Angel Food went great! Sixty Six boxes were distributed. We had 6 Junior Vols helping today! Four kids performed community service and six adults gave time. This is a record Angel Food crowd for us. The distribution went smoothly. All of the kids did a good job. Way to go team!
I have to share about something that happened at the thrift store today. It's one of those moments that makes us remember why we're here.
A lady (we'll call her Jane) her son and his school age daughter came in to shop. They've not had the best of luck lately. The son had to move back in with his mom after losing his job. He's had a hard time finding something but is actively looking. Jane is a domestic violence survivor who walked away after living with it for 25 years. A short while ago she had surgery and is still recovering. Jane is no stranger to hard times. But none of that matters today because it's special. She was shopping because her other son was getting married - in less than 5 hours!
She didn't have a dress to wear and they had less than ten dollars to buy one with.
A volunteer and I went to work. In less time than it takes to type this we found two possible dresses. One was a soft, ivory creme with a sash that tied in the back. The other was beige with glitzy sequins and a matching jacket. Both were georgous! Our volunteer found shoes in her size that would go with either dress. Faster than your head can spin we whisked her off to the bathroom so she could try them on. It's hard to tell who was more excited her son, the granddaughter, Jane or us.
When Jane emerged from the bathroom to ask our opinion we couldn't believe our eyes. The volunteer and I drew in a deep breath as our mouths dropped open. She stood here hesitantly for a minute. Then, her son that had come with her let out a whoop of delight. The soft ivory dress looked great on her but that wasn't what we all noticed first. What we saw was a woman transformed! Her smile lit up our store. She was as radiant as though she was the bride herself.
Wow!
Over her protests, we gave her the dress and shoes.
She was very grateful and promised to bring pictures to show us later. I tried not to get teary and almost make it. Almost.
Under her arm was something else. We sent a new Bible as a gift to the young couple. She said her son had been raised in a Christian household and would welcome the gift. We gladly gave it to her.
We can't wait to see the photos. Mostly, we can't wait to hear what a great time she had at the wedding. We are sure she had the time of her life. Jane came in looking for hope. She found it. When she left, Jane was walking on air.
Thank you for making that happen.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Angel Food Tomrrow!
Don't forget to come pick up your food boxes tomorrow. Distribution is from 10:30 - 11:30am at Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church and not at the new office location. The boxes will be pre-filled. Plenty of help will be on hand to carry them to your car. Volunteers are always welcome too. If you have time you are welcome to join us. We'll have extra hot dogs available for lunch!
The Thrift Shop will be open during regular hours.
See you in the morning!
PS Don't forget. Lifetime will be airing A Life Interrupted: The Debbie Smith Story at 9:00pm EDT tomorrow night. It's a great movie! (Watch it and you'll see what I mean.) More information was previously blogged here &/or you can check out the Lifetime website.
The Thrift Shop will be open during regular hours.
See you in the morning!
PS Don't forget. Lifetime will be airing A Life Interrupted: The Debbie Smith Story at 9:00pm EDT tomorrow night. It's a great movie! (Watch it and you'll see what I mean.) More information was previously blogged here &/or you can check out the Lifetime website.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Rape Recovery Forum Chat Last Night
We had a great chat last night! I want to thank everyone who came. A special thank you goes to Sandy. She's our terrific Rape Recovery Forum moderator who makes everything tick in the forum.
The consensus was that the movie was terrific but triggering. We all found Debbie to be an amazing inspiration. The movie A Life Interrupted is on Lifetime TV. Watch your local listings for other possible air times. You'll be inspired and awed.
The consensus was that the movie was terrific but triggering. We all found Debbie to be an amazing inspiration. The movie A Life Interrupted is on Lifetime TV. Watch your local listings for other possible air times. You'll be inspired and awed.
Monday, April 23, 2007
"A Life Interrupted" Rape Recovery Chat Tonight
Hi All,
After the Lifetime movie "A Life Interrupted" we'll be having a special chat tonight. The movie airs at 9:00 pm EDT on Lifetime. It's about Debbie Smith. She's the rape survivor who was behind the Debbie Smith Act. This piece of legislation created the funding to get the backlog of unprocessed rape kits done.
I had the honor of meeting her in person at the DC screening of the movie. She's just terrific. Lea Thompson did a great job portraying her in the film.
You will need to know that the film is triggering. The rape scene is graphic and there are flashbacks of it. It is not there for shock value but so non survivors can better understand what we go through.
The one hour chat will take place in the Delphi Rape Recovery Forum after the movie. The url is: http://forums.delphiforums.com/rapehealing/ You'll need a free Delphi membership. It only takes a minute to register.
If you see the film I hope you'll consider joining us. Of course, if you don't watch "A Life Interrupted" but want to stop in to say hello, that's fine too. We'll be glad to see you.
See you then!
After the Lifetime movie "A Life Interrupted" we'll be having a special chat tonight. The movie airs at 9:00 pm EDT on Lifetime. It's about Debbie Smith. She's the rape survivor who was behind the Debbie Smith Act. This piece of legislation created the funding to get the backlog of unprocessed rape kits done.
I had the honor of meeting her in person at the DC screening of the movie. She's just terrific. Lea Thompson did a great job portraying her in the film.
You will need to know that the film is triggering. The rape scene is graphic and there are flashbacks of it. It is not there for shock value but so non survivors can better understand what we go through.
The one hour chat will take place in the Delphi Rape Recovery Forum after the movie. The url is: http://forums.delphiforums.com/rapehealing/ You'll need a free Delphi membership. It only takes a minute to register.
If you see the film I hope you'll consider joining us. Of course, if you don't watch "A Life Interrupted" but want to stop in to say hello, that's fine too. We'll be glad to see you.
See you then!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
A Life Interrupted: Lifetime TV Debbie Smith Act Story
As part of the itinerary for Legislative Action Days in DC (arranged by the NCADV, NAESV and NCVC) , I had the chance to preview the movie A Life Interrupted. Attending the preview with her family was Debbie Smith herself. Also in attendance were actress Lea Thompson, Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Anne Carlucci Producer, Lifetime reps and advocates from across the country - among others.
At the conference and during the movie we were told that a rapist will act 7-8 times before being caught. The Debbie Smith Act, which was championed by Representative Carolyn Maloney from NY, provides funding to eliminate the backlog of rape kits in each state. When testing is accomplished the DNA is extracted and put into a national database where it is compared with the DNA of convicted felons from around the country. When a match comes up it means another victim may get resolution.
The story of Debbie Smith is one of courage and hope. It's how a middle class mom who doesn't have a high school education but does have a heart and faith to make things better for other survivors around the country. Her determination is a beacon of light in a darkened world. This is not so much a story about a life interrupted as it is about a life transformed.
She goes from shy wallflower to outspoken advocate. Debbie becomes a reluctant advocate when the local police call her to help a victim at the hospital. Still hurting from her own assault is able to summon her courage to reach out to the victim. Then, she stands up to the police officer who requested her help. Her demands of the officer include clothes for the victim. A "size 6" - so she won't have to wear hospital scrubs home. When the officer asks where he's going to get them Debbie sends him to the store.
Everyone in the audience applauded loudly to cheer her on. At home, you will too!
Her family is as impressive as she is.
All too often the family of a rape survivor is left out of the equation. In this movie, you'll want to cry with her husband and children as they too struggle to make sense out of the senseless of sexual assault. You'll want to cheer them on as they try to help mom and be angered when callous students leave threatening notes in the daughter's locker.
At the end, you'll be awed and inspired at the love and support shown for each other.
Survivors will want to be aware that the movie is triggering. The rape scene is graphic and disturbing as are the flashbacks. Another scene takes place at the hospital when the rape exam is done. It's emotional. If you are a survivor and choose to watch this movie you will want to do so with support and be in a safe emotional place. The scenes are not put in for shock value. The producers felt this was necessary so John Q. Public can more fully understand what survivors go through. In this, as with the rest of the movie, they did an excellent job.
A Life Interrupted will be broadcast on Lifetime TV, Monday night April 23, 2007 @ 9:00PM EDT. It is directed by Anne Carlucci Productions, Incendia Entertainment and broadcast on Lifetime TV. More information can be found online at:
http://www.li fetimetv.com/movies/originals/alifeinterrupted.php
At the conference and during the movie we were told that a rapist will act 7-8 times before being caught. The Debbie Smith Act, which was championed by Representative Carolyn Maloney from NY, provides funding to eliminate the backlog of rape kits in each state. When testing is accomplished the DNA is extracted and put into a national database where it is compared with the DNA of convicted felons from around the country. When a match comes up it means another victim may get resolution.
The story of Debbie Smith is one of courage and hope. It's how a middle class mom who doesn't have a high school education but does have a heart and faith to make things better for other survivors around the country. Her determination is a beacon of light in a darkened world. This is not so much a story about a life interrupted as it is about a life transformed.
She goes from shy wallflower to outspoken advocate. Debbie becomes a reluctant advocate when the local police call her to help a victim at the hospital. Still hurting from her own assault is able to summon her courage to reach out to the victim. Then, she stands up to the police officer who requested her help. Her demands of the officer include clothes for the victim. A "size 6" - so she won't have to wear hospital scrubs home. When the officer asks where he's going to get them Debbie sends him to the store.
Everyone in the audience applauded loudly to cheer her on. At home, you will too!
Her family is as impressive as she is.
All too often the family of a rape survivor is left out of the equation. In this movie, you'll want to cry with her husband and children as they too struggle to make sense out of the senseless of sexual assault. You'll want to cheer them on as they try to help mom and be angered when callous students leave threatening notes in the daughter's locker.
At the end, you'll be awed and inspired at the love and support shown for each other.
Survivors will want to be aware that the movie is triggering. The rape scene is graphic and disturbing as are the flashbacks. Another scene takes place at the hospital when the rape exam is done. It's emotional. If you are a survivor and choose to watch this movie you will want to do so with support and be in a safe emotional place. The scenes are not put in for shock value. The producers felt this was necessary so John Q. Public can more fully understand what survivors go through. In this, as with the rest of the movie, they did an excellent job.
A Life Interrupted will be broadcast on Lifetime TV, Monday night April 23, 2007 @ 9:00PM EDT. It is directed by Anne Carlucci Productions, Incendia Entertainment and broadcast on Lifetime TV. More information can be found online at:
http://www.li fetimetv.com/movies/originals/alifeinterrupted.php
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Getting ready for DC - Improving our future now.
Tomorrow is the day we leave. So much to do! I'm looking forward to sharing about the trip here. Posts may be sporadic but I'll update as I'm able. I hope to keep a running journal in Word even if I can't get online.
To be able to go to DC and tell the legislators why funds are needed for domestic violence/sexual assault programs is humbling. It's also maddening!
Every home should be safe. Period. There should be funding for a safety net to provide services for people in homes that aren't safe. Organizations shouldn't have to fight for what we need to protect victims and children from the ravages of abuse. But fight we must. So we don our armor and go.
What is our armor?
It is the story of every person we help progress from victim to survivor. It's the strength of battered victims who have the courage to break away from abuse. It's the unheard cry of 1 in every 3 women who is oppressed by the chains of domestic violence and it's only by making things better now that we make things better in the future.
See ya online,
Gayle
To be able to go to DC and tell the legislators why funds are needed for domestic violence/sexual assault programs is humbling. It's also maddening!
Every home should be safe. Period. There should be funding for a safety net to provide services for people in homes that aren't safe. Organizations shouldn't have to fight for what we need to protect victims and children from the ravages of abuse. But fight we must. So we don our armor and go.
What is our armor?
It is the story of every person we help progress from victim to survivor. It's the strength of battered victims who have the courage to break away from abuse. It's the unheard cry of 1 in every 3 women who is oppressed by the chains of domestic violence and it's only by making things better now that we make things better in the future.
See ya online,
Gayle
Saturday, April 14, 2007
New Thrift Store opens today!
The moment we've been waiting for has arrived. Our new thrift store opens today. Several volunteers will be on hand to help. Come on in and grab up some bargains!
Our prices are:
Jeans $4
Shirts/Blouses $3
Tops $1.00
Men's Suits $10.00
We're still getting ready to head to DC. Between this and the store opening I'm not sure if we're going or coming! Martha, Gwen and our terrific volunteers will be holding the fort down here while I'm away. Come see them. They'll be glad to talk with you.
Did I mention lately that we love our volunteers?
Our prices are:
Jeans $4
Shirts/Blouses $3
Tops $1.00
Men's Suits $10.00
We're still getting ready to head to DC. Between this and the store opening I'm not sure if we're going or coming! Martha, Gwen and our terrific volunteers will be holding the fort down here while I'm away. Come see them. They'll be glad to talk with you.
Did I mention lately that we love our volunteers?
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Hope For Healing.Org Goes to DC!
Press Release:
For Immediate Release:
April 10, 2007
Hope for Healing.Org and The Hope Quilt go to DC!
Gayle Crabtree, executive director of Hope for Healing.Org and fundraising consultant Karla Kurtz are heading for Washington, DC.
Hope for Healing.Org has been invited to participate in the Legislative Action Days April 17 - 18, 2007. The event is organized jointly by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence.
The Hope Quilt, a project of Hope for Healing.Org will be on display in the NCADV & NAESV Hospitality Suite on Capitol Hill during the same time period. Each square in the quilt has been created by or in honor of victims of sexual or domestic violence. There is no cost to include a square in the quilt.
Highlights from the agenda include:
In 2002, Gayle Crabtree was named a national Daily Point of Light for her work with victims. She was recognized by current US President George W. Bush, former US President George Bush and state and local officials.
A 501c3 nonprofit organization, Hope for Healing.Org is ranked number 1 on Yahoo under "rape recovery". It is also the only social service agency to serve all of Strawberry Plains, TN.
Local services include helping victims of sexual and domestic violence, distributing food boxes and clothing to those in need and working with juvenile offenders. A thrift shop is planned to open in mid-April.
Fundraising Consultant Karla Kurtz is widely respected throughout East Tennessee for her work with nonprofits. Besides Hope for Healing.Org she has worked with The United Way of Greater Chattanooga, the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church and other agencies.
Both Gayle Crabtree and Karla Kurtz sit on the newly formed Holston Conference Domestic Violence Task Force. Part of the United Methodist Church, the Holston Conference covers East Tennessee, North Georgia, North Alabama and the western part of Virginia.
Like most nonprofits, the Hope for Healing.Org relies on donations from grants and individuals. Volunteers are needed in many areas. To help with the work they do email gayle@hopeforhealing.org.
For Immediate Release:
April 10, 2007
Hope for Healing.Org and The Hope Quilt go to DC!
Gayle Crabtree, executive director of Hope for Healing.Org and fundraising consultant Karla Kurtz are heading for Washington, DC.
Hope for Healing.Org has been invited to participate in the Legislative Action Days April 17 - 18, 2007. The event is organized jointly by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence.
The Hope Quilt, a project of Hope for Healing.Org will be on display in the NCADV & NAESV Hospitality Suite on Capitol Hill during the same time period. Each square in the quilt has been created by or in honor of victims of sexual or domestic violence. There is no cost to include a square in the quilt.
Highlights from the agenda include:
- “Too Much, Too Long? Domestic & Sexual Violence in the Workplace” Senate Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace hearing.
- Legislative Action Workshop
- Lifetime reception followed by program and screening
- Breakfast with members of congress.
- Meetings with members of congress.
In 2002, Gayle Crabtree was named a national Daily Point of Light for her work with victims. She was recognized by current US President George W. Bush, former US President George Bush and state and local officials.
A 501c3 nonprofit organization, Hope for Healing.Org is ranked number 1 on Yahoo under "rape recovery". It is also the only social service agency to serve all of Strawberry Plains, TN.
Local services include helping victims of sexual and domestic violence, distributing food boxes and clothing to those in need and working with juvenile offenders. A thrift shop is planned to open in mid-April.
Fundraising Consultant Karla Kurtz is widely respected throughout East Tennessee for her work with nonprofits. Besides Hope for Healing.Org she has worked with The United Way of Greater Chattanooga, the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church and other agencies.
Both Gayle Crabtree and Karla Kurtz sit on the newly formed Holston Conference Domestic Violence Task Force. Part of the United Methodist Church, the Holston Conference covers East Tennessee, North Georgia, North Alabama and the western part of Virginia.
Like most nonprofits, the Hope for Healing.Org relies on donations from grants and individuals. Volunteers are needed in many areas. To help with the work they do email gayle@hopeforhealing.org.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Sam's Clubs Gives $1000 to Hope for Healing.Org
Sam's Wholesale Club representative Sherry Arnold presents Gayle Crabtree, Executive Director of Hope for Healing.Org with a $1000 matching grant.
To support the community Sam's Wholesale Club offers a matching grant program. The most any organization can receive is $1000 in a calendar year. To get the full amount, the organization has to be able to show that they have raised $1000 during a qualifying fundraiser.
For the third straight year Hope for Healing.Org has done just that.
Mardi Gras Night is held annually on the first Friday night of February. This year, over $6000 was raised through a combination of donations and matching grants.
Hope for Healing.Org is the only social service agency serving all of Strawberry Plains, Tn. Services include helping victims of domestic violence, working with juvenile offenders in both Knox and Jefferson Counties, distributing free clothing to those in need, distributing Angel Food boxes, networking with a local church to provide food pantry boxes and more.
Services to be added in April 2007 include a hotline and the opening of a thrift store. Volunteers and donations are welcome. For additional information about Hope for Healing.Org please call 933.8769 or visit www.hopeforhealing.org.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Angel Food Ministries
Angel Food Orders are due Friday, April 13 by 5:00 pm.
Please bring your order and payment to our new location at 2912 Hwy. 11-E, Strawberry Plains, Tn. We are now conveniently located next to Rush Strong School.
Accepted payment methods are cash, check, money order or food stamps. Please stop by or call our office at 933.8769 if you have any questions.
See you then!
April 2007 Menu
| (6) 4 oz. Bacon-Wrapped Hamburger Steaks | (1) 16 oz. Corn (1) 20 oz. French Fries ALL THIS FOR THE LOW COST OF $25.00* |
** One or more specials available only with the purchase of a regular unit. **
SPECIAL #1- 5 lb., Giant Grill Box - $18.00
(2-8oz. NY Strips, 4-4oz. Bacon-Wrapped Fillets,
2-8oz. Sirloin Steaks, 4-4oz. Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops, 1-16 oz. Italian Sausage)
APRIL SPECIAL#2 - 5 lb., Meat Combo Box - $18.00
(4-8 oz. Ribeye Steaks, 2 lbs. Beef Back Ribs, 4-4 oz. Hamburger Patties)
APRIL SPECIAL #3- 10 lb., Chicken Combo Box - $18.00
(2 lb. I.Q.F. Chicken Wings, 3 lb. Breaded Tenders, 5 lb. Boneless/Skinless I.Q.F. Breasts)
APRIL SPECIAL #4- Gourmet Coffee Box - $14.00
(1-12 oz. House Blend, 1-12 oz. Hazelnut Cream, 1-12 oz. Brazilian Amizade)
LAST DAY TO PLACE & PAY FOR YOUR ORDER IS FRI., April 13, 2007 (3:00 pm - 5:00 pm)
DISTRIBUTION DAY AND TIME IS SAT., April 28, 2007 (10:30 am -11:30 am)
Please note: Food is distributed in the fellowship hall of
Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church.
Many thanks to the church for allowing us to use their facilities.
In March over 85 boxes of food were distributed!
Friday, April 06, 2007
Hope for Healing.Org Ministry Center is Shaping Up!
Our new home is coming together. We're excited about being under one roof. Half of the building will house our new office. The other half will be a thrift shop and clothing closet items. We're still hard at work and very appreciative of the help we've received in getting started.
The Angel Food forms should go out from school on Monday. On the back you'll find terrific coupons to use at the new Thrift Store. Zuma Fun Center is helping us get the word out too. They'll be handing out 700 coupons at the Bunny Trail on Saturday.
Look for our "Now Open" sign to be posted for the Thrift Store soon. In the meantime, our office is open and serving.
See you soon!
Gayle
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
New home.
Several people have asked if what our new address is and if our phone number will stay the same. The answer is "Yes" to the phone number. Both the local number and the toll free number will remain unchanged. Our mailing address will also stay the same but our physical location is different.
You can now find us nestled between Rush Strong School and the StrawPlains Market (formerly Robert's Grocery) in Strawberry Plains, TN.
We're getting things spiffed up and ready for company. Our staff and volunteers are hard at work to make everything ready. Look for our grand opening sign announcing our new thrift shop soon!
Talk to ya later,
Gayle
You can now find us nestled between Rush Strong School and the StrawPlains Market (formerly Robert's Grocery) in Strawberry Plains, TN.
We're getting things spiffed up and ready for company. Our staff and volunteers are hard at work to make everything ready. Look for our grand opening sign announcing our new thrift shop soon!
Talk to ya later,
Gayle
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