break the cycle of homelessness, but the stories of changed lives make it a worthwhile effort. Two of my favorite things about Door of Hope are the incredible staff and its walkable proximity in the neighborhood where we live.Second, the announcement: I will run the 2015 ASICS LA Marathon on March 15th! Since Door of Hope is an official partner charity of the race, I'll be running with the Door of Hope team (each at our own pace, of course) to raise funds for the organization. This will be my third marathon overall, but my first on the "mainland" (I ran 2011 & 2013 in Honolulu).I'm particularly excited about the Los Angeles Marathon's point-to-point route which features a net elevation drop of 430 feet and incorporates many of the city's iconic landmarks. Given my crazy life balancing full-time seminary and part-time social work on top of family responsibilities, I'm trying to stay realistic about how much training I can put in this time around. My top goals are to finish healthy, have fun and support the cause. Which brings us to...Finally, the invitation: So I already mentioned this was a fundraiser, right? I've also said a bit about my connection to Door of Hope and my interest in running. Put those together and you've got a fantastic reason to support my run that will benefit the homeless families of LA County as they rebuild their lives through the Christ-centered mission of Door of Hope.Donating is simple, secure and tax-deductible. Just go to Door of Hope's homepage and click on "Donate" in the top-right corner. In the comments box, please type "marathon Stringer" (or something to that effect) indicating you are supporting my marathon run. 100% of your donation goes directly to Door of Hope.As a member of the staff, I assure you that we stretch each dollar to help every family we possibly can. Many of my Pasadena friends already know about Door of Hope's work in the community. For those who do not, feel free to contact me or flag me down if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing how this event changes lives.And whether or not you're able to contribute this time around, let's keep dreaming together and working together for a future in which every family has a place to call home.