ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - About 20 community members gathered June 27 for a dinner hosted by xHope Inc., honoring local business owners, chamber members and donors who are making a difference in the lives of thousands of youth. 

The appreciation dinner, held at the Brick House Restaurant, recognized donors for their ongoing support of the Elk Grove-based nonprofit organization, which empowers vulnerable youth locally and abroad.

xHope connects at-risk youth with programs that provide basic necessities, as well as serves as a foundation of hope and support. Earlier this year, the organization opened a new facility large enough to house its “Community Closet,” offering clothing, shoes and hygiene items.

The space also supports youth experiencing hardship by helping them build confidence, stability and personal growth through extracurricular activities and outreach.

Chief Executive Officer Wendi Cross spoke at the dinner, sharing the story of xHope’s beginnings and the life-changing impact that a single sponsor can have on a child in need.

“It only takes one loving adult to change the life of these kids, just one,” said Cross. “If you’re sitting in this room, you’re playing a part in the story just from showing up.”

 

Chief Executive Officer Wendi Cross spoke at the dinner, sharing the story of xHope’s beginnings and the life-changing impact that a single sponsor can have on a child in need. 

Cross and her husband, Rick Cross, founded xHope after adopting their son, Nebeyu, from Ethiopia. She said their experience opened their eyes to the realities of life for unhoused youth in children’s homes.

“We started this crazy faith journey of adoption from Ethiopia and because of that story, we learned that there are a lot of Nebeyu’s out there that need someone speaking up for them,” said Cross.

Internationally, the organization works in Uganda to support at-risk youth by partnering with foster families and operating a children’s home, Redeemer House.

This initiative has helped Ugandan families and staff to become self-sufficient by providing job opportunities and assisting with the goal of reuniting children with their villages.

This year, xHope opened a second children’s home and school in Uganda that now serves 90 youth and employs 39 full-time staff.

Locally, the organization focuses on meeting immediate needs, building relationships and connecting with local programs for vulnerable youth from its warehouse on Elkmont Way.

 

xHope, Inc.’s appreciation dinner on June 27, held at the Brick House Restaurant, recognized donors for their ongoing support of its Elk Grove-based nonprofit organization, which empowers vulnerable youth locally and abroad.

A year after their first adoption, the Cross family adopted again, this time taking in the baby of an estranged cousin who was unable to raise the child.

“The social worker from the hospital called and asked us if we would be willing to take him in. We had five kids, one newly adopted that didn’t speak English, and both Rick and I looked at each other and said there’s a way,” Cross said.

The story of baby Jason became the “why” behind xHope Inc.’s local program.

“There are a lot of Jasons in Elk Grove and Sacramento County that need families like ours telling their stories and people like you sitting in the room who can make an impact,” said Cross.

Erica Jordan, owner of TrendE Boutique in Elk Grove, attended the dinner as she has supported xHope since 2021.

“We attended their annual fundraiser ‘Denim & Diamonds’ and left totally inspired and wanting to support and give back,” said Jordan.

TrendE Boutique dedicated its “Purchase with Purpose” to xHope: a charity campaign where the boutique donates one dollar from every purchase to a local nonprofit. In two months, Jordan said, they raised $1,119 through this campaign. She also noted that TrendE provided new dresses and shoes for xHope to give to local teens for their proms.

 

About 20 community members gathered June 27 for a dinner, hosted by xHope Inc., honoring local business owners, chamber members and donors who are making a difference in the lives of thousands of youth.

“Being a women’s clothing boutique, we were able to jump in and donate the following month to their ‘Formal Wear Drive’ providing new dresses and shoes, and sending nine local teens to prom,” she said.

Cross said the support of the community has allowed xHope to grow and fulfill its goal of giving every vulnerable child access to the tools needed to thrive.

“Your presence means everything to us and we are changing lives, one child at a time,” she said.

To continue its mission, xHope plans to enhance its Elk Grove facility with new features, including an enrichment classroom, a community courtyard, a conference and collaboration room, and a boutique-style closet to be called “Threads of Hope.” The boutique will offer new items to children, serving as a bridge to deeper relationships and greater support.

The organization is working to raise $25,000 to bring these additions to life and expand its impact even further.

To learn more about xHope Inc. or to donate, visit xhopemissions.org/local.