To any of our Gulf Coast members:
I know that we have several who are in the hurricane's path in the Gulf Coast. If you are a survivor and you are coming to East TN to flee Gustav please contact us. Alternately, if you evacuated to the Knoxville RC Shelter you can ask for us there.
If you are in or need to be in a Domestic Violence shelter and are in the hurricane's path please let us know. We'll do whatever we can to help. The advocates working the local shelters arno doubt also hard at work to help you locate a safer area.
Please remember to bring all paperwork with you.
Orders of protection, child custody, school documents, divorce decree, marriage license, Green cards, insurance cards, identification... Any legal papers that you would need bring them if you can.
If you take medication bring the bottles. This may help you get refills.
Moms, don't forget to bring baby formula, diapers and special comfort toys. Pack snacks for the road and include water. However much you think you'll need, double it at least. There could be long lines and delays and businesses will run out of certain items fast.
Take cash out of the bank. Put it in a safe place. You may want to carry it with you in at least two separate containers. If you loose the stash in your purse or diaper bag you'll have your second source. This could be important. ATM machines, credit card readers etc. have been known to be knocked out during natural disasters. Think accordingly.
Bring a few changes of clothing for you and any children. Shelters may have it but it may not be in your size.
I also read where authorities have suggested setting up a point person outside of the area to call as a check in contact. Lines may be down in the path of a hurricane but work in other parts of the country. The article I read said it may be easier to get through to someone in another state than locally.
Most of all, our prayers are with you. Be safe. If there's something we can do, call. If you forget our number it is on the website. I'm printing this article on our blog also.
Be safe!
Gayle
Founder: Hope for Healing.Org
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Can Domestic Violence Victims Flee from Gustav and Abusers?
How ironic is it that at the 3 year anniversary of the worst natural disaster in the history of US, another storm is near landfall? Many of the residents in the Gulf Coast area are making preparations to leave. A few are digging in and hoping to ride out the storm. It's deja vu all over again.
Three years ago we saw many great gaping holes in the FEMA safety net. Daily, we're told of the changes that have been made. We're assured that help is being put in place in advance of the storm and that as many people as possible will get the help they need and deserve.
Yet, now as then, there is still one great gaping hole. I have heard no mention of victims of domestic violence that are in shelters now. Is there safety to be found for them? Who will guide them? And just as importantly, do the domestic violence programs in the storm affected areas have the funding they need to respond to the increased demand for services that they may face?
This is an election year. I'm surprised we're not hearing about this.
Three years ago the world heard about what happens when victims go to mass shelters and are found by the abusers they have fled. We know the outcome is not pretty.
When some of our website visitors reached stable computer connected they emailed us. Several reported they were ok but knew people who weren't. A few shared with us about some of the horrors in the Superdome. All were shaken and all of the ones who contacted us asked us to pray.
Because of what I heard, I became deeply impressed with the staff at the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence. These folks did a marvelous job. The staff I talked with then were running on limited funding, creativity and sheer dedication! They were as heroic as any hero I heard about on CNN. But, their efforts weren't broadcast on television.
To the rest of the world, maybe being an advocate is not as dramatic as being a soldier. After all, advocates aren't called to swing from helicopters and rescue stranded people from rooftops.
But to a victim of domestic violence the advocates are the soldiers.
In the advocates own quiet ways they reached out to victims. They found them, plucked them off the edge of disaster, and brought as many as they could to safety. They weren't on national news casts. They weren't on national radio. You didn't hear about the advocates or the difference they made in the lives of those they helped or how they did what they did.
Three years later with another impending disaster looming on the ocean and it's still not being talked about. Why?
Is there safety to be found for victims of domestic violence in the face of the storm named Gustav? Who will guide the victims? Is there enough funding so that the programs and state coalition can handle the (possibly) increased demand?
We need to be asking these questions. Most importantly, we need to see if we can help and how. I believe that talking about the problem is the first step in finding a solution.
Will you join me in the discussion?
Three years ago we saw many great gaping holes in the FEMA safety net. Daily, we're told of the changes that have been made. We're assured that help is being put in place in advance of the storm and that as many people as possible will get the help they need and deserve.
Yet, now as then, there is still one great gaping hole. I have heard no mention of victims of domestic violence that are in shelters now. Is there safety to be found for them? Who will guide them? And just as importantly, do the domestic violence programs in the storm affected areas have the funding they need to respond to the increased demand for services that they may face?
This is an election year. I'm surprised we're not hearing about this.
Three years ago the world heard about what happens when victims go to mass shelters and are found by the abusers they have fled. We know the outcome is not pretty.
When some of our website visitors reached stable computer connected they emailed us. Several reported they were ok but knew people who weren't. A few shared with us about some of the horrors in the Superdome. All were shaken and all of the ones who contacted us asked us to pray.
Because of what I heard, I became deeply impressed with the staff at the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence. These folks did a marvelous job. The staff I talked with then were running on limited funding, creativity and sheer dedication! They were as heroic as any hero I heard about on CNN. But, their efforts weren't broadcast on television.
To the rest of the world, maybe being an advocate is not as dramatic as being a soldier. After all, advocates aren't called to swing from helicopters and rescue stranded people from rooftops.
But to a victim of domestic violence the advocates are the soldiers.
In the advocates own quiet ways they reached out to victims. They found them, plucked them off the edge of disaster, and brought as many as they could to safety. They weren't on national news casts. They weren't on national radio. You didn't hear about the advocates or the difference they made in the lives of those they helped or how they did what they did.
Three years later with another impending disaster looming on the ocean and it's still not being talked about. Why?
Is there safety to be found for victims of domestic violence in the face of the storm named Gustav? Who will guide the victims? Is there enough funding so that the programs and state coalition can handle the (possibly) increased demand?
We need to be asking these questions. Most importantly, we need to see if we can help and how. I believe that talking about the problem is the first step in finding a solution.
Will you join me in the discussion?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
REACHS House Of Hope Hosts Tech. Safety Training
From time to time we get word of trainings that sound spectacular. With this in mind , we wanted to let you know about the upcoming training. It's sponsored by REACHS, House of Hope in Jacksboro, TN. It sounds like a great opportunity!!
Email: mdavis@reachs.org for more information.
_____________________________________________________________________
Date:
Re: Technology Safety Training
REACHS House of Hope is hosting a Technology Safety Training for Advocates, Social Workers, Counselors, Educators, Business Professionals, and Community Members. Please make plans to attend this wonderful training to learn about how to keep yourself and victims safe from perpetrators on the internet.
This training will be held Friday, October 24, 2008 at Cumberland Hope Community Church, 942 Towe String Rd., Jacksboro, TN 37757.
The cost of the training is $30 per person. For three or more people, the cost will be $25 per person which includes beverages, lunch and all training materials.
Monday, August 25, 2008
United Methodist Women Hosts Domestic Violence Event
Saturday, August 23rd. Hope for Healing.Org had a booth at the Legislative Action Day event hosted by the United Methodist Women of the Holston Conference. This first-ever event was held at Church Street United Methodist in Knoxville, TN.People came from all over the Holston Conference. And, they kept coming. After adding all the chairs they could and squeezing in tables, 50 people had to be turned away from the door who did not pre-register.
We talked with people from Sand Mountain, Alabama, Scott County, Virginia, Knoxville , Tennessee and everywhere in between. Attendees came for one reason and one reason only - to learn how to help victims of domestic violence in their communities.
And they were not disappointed.
Speakers included David Kitts, a domestic violence trainer from the Knoxville Police Dept. He did an excellent job in making the subject material relevant. Deborah Yeomans of Legal Aid of East Tennessee brought up an excellent point when she spoke. She reminds us that society often asks the wrong question. Instead of asking "why doesn't the victim leave" she encouraged us to ask "why does the abuser batter"?
During lunch, Senator Tim Burchett spoke about the stalking bill he has introduced in the Tennessee state legislature. (Be looking for more to come on this.)
Other speakers included:
Jo Terry, Director of AMA Association Alliance, Member of
AMA Advisory Council on Family Violence
Nancy Sentell, Director of Elder Services, Covenant Health —
Elder Abuse on the problem of Elder Abuse.
Kathy Hatfield, Director of Child and Family Services on Child Abuse
Rev. Patricia A. Clendenen brought our closing worship.
Hope for Healing.Org had a booth as did a few other organizations. Several people stopped by to pick up information or to sign up for our mailing list. Others stopped to peruse the notecards made by our volunteers and Hope Youth. Just about everyone took a moment to view the Hope Quilt. You could read the impact on their faces as people stopped to read the messages from survivors.
For too long domestic violence has been ignored by the church. I am encouraged that the women of the United Methodist Church could sponsor such an event. It gives me hope for the victims of now and for victims of the future that they will be able to find healing.
I already look forward to more events of this type to be sponsored by the church. How about you?
Friday, August 22, 2008
Calling All Men Photos
Here's a photo of the booth we had at Calling All Men.
We appreciated speaking to everyone who came by. What a great event! We're starting the process of following up on the contacts now. Thanks for picking up our information!
Other photos of the event can be found online here: http://holston.org/media/ministry/program/callingallmen-photos/cam08gallery/index.html
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Ummm, about "The Bear" at Calling All Men...
We had enough traffic to our booth to keep Allie hopping. She says she had a great time. I appreciate talking with folks while I was there yesterday. Everyone I talked with seems to have had an uplifting time of revival. How can you beat that?
Calling All Men seems to have been a terrific event!
There was one funny incident. If you've read my blog much you're familiar with Tomlin. He's our dog who is in training to become a service animal for our daughter.
Tomlin got to briefly attend Calling All Men while we set up the display for Hope for Healing.Org. Before leaving to go back to work he and I walked around the parking lot. Apparently, that's when we were spotted by the speaker, Jason Crabb. But, being busy with doggy things, we were unaware of the attention.
Until we came back that evening to pick up John and Allie that is.
While we were waiting in the parking lot a man walked by and made a comment. He turned to his friend and said "Lookie there. That's the bear!" The friend voiced his agreement with a chuckle and they kept walked.
Then it happened again. By the third time I was beginning to wonder what was in the water at the event center.
Tomlin, meanwhile, loved the extra attention. He dutifully sat wagging his tail at all the passersby who commented. (He still believes the world exists to pet him. Usually he's not disappointed.) This night, he happily enjoyed the extra attention.
But I was confused. If there was a bear in the area, I wasn't at all sure we needed to be standing in the parking lot!
Fortunately, I didn't have to wait too long before friends showed up to clear up the mystery.
It seems that Mr. Crabb wears glasses. But, he didn't have them on when he saw Tomlin and myself walking in the parking lot. Tomlin has dark, fuzzy fur. So, at first glance, Mr. Crabb came to as logical a conclusion as anyone would who is in the mountains of East Tennessee.
He mistook Tomlin for a bear.
Fortunately something caused him to take a second look. (Maybe it was the fluorescent orange harness and leash?) Then he realized he didn't have to worry.
Mr. Crabb got such a kick out of Tomlin's mistaken identity that he decided to share it with the guests at Calling All Men.
All of the guests of Calling All Men. - He shared this story from center stage.
My dear unsuspecting husband was in attendance at Calling All Men. The moment Mr. Crabb told the story he immediately made the connection. He knew it could only be Tomlin!
John laughed so hard he almost fell off his chair. Tomlin will never live it down. With all the extra attention he got as everyone left that night, Tomlin probably hopes he NEVER lives it down.
Everyone, they say, gets 15 minutes of fame. We just didn't know that the fame rule applied to fuzzy, furry dogs too.
Calling All Men seems to have been a terrific event!
There was one funny incident. If you've read my blog much you're familiar with Tomlin. He's our dog who is in training to become a service animal for our daughter.
Tomlin got to briefly attend Calling All Men while we set up the display for Hope for Healing.Org. Before leaving to go back to work he and I walked around the parking lot. Apparently, that's when we were spotted by the speaker, Jason Crabb. But, being busy with doggy things, we were unaware of the attention.
Until we came back that evening to pick up John and Allie that is.
While we were waiting in the parking lot a man walked by and made a comment. He turned to his friend and said "Lookie there. That's the bear!" The friend voiced his agreement with a chuckle and they kept walked.
Then it happened again. By the third time I was beginning to wonder what was in the water at the event center.
Tomlin, meanwhile, loved the extra attention. He dutifully sat wagging his tail at all the passersby who commented. (He still believes the world exists to pet him. Usually he's not disappointed.) This night, he happily enjoyed the extra attention.
But I was confused. If there was a bear in the area, I wasn't at all sure we needed to be standing in the parking lot!
Fortunately, I didn't have to wait too long before friends showed up to clear up the mystery.
It seems that Mr. Crabb wears glasses. But, he didn't have them on when he saw Tomlin and myself walking in the parking lot. Tomlin has dark, fuzzy fur. So, at first glance, Mr. Crabb came to as logical a conclusion as anyone would who is in the mountains of East Tennessee.
He mistook Tomlin for a bear.
Fortunately something caused him to take a second look. (Maybe it was the fluorescent orange harness and leash?) Then he realized he didn't have to worry.
Mr. Crabb got such a kick out of Tomlin's mistaken identity that he decided to share it with the guests at Calling All Men.
All of the guests of Calling All Men. - He shared this story from center stage.
My dear unsuspecting husband was in attendance at Calling All Men. The moment Mr. Crabb told the story he immediately made the connection. He knew it could only be Tomlin!
John laughed so hard he almost fell off his chair. Tomlin will never live it down. With all the extra attention he got as everyone left that night, Tomlin probably hopes he NEVER lives it down.
Everyone, they say, gets 15 minutes of fame. We just didn't know that the fame rule applied to fuzzy, furry dogs too.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Ads on Facebook Fund Domestic Violence Phone
Guess what! You can help fund our cell phone by watching free Virgin Mobile Ads on Facebook! This is important so people can get in touch with me (or a volunteer) when we're away from the office. Every airtime minute we can earn really helps.
Here's how it works:
If you're on Facebook, add us. Here's my profile link:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=513468354
From my profile, look for the "Fund My Phone" and click "Earn Me Free Airtime". Watch the free ad and click "Get Airtime". Every 4 ads you watch will earn us 1 minute of airtime. This can really add up! Get on Facebook now to get started.
Thanks for helping us help others!!
Here's how it works:
If you're on Facebook, add us. Here's my profile link:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=513468354
From my profile, look for the "Fund My Phone" and click "Earn Me Free Airtime". Watch the free ad and click "Get Airtime". Every 4 ads you watch will earn us 1 minute of airtime. This can really add up! Get on Facebook now to get started.
Thanks for helping us help others!!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Angel Food Ordering Deadline Accelerated
Beginning this month, Angel Food has changed the ordering deadline. The orders for August had to be in yesterday. We just found out and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you are ordering for this month please contact our office ASAP!
The ordering deadline for September is going to be September 12 at 3:00 pm. Menus are available from the Angel Food website.
Thank you for your patience.
The ordering deadline for September is going to be September 12 at 3:00 pm. Menus are available from the Angel Food website.
Thank you for your patience.
Monday, August 11, 2008
New Slideshow on Blog of Strawberry Plains Community.
Check it out. We've just updated the blog and website!
On the blog, Secondhand Hope, we now have a slideshow with photos of the local area we serve. Strawberry Plains is a poverty filled rural area. We have a lot of questions about what we do here from the folks who visit us online. Some of the slides are actually videos that we've taken of the local area. You'll see big difference between Knox County (which we border) and Jefferson County where we're located. Look for the tiny box in the lower left hand corner of the slide and click it. The video should open in a new window.
We believe the photos and videos tell the story of our area more than words ever could.
Online, Hope for Healing.Org has been redesigned. The look is smoother. You'll find new sections to help with the collection of recyclables. There are mini posters that you can download, free shipping labels to be printed, customizable email templates and bulletin inserts for churches.
More will be coming soon. Keep checking back!
On the blog, Secondhand Hope, we now have a slideshow with photos of the local area we serve. Strawberry Plains is a poverty filled rural area. We have a lot of questions about what we do here from the folks who visit us online. Some of the slides are actually videos that we've taken of the local area. You'll see big difference between Knox County (which we border) and Jefferson County where we're located. Look for the tiny box in the lower left hand corner of the slide and click it. The video should open in a new window.
We believe the photos and videos tell the story of our area more than words ever could.
Online, Hope for Healing.Org has been redesigned. The look is smoother. You'll find new sections to help with the collection of recyclables. There are mini posters that you can download, free shipping labels to be printed, customizable email templates and bulletin inserts for churches.
More will be coming soon. Keep checking back!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Thrift Shop Yard Sale Begins at 9:00 am tomorrow!
Lots of great deals! It's rain or shine so everyone's welcome. Weather permitting, we'll have lots of goodies on outside tables as well as inside. Look for the big bright yellow sign. Our address is 3130 W. Old Andrew Johnson Hwy., Strawberry Plains, TN 37871
It runs from 9:00 am -3:00 pm. Tell your friends.
Bring an empty ink jet cartridge or cell phone and receive a $1.00 coupon to use at the sale. No limit! No purchase necessary to redeem. The more phones/ink jets you bring the more you save.
See you tomorrow!
It runs from 9:00 am -3:00 pm. Tell your friends.
Bring an empty ink jet cartridge or cell phone and receive a $1.00 coupon to use at the sale. No limit! No purchase necessary to redeem. The more phones/ink jets you bring the more you save.
See you tomorrow!
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Thanks Pleasant Hill UMC!
Thanks for bringing us the clothing, aluminum cans, soda bottles, ink jet cartridges and used cell phones. We enjoyed speaking with Terri and appreciate all you do to support us. Your efforts go a long way toward helping us help others! May God continue to bless your efforts!
More Used Cell Phone Drop Off Locations!
Today we add:
Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church
Knoxville, TN
Cosby Circuit of the United Methodist Church
Cosby, TN
Drop off your used cell phones at these churches! We're getting closer to our goal everyday!
Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church
Knoxville, TN
Cosby Circuit of the United Methodist Church
Cosby, TN
Drop off your used cell phones at these churches! We're getting closer to our goal everyday!
Monday, August 04, 2008
Free Clothing, Food
With school starting many families are facing a real crunch. At Hope for Healing.Org, we'd like to help.
If you are in the Strawberry Plains zip code, or if you attend a school we serve, you may come by our shop and pick up some clothing for school during our normal school hours on Thursday and Friday. It's based out of stock on hand. Sizes cannot be guaranteed.
To qualify, all we need is a referral. This can be a note from your pastor, shelter, advocate, a teacher, case manager, social worker etc. It doesn't have to be on letterhead but does need to have a verifying phone number. The note needs to say that you meet the above guidelines and that you need clothes.
Schools served include:
Carter Elementary
Carter Middle
Carter High
Rush Strong School
We also maintain a small food pantry. Food boxes are available during the clothing and shop hours.
For questions please call 865.933.8769 or email hopeinfo@hopeforhealing.org
Donations of clothing and food are accepted during the operating hours of 11:00-3:00 Tues - Sat.Please bring them to the thrift shop. We'll be glad to help you unload. A tax receipt can be provided.
If you are in the Strawberry Plains zip code, or if you attend a school we serve, you may come by our shop and pick up some clothing for school during our normal school hours on Thursday and Friday. It's based out of stock on hand. Sizes cannot be guaranteed.
To qualify, all we need is a referral. This can be a note from your pastor, shelter, advocate, a teacher, case manager, social worker etc. It doesn't have to be on letterhead but does need to have a verifying phone number. The note needs to say that you meet the above guidelines and that you need clothes.
Schools served include:
Carter Elementary
Carter Middle
Carter High
Rush Strong School
We also maintain a small food pantry. Food boxes are available during the clothing and shop hours.
For questions please call 865.933.8769 or email hopeinfo@hopeforhealing.org
Donations of clothing and food are accepted during the operating hours of 11:00-3:00 Tues - Sat.Please bring them to the thrift shop. We'll be glad to help you unload. A tax receipt can be provided.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
1,000 Old Cell Phones, Empty Ink Jets Needed
We need old Cell Phones and used ink jet cartridges! Our goal is 1,000. Proceeds help us provide peer support to victims of sexual and domestic violence. Can you put a collection box out for us where you work or in your church?
Did you know you can support Hope for Healing.Org from anywhere in the US? Collect used cell phones and empty ink jet cartridges. There's no cost. Participating is easy. You'll be helping victims of domestic and sexual violence and helping the environment!
Getting started is easy!
1) Email us at hopeinfo@hopeforhealing.org to let us know you're collecting. We'll add you to our growing list of supporters.
2) Put a small collection box in a convenient location. Recycling a used cardboard box is great! Put a note on the box to let everyone know why you're collecting. Ask people to drop in used cell phones (no chargers), ink jets, fax and toner cartridges (They'll also take used iPods and digital cameras.) Items do not have to be in working order but it does help.
3) Put a large note in the box reading "Please credit Hope for Healing.Org."
4) Tell all of your friends and co-workers. Download materials here.
5) Ship the box for free when you've collected at least 30 items! Print a free DHL shipping label here. Call for a free pickup or drop it off at a DHL shipping center near you.
That's all there is to it! Don't forget to put out another box and email us when it's shipped. In appreciation, we'll get a thank you note right out to you.
Thanks for helping!
Did you know you can support Hope for Healing.Org from anywhere in the US? Collect used cell phones and empty ink jet cartridges. There's no cost. Participating is easy. You'll be helping victims of domestic and sexual violence and helping the environment!
Getting started is easy!
1) Email us at hopeinfo@hopeforhealing.org to let us know you're collecting. We'll add you to our growing list of supporters.
2) Put a small collection box in a convenient location. Recycling a used cardboard box is great! Put a note on the box to let everyone know why you're collecting. Ask people to drop in used cell phones (no chargers), ink jets, fax and toner cartridges (They'll also take used iPods and digital cameras.) Items do not have to be in working order but it does help.
3) Put a large note in the box reading "Please credit Hope for Healing.Org."
4) Tell all of your friends and co-workers. Download materials here.
5) Ship the box for free when you've collected at least 30 items! Print a free DHL shipping label here. Call for a free pickup or drop it off at a DHL shipping center near you.
That's all there is to it! Don't forget to put out another box and email us when it's shipped. In appreciation, we'll get a thank you note right out to you.
Thanks for helping!
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Mary Winkler Reuinted With Children
She was convicted of fatally shooting her pastor husband, Matthew Winkler, in 2006. Stories of the abuse she suffered came to light soon after her arrest.
The time set by the court system to be done has been served in jail and in a mental institution. Now, according to the links reference below, Mary Winkler has her children back. The girls will enroll in local schools and the family will continue rebuilding their lives.
May God Be With Them.
_______________________________________________
We don't live in a vacuum. Everyone loses when domestic violence is involved in a relationship. If you are in danger help is available. Call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE.
Links:
Memphis Commercial Appeal
Fox Memphis
The time set by the court system to be done has been served in jail and in a mental institution. Now, according to the links reference below, Mary Winkler has her children back. The girls will enroll in local schools and the family will continue rebuilding their lives.
May God Be With Them.
_______________________________________________
We don't live in a vacuum. Everyone loses when domestic violence is involved in a relationship. If you are in danger help is available. Call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE.
Links:
Memphis Commercial Appeal
Fox Memphis
Thrift Shop Yard Sale Saturday!
Sale opens at 10:00 am. Door prizes drawings begin at 11:00 am. Lots of goodies! Furniture, household items, clothes and more! Hot Dogs, chips, drink combo only $3.00. Lunch begins at 11:00 am.
Come to the Secondhand Hope Thrift Shop address of 3130 Old Andrew Johnson Hwy., Strawberry Plains, TN 37871. Phone us at 933.8769 for more information.
Donations for the yard sale are accepted from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Tuesday through Friday of this week.
Lots of fun! See you Saturday!
Come to the Secondhand Hope Thrift Shop address of 3130 Old Andrew Johnson Hwy., Strawberry Plains, TN 37871. Phone us at 933.8769 for more information.
Donations for the yard sale are accepted from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Tuesday through Friday of this week.
Lots of fun! See you Saturday!
Thrift Shop Welcomes Donations, Shoppers
The Secondhand Hope Thrift Shop, conveniently located off Andrew Johnson Hwy at the corner of Hamilton and Old Andrew Johnson Highway, welcomes donations and customers between the hours of 10:00 - 3:00 Tuesday through Saturday. All proceeds from the shop support the work of Hope for Healing.Org as the only 501c3 nonprofit serving all of Strawberry Plains.
What kinds of things can you find?
"Anything." says Summer Coordinator Allie Crabtree. Donations brought to the shop are sorted, tagged, and checked. A small team of dedicated volunteers helps with the process but more are needed.
Shelves are stocked with clothing, glassware, household items and home decor. There are baby strollers, furniture items, books, kids toys and more. Past items have included vanity tops, hub caps and craft items.
The shop serves as a Restorative Justice work site for teenagers who have to give court ordered community service. Some of kids make items that are then offered for sale in the shop. Proceeds go back into the program.
"Jewelry is the most popular item we make." Says Crabtree. "Once they make a few items they're hooked! After the skills are learned here, kids can make jewelry for family or friends, to use as gifts or to sell."
The program is so popular that many of the kids stay on to join other teenage volunteers. Hours accumulated can count for credit in some classes. Skills learned in organizing and teamwork can help kids land sought-after part time jobs.The only problem, according to Crabtree, is in having enough volunteers to operate the shop while staff works with the volunteers one on one.
"Working with the volunteers individually is critical. It helps to identify talents we can use to help our program and we are more likely to be able to teach them something positive. But unfortunately we don't often have the people for that."
For more information, contact:
Hope For Healing.Org
3130 Old Andrew Johnson Hwy
Strawberry Plains, TN 37871
(865) 933-8769
What kinds of things can you find?
"Anything." says Summer Coordinator Allie Crabtree. Donations brought to the shop are sorted, tagged, and checked. A small team of dedicated volunteers helps with the process but more are needed.
Shelves are stocked with clothing, glassware, household items and home decor. There are baby strollers, furniture items, books, kids toys and more. Past items have included vanity tops, hub caps and craft items.
The shop serves as a Restorative Justice work site for teenagers who have to give court ordered community service. Some of kids make items that are then offered for sale in the shop. Proceeds go back into the program.
"Jewelry is the most popular item we make." Says Crabtree. "Once they make a few items they're hooked! After the skills are learned here, kids can make jewelry for family or friends, to use as gifts or to sell."
The program is so popular that many of the kids stay on to join other teenage volunteers. Hours accumulated can count for credit in some classes. Skills learned in organizing and teamwork can help kids land sought-after part time jobs.The only problem, according to Crabtree, is in having enough volunteers to operate the shop while staff works with the volunteers one on one.
"Working with the volunteers individually is critical. It helps to identify talents we can use to help our program and we are more likely to be able to teach them something positive. But unfortunately we don't often have the people for that."
For more information, contact:
Hope For Healing.Org
3130 Old Andrew Johnson Hwy
Strawberry Plains, TN 37871
(865) 933-8769
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