Hope for Healing. Org in Strawberry Plains

Students Make Beaded Jewelry At Local Nonprofit

2009-06-12T00:08:00.005-04:00

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Students learned to make beaded jewelry today at Hope for Healing.Org. These kids are being put to work with stimulus money. Today, we learned how to make beaded earrings, bracelets and necklaces. We talked about product development and production.

With the skills of beaded jewelry the kids now can make items for family, friends or to sell for extra pocket money. The sale of the merchandise will benefit Hope for Healing.org.

It's been a busy few days. Other skills learned so far have included weaving chair bottom, sanding wood furniture in preparation for repainting, jewelry making and how to rip material. The material will be used to create beautiful braided rugs. One is already started. When our director returns from her trip we'll add the finishing touches.

In the meantime, here are some photos of the kids at work making beaded jewelry and sample shots of finished products.

Students Learn Skills at Nonprofit Hope for Healing.org

2009-06-10T21:37:00.004-04:00

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Students learned skills today at our nonprofit, Hope for Healing.Org. We have 4 students working with us for 6 weeks. This is a Stimulus program. Three started jobs yesterday. Another person begins work tomorrow.

The students will process in-kind donations and create inventory. Work on a recycled chair was started by a volunteer and juvenile offenders. Today, the chair was completed by a student in the work program.

The chair was sanded and given several coats of paint. Next, material that was tie-dyed by volunteers and other juvenile offenders was cut into strips. The strips were carefully woven to create the chair you see here.

When enough items are created we hope to have an auction and open house. Look for information here later this summer.

Thank you for bringing the donated items to us! We (and the kids) thank you.

Stimulus Funds Put Students to Work

2009-06-10T21:11:00.005-04:00

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Greetings from Allie. Today was a good day at the ministry center. Through an employment program at a local college, we have three new staff members on board, two of which have been volunteering with us for at least two years. We will be getting a fourth person starting tomorrow. Yesterday, we received a fair amount of donated items and spent today sorting those, as well as finishing a woven-bottom chair. It's quite pretty; one of our new staff members worked on it and did very well with it. Tomorrow, more cleaning and sorting, and maybe some braided rug making! I'm looking forward to it!

A Great Day for Ministry

2009-06-06T08:34:00.001-04:00

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It's a great day for ministry. The sky is clear and the sun is shining. We have some junior volunteers lined up to help today. It's going to be great. The kids have so much enthusiasm! We are going to be doing some weaving in between helping people and processing donations. I can't wait to get started!

Gayle

More Publicity For Hopeforhealing.org

2009-05-29T16:52:00.004-04:00

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Its me again! So, yesterday Allie and I had a fun day trying to organize the store. We are getting there slowly but surely. Its really exciting to see. The store looked way different the first time I stepped foot into it and it has been made into something different.

Today I have been watching some more videos about crafts and looking at past newsletters so that I will actually know what I am doing when I sit down to do it.

I am actually working with a couple of radio stations trying to promote Hopeforhealing.org. Electric 94.9 of Bristol, Virginia, is going to interview me. It hits four different states so that should bring a lot of coverage. WCRK of Morristown, Tennessee is going to run a public service annoucement for us, which I should be recording soon. I am working on getting Star 102.1 of Knoxville, Tennessee and the Knoxville News Sentinel to cover Hopeforhealing.org as well. So hopefully that can bring some money in for Hopeforhealing.org.

Don't forget to click the link above to use the isearchigive search engine! That will help us out as well.

Have a great day!

Samantha

2009-05-26T19:12:00.002-04:00

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Hello all! This is Allie speaking. I am very much looking forward to coming back this summer to work with the Hope Youth and with our intern Samantha. She is learning fast, and I think she will be very good at what she does once she gets used to us. It will be fun to work with her!

There have been some changes in the way I will do things this summer; I will be having more of a job-training feel to the program. As part of that, I will be teaching them how to make and market their own craft products through Hope For Healing.Org. It will be a good experience for all of us involved, I think, to craft and see the products of our labors enjoyed by other people.

It is possible to watch their self-esteem rise when they make something and know they've done well; nothing quite captures it. This is why I love my work.

Finding Grace by Donna VanLiere on Voices of Hope at 8PM 5/25

2009-05-25T13:44:00.002-04:00

Make isearchigive your search engine. Help domestic violence victims for free.

Finding Grace, the poignant book by Donna Van Liere is a lighthouse to all victims of sexual violence. She points the way toward healing through her own life events.

Tonight, Donna Van Liere will be on Voices of Hope to talk about her book Finding Grace and her life that inspired it.

Voices of Hope internet radio show airs on Mondays at 8Pm. Listen live or call-in to 718.506.1545 or listen in online at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing

Busy Day at Local Nonprofit

2009-05-23T22:56:00.003-04:00

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It was a busy day for our local nonprofit. We had a total of 13 people (most of whom were Hope Youth) sorting, folding and "neatening" the ministry center. It was all hands on deck as we tidied both inside and out.

We really appreciate the efforts of everyone who pitched in to help. Giving up a Saturday to help other isn't easy. When it's a holiday Saturday that volunteers are giving up that makes their time even more special.

The big winners of all this work is going to be the clients we serve.

Thank you volunteers for helping us help others!

C-ya online,

Gayle

New Intern Spills All

2009-05-23T20:36:00.005-04:00

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Hey guys! Samantha here. Today was my second day here at Hopeforhealing.org and it was pretty great. I rummaged through clothes and I got to learn a little more about the place and what it is that I will be doing. I also worked with some of the teenage volunteers who seemed really excited to be there and to be helping. It was good getaway time for them to spend with friends and to help others. I am really excited to be working with them this summer. I also met Allie and she was great. I still feel a little spacey about everything and I can tell this is going to be a great experience for me. I will, however, be better at my job later once I get the hang on things and I am really grateful for this opportunity. For me to be able to learn about Domestic Violence and learn how to better help people who have been victims of this sort of thing is really big. I have always had issues with these subjects, just because I have seen so many people go through these situations. It is the the same with rape. Domestic violence and rape are some of the worst kinds of evil out there. The word evil may be too strong or it might not even be strong enough, depending on who you are. I just cannot wait to get more insight and to learn about what more I can do. This is a growing experience and for that I am grateful.

Hope for Healing.Org Ministry Center A Day in Our Life

2009-05-22T19:44:00.003-04:00

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Today was a busy day at the Hope for Healing.Org Mission Center. I can already tell that our new intern is going to be great. She dived into the pile of donated clothing like a pro. Look for her to be a guest blogger here and helping with online activities in addition to being at the Hope for Healing.Org Mission Center.

While she was working with the clothing a teen volunteer was busy too. He was helping with the weed eating and trash run. Facilitating the trash run was help from another adult volunteer.

Another teen volunteer came by with her mom to talk for a minute. A lady came by to bring newspapers for the dumpster and another lady stopped to ask what we take in in-kind donations.

Then, there was me running around trying to keep things flowing.

We need to raise funds! Can you help?

2009-05-21T19:02:00.000-04:00

We need to raise funds in an urgent way. Can you help?

Our landlord needs his rent. He is an elderly gentleman who relies on the rent we are able to pay. There are fundraisers coming up that will help. These include a yard sale, prayer journaling retreat and other activities.

Donations are accepted via Pay pal. The address to use is donations @ paypal.com

You can also support us without spending any money. Make isearchigive.com your search engine. It's Yahoo powered and free. Every time you search we will earn a few cents. When the $25 threshold has been reached our nonprofit will receive a check.

As of this writing over $65 dollars have been raised. The more people who search through this link the more we will earn.

You can also shop through iGive. If you are planning a vacation this summer use iGive as your portal to book your motel room, rental car or plane tickets. You can still get any normal discounts that you would usually receive on your travels. A tiny percentage will be donated to us and it won't cost you any more than it usually would.

Another Food Box Finds a Home

2009-05-21T18:59:00.000-04:00

Another food box found a home. The lady who stopped in expressed gratitude for the help.

To her, the pantry food box didn't just mean that her family would eat; it meant that someone cared. She was at the ministry center for awhile talking about her life. She seemed to need to talk as much as she needed the food. We were glad to be there for her.

To those who help stock our little food pantry we appreciate it. You help us make a difference for others.

New Intern Set to Change Lives

2009-05-20T06:49:00.000-04:00

We have a new intern who is set to change lives. Samantha came on Tuesday for her first visit to the Ministry Center. We showed her around and talked about what we do. She seems excited at the thoughts of working with the kids. I am excited to get her started and sent her out with homework.

Look for her posts here. She's going to be a guest blogger this summer and share her insights.

Allie will also be returning this summer. This will be her 3rd and final year. It is project that she will be going to Sudan after graduating from college in summer 2010. Her plans are to teach music to high school students in that country. She too will be a guest blogger.

Also joining us soon will be two other students. Both of these kids are joining us for a few weeks through stimulus money.

We are excited and deeply appreciative to have so many extra hands this summer.

Come visit us and see what we are doing!

I Will Not Be Broken Book by Jerry White

2009-05-19T18:31:00.002-04:00

I Will Not Be Broken: Five Steps to Overcoming a Life Crisis by Jerry White tells a powerful story about survival despite great odds. It is about struggle and triumph. The story is also a coming of age lesson and how-to manual for the rest of us

Author Jerry White was an average college student. He, and two friends were following their dream of backpacking through Europe when their lives were changed forever. They had been hiking in a field when Jerry stepped on a landmine. He lost his leg and nearly lost his life.

Later, Jerry White went on to become a leader of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and was co-recipient of the Nobel Prize for Peace.
The steps to wholeness that are outlined in I Will Not Be Broken: Five Steps to Overcoming a Life Crisis include.

Step 1: Face Facts
Step 2: Choose Life
Step 3: Reach Out
Step 4: Get Moving
Step 5: Give Back

For the book, survivors of landmines were intereviewed as were survivors of cancer and sexual assault. There is information and inspiration that all survivors can learn and grow from.

Click the links above for more information on I Will Not Be Broken: Five Steps to Overcoming a Life Crisis by Jerry White.

Speaking at Mt. Pisgah

2009-05-17T18:34:00.000-04:00

Mt.Pisgah United Methodist Church in Greeneville, Tennessee was one of the most welcoming churches that I have had the pleasure of visiting. I was invited to speak about domestic violence and our ministry during the main Sunday morning worship service.

Everyone was attentive and friendly. One member even gave me a bag of clothing to bring back to the center. This will be given out as needed.

I left the service with a deep impression of the depth of their faith, their commitment to the Lord and to each other.

Thank you, Mt. Pisgah, for inviting me to speak. May the God we serve continue to bless you and make your future bright.

Food Distribution Ministry Day Went Well

2009-05-16T18:41:00.000-04:00

Our Angel Food distribution and ministry day went well. Thank you to all who came to help. We truly could not do it without you!

A total of 13 people will be fed through boxes received through Angel Food. Not all food boxes were picked up at the ministry center. Some were picked up at another distribution site. We were successful in getting a box sponsored for a family in crisis. The other site was closer and saved the family on gas. We appreciate the kind generosity of the sponsor who donated.

There were 2 juvenile offenders on hand who served their community service hours. Our Hope Youth have been a rag-tag bunch until now.

Our decided to "officially" form a youth group. Even though they have been Hope Youth for awhile they want something more. In forming a youth group they hope to raise enough money to go on retreats and outings. These trips and experiences will help them learn about God and the world.

The kids are very excited as are we.

It was a beautiful day.

Hope for Healing.Org Director to Speak to Greeneville Church

2009-05-14T09:00:00.002-04:00

Hope for Healing.Org director Gayle Crabtree will speak to Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church in Greeneville for the 10:30 am worship service. She will have the Hope Quilt and items by Hope Youth.

All are welcome to attend.

Hope for Healing.Org Board to Set Fundraisers

2009-05-14T08:56:00.002-04:00

Hope for Healing.org Board is in the process of planning fundraisers. These will put the "fun" into fundraising. Volunteers for all events are always welcome. If you are interested (or know someone who is) let us know. We'll be glad to hear from you.

The fundraisers are:

1) Prayer Journaling Spiritual Retreat
2) Yard Sale
3) Summer events
4) Fall Pumpkin Patch with activities.

Also in the works are a gospel sing, auction and of course, Mardi Gras!

Come be a part of the fundraising action. Your involvement will change the lives of juvenile offenders, help domestic violence victims and assist the needy with household items and free clothing.

Contact us today to help.

Pick Your Angel Food Food Box Up Saturday, May 16

2009-05-13T08:54:00.000-04:00

Pick your Angel Food box up Saturday, May 16 from 9:30-10:30. We realize that Saturday is going to be a busy day for many people. There's no ability to store boxes that aren't picked up so please don't forget. If you need to make other arrangements please call 964.6673 immediately. Thanks! See you Saturday!

Hope for Healing.Org People Served in April 2009

2009-05-12T11:46:00.004-04:00

Hope for Healing.Org is now telling the world about the people we serve each month. There's a new sign in front of the mission center at 3130 W. Old Andrew Johnson Hwy., Strawberry Plains, TN 37871.

Look on the sign to see numbers of people who Hope for Healing.Org helped in April 2009. You may be surprised. Because of a lack of heat, we've only been able to be open on Saturdays. Other times are available by appointment.

Here's a photo of the sign and the typed breakdown of clients served at Hope for Healing.Org in April.

The breakdown is:
Domestic Violence .......9
Food Pantry.................12
Clothing and Household Items.......5
Angel Food ...................14
Restorative Justice (Juvenile Offenders) ...............................4
Youth Peer Mentoring...............................................................9
Crisis ............................................................................................4

The above list does not include our online totals. Hope for Healing.Org continues to be a top ranked website under "rape recovery" and "accepting Christ".

Please keep our ministry and funding issues in prayer. Without people helping us, we can't help others. Thank you for being a part of this ministry.

Carson Newman Counseling Center Joins us on Voices of Hope

2009-05-12T11:39:00.003-04:00

Jennifer Catlett from the counseling center of Carson-Newman College will be joining us today at 12Noon on Voices of Hope Lunch Buffet. The url is http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing

Chances are that your college has a counseling center too. Do you know what a counseling center is? What services are available?

Tune in today to find out what a counseling center does, who a counseling center serves and how they can help.

Here's a little about Jennifer Catlett...

Jennifer W. Catlett is the current Director of Counseling Services at Carson Newman College, a small liberal arts southern Baptist college located in Jefferson city Tennessee. She has been employed in the counseling center for the past 10 years. She completed her undergraduate degree at Carson Newman College and received a Bachelors of Arts in Human Services and then completed her graduate work at the University of Tennessee in Clinical Social Work. She has been a licensed clinical social worker for the past 12 years. She is also a RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) certified instructor, QPR (suicide prevention) certified instructor and Prime for Life (alcohol and drug prevention) certified instructor. Jennifer currently is a member of CHASCo which is a coalition for healthy and safe campuses organization in Tennessee.

Voices of Hope Lunch Buffet Airs Tuesdays at 12:00 noon.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing

Voices of Hope Reschedled for May 25

2009-05-11T15:39:00.001-04:00

We are sorry for the inconvenience. Due to a scheduling conflict author Donna Van Liere will not be able to make it tonight. The Voices of Hope segment will be rescheduled for May 25, 2009 at 8PM.

Strawberry Plains Spring Festival 2009 Photos

2009-05-11T09:29:00.003-04:00

Strawberry Plains had the Strawberry Plains Spring Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2009. The Strawberry Plains Community Alliance sponsors the annual event.

This year's event featured a parade, car show, crafts and food vendors. There were games for the kids, a small petting zoo and lots of other activities. The Strawberry Plains Spring Festival even had bagpipe music. The clear tones floated across the late morning landscape beckoning one and all to join the festival.

One of the most anticipated events at the Strawberry Plains Spring Festival is the car show and parade.

The car show was held on the parking lot of the Straw Plains Market and Deli. At 11:30 the parade line-up began.

Most of the activities took place on the field of Rush Strong School. The Strawberry Plains Community Alliance maintains close ties with the school.

The Strawberry Plains Spring Festival 2009 was enjoyed by many in the Strawberry Plains community. Thank you Strawberry Plains Community Alliance. See you next year!

Strawberry Plains Spring Festival Sat. 5/9/09

2009-05-08T05:07:00.002-04:00

Strawberry Plains Spring Festival by the Strawberry Plains Community Alliance is this Saturday, May 9 from 9:00 -4:00. This is a daylong family fun event that is much anticipated by the community.

At the Strawberry Plains Spring Festival you'll get to enjoy a parade, buy some crafts, peruse the many yard sales by the businesses and homes that line Old Andrew Johnson Hwy.

The downtown section of Strawberry Plains will be blocked off to make room for the festival. This is the part of Old Andrew Johnson Hwy. that runs from Hamilton St. through Hwy. 139. Traffic on 11-E, Andrew Johnson Hwy. is not affected.

To learn more about the Strawberry Plains Spring Festival visit the website of the Strawberry Plains Community Alliance. The url is http://www.strawberryplains.info.

Help Domestic Violence Victims Call Your Legislators

2009-05-06T16:13:00.002-04:00

We just got an action alert from the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence. The alert urges us to conntact our legislators now in support of the Tennessee Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification System. (SAVIN)

This important system makes sure that victims get notification of the custody status of offenders. Right now not all counties are online. Some, like Knox County, are scheduled to go online but are not there yet.

I remember a spring day a few years ago. A teenage victim of domestic violence had found the courage to see her abuser put behind bars. This was something her mother would never do. We were chatting about the day when her cell phone rang. She answered the phone without looking at the caller ID. Then, she gasped. It was him.

Her abuser was out of jail earlier than she had expected. He was mad and looking for her. He wanted to talk with her so she could explain to the judge that it was all her misunderstanding. Her face was still swollen from the beating. She felt the need to get off the road and into safety.

A notification system might have given her warning and provided more time to act.

Information on how to contact your legislator is at the bottom of the page.

Bill SummariesSB 1684 Ketron / HB 1430 Sontany - Creates the TN Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification System (SAVIN) providing access to timely and reliable information about the custody status of offenders in county jails twenty-four hours a day over the telephone, through the internet, or by e-mail. Victims of crime and other concerned citizens can register to be notified immediately in the event of an offender's release, transfer, or escape. Currently, 56 Tennessee counties participate in SAVIN and another 19 counties will come on line by the end of the year bringing the total number of counties on the statewide system to 75.

Implementation of this project was made possible by federal grants and the state must pick up the cost to continuing operating the system when the grant funds end. The bill imposes a privilege tax on litigation of $1 on all criminal cases to support this on-going expense. The bill also authorizes the Department of Finance and Administration to make an annual grant to the Tennessee Sheriff's Association to manage and administer the program. To learn more about SAVIN visit www.appriss.com/tnvine/ . This site includes a map where you can see which counties are currently on-line and those that are scheduled to come on to the system.

How to Contact Your Legislators

To get the contact information for your legislators go to http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/. When calling your members, be sure to tell them that you are from their district. If you email, put the ZIPCODE in the subject line to make sure your email gets read. Please forward this alert to your board, staff, friends and other local nonprofits

Bill Status: Scheduled to be heard in Senate Finance Ways and Means Committee and House Judiciary Committee on May 6. Call or email your State Senators and Representatives now, especially if they are members of either of these committees.