Audrey Proctor

Many years ago when my oldest son, James, was four, Disciple House was a client of my cleaning service business. Jim Knight was living there and introduced himself one day, just as friendly then as he is today. Before I knew it, he and my son were laughing and talking, and Jim entertained him while I did my work. We’ve had that kind of relationship ever since, and today both my now-grown sons would agree that Jim’s friendship has truly mattered to all three of us.  

We’ve had some good times. When we lived in the Ritz, my sons and Jim and I always volunteered at Jubilee Day, cleaning and painting and planting in and around the buildings. I discovered that he played minor league baseball when we all went over to Georgetown to play softball together. I hit the ball, by the way, but I got thrown out.  

Jim encouraged me in so many ways when I told him I wanted to buy my own house. He had Jubilee employees looking out for me, and when they told me about an available condo unit, I moved on it quickly. Jim was right there as a friend throughout the whole first-time homebuyer process.   

In fact, that is the theme of what I want to say. Every moment, Jim is my friend. 

When he asked me to serve on Jubilee Housing’s board of directors, he knew I understood the struggles and knew how hard the decisions would be. He has a way of asking each board member to answer big, hard questions. Jim knows my heart, and I know his, and my answer was always “What does God want us to do next?” We have a beautiful relationship because we share this call.  

Even though we live in a different part of the city, Jubilee Housing is our home. I am so thankful for the day I met Jim. He’s been my friend, my guiding support, and I could not ask for a better friend. I told my sons, if anything ever happens to me, be in touch with Jim. He’s always there for us.