A local man honored the legacy of his late mother with a special Mother’s Day luncheon at the Seminole County House of Hope, a safe haven for ladies who are seeking to break the cycle of addiction.

Steve Matthews, whose mother passed away nine years ago, treated six House of Hope residents to pizza and soft drinks on Sunday, the day set aside to celebrate motherhood.

“I lost my mother in 2012, so I obviously could not be with my mother on Mother’s Day,” Matthew said. “A bunch of us put our heads together and came up with the idea of honoring my mother by honoring six lovely mothers, residents of the Seminole County House of Hope, by taking them pizza, soft drinks, and ice cream. I think it’s fair to say that all of us had a good time.”

Matthews added that House of Hope staff member LeaCarol Morris Neill gave him the idea for the luncheon.

Local businesswoman Pam Robinson provided ice cream for the luncheon and said while monetary donations are always welcome at the House of Hope, there are other ways to give.

“Being able to give doesn’t always mean money. Your time is valuable and important,” Robinson said. “The Seminole County House of Hope could always use a helping hand. You can bring a broom and sweep, help the girls clean the kitchen or just take time to sit and get to know the women. Hopefully, something in your life can make a difference in theirs.”

Rhonda Collier, Director of the House of Hope, said she and the residents were “very appreciative” of Matthews and Robinson for making their Mother’s Day extra special.

“We have had a lot of support from our community and would like to thank those who give of their time and those who donate in other ways. This act of kindness from Steve and Pam touched our hearts tremendously,” Collier said.

Donations of clothes, food, toiletries, linens, etc., can be taken to the House of Hope located at 214 W. Strothers Ave. from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. daily. The organization is a non-profit (501C3), so donations are tax deductible. To find out more, call (405) 303-6036.