We are so honored to have generous donors with remarkable dedication, warmth and genuine caring for the children in our Grief Support program! It is because of these donors that we are able to continue to offer our services at no cost to the families that attend our program.
The donor spotlight today shines on the Woolf family. Katie Woolf, a former WARM Place client and current donor, shares her passion for The WARM Place with our staff…
How did you learn about The WARM Place and what inspired you to give to us?
When I was 5 years old and my brother was 6, our dad was killed suddenly in an accident. My mom knew about The WARM Place because a couple years before my dad’s passing, my uncle had died of a heart attack. My aunt and 2 cousins attended The WARM Place and my mom had seen how much it had helped them. She knew it would help us in the grieving process as well. My husband and I were inspired to give to The Warm Place so that we could help other children like me, my brother, and cousins in grieving the loss of a loved one.
Tell us a little bit about you and your family.
My husband, Travis, and I have been married for almost 5 years. We just welcomed our first child, Patton, this past July. Travis and I are both Fort Worth natives and are so excited we get to raise a family here.
What do you do for a living?
I taught Kindergarten and 1st grade for 4 years in Burleson and have chosen to stay home this year to be with Patton. Travis is in full time ministry for College Golf Fellowship, a ministry that works directly with and disciples men’s college golf teams across the country.
Why is giving to The WARM Place so important to you?
The WARM place is so important to me because not only did it help my family and I tremendously in the grieving process, but it is where my mom met my Step-dad. My step-dad had lost his wife to breast cancer and was attending The WARM Place with his daughter (my now sister) when he met my mom. My parents got married 2 years later and I am thankful that they found each other and our family could blend together so well. I know that by giving to The WARM Place families like ours will be given the opportunity for healing and hope.
Could you share a favorite story or memory about your involvement with The WARM Place?
I have so many wonderful memories of my time at The WARM Place. They use to have a big walk every year called “The Pet and People Walk.” It was a 5K where you could bring your pets, get your face painted, and enjoy a nice walk with friends and family. I remember my siblings and I loved going every year. I also loved the dinners we ate together every week before group, it felt like we were one big family. The WARM Place is such a warm and inviting place, one of my favorite aspects of it is that it feels like home. When I got married I took my bridal portraits on the porch of The WARM Place. I wanted to take my pictures at a place that was meaningful and special to me and I couldn’t think of a better place.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about getting involved?
Being involved in The WARM Place will give you the opportunity to help families not only now, but years to come. I am confident in saying that if my family did not have The WARM Place our lives would look very differently today.
A huge heart-felt THANK YOU to Katie and Travis Woolf and ALL our amazing donors! Your dedication to our mission is overwhelming and we’re so proud that you share your heart with The WARM Place!
-Marcille Clark, Development Associate
