Submitted by Adrienne Kelly
Coronado is as American as apple pie and ice cream. It is home to some of our most fierce and bravest military servicemembers. The city is also composed of self-made successful business people, doctors, lawyers, television personalities, teachers, and preachers. Saturdays are filled with football practices, soccer games, water polo matches, and tennis tournaments. Parents proudly cheer on their children and offer congratulations to the opposing team for a “good game!” On Sundays the island’s various churches are filled for worship, praise and thanksgiving. Church service is often followed by a family lunch at one of the city’s various local eateries and perhaps an afternoon at the beach.
Coronado neighbors are the best neighbors. When a young child takes a tumble on the playground at Spreckels Park, it is your Coronado neighbor who rushes to pick him up and brush him off. When a middle schooler has her bike stolen, it is your Coronado neighbor who offers to replace it with a spare bike their family has in the garage. When your teenage has a flat tire, it is your Coronado neighbor who offers assistance in changing the tire. When your elderly loved one needs assistance at the grocery store, it is your Coronado neighbor who reaches for the peanut butter on the top shelf.
Coronado residents embody the American values of generosity, compassion, acceptance, and hard work. It is with these same values that I urge Coronado residents not only to accept but also to contribute to GenerateHope. GenerateHope is a Christian faith-based organization that provides long-term, comprehensive, housing and recovery for young women who have been sexually trafficked. These women are victims, not criminals. If anyone deserves apple pie and ice cream, it is these young women. If anyone deserves to have a Coronado neighbor, it is these women. If anyone deserves the chance to work toward the American dream, it is these young women. If there’s anyplace that dream can become reality, it is Coronado.
Sincerely,
Adrienne Kelly
