Written by Tanya Terry
Karen Gasperosky became involved in Sleep in Heavenly Peace because she saw the serious need in the area. The organization consists of a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch beds to disadvantaged children and families.
“A kid that sleeps on the floor, on a broken down couch or on a bed with other siblings doesn’t get a good night’s sleep,” explained Gasperosky. “We help give them a chance to get a good night’s sleep so they can do better in school and better in sports. It even improves their self-esteem.”
Gasperosky and her friend, Jody Dean, used to travel every fall with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC). They heard a podcast called “Returning the Favor with Mike Rowe.” Rowe was speaking about Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which had just been started in Idaho by Luke Mickelson in 2012. Gasperosky and Dean did research and found there was no one in their area doing anything similar to what Sleep in Heavenly Peace does. So, they decided to start a Sleep in Heavenly Peace locally.
Gasperosky is now chapter president of Sleep in Heavenly Peace – Flushing, which opened in July 2020.
Gasperosky has many memories of helping children coming from homeless shelters or who have recently left abusive situations. These children are often living with one parent who is getting started all over again.
A little over a month ago, Gasperosky, along with the team of volunteers, helped a mother and six kids who had just left an abusive situation and moved into a home of their own.
“There was nothing in the home,” stated Gasperosky, “That was the first piece of furniture that they had received.”
Gasperosky told the Courier she especially likes seeing young people help set up beds for other young people. For example, over 50 Flint Genesee Job Corps students, who are between ages 16-24, recently worked with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to do so.
“Some of them have left their own situations for whatever reasons.”
The lumber for the recent project was donated by Home Depot of Burton, and Genesee Health Plan helped organize the event and had volunteers who assisted the Sleep in Heavenly Peace team. Many of those who made the event a success indicated they would continue to work with Sleep in Heavenly Peace in the future.
“Empowering our community to build beds for underprivileged children is not just about constructing furniture; it’s about constructing futures filled with hope, comfort, and dreams to rest upon,” said Paul Phelps, lead carpentry instructor for Flint/Genesee Job Corps.
Fraternities from Kettering University have also pitched in for previous events. Gasperosky said fraternities and youth groups are always very helpful.
Gasperosky said every now and then Sleep in Heavenly Peace has other kids that go with them on deliveries. One mother and her son helped set up two beds. They were so enthusiastic about what they were doing, the mother purchased an extra pillow for the family and her son gave the two boys a new football.
About 90% of Sleep in Heavenly Peace referrals come from Facebook, according to Gasperosky, who has done some type of volunteer work since high school.
The organization will build at least 250 beds in 2024.
Another build event takes place May 18, to be sponsored by and held at the Davison First Baptist Church. It will be an “open build,” meaning anyone can come help build beds. There will also be a build event on June 29 at the Dort Event Center. For details, visit the Sleep in Heavenly Peace – MI, Flushing Facebook page, or the website. SHPbeds.org.
