A Queen's Banquet in Morristown

Wow! THAT was fun!

I just came from A Queen's Banquet put on by Stepping Out Ministries where I served as a counselor. After an amazing worship service, the women attending were treated to haircuts, manicures, facials, make-up, clothing, goodie bags and lunch - all for free! All targeted to low income women!

Additionally, service agencies set up displays and passed out information.

We're talking 500 women! Not 5, 10 or even 50!

It was a humbling experience. Over 100 women accepted Christ or rededicated. I talked with a few of them. One was a homeless mom with 2 kids. She needed the lift she got from this event. My heart goes out to her! It was great to be able to direct her to shelter on top of everything else!

Three of the other ladies were Katrina evacuees. Another lady was someone locally that I knew. She and I talked for awhile. And the list goes on. I hope I was able to help some. It was just an amazing event. I am grateful and humbled to have been able to participate.

If this comes to a town near you drop everything and GO! No matter if you are a volunteer or an attendee you will be blessed.

Client Quits High School Because of Bullying

Today, the mother of a client visited the clothing closet. Her daughter is quitting school tomorrow because of bullying at school. The mom was optimistic and upbeat. My heart sank for her.

The daughter has plans to get her GED ASAP. I'm glad for that but I'm sorry that the bullying at the high school has led to this. The two places that kids should be safe are home and school. More and more often we are finding out that those are sometimes the most unhealthy environments.

We'll encourage her and her mom, and we'll be praying that she goes to the community college for more education. Nothing else is in our hands.

Some days, it feels like we're on the losing team. But, until we hear the referree's whistle call the game, we'll be here.

Gayle

Finally! Angel Food Ministries Distributed

Thank you all.

Our second Angel Food Ministries food distribution has concluded. A total of 87 units were distributed today. Only one person did not pick up their food. We have had no contact during any of the times we left messages. As you know the food cannot be stored. The food order was given to a needy family of 5 who were relieved to receive it.

Thank you all for your patience today. We appreciate your understanding. May God bless you for it!

Finally! Angel Food Ministries Distribution 2:30pm.

Yea! It made it!

We'll be distribting as soon as our truck is unloaded and the food is double checked for accuracy - probably 2:30 pm.

Unfortunately, the college kids had to be back on campus at noon. We'll do the best we can to help you carry the food to your car though.

I know some of you are asking if Angel Food Ministries can make an adjustment if you choose to order next month. Frankly, we have no idea. I called to ask a little bit ago but the end result was not promising. As soon as we find out a definite we will let you know.

Thank you again for your patience!

Delayed Angel Food Ministries truck is almost here!

It's almost here! The truck is almost docked at the other host site. There is some trouble with getting it parked. One of our volunteers is currently assisting in that process. As soon as the truck is docked, unloaded and our truck is loaded the food will be here. Thanks for being patient!

Angel Food Ministries Truck Delayed Some More!

Sorry for the inconvenience folks. The truck will not make it here by noon. Another host site is saying it won't make it there by noon. We've not heard anything else from Angel Food officially. We're trying to cut through the confusion but it sounds like we should aim for at least 1:00pm. on the distribution.

We'll keep posting and phoning as details are available.

Angel Food Ministries Truck Delayed!!!

We just got word from Angel Food. It's 10:30 am. The truck is now "officially" late. The original dock time was 8:30 am.

Word is that the truck has broken down between Atlanta and Knoxville. Angel Food isn't sure where it is and they are looking for it. When they have more details they say they will phone back.

We're calling everyone we can reach to let you know. They are now estimating the truck should be here by noon.

All set for Angel Food Distribution

We're all set and ready to go! Besides the dance team you see in the photo we have 6 other volunteers, Carol and myself. The fellowship hall is set up, lunch is ordered and everything is in ready. See you shortly!

Angel Food Ministries Food Distribution Tomorrow

Hi All,

For those who've ordered, don't forget to come and get your food box tomorrow. The distribution is set for 10:00am - 11:00 am. You'll need a large box or laundry basket to pick up your food.

Help to carry is being provided by the Carson Newman Dance Team and several other volunteers.

See you tomorrow!

Knoxville News Sentinel Media Workshop

Wow is my head spinning!

I just attended the media workshop sponsored by the Knoxville News Sentinel. It was held at the office of the United Way. We don't receive funding from the United Way because for the past several years they've not been accepting applications. It's nice that they hold these workshops for everyone. I learned a lot that we will be putting to good use - especially with our 3rd annual Mardi Gras Night coming up!

Right now, it's time to get settled in.

Thanks to Pat, a terrific volunteer, for working the clothing closet today! And to Carol for attending the Interagency and TENNder meetings for me in Jefferson City this morning.

C-ya online,
Gayle

Experience Works, Carson Newman Volunteer Display

If you phone today don't be suprised if you get the voice mail. We've just left a meeting with Experience Works in Morristown and have only a little while in the office. Phone calls will be returned tomorrow.

In a little while we have to be at another Restorative Justice meeting in Knoxville.

While this is going on we're grateful to have a volunteer helping us out. She is at our display table at the Carson Newman College Volunteer recruitment day. I hope she has fun! If you are a CNC College student be sure to look for our booth!

A client has just come in.

More about Restorative Justice in a minute...

Restoring Justice

We'll be leaving for a Restorative Justice meeting in Knoxville in a few minutes. Some of you may not know that Hope for Healing.Org serves as a worksite for kids who need to perform court-ordered community service hours. This gives us a chance to make a difference in the lives of kids whom we'd never get the chance to meet otherwise. It also gives them the chance to give back to the community something that they've taken away.

When it works, it works well.

The startling issue for us the stunning realization that every kid we've worked with has shared stories with us of being impacted by domestic violence. If not at home, then with a boyfriend.

We hope to model better behavior than what they are used to and teach the kids that they are valued. The results can be dramatic.

The probation officer of at least one teen has noticed a change in her charge since she's been coming to us. So far, all of the kids except one have gone on to become volunteers in our program after the court ordered community service was completed.

For now, I'm off to the meeting to learn how other sites are reaching the kids they are sent.

We'll see ya online,

Gayle

Clothing Closet Anonymous Donor

Boy did we get a suprise when we opened the closet this morning. An anonymous donor left 3 bags of clean clothing! The lady we let in had a great time looking through the bags. She even helped us get some clothing sorted, folded and hung up. If you have time on your hands don't think twice about coming to help. We always can use volunteers. Even an hour can make a big difference - as our client found out today. :)

Thanks!

Restorative Justice

Today's meeting (didn't I tell you it was "Meeting Month"?) was with Restorative Justice in Knoxville. After the meeting, we toured the facility that houses the furniture ministry. We only have space for clothing. It's good to actually be able to see what people are possibly getting when we refer them. This helps us answer questions and reassure those we serve.

Whew, it's getting busy around here. I have to go to a meeting at church tonight. Hope I'm not late!

C-ya online,

Gayle

Angel Food Orders and Minister's Meeting

Hi All,

We got the Angel Food orders turned in. Everything is set. We'll see you on the 21st. Don't forget yor box!

And,
We successfully got information about our program into the hands of ministers throughout the district at today's minister's meeting.

In the next post, we're posting the accomplishments of this year. This was made available at the Church Conference meeting on Monday night. We thought you'd like to see it too.

Hope for Healing.Org Accomplishments

Hi,

Here's a monthly breakdown of some of our accomplishments. Because we wanted to keep it to two typed pages some accomplishments had to be left out. We apologize in advance for this. If you know of something you would like to see added to the online version please let me know.

Thanks,

Gayle

PS Please remember. The following stats reflect only the fiscal year. We have seen an increase in the requests for our services. For example 58 people were served in August through our clothing closet alone. It is only open 8 hours a month. Current numbers will be reflected in our quarterly newsletter. Thanks!
_________________________________________________________________

Hope for Healing.Org Accomplishments
A Year in Review
Fiscal Year July 1, 2005—June 30, 2006

Some highlights:

July
· Panel I of the Hope Quilt was finished. Binding was done by 3 volunteers.
· Followed up on information requests generated at the Holston Annual Conference.
· Continued meeting with Karla Kurtz to learn grant writing and fundraising skills.

August
· Assisted a severely diabetic grandmother with children's clothing, food and other items after her daughter abandoned her 2 small children into her care.
· Met with staff from the Interagency in Jefferson County to explain about our program. Began attending regular Interagency meetings and attended Compassion Coalition meeting.
· Watched in horror as Hurricane Katrina roared into the Gulf Coast area. Began hearing from regular online members survivors in the effected areas.

September
Assisted 31 people locally including:
· Gave a computer monitor to a victim of sexual assault who was housebound because of rape related post-traumatic stress disorder.
· Assisted 16 non-Katrina clients through our first clothing distribution.
· Participated in Red Cross disaster shelter training with 3 of our volunteers.
· Helped a pregnant woman and her unborn child after fleeing Hurricane Katrina.
· Helped a father get a lead on a job and gave him clothing.
· Were rewarded with a big smile from of a 2 year old boy when we gave him a
· toy. He now has a total of 3.
· Sent 3 newborn hats, 13 baby outfits, 9 pairs of shoes, 35 pairs of matched socks to area shelter because they were out of baby items.
· Partnered with CEASE to provide a free self-defense class. Three people, including one survivor of child sexual abuse, attended.
· Partnered with the Southern Baptist Association to deliver a complete pallet of clothing, toys, water and other necessities to the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
· Partnered with UMCOR and the Jubilee Project to deliver a 30 ft. truck of badly needed supplies to the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
· Distributed 400 Purple Ribbon Cards to a churches in 2 states in preparation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

October
· Held worldwide Prayer Service which began in Australia and ended in Washington state. Worldwide, 25 locations participated including services in 5 different countries.
· Met with Experience Works in preparation to receive a part-time worker through their agency. · Began collecting stuffed bears for Where's Bear? campaign.

November
· November 4—Craft show at Heritage Crafts Mall
· Helped 2 victims of domestic violence.
· Assisted 1 victim of domestic violence with food box and utility help.

December
· Held milk and cookies with Santa event—gave vouchers to 2 children to see Santa for free. (One child was homeless and the other was a child victim of domestic violence).
· Assisted CEASE in providing Christmas for 10 moms staying in the domestic violence shelter through the generosity of a donor.
· Distributed 2 Bibles to victims of a home burnout and gave household supplies.
· Began a series of meetings which led to the formation of the Strawberry Plains Community Alliance.
· Sent 1 mom to shelter with her child - with a Where's Bear?.

January
· Helped a mother with gas so she could take daughter (and a Where's Bear?) to court to prosecute sexual assault charges. They won the case. The preteen perpetrator will serve time.

February
· Welcomed our new part-time employee through Experience Works.
· Partnered with the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce to hold a Ribbon Cutting to officially open the clothing closet. This was the first ribbon cutting in Strawberry Plains in the memory of the staff.
· Gave a donated dryer to a grateful mom with three kids who could not afford one.

March
Assisted 18 clients including:
· Distributed 4 Bibles—one to someone contemplating suicide.
· 3 moms to shelter with children (and Where's Bears?).
· Welcomed our first Restorative Justice teenage worker.
· Mardi Gras Night—our tiny little fundraising party.
· The founder, Gayle Crabtree, began attending Local Pastor's Licensing School with the United Methodist Church.

April
· Served 16 clients
· 2 victims of domestic violence
· 1 disabled mom
· Applied to become an Angel Food Ministries Host Site.

May
· Served 5 clients including
· 2 with disabilities
· Held the first meeting to begin a Strawberry Plains Ministerial Association.

June
· Displayed at Holston Annual Conference
· Held a craft show at the Union Hall in Strawberry Plains, TN.
· Received blankets from Linus Project
· Began serving as a Restorative Justice Worksite for teens from Knox County.

Hope for Healing.Org... A Year In Review

Wow! We have been busy. The following is an excerpt from the report for the Church Conference tonight. We'll be posting a monthly breakdown of highlighted accomplishments tomorrow. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed putting it all together.

Let me know what you think!

See ya online,
Gayle
______________________________________________________________

If you Google "rape recovery" you'll find Hope for Healing.org in the coveted Number 1 position. This is only possible by a great group of online and offline volunteers who give of themselves so freely. Our groups and webrings are also Number 1 in their categories. Total hits are in the millions annually.

Locally, Hope for Healing.Org has made great strides. Awareness raisers such as Mardi Gras Night, the spring craft show, Milk and Cookies with Santa and other events have done much to raise public awareness of our work.

Some of our crowning achievements of the past year have included
· Opening of the community clothing closet.
· February 2006, brought our first regularly scheduled part-time employee.
· In the spring, a joint, three way partnership between Hope for Healing.Org, Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church and Family and Children's Services brought parenting classes to Strawberry Plains for the first time.

Locally, the people in Strawberry Plains face many challenges.

The latest census data reveals:
· 54% of the students at Rush Strong School, only 2 blocks from our office, are on free or reduced lunch.
· 25% of the households in the area around our office have at least one disabled family member.
· Per capita income is among the lowest found in Jefferson County or bordering Knox County.

Increased awareness leads to increased demand for services.

We are seeing an increased number of people who do not have a GED, are on disability and who are suffering from general poverty.

From January 1—September 1
124 people were served through the clothing closet
58 of those served came in August.
In August 2006 we held our first Angel Food Distribution.
7 units were ordered.
In September 84 units were ordered.

To meet the need we continue to reach out to the community we serve.

Our board of directors is strengthening ties with area churches. We have been assisted by First Baptist of Strawberry Plains and members of Strawberry Plains Presbyterian. At our September Angel Food Distribution we will welcome a group of volunteers from Carson Newman College. We hope to attract more volunteers from Carson Newman by displaying at their community mission fair later in September. High school and middle school guidance counselors are also referring students to us and we look forward to receiving more volunteers.

Financially, Hope for Healing.Org is searching for grant money while continuing to sell on eBay and at the Heritage Crafts Mall. We continue to collect ink jet cartridges and register Food Lion Shopper Cards. Space is being sought locally for a thrift store.

Retail space is both in short supply and expensive, but we have found a possibility and are working hard to make it a reality.

Volunteers continue to be at the core of everything we achieve. We are grateful for the dedicated team of people who give of themselves to make Hope for Healing.Org what it is today. We never failed to be humbled and inspired by those who freely meet the needs of the clients we serve.

On behalf of our clients we thank you for all of the support you give be it time, prayers or financial.

We couldn't do it without you!

Respectfully submitted by Gayle Crabtree, Founder and Executive Director of Hope for Healing.Org

Getting ready for the Church Conference

We're getting ready for the church conference on Monday night. It's time to pull together all of our facts and stats. My! We've been busier than I thought (and I thought we were pretty busy). As soon as we get it all together I'll get it posted.

eBay Fundraising

We'll be posting quite a bit on eBay over the next several days to few weeks. It's time to clear out my office and everything in it we don't use.

The laserdiscs will especially be listed. We're hoping to earn enough (after expenses) to buy a TV for the free clothing closet. Kids can watch while the moms and dads "shop" for what they need.

Keep checking for all kinds of great deals!

TCADSV Meeting

Someone forgot to memo me. September must have been designated as "Meeting Month". Today, Carol and I attended a meeting by the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (TCADSV for short). Lots of good information!

Following the meeting, we were priviledged to take a tour of the new Family Justice Center in Knoxville. I cannot tell you how impressed we were with the facility and the staff. It's a reassurance to be able to send people to a place where they can receive multiple services under one roof, compassionately.

This makes everyone's job much easier!

Off to School I go!

Hi All, I met with a guidance counselor from the school this morning. Hopefully, he has new insights on what we offer the community here at Hope for Healing.Org. He was interested in the clothing closet because of the possibility of helping people who have been burned out. It was good to let him know that we can help in lots of other ways too!

Booth Space at Heritage Crafts Mall Benefits Hope for Healing.Org.

Crafts Mall Booth Benefits Hope for Healing.Org

At a time of shrinking funds and budget cuts, one nonprofit has found a unique way to help make ends meet.

Many organizations operate thrift shops to help provide job skills and operating funds through the sale of donated items. The staff of Hope for Healing.Org wanted to open a store but found affordable retail space to be in short supply in Strawberry Plains.

That's when they turned to the Heritage Crafts Mall with an idea. After conversations with the business owners a deal was stuck that allowed the nonprofit booth space.

Volunteers and staff of Hope for Healing.Org manage the inventory for booth number 213. The staff at the mall handles the sales and recordkeeping as they do for the other vendors. Checks are issued monthly which are then used by the nonprofit to help meet expenses.

What kinds of tantalizing items can you find?

Currently the booth offers a small but wide variety of items. You will find older cookbooks, vintage glassware and other collectibles as well as household items. There are also small appliances, birdhouses and jewelry pieces made by volunteers. The space is small but may grow as demand increases.

The mall itself offers something for everyone. It is an eclectic mix of artesian crafts, art glass and collectibles. Storage buildings and carved bears are prominently displayed outside of the building. Kids of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to mine for gems.

Hope for Healing.Org operates the free community clothing closet, serves as a Restorative Justice worksite for kids serving court ordered community service hours, is an Angel Food host site and makes referrals for victims of sexual or domestic violence and those in need. The office is inside Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church at 3173 Old Andrew Johnson Hwy. The organization is quick to point out that they are not a denominational ministry and are not yet financially supported by the United Methodist Church denomination.

All members of the Strawberry Plains community are welcome to utilize the services offered by Hope for Healing.Org. This includes residents of the counties Knox and Jefferson. The office is open on Tuesday and Thursdays and other times by appointment. The number is 933.8769.

The Heritage Crafts Mall is conveniently located at 8106 Asheville Highway in Knoxville. Store hours are from 10:00am - 5:00 pm. The phone number is 932-6688.