Mardi Gras Strawberry Plains 2009

We are getting ready for Mardi Gras in Strawberry Plains. The 2009 event marks our fifth straight year. The problems with the buildings aren't going to stop us from having a great time and raising some money again this year.

It all happens on Feb. 6. at 7:00 pm. Tickets are still available. Call us for more information at 964.6673.

What's Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Christian season of Lent. An Ash Wednesday service includes having a pastor put ashes on your forehead. This is a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for all sins.

Not every denomination will celebrate Ash Wednesday. It is more common among the denominations Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, United Methodist, Episcopal and Eastern Orthodox.

The ashes are typically made from the dried palm leaves that are collected from the previous year's Palm Sunday service. These are burned during the service by the pastor. The ash is then placed on the head of the participant.

Those who observe the tradition find it to be a moving service.

Mardi Gras is the last party before the self-denial of the Christian season of Lent.

Epiphany on Jan. 6th (also known as 12th Night) marks the beginning of the season. It concludes on "Fat Tuesday" at midnight.

The colors traditionally associated with Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold. Each color has its own meaning.
Purple = Justice
Green = Faith
Gold = Power, Hope

Masks are associated with Mardi Gras as are costumes and parades.

At Hope for Healing.Org we find Mardi Gras to provide symbolism for survivors. Many survivors of sexual and domestic violence wear a mask to tell the outside world they are ok. They get dressed in costume every day and go to work or take care of obligations when inside they are crumbling.

The color of purple is used worldwide to represent domestic violence or violence against women. Green is the color used commonly in place of teal to represent survivors of sexual violence. Gold has long been associated with healing and hope.

At Hope for Healing.Org we tell survivors "You don't have to hide behind a mask." It is ok to get help and walk away from abuse.

This is why we celebrate Mardi Gras as our annual fundraiser each year. It is in honor of the millions of victims that we serve each year.

Our annual event is on Feb. 6. Tickets are still available.

Strawberry Plains Ash Wednesday Services No Word Yet

We've gotten no word yet on Ash Wednesday Services in Strawberry Plains. Please check with the individual churches. If you hear anything please let us know. We'll be glad to let everyone know here.

See our booth at Resurrection!

Resurrection is just a great experience overall. We have so many contacts to follow up on. I'm putting out a second sheet now. Be sure to leave your information when you stop by.

The Hope Quilt is attracting a lot of positive attention. Everyone loves seeing it. We love showing it. I especially enjoy watching people's reactions as they read the squares. No one fails to be moved. It is just amazing.

Look for our booth upstairs. We're just down from the snack area and in between the stairs and elevator. It's almost impossible to miss us.

United Methodist Youth Resurrection 2009

We are at Resurrection 2009 in Gatlinburg, TN. This is a HUGE United Methodist youth event involving 12,000 kids over two weekends. We're upstairs just down from the Elkmont room. Look for us in between the elevator and the stairs. So far, I've talked to several people and am exctied by all the good things I'm hearing. People seem to be receptive to stopping domestic violence. That just makes my day!

If you're here, be sure to stop by!

Water Damages Local Charity Hope for Healing.Org

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I guess it was inevitable that water would damage our office. First, the electricity went due to a problem. Then, temperatures plummeted. We got a surprise when things warmed back up.

Please forgive us if we are delayed in getting back to you. All of our staff is hard at work trying to cope with these difficult circumstances.

The electricity has been restored. The landlord is working on the water situation. Soon the clean up can begin.

Electricity Problem Continues to Plague Strawberry Plains Charity

We are still battling the electricity problem at our Strawberry Plains charity. Hope for Healing.Org has not had electricity since the line went down on Jan. 4. In an email dated Jan. 14 the landlord reported that he was "trying hard" to get us back in business. He said that the building had been inspected and had passed. According to the landlord everything is now in the hands of KUB.

At Hope for Healing.Org we appreciate your patience. This has been a difficult time for us as we struggle with how to work and where to work from. Staying on top of the very many things we do while battling a building that has no electricity has been a major hurdle.

As soon as we have electricity we will post here to let everyone know. You may actually hear us jumping for joy and shouting excitedly when this happens. If so, please head on over. We'll be back in "business", able to work on the website regularly again and be able to distribute clothing and food to those who need it.

Here here a couple of pictures that were taken yesterday evening. This shows part of the work the landlord has done. According to him KUB should be out soon to hook up the electricity.

Hopefully, the electricity problems that keep us from operating effectively in Strawberry Plains will soon be history!

Angel Food Pick Up Sat. Location Change

Angel Food pick up Saturday will be moved to a new location.
Boxes are to be picked up at Trentville United Methodist Church between 9:30 am - 10:00 am. this Saturday.

Please do not come to Hope for Healing.Org. We still have no electricity and cannot plug up a space heater.Our landlord is working with KUB on getting the electrical issues resolved.

We are sorry for any inconvenience.

If you have any questions please call or email admin @ hopeforhealing. org

Electrical Problems Plague Local Charity

Electrical problems may be putting it mildly. The electrical meter fell off our building due either to wind or the age of the building. Right now, our office is without electricity. We are working as quickly as possible to get power restored.

Thank you for your patience.

We hope to be back in full swing again soon!

Local Charity Seeks Volunteers for 5th Annual Mardi Gras Party!

Our 5th annual Mardi Gras celebration happens on Feb. 6. We're still in need of volunteers to help decorate that morning. Volunteers to help serve are also needed. If you or your group have a couple of hours that day call us. We'll be glad to talk to you. This is a fun event!

Tickets for non-volunteers are also avalable for $10 each. Email us for more information or to purchase at gayle@hopeforhealing.org.

See you there!

Happy New Year 2009 To Clients and Friends

To all of our clients and friends. May you have a Happy New Year.
Our wish for you is that your hope will be happy,
That trouble will neglect you and that you will always have God smiling upon you.
May 2009 be a joyous and prosperous New Year

From everyone at Hope for Healing.Org to you.