The Passage's vision is of a society where homelessness no longer exists, and everyone has a place to call home.

The Passage is based in the heart of Westminster, providing practical support and a wide range of services to help transform the lives of people who are, or are at risk of homelessness.

Every gift, no matter how big or small, enables us to help people who are experiencing homelessness to regain their confidence and hope for the future.

My Story:

Some may have heard that Tiffany Perry had a goal of running a full marathon, and had begun training. But no one really knew my true motivation behind this goal! In my early 20’s I loved to run. I had completed several 5K’s and half marathons (13.1Miles) with a group of friends some from Dell. However, my last race, a ½ marathon in Murfreesboro, TN did not end the way I intended. I recall starting the race, some songs that were playing from my headset. I remember being extremely thirsty the entire run, well at least up to mile 11. Then there is a huge blank. I just remember waking up in the back of an ambulance, not knowing how I got there, what day or time it was, and as a 1 year newlywed, where my Honey was😊. I was taken to the ER, and was told repeatedly by the EMT, that I needed to calm down, if I wanted to live. I later learned, with the combination of my extreme dehydration, and the elevated hear rate , my life was actually on the cusp of being lost. Needless to say that situation scared and scarred me. Having a chunk of time removed from your entire memory, is so scary. From that day on I refused to run. Running became a trigger for the memories of the trauma of that day, the songs I remember hearing that morning would trigger me when they would come on the radio , and to this day when it pops up on Pandora I skip forward. Shortly after this incident, my husband and I decided to start our family.

Fast forward 6 years, I recall sharing with my older daughter Diem, as a teaching moment, where she was afraid. “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of Power, Love, and a Sound Mind!” I had said it before, but this time, I saw a flash of my own fear of running, and the trauma is had caused. Could I be a hypocrite? I never wanted to be a parent that taught my children principals to live by, but could not abide by them myself. That day, I made a personal promise to myself that I was not only going overcome my fear, but blow it completely away! I was NOT going to run another 13.1 mile half marathon, I was going to run 26.2Miles (Full Marathon. To ensure this was not just a dream, I placed a date around it ensuring I accomplish my goal, by my 40th birthday. Time passed, and life was being lived, and after my 39th birthday, I was reminded of my personal commitment to myself. I had no other choice, I needed to research and locate the right marathon for a first time runner. I found the Akron, Ohio Marathon, and thought okay that’s not too far away and that’s where Lebron James is from so it could be cool. I registered and it became real.

I used a running app that was instrumental in my training and success. Training was tough! I had not run in over 10 years. I do not like waking up super early, and do not like the heat. So, trust me, I had to quickly shift my attitude, and remember my why every time my clock went off at 4:30 or 5:00am for a morning run. It even seemed to get harder and harder to wake up as the race got closer. Looking back I am in awe at my dedication and focus. In the moment I was just taking things one day at a time.

It was time to leave for Akron OH September 23rd and I was nervous but excited. I was not my usual up beat self, mostly mellow reserving all that I had for the race ahead. To that point my training plan only took me to 20 miles. So, the next day I would have to do something I’d never done before on so many levels. I woke up 5:00am and had such a sense of peace. I went about my routine in silence. Mentally checking to ensure I did not forget a step, chaffing butter, additional earbuds, phone charge, gels, chews, etc. I recall my husband asking how I felt. I said “oddly feel like any other morning, I am doing my routine to go off and run” he smiled and said I like that. I said my prayers and off we went.

It was below 50 degrees when we arrived. Cold weather running was my happy place. I absolutely loved it! I gave my hugs to my cousins that came down from Chicago and my Honey, then something came over me. I had this intense focus, and felt these huge pillowy arms around me. The peace, comfort, and determination combined with preparation, I knew this was going to be an amazing experience, and that I was going to run across the finish line. I ran the race I prepared for. I ran all the way to mile 19 when the steep hill that started Mile 18 got me. I was upset that such a steep and long hill would be put so far into the race. I eventually made it up the hill at the 20 mile marker. But, between mile 20 & 21 I had to get my mind back into the game, or it was going to be an even longer day. So, I put on my classic Atlanta, Ga get “crunk” music. The energy from Outkast, lil John, & Bone Crusher “I ain’t never scared” blared from my head phones. I was back in it, and attacking the race again all the way to 25.5 miles. When I turn the corner, there it was, I could see the finish line. There were several times within the race where I felt like crying because of how awesome the experience was. I was actually running a full marathon and overcoming my fears, but I had to mentally stop myself each time, because there were so many miles to cover before celebration. But when I saw the finish line I cried tearless tears. I don’t know if I had soaked up all liquid from my running and sweating, but actual tears did not fall. Just the ugly cry as I ran closer. I saw two familiar faces yelling and holding their hands up to give me a high five. My Honey, and my cousin Monica. I finally ran across the finish line. The lady handing out medals shared in my ear, “no tears this is amazing!” Congratulations you just joined the 0.01% of full marathon finishers as she put my medal around my neck. I thought are you serious? I just did something that only .01% of the world’s population has done? In disbelief, I walked over to my cousin and hubby giving them hugs and to my surprise I wasn’t tired at all! My knees were hurting badly, but I was not fatigued! We went to the medal engraving booth, and that’s when I learned my time was 5:35:05. My goal was between 5:30-5:45. I did it! I was so thankful to safely make it across the finish line to put fear and doubt in it’s rightful place, under my feet!

When I got home, my mom, and babies ran to me, took my medal off, and gave me the biggest hug. I then shared briefly about the running journey and that Mommy is not afraid anymore!...after all God has not given me the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind! 😊

So, what's next...7 STARS ! Running World Majors Berlin, Tokyo, London, Chicago, Australia, NYC, & Boston. That's right 26.2 Miles at these 7 prestigious Marathons. I am so close to completing this journey. I began with London in 2023 and now have Berlin & Tokyo to go.

The Passage have given me an opportunity to reach my dreams while helping to end homelessness in Berlin. Please donate to help me reach my goal.