The food distribution went smoothly. Over 65 boxes were distributed in near record time. Helping were 10 volunteers, 6 of them were teens!
Afterward, some of the teens headed over to the thrift shop. We waited on customers, created mirrors and did some glass etching. You should have seen the confidence level in the kids. It went from low to soaring! The projects look great and are functional. All proceeds benefit Hope for Healing.Org. Look for the "Made by a Teen Volunteer" tag on these items.
Speaking of the thrift shop, our grand opening is Saturday. We'll have DJ Express, Hot Dogs, a gas grill giveaway and more. See what's on the Knoxville News Sentinel Website.
We'll see you on Saturday!
Monday, May 28, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Angel Food Distribution Tomorrow
Don't forget your food box! Distribution is tomorrow at Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church from 10:30 - 11:30am. A team of volunteers will be standing by to help carry. We hope to see you there!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Secondhand Hope Receives Business License
It's official! Secondhand Hope has now received our business license. We'll have it framed and on the wall today.
So much has been going on lately. Yesterday for example we had 4 teen volunteers. They did put up shelving, sorted clothes, unloaded a donation and picked up litter. Gwen was there to help coordinate. Great job guys!!
Today, they'll be trimming mirrors, sorting, folding, stacking and rinsing donated soft drink bottles. The 20 oz. bottles go to a recycler and stays out of the landfill. The money goes to help stop domestic violence. It's an unbeatable combination!
Oh, there goes the phone.
C-ya online!
So much has been going on lately. Yesterday for example we had 4 teen volunteers. They did put up shelving, sorted clothes, unloaded a donation and picked up litter. Gwen was there to help coordinate. Great job guys!!
Today, they'll be trimming mirrors, sorting, folding, stacking and rinsing donated soft drink bottles. The 20 oz. bottles go to a recycler and stays out of the landfill. The money goes to help stop domestic violence. It's an unbeatable combination!
Oh, there goes the phone.
C-ya online!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Fundraising - We Need You!
Fundraising is a constant in the nonprofit world. Buying items from our eBay store, donating used ink jet cartridges and cell phones and purchasing from our thrift shop - it all helps us continue to provide support.
Google Ads and Amazon.Com
Clicking on the Google links on this blog and at www.hopeforhealing.org help too. Want to buy some CD's for summer? Ordering through the Amazon.Com link helps us help others. They'll give back a small percentage of your purchase price. Guess what? It won't cost you any more than it normally would. A big win-win!
eBay Store:
Check out our eBay Store!
In a few days we'll be listing some formal gowns, laserdiscs and other items on eBay. These have all been donated to help us raise funds. Raising funds helps us help others. Read our blog to see some of the ways we've helped both locally and online. Then come back and bid on our auctions - you'll be glad that you did!
Google Ads and Amazon.Com
Clicking on the Google links on this blog and at www.hopeforhealing.org help too. Want to buy some CD's for summer? Ordering through the Amazon.Com link helps us help others. They'll give back a small percentage of your purchase price. Guess what? It won't cost you any more than it normally would. A big win-win!
eBay Store:
Check out our eBay Store!
In a few days we'll be listing some formal gowns, laserdiscs and other items on eBay. These have all been donated to help us raise funds. Raising funds helps us help others. Read our blog to see some of the ways we've helped both locally and online. Then come back and bid on our auctions - you'll be glad that you did!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Volunteers Take Honors at Carter High School Awards Ceremony
Kids You Rock!
The Carter High School underclass awards were given this morning. Several of our volunteers received honors. Our kids were recognized for volunteerism, science, welding and (previously recognized) for their work in the band.
We're SO proud of you all!
And don't forget, our volunteer bash is happening later this summer. Allie is already hard at work putting it together. We'll be recognizing everyone. Be sure to email your ideas to her at alexandria@hopeforhealing.org
And again, GO HOPE VOLS GO!!!
The Carter High School underclass awards were given this morning. Several of our volunteers received honors. Our kids were recognized for volunteerism, science, welding and (previously recognized) for their work in the band.
We're SO proud of you all!
And don't forget, our volunteer bash is happening later this summer. Allie is already hard at work putting it together. We'll be recognizing everyone. Be sure to email your ideas to her at alexandria@hopeforhealing.org
And again, GO HOPE VOLS GO!!!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Bishop Swanson at Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church
Bishop Swanson, leader of the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church brought the message at Strawberry Plains UMC today. It was an uplifting call to action. At the fellowship meal afterwards we discussed the church, Hope for Healing.Org, the youth and a great many things. It is a pleasure to prayerfully support the Bishop as he leads the conference.
Some of you who read my blog know about the new Holston Conference Domestic Violence Task Force. I'm glad to finally see this happen. For too long the church has been silent when it comes to victims.
This effort is happening directly because Bishop Swanson wants to meet the need. Through his leadership I am now more encouraged than ever for the victims we serve. The wheels of change grind slowly. The point is that they now are turning.
Some of you who read my blog know about the new Holston Conference Domestic Violence Task Force. I'm glad to finally see this happen. For too long the church has been silent when it comes to victims.
This effort is happening directly because Bishop Swanson wants to meet the need. Through his leadership I am now more encouraged than ever for the victims we serve. The wheels of change grind slowly. The point is that they now are turning.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Client Graduated, A+ Festival, Mental Health Matters & More!
Saturdays are always busy but today was over the top!
The Strawberry Plains Strawberry Festival was great! We raised over $400 and ran out of hot dogs. Many people took our brochures and domestic violence information. Volunteers, Annie, Brad and Martha served up the best hot dogs in downtown Strawberry Plains!
I set up our display at the Mental Health Matters event in Dandridge. This was sponsored by the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. What a great lineup of workshops! It was good to see so many people looking at the problems of mental health. Many, many thanks to the folks who agreed to take care of our display after I dropped it off. It enabled me to be in two places at once.
Back in the Strawberry Plains at the festival the parade kicked off at high noon. Two of our kids rode the parade route in a 1942 Ford Fairlane. Boy, did they enjoy that! Thanks Tommy driving your car on our behalf!
After the parade I dashed to our thrift shop. The parade staging area was set up right in front of our store. This gave our volunteers there a bird's eye preview while making it impossible to get into our lot before the lineup pulled out. Two great volunteers, Gwen and Nita had everything under control.
Running back and forth between the shop and the food both were a total of 9 teen volunteers. Rachel, Adam, Doug, Charlie, Brittany, Chelsea, Clay and Aaron. One teen volunteer, Sam, came to help for an hour before she had to go into work.
It was a long day and a lot of hard work. But it was worth every minute.
Why do we do all of this?
The graduation of Carter High School was held Saturday night. As soon as we started to run out of hot dogs again we closed the booth so we could get there. We saw clients walk across the stage, other clients sang in the choir and another played in the band. I'm so proud of all of our kids.
One teen was worried that no one would see her graduate. Her family was recently torn apart by domestic violence. Those of us with Hope for Healing.Org cheered loudly as she took her diploma. She knew that someone was there to support her.
Another teen was homeless and staying with whomever would take him in. His situation makes it difficult for him to get a job. There is no public transportation in rural areas. It is a requirement that graduates purchase a cap and gown if they are to walk across the stage. For some of us $25 may not be much. For a homeless student it's a million. We made it happen. After graduation he hugged me and held on saying that without our help with the outfit and other things he would not have graduated. We all need help from time to time. I'm glad that we were there to believe in him.
Today was an amazing day. If you have donated to us or bought an eBay item, gave your time, or supported us in any way you made hope happen.
We couldn't do it without you.
The Strawberry Plains Strawberry Festival was great! We raised over $400 and ran out of hot dogs. Many people took our brochures and domestic violence information. Volunteers, Annie, Brad and Martha served up the best hot dogs in downtown Strawberry Plains!
I set up our display at the Mental Health Matters event in Dandridge. This was sponsored by the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. What a great lineup of workshops! It was good to see so many people looking at the problems of mental health. Many, many thanks to the folks who agreed to take care of our display after I dropped it off. It enabled me to be in two places at once.
Back in the Strawberry Plains at the festival the parade kicked off at high noon. Two of our kids rode the parade route in a 1942 Ford Fairlane. Boy, did they enjoy that! Thanks Tommy driving your car on our behalf!
After the parade I dashed to our thrift shop. The parade staging area was set up right in front of our store. This gave our volunteers there a bird's eye preview while making it impossible to get into our lot before the lineup pulled out. Two great volunteers, Gwen and Nita had everything under control.
Running back and forth between the shop and the food both were a total of 9 teen volunteers. Rachel, Adam, Doug, Charlie, Brittany, Chelsea, Clay and Aaron. One teen volunteer, Sam, came to help for an hour before she had to go into work.
It was a long day and a lot of hard work. But it was worth every minute.
Why do we do all of this?
The graduation of Carter High School was held Saturday night. As soon as we started to run out of hot dogs again we closed the booth so we could get there. We saw clients walk across the stage, other clients sang in the choir and another played in the band. I'm so proud of all of our kids.
One teen was worried that no one would see her graduate. Her family was recently torn apart by domestic violence. Those of us with Hope for Healing.Org cheered loudly as she took her diploma. She knew that someone was there to support her.
Another teen was homeless and staying with whomever would take him in. His situation makes it difficult for him to get a job. There is no public transportation in rural areas. It is a requirement that graduates purchase a cap and gown if they are to walk across the stage. For some of us $25 may not be much. For a homeless student it's a million. We made it happen. After graduation he hugged me and held on saying that without our help with the outfit and other things he would not have graduated. We all need help from time to time. I'm glad that we were there to believe in him.
Today was an amazing day. If you have donated to us or bought an eBay item, gave your time, or supported us in any way you made hope happen.
We couldn't do it without you.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Strawberry Festival and Mental Health Matters
Tomorrow we've got a multitude of things going on!
First, it's the Strawberry Festival. We'll be set up and selling the best hot dogs you can find in downtown Strawberry Plains. Look for us in front of the United Methodist Church under the big green and white canopy. We'll be selling our raffle tickets for the gas grill too! The tickets are only $1.00 and the funds will help us out.
After getting things set up at the festival we're off to Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Dandridge, Tennessee. The Holston Conference is hosting an event called Mental Health Matters. There's a full slate of great workshops lined up. We were honored when Diana Brown Taylor suggested we bring a display. If you get the chance to come be sure to check our her workshop.
And of course, at Secondhand Hope, our thrift shop, the bag sale is still in progress. Tomorrow is the last day so you better hurry. It's $2 for everything you can stuff in a bag. With summer coming now is the prime time to stock up on shorts, tees and everything in between.
Today was a great day! We had three kids serving court ordered community service and a returning junior volunteer who stayed with us after completing her mandatory hours. They all worked hard. By this time tomorrow we'll have some neat new shelves up which we can fill with merchandise.
Come admire the kids' handiwork when you get a chance. We're very proud of them!
C-ya online,
Gayle
First, it's the Strawberry Festival. We'll be set up and selling the best hot dogs you can find in downtown Strawberry Plains. Look for us in front of the United Methodist Church under the big green and white canopy. We'll be selling our raffle tickets for the gas grill too! The tickets are only $1.00 and the funds will help us out.
After getting things set up at the festival we're off to Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Dandridge, Tennessee. The Holston Conference is hosting an event called Mental Health Matters. There's a full slate of great workshops lined up. We were honored when Diana Brown Taylor suggested we bring a display. If you get the chance to come be sure to check our her workshop.
And of course, at Secondhand Hope, our thrift shop, the bag sale is still in progress. Tomorrow is the last day so you better hurry. It's $2 for everything you can stuff in a bag. With summer coming now is the prime time to stock up on shorts, tees and everything in between.
Today was a great day! We had three kids serving court ordered community service and a returning junior volunteer who stayed with us after completing her mandatory hours. They all worked hard. By this time tomorrow we'll have some neat new shelves up which we can fill with merchandise.
Come admire the kids' handiwork when you get a chance. We're very proud of them!
C-ya online,
Gayle
$2 Bag Sale Going On Now
Grab a bag. Stuff it full. It's only $2. The only exclusions are formals, jeans and jewelry. At these prices it's hard to go wrong! Volunteers are standing by. Come on down!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Secondhand Hope Charity Thrift Shop Grand Opening June 2
What does a charity thrift shop grand opening look like? Bring your family and friends and come see!
The fun takes place on Saturday, June 2 from 10:00am - 2:00pm at our new thrift store, Secondhand Hope. We're at 2912 Highway 11-E in Strawberry Plains right next to Rush Strong School.
DJ Express will keep us entertained with great music. Hot dogs will be hitting the grill. There will be face painting, thrift shop deals and lots of fun. Plus, bring your used cell phone or empty ink jet cartridge to receive a free gift!
Raffle tickets are being sold for $1.00. The drawing happens at 1:00 pm at the grand opening. Some lucky winner will win a new gas grill. (The winner need not be present.) We'll have other giveaways and door prizes too!
This is one event you will not want to miss!
All proceeds benefit Hope for Healing.Org as we help victims of domestic violence, distribute Angel Food boxes, operate the Helpline, work with juvenile offenders and make hope happen here in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee.
For more information contact our office at 933.8769 or visit our blog at http://hopeforhealingorg.blogspot.com/
The fun takes place on Saturday, June 2 from 10:00am - 2:00pm at our new thrift store, Secondhand Hope. We're at 2912 Highway 11-E in Strawberry Plains right next to Rush Strong School.
DJ Express will keep us entertained with great music. Hot dogs will be hitting the grill. There will be face painting, thrift shop deals and lots of fun. Plus, bring your used cell phone or empty ink jet cartridge to receive a free gift!
Raffle tickets are being sold for $1.00. The drawing happens at 1:00 pm at the grand opening. Some lucky winner will win a new gas grill. (The winner need not be present.) We'll have other giveaways and door prizes too!
This is one event you will not want to miss!
All proceeds benefit Hope for Healing.Org as we help victims of domestic violence, distribute Angel Food boxes, operate the Helpline, work with juvenile offenders and make hope happen here in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee.
For more information contact our office at 933.8769 or visit our blog at http://hopeforhealingorg.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Strawberry Plains Strawberry Festival Saturday
Be sure to come see us but come hungry! We're cooking up the best hot dogs you can find. The fun starts at 9:00 am. Our thrift shop will be open as usual beginning at 10:00 am. We'll have some great items on sale! Parade staging will be right in front of our store. It starts promptly at 12 noon.
We can hardly wait to see you!
We can hardly wait to see you!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Holston Conference Domestic Violence Task Force training today!
I was honored to present at the Holston Conference Domestic Violence Task Force today. This was held at Strawberry Plains United Methodist Church from 12:30-5:00 today. The training was excellent. Other presenters came from Legal Aid, the Knoxville Police Dept. and from the United Methodist Church. The depth and breath of training given was impressive. Everyone who came to this groundbreaking event went away with a deeper understanding of how domestic violence effects victims, families and churches.
The Task Force made plans for more training opportunities. Keep watching Secondhand Hope for future announcements.
A big thank you goes to Gwen and Kaye. These are 2 of the best volunteers around. They did a great job with lunch and behind the scenes help. We couldn't do it without you!
See you online,
Gayle
The Task Force made plans for more training opportunities. Keep watching Secondhand Hope for future announcements.
A big thank you goes to Gwen and Kaye. These are 2 of the best volunteers around. They did a great job with lunch and behind the scenes help. We couldn't do it without you!
See you online,
Gayle
Friday, May 11, 2007
Attending the TN Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
On May 7 -9 Karla and I were able to attend the annual conference of the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Kudos to Gwen who held the fort down while I was away.
The workshops were great. Meeting other advocates and survivors from across the state was inspiring! I learned about tech safety and victims, how to (hopefully) raise needed funds for Hope for Healing.Org, heard stories from victims, listened to others share about the programs they serve, gained new insights on creating information for low literate populations and picked up timely information on human trafficking.
Thanks to the many people who bought from our eBay/Mission Fish site or donated so I could go.
It was great to learn so much to benefit others. I can't wait until next year!
The workshops were great. Meeting other advocates and survivors from across the state was inspiring! I learned about tech safety and victims, how to (hopefully) raise needed funds for Hope for Healing.Org, heard stories from victims, listened to others share about the programs they serve, gained new insights on creating information for low literate populations and picked up timely information on human trafficking.
Thanks to the many people who bought from our eBay/Mission Fish site or donated so I could go.
It was great to learn so much to benefit others. I can't wait until next year!
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Homeless Promgoer Gets a Gown
This is so exciting. I have to share it here!
Last week a department store donated some beautiful formal gowns. This is a rainbow assortment in several sizes and styles. You should have been at the office when we unpacked the boxes! We were excited to receive them.
Yesterday we got an email from another agency. The person is trying to find a prom gown for a teenage girl who is homeless. She wants to go to her senior prom. The magical night of a lifetime that is taken for granted by so many teens across the nation is impossible for the homeless. Maybe someone has one hanging in a closet they will loan?
Or maybe a kind donor has already seen to it that she has a dress? A volunteer will be hard at work steaming them all today.
We can't wait until she comes to try them on!
Your donations of time, items and money for rent and expenses is what make it possible for this girl to get to her senior prom. We thank you. I know she will too!
Last week a department store donated some beautiful formal gowns. This is a rainbow assortment in several sizes and styles. You should have been at the office when we unpacked the boxes! We were excited to receive them.
Yesterday we got an email from another agency. The person is trying to find a prom gown for a teenage girl who is homeless. She wants to go to her senior prom. The magical night of a lifetime that is taken for granted by so many teens across the nation is impossible for the homeless. Maybe someone has one hanging in a closet they will loan?
Or maybe a kind donor has already seen to it that she has a dress? A volunteer will be hard at work steaming them all today.
We can't wait until she comes to try them on!
Your donations of time, items and money for rent and expenses is what make it possible for this girl to get to her senior prom. We thank you. I know she will too!
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