Teresa LaBonte is the friendly, smiling face greeting the moms and children as they enter the SMURF meeting each Sunday evening.  She asked to fill this volunteer position several months ago as a contribution to the organization she has attended for five years.  The changes that Teresa has experienced is an example of that which SMURF desires for the moms who so often come without emotional and family support.

Teresa was one of the first single moms to attend a SMURF meeting.   Her favorite place was in the back where interaction was minimal.  But she did come regularly, bringing her very young daughter.  Month by month our volunteer staff recognized the gradual warmth coming in Teresa's voice and manner, as her steady attendance gave her a sense of belonging and confidence in her own abilities.

One evening as Teresa was leaving the meeting she handed the SMURF devotional leader a note which read, "I'm reading my Bible." She was choosing to come to a spiritual stability.  As well she was finding that her relationship with the SMURF program, with the family of other moms, and with the staff of volunteers was giving her a firmness to her life.  As a staff our hearts were joyful to see this further growth.  Teresa is honest and sincere in all that she does, and so as time went by we found her sharing her warm hugs with so many who enjoyed her encouragement.

Teresa had been a single mom for about eight years.  Then one day this last year a very nice man entered her life and they were married last summer.  Some of the wedding pictures showed her mother who had been very ill for a long time, but she had a smile of a much loved mother.  Recently Teresa and husband Gary moved into their new home, and with this joy she faced the sorrow of her mother's passing.

In addition to her delightful help in greeting the moms on Sundays, she accepted the invitation to join the SMURF Board of Directors, and fill the position of secretary.  Teresa brings a smile to every face and heart of our staff.

We give our gratitude as we view the potential of SMURF's goals as lived out by Teresa.

We see in Teresa a kinship to these expressions in Proverbs 31:

A Woman of Worth

Strength and dignity are her clothing

She smiles at the future

She opens her mouth in wisdom

The law of kindness in on her tongue