Speaking at Carson Newman College Today

Thank to Jennifer Catlett of the Carson Newman College Counseling Center for inviting me to speak to the RAD class going on there. What a terrific group of people! I appreciate the opportunity. Thanks for all the great comments about the quilt and what we do. Your attitudes will go a long way toward making a difference in the lives of victims. I wish each of you well in your chosen professions!

Angel Food and Thanksgiving Baskets

Thanks for the great Angel Food distribution!

We appreciate all the volunteers who came out to make a difference for others.

Don't forget. This month's distribution has an early cut-off. Because of Thanksgiving, the deadline is this Friday, Nov. 2.

We're also taking names for Thanksgiving baskets. These will be provided in a very limited number. We're partnering with 2 local churches on this. If you know of a family that's having a hard time please contact us so we can get them a basket of food.

Video of Antiques Appraisal

Antique Appraisal Fundraiser
Many thanks to John Coker Ltd!

Our Antique Appraisal Fair on You Tube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptwmbVXi6kg

Didn't make it to our fundraiser? View footage of the antique appraisal fair on You Tube! Watch our executive director and her husband as they get their items appraised. See a couple of volunteers and a table of items made by Hope Youth.

This was a great fundraiser. We hope you can join us next time!

Many thanks to John Coker and Ed Stallings of John Coker, Ltd. for donating their time and expertise and to the folks at Strawberry Plains UMC for allowing us to borrow their building.

Vintage Trumpet Makes Child's Dream Come True!

You're a 5th grader with a love of music. Boy oh boy do you want to play in the band. At night, you fall asleep dreaming of becoming a musician. Louis Armstrong is your hero. Jazz keeps your toes tapping and your dreams flying. But there's a reality called poverty that you can't escape so you shelf your dream and keep hoping for a miracle.

But miracles happen at Hope for Healing.Org.

A child came forward with a request. She wanted to be in the school band but she knew there was no way her family could afford an instrument. Could we help? We said we'd try.

After an instrument was found her parents decided that being in the band would be too much hassle. It would require hours of practice, private lessons and almost constant fundraising. For a family already struggling it would be too much to ask. Disheartened, the child was made to take back her request for help finding an instrument.

We understood but we were sad for her too. Beatings aren't the only tools abusers use in families wearied by domestic violence. Manipulation and denial of activities (also called isolation behavior) are commonplace. The trumpet, a beautiful vintage model already repaired by the local shop, was put on the shelf.

Another child came to our attention. A stray comment made by a parent indicated a child who potentially wanted to be in the band - on a trumpet. The child was having a tough time. There was a custody battle and the child was possibly going to move to another school. We remembered the trumpet but didn't say anything. We wanted to be sure the instrument would go to a home where it would be treasured and put to use before mentioning it.

On the parent's next visit we casually brought up the subject. That's when we were told about the child's interest in jazz music, about how the child wanted badly to play and wanted to follow in the footsteps of a cousin who competed nationally. From watching his cousin he knew about the long hours of practicing and was willing to work.

Then, the clincher. The parent was willing to do whatever necessary to help the child follow his dreams. We were told whether it was constant fundraising, a second job or both, the parent was willing to do it.

Our executive director went to the cabinet and came back with the horn. She pointed out that it was not new or shiny but was in perfect mechanical condition and with care should be playable for many years.

She also made the suggestion to pick up a bottle of key oil - necessary for many instruments. But, we're not sure she was heard over the excited whoops of joy.

If you were listening the other day and thought you heard thunder, you are probably mistaken. We're pretty sure you heard the sounds of a happy fifth grader who's going to be in the school band.

With your help, that's how we make hope happen at Hope for Healing.Org!

Free Transformation Day is THIS Saturday!

The doors open at 9:30 am. Praise & Worship begins at 10:00 am. No love offering will be taken. There is no charge for anything for those coming to Transformation Day!

We're getting things ready and looking forward to having a great time! The free lunch is immediately after the service. Coupons will be given for the thrift shop so attendees will be able to get a free outfit or other items. A massage therapist will be here...

It should be lots of fun!