It was very heartwarming volunteering for the 1st Gala. When I seen Danny ,how personable he was with all the people. I just melted and got goose bumps hearing the story of the kids ,then listening to the kids sing and perform . What talent they all had I was very impressed and would volunteer again. Linda from the Ladies of Harley. Milwaukee Chapter
I have been working with this group in the Milwaukee area for over a year. This organization is fantastic, the people are great to work with, and I look forward to our continued efforts in the future.
I have been supporting Sophia's Heart since 2009 and am very appreciative of the work they do. I recently attended a performance of the Milwaukee Sophia's Heart Choir and Dance team and was very impressed with the growth, talent, and enthusiasm of these young people. From their humble beginnings just a few short years ago until now, the dedication and joy can be seen in not only the kids who benefit from the program but the dedicated volunteers who mentor and develop these students into mature and responsible future adults. In addition to the music and arts program I am happy to contribute to very deserving scholarship winners and to the SH mission to help homeless families in Nashville. This is truly a worthy organization.
I am a huge fan and supporter of Sophia's Heart. I believe in the organization and I am amazed at what has been accomplished in such a short time since it's inception. I have been a volunteer for over a year now and have seen the difference the programs are making in the lives of young people in the music and arts programs, as well as families who have been given a 2nd chance to get back on their feet and re-engage in life. Seeing the positive impact Sophia's Heart is making on the lives it touches makes me all the more passionate about furthering the goals of the organization in whatever ways I can! If you are looking for an opportunity to be a part of something that changes people's lives at a foundational level, please consider supporting Sophia's Heart!
It's hard for me to believe it has been nearly four years since I began volunteering for this life changing organization! Not only does it change the life of the many people who receive help, in one of the several amazing opportunities Sophia's Heart provides, but it has changed my life as well! I consider myself to be very fortunate to be a volunteer for this foundation! I have met many great people, whether they be a fellow volunteer, one of the many generous donators, or someone benefiting from the foundation. It is my personal goal to go to Nashville and help at SH of Compassion. I feel that my volunteer efforts can never be enough. There are so many people in need, and we are definitely helping them "one heart at a time". May God bless everyone involved in the organization in whichever capacity they are in; from volunteer to recipient! And, of course, may God bless Daniel J. Gokey for starting this foundation during the most difficult time of his life! I must also acknowledge and thank his wife, Leyicet, for all she has done and continues to do for Sophia's Heart. It is great working with such amazing and inspirational people! And I can not wait for next years Gala! I know it will be a huge success! Thank you to all our leaders for all your hard work and efforts. I know the families and children effected by SH are eternally grateful for everything!
I have been happy to support Sophia's Heart for the last 3 years and will continue to do so. I know my dollars are being put to good use, for example the music and arts programs in both Milwaukee and Nashville, college scholarships for deserving students, several programs for the homeless and others in need. I am honored to be a part of this wonderful organization.
I've watched Sophia's Heart grow from a very small start to now serving children learn through music & arts in two cities, granting several scholarships to very impressive students seeking higher education. and establishing needed programs to serve the homeless and others in need. I've been fortunate to meet several of the volunteers and staff, almost all unpaid, who have made this happen out of their commitment to their local communities and the programs they have been building together. Because Sophia's Heart is a relatively new non-profit, it's easy to see that donations truly make a difference in its ability to meet its goals.
One heart touching many. I love that tagline for this great non-profit. Sophia's Heart has touched so many lives the last few years and continues to grow in numerous ways, recently expanding its programs to include help for those in human trafficking. This program has joined other offerings that include awarding scholarships to kids who have overcome a severe obstacle, keeping homeless families together for temporary housing instead of splitting them up which is the norm, plus giving them necessary lifeskills training, providing a relief center during Nashville's flood a few years ago, and providing music and arts programs for youth who need to reestablish themselves in a positive way in their community and allow dreams to evolve. I have been a volunteer for this organization for over 3 years, serving in both Wisconsin and in Nashville. It has been so rewarding for me personally to see kids who are hurting due to a multitude of issues and lack of reason to dream that their lives can get better, rise above the difficulties. Many of the kids talk about how participating in Sophia's Heart programs has made them a better son or daughter, better friend and a more happy person. This revitalization in turn can help the whole family unit become better adjusted and look to a brighter future. Danny Gokey, Sophia's Heart's founder, had the vision to give hurting families a reason to keep their dreams intact and in turn, has turned lives around for many people who needed to see that their dreams are not gone...they just needed the tools to see them again. He has asked others, including his volunteers, to step up and help him bring his vision into reality, carefully thinking through necessary steps and goals so dignity is kept intact for those hurting while pertinent skills are taught to make a permanent change in the families' conditions for future growth. He also makes it known he is able to relate to hardship and shattered dreams that the kids and families experience since he also experienced this when he lost his wife Sophia due to an unexpected medical tragedy. He shows by his real life example that keeping the faith and accepting help when it is needed most can rebuild a life. I am very proud to support this organization that keeps evolving to meet the needs of others in a multitude of ways and shows genuine concern and compassion for others.
The honor of serving as a volunteer for Sophia's Heart Foundation has been mine for the past (nearly) four years. The mission and vision of SHF initially touched my heart, and I knew I wanted to be involved. I had no way of knowing how very much being a volunteer would FILL my heart. The life-changing events and moments of which I have been a part have been life changing for me! Two years ago, we gave away bicycles to underprivileged children for Christmas - as a surprise! We've donated turkey meals to families for Thanksgiving. We have raised money to fund music and arts programs for adolescents who would otherwise never have such an opportunity. What an honor to watch these kids grow and develop into talented performers! We've taken cruises to raise money for SHF - so much fun and so beneficial! This organization means so much to me that I actually had a dream about SHF opening a facility for displaced families. Six months later, God delivered a building for us in Nashville - now known as Sophia's Heart of Compassion! AMAZING! Recently, we held our first annual Gala in Milwaukee, WI. I was moved to tears by the generosity of attendees, donors and volunteers. SHF has amazing leadership, generous donors, and dedicated volunteers. And, we have the support of the Good Lord above. We truly are changing the lives and mending the hearts of broken families and children with broken dreams. When Daniel J. Gokey began this foundation, he said he wanted it to become a movement. I believe it truly has. I am honored to serve, and I look forward to see how we'll continue to change the world ... one child, one family at a time. It's only LOVE!
I have been involved in the Sophia's Heart Scholarship program by reviewing, ranking and selecting recipients for the scholarship awards for deserving students. The scholarships are targeted at kids that have overcome significant personal challenges, earned good grades and chosen to give back to their community. Wonderful kids and the scholarships have helped them financially and provided encouragement/recognition of their achievements! I have also volunteered in regards to the Music and Arts programs and the Homeless facility in Nashville. SHF is helping kids and their parents.
I have been helping Sophia's Heart for the past three years. I have truly seen people's life been changed in many way in Nashville area. From music program,flood relief and helping & equipping homeless family to live a better life thru classes & mentorship, people are very much appreciated all the help in every area when they need most in life. It's also a great pleasure to serve others & see their life to be changed & they become a much better person in life. I know Sophia's Heart will help many people & children who need help. They are certainly make the community a better place. Thank you for your heart and passion!
I volunteered at the First Annual Sophia's Heart Gala and had a chance to hear the Sophia's Heat Choir sing and listen to their stories of how this foundation has helped them. The choir was awesome, so many talented kids who have been given a chance to be a part of something so great. Listening to them sing and their stories of hope was inspiring .
I have been a volunteer for over 2 years now. In the last 2 years I have seen how God has provided the means for us to reach out to our community here in the middle tenn area. Our organization allows a family to stay together when they need a place to live. Our programs help our families to have a new start. Our staff and volunteers are dedicated to the vision and work together in unity to get the job done. I have volunteered in different areas of this organization and it has been a blessing to my life and a calling as well. I have seen first hand the heart that our founder Danny Gokey has and for a young man his age to have such a heart to help people it brings you to tears and you feel very blessed to be apart of that vision that God gave him years ago and see that vision become a reality. I look forward to the years to come as I know that through all of us who are apart of this organization with hard work and determination and God leading us change for the better will happen in our community.
It has been an honor being a part of Sophia's Heart for the past year. When making a difference in an area of what matters most, people's lives, I can say it is at the core very touching. Watching men and women, boys and girls come in devasted through lifes hardtimes it is a blessing to watch them leave with self confidence that they can make it in life. Working in the areana of homelessness you may realize that self worth is at an all time low, but seeing their face when they leave many with a chance to get their own place and moving in a direction that makes them feel like they do matter because someone took the time to say I Love You, with more than words. Yes, it is a blessing to serve an organization that believe in people and want to do something to stop the cycle of homelessness especially when the devastation is stopping the children from becoming who they were meant and desire to be.
Supporting and helping homeless is not an easy task. When you working with the homeless family, it adds more complications to the conditions of mix men and women in the same building. Sophia’s Heart is taking the challenge not just to provide the place for the homeless family as one family, but provides proper tools to assist these needed people. They believe the mind and attitude changes are the solution. Financial change is just a surface change. Sophia’s Heart is the only non-profit to keep married couples as one family in the middle TN area. Sophia’s Heart is the only non-profit to access single dad with kids. Sophia’s Heart is the only organization to provide the opportunity for people who need the 2nd chance. Great work guys!
It has been a privilege to participate as a Board member and volunteer for Sophia's Heart. To see how the organization has grown over the past two years is amazing and heart warming. The "light" in the children's eyes as they perform their hearts out is inspirational. The vision and future of the organization is bright and one that will influence generations of children to come providing them with hope, joy and talent.
In my short amount of time involved I have been impressed with this fundraiser's vision and heart. The founder Danny Gokey truly is an inspiration and a giving man. This fundraiser is about helping local kids-- and that's really what life is about. Make a difference in YOUR city. Be a productive member of YOUR society. Sophia's Heart does just that.
The vision and mission of Sophia's Heart has captured my heart. It is a joy and honor to partner with this work and see first hand the lives that are changed, that ultimately impact the community. We most recently increased our financial giving because of the clear evidence of the resources reaching the great need. To be a part of this ministry, I am humbled at the huge number of volunteers that give and give of time, talent and resources.
It has been my privilege to Volunteer for Sophias Heart since January 2009. To share in Danny's Vision has touched my heart as we have touched many. Danny speaks from his heart in all he sees us doing as a Foundation and want to do in the future. On December 3rd we will celebrate our Fourth year of reaching out to others who are in need. For such a young Foundation we have been able to touch the hearts of those in need. In large part because of those of you who have supported us through your gifts, and supported Danny's vision. We thank you. We want to do more as there is such need. As we partner together let us be re-mindful we our Inspiring children's minds through music and arts. We our helping families succeed through interventions. Restoring hope to our communities. We our One Heart Touching Many.
Sophia's Heart continues to help those in need with the resources God provides for Sophia's Heart through the friends and donors of Sophia's Heart. Sophia's Heat is currently hosting performing arts classes for 38 middle and high school students in Milwaukee and housing single mothers and families in Nashville. It is a privilege to watch Danny Gokey and his professional volunteers and staff face the challenges that come before them in their efforts to honor Sophia, Danny's first wife. Sophia passed away shortly before Danny entered the American Idol contest during Season 8. He did this at the urging of his family and friends to continue this quest that he and Sophia began. Danny refused to use insurance proceeds he received from Sophia's death for anything other than creating a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation named Sophia's Heart.
My first volunteering experience with Sophia's Heart was in December, 2010. In Milwaukee, they had a wonderful concert with Danny and the choir. Specially selected children were invited to the event for the concert. They enjoyed home-made Christmas cookies and a special surprise at the end of the day; A brand new bicycle for Christmas. The memory of their joy and excitement made my Christmas extra special that year.
I've been volunteering for a couple of years and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Getting to know the kids involved in the Sophia's Heart Singers and Dancers program has been a great way to spend my free time. They are a group of leaders with amazing talent.
I've been volunteering at SHF in Milwaukee since 2009. I'm become increasingly more active over time because I've seen and recognized the changes we are making in our community. At our First Annual Gala on November 3, 2012 we saw the children in the Sophia's Heart music and dance program perform and we handed out a scholarship to a deserving child that is striving to overcome horrible financial hardship. The changes we make and the good things that we do are impacting the lives of others.
I have been a supporter of Sophia's Heart since 2009. I have watched this organization grow from its infancy and am proud to be both a donor and volunteer. I have been able to personally witness the positive effects that Sophia's Heart has on inner city youth. I have also witnessed the sense of relief among homeless families that they have a place to live. The passion and inspiration behind Sophia's Heart are what initially appealed to me. However, seeing the effects on population we serve makes being a supporter even more rewarding. I highly recommend becoming a partner with Sophia's Heart!
Sophia's Heart is my charity of choice for my payroll deductions at work the last two years and I have again signed up to support them in 2013. I have watched this foundation and their volunteers as they work to enrich children's lives through music and dance. At each event I see the faces of these young people glow more as they gain more confidence. Sophia's Heart not only helps children but also has programs to help the homeless. I cannot think of a charity I would rather trust to use my funds to the fullest.