Gayle Crabtree Speaks at Carson Newman College Seminar

Emotional Well Being seminar at Carson-Newman College was a success. The above is a short video clip of Gayle Crabtree speaking to the workshop attendees. The Hope Quilt, Panel I, is in the background.

She is happy to come to your group or class. Email admin@hopeforhealing.org to schedule.

Director of Hope for Healing.Org to Speak at Carson-Newman College

Random Acts of Violence. How can you get through them? Can you heal?

These are the questions that will be answered at Carson-Newman College tonight. Gayle Crabtree, Executive Director of Hope for Healing.Org will be presenting for The Emotional Well Being Seminar. It begins at 6:30 in the Baker Building. The event is open to the public.

Gayle Crabtree is the Executive Director of Hope for Healing.Org. The organization maintains at webpage that is top ranked on Google. Search "rape recovery" to find it. Their groups and lists provide support to thousands of victims of sexual and domestic violence annually.

1:3 women worldwide will be a victim of abuse in her lifetime. (Endabuse.Org) Many of those women struggle to find the answers. Random acts of violence are senseless. Healing requires time, strength and commitment. The good news is that healing happens every day.

Come find out how...

Blog Talk Radio Voices of Hope Psalm 55 and Domestic Violence

On our Blog Talk Radio show tonight, Voices of Hope, we looked at Psalm 55 and how it could be helpful to victims of Domestic Violence.

Click here for the show:
Spiritual-Issues-in-Sexual-Assault-Hope-for-HealingOrg

Since starting Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio a few weeks ago, we had several people ask what the Bible abbreviations stand for. These indicate the different versions of the Bibles that are on the market today. I hope that our brief look will help you when choosing a Bible. We will explore this in depth in a future episode.

The topic of Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio tonight was to discuss Psalm 55 as it pertains to victims of sexual and domestic violence. Psalm 55 is being called the "Survivors Psalm" because it contains reassurance for many of the thoughts and feelings that victims struggle with. Reading it can be very reassuring.

The show is available for free podcast. If you would like to have your own copy please visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing and download the episode. Psalm 55, the Survivors Psalm is one of several shows that are available.

Why not join us for our show next Monday? Voices of Hope is at 11PM Eastern on Blog Talk Radio. Call in guests receive an free e-book. The free, My Prayer Journal, can be just the thing to jumpstart your relationship with Christ. Best of all, there is no charge for the show or the e-book. How can you top that?

Make plans now to join us for Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio next Monday at 11PM Eastern.

Voices of Hope Internet Radio Spiritual Issues of Survivors

It's Monday night again. That means it's time for our Blog Talk Radio Show, Voices of Hope. Join us at 11:00 pm Eastern as we discuss the spiritual issues of survivors. We'll be looking at Psalm 55. It is commonly called the Survivors Psalm.

Then, we'll talk briefly about different types of Bibles that are available. People often ask which I use the most often or like the best. This will give you a frame of reference for upcoming episodes of Voices of Hope.

Call in to join us.

Callers will receive a free e-Book just for phoning in. The e-book is called "My Prayer Journal". It's designed to help you begin your prayer journey. This is a simple booklet. Just print it out and go.

The guest call-in number is 718.506.1545
The live chat will be going on and questions can be emailed to admin@hopeforhealing. org

See you online at 11:00 pm!

Become a fan of Hope for Healing Org on Facebook

We have a new Facebook page complete with all the photos. Become a fan of Hope for Healing.Org today! It's free and it's a great way to keep updated.

Our url is: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Hope-for-HealingOrg/56738916539 You may have to be signed in to access the page. We have photos, information, links and more!

See you online!

Alaska Missions Trip Meeting

We had a great meeting for the Alaska missions trip. We'll be going in June to help out an organization in Willow, Alaska. It will be a packed 7 days but should be a good time. I'm looking forward to seeing how another organization does things. I'm also looking forward to learning all that I can.

Email me if you are a client of ours and are in Anchorage or Willow. It'll be good to hear from you!

Getting the Clothing Closet Ready for Spring

Saturday was spent getting the clothing closet ready for spring. We had two juvenile offenders and one of our teen volunteers stopped by. It was a great day. (Although we sure will be glad when the weather warms up. )

The guys who came to help had great attitudes. They pitched in without a complaint. They sanded a table with so much gusto that we were momentarily afraid it was going to be turned into sawdust. We don't see that much enthusiasm too often.

I can't wait until they come back to paint it. My hunch is that they can't wait either.

If you have time on Saturdays we welcome volunteers. Call us to learn how you can make a difference.

Restorative Justice Certificate at Hope for Healing.Org

Here's a photo of the certificate we were given earlier this week.

On Saturday, kids with Restorative Justice in Knox County, will be helping us straighten the clothing closet. It needs a lot of work to get things ready for spring. The kids that are coming are just the right help that we need!

The kids make the cards that we have for sale in our eBay store at http://stores.ebay.com/hopeforhealingorg. They also help by refinishing the furniture that we have for sale.

We're proud of the kids and the work that we get to do with them. Not much is better than seeing the smiling face of a kid as they learn new skills and gain confidence. We know that new skills can lead to a new life and they know it too.

It is a deep honor to be part of Restorative Justice in Knox County, TN.

Hope for Healing.Org to Receive Food from Holston Bishop's Day Apart

http://www.holston.org/events/2009/mar/21/umm-day-bishop-swanson/

Did you hear about the Bishop's Day Apart? No? The above url has all of the details. The event is sponsored by the Holston Conference United Methodist Men. Bishop Swanson is speaking.

It takes place on March 21, 2009 at 9:00 am. Registration for adults is $20. For Boy Scouts the cost is a can of food. It's going to be held at Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Morristown, TN.

The food will be given to the food pantry of Hope for Healing.Org in Strawberry Plains, TN.

Hurry to register. The deadline is March 14.

See you there!

Restorative Justice with Juvenile Offenders Works

Restorative Justice with juvenile offenders works. That was the general consensus of those gathered yesterday at the Juvenile Detention facility in Knoxville. Several organizations were recognized for volunteering to be host sites. Hope for Healing.Org was among them.

The significance of the program cannot be overstated.

Restorative Justice is the term for juvenile offenders who perform court ordered community service. The idea is that the kids took something from society when they got into trouble. Through community service they are restoring themselves to society.

Kids in restorative justice also get to learn new skills. Their host sites are often very different from what the kids are used to doing o their own. Part of the transformation is a new sense of pride and increased confidence.

Recidivism among these youth is about 10%. Among the adult population it is over 64%. Hope for Healing.Org has been involved for nearly 3 years. We look forward to spending many more years of changing the lives of kids.

Voices of Hope Internet Radio for Rape & Domestic Violence Survivors

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing/2009/02/17/Survivor-Issues-in-Healing

What a great radio show last night! Voice of Hope on Blog Talk Radio is the only internet radio show for survivors of sexual and domestic violence by Hope for Healing.Org. If you missed Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio don't worry. The show is available as a free podcast! Just click the url above to listen or to download.

Have questions that you'd like to see answered? Can't get onto the show because of work or other commitments? No worries! Just email your questions to voicesofhope@hopeforhealing.org and put "Seeking Answers" in the subject line. We'll be glad to discuss your question on the air. Be sure to come back after the show to listen in.

It's such a great show. I hope you'll make plans to join us! See you Monday nights at 11PM, EST.

Rape Recovery Tips Internet Radio Show Mon. 11Pm EST

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing/2009/02/17/Survivor-Issues-in-Healing

Rape Recovery Tips is the subject of the Blog Talk Radio show on Monday night. It starts at 11PM EST. Moderating the show will be Gayle Crabtree. She is the executive director of Hope for Healing.Org. Gayle has worked with survivors for over a decade. She'll be sharing what's worked for her and others that she has worked with.

Some of the tips that we'll be talking about are on the website at http://www.hopeforhealing.org/tips

Survivors of rape and sexual assault are welcome to call into the show to share their tips or just say hello. The call in number is (718) 506-1545. No long distance? No worries. If you have a microphone on your computer just click on the microphone. A window should open up that allows you to talk directly on the air. The chat room for the show will also be open. We'd love to hear from you.

See ya online!

Domestic Violence and the Church: When Floodgates Open

At Hope for Healing.Org we are trying to do more to reach out. We have a special burden for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault victims that are within the church. Christian victims often lock their pain away and deal with it internally. They tell no one. The cycle of abuse does not end. Instead, it intensifies and ravages not just the primary family but friends and subsequent generations.

The church is in an excellent position to bring healing to victims, abusers and their families. Never before has there been a greater need for the church to stand up and be the Church.

Sadly, it has traditionally cast a blind eye when it comes to domestic violence and sexual assault. Most often, pastors and clergy turn away because they just aren't sure what to do or say. It's not that they don't want to help, they just don't know how.

We know that when pastors do speak against abuse the floodgates open. People come forward for help who have never before been able to speak up. New territories are being mapped out and those waters must be navigated. To help ministers steer the ship toward Living Water and healing, we offer a section of free clergy resources. These are available for download from http://www.hopeforhealing.org/clergy

Once at the Clergy Resource Page you will find several pieces of helpful information There is a flier on ways the church can help, bulletin inserts, statistics, liturgical and responsive readings, suggested scriptures and more.

These resources are all free but copyright does apply. We ask that you not post this information on other websites. Instead, simply place a link to the information that you want to reference on your site. If you would like to distribute within your church all that we ask you to do is let us know.

Another resource that we offer is the book Does God Still Love Me. We took the questions frequently asked by survivors and put them in book form. This is available by clicking the link above or through online bookstores.

We also have a manual for pastors and churches. This is designed to be used as part of a 4 hour workshop. Even pastors who do not take this workshop will find the information to be valuable. The manual is nearing completion and should be ready by April. For more information please email admin@hopeforhealing.org

Internet Search Engine Raises Funds for Domestic Violence Victims

The iGive search engine raises funds for domestic violence victims and others. Every time someone searches through the following link .02 goes to help victims of domestic violence. http://isearch.igive.com/index.cfm?b=11381 The search engine is powered by Yahoo. Bookmark it and use it instead of other search engines. You can donate to Hope for Healing.Org or to the charity of your choice.

Think .02 isn't much? It adds up. Clicking on the above link shows you how much has been raised so far. http://isearch.igive.com/totalraised.cfm?cid=40568 We use the proceeds for our general fund.

We anticipate that the check sent to us in March will be for more than $30. That's enough to buy an Angel Food box for a victim or to help pay the phone bill. The more people that we have who use the search engine the more money we can make and the more people we can help.

In the current economic situation isn't it nice to be able to support a good cause without spending money? The iGive search engine raises funds to help domestic violence victims. Will you help us by using it? http://isearch.igive.com/index.cfm?b=11381

Nonprofit Director Speaks to Jefferson City Ministers Group

Hope for Healing.Org nonprofit director Gayle Crabtree spoke today at the Jefferson City Ministers Association. The topic was the ministry of Hope for Healing.Org as the organization serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Hope for Healing.Org is the only 501c3 nonprofit that serves all of Strawberry Plains. In addition to services to victims of sexual or domestic violence, they distribute Angel Food and provide free clothing, household and food pantry items to those in need.

A short clip of her talk is included below. We apologize for the darkness of the video. It was recorded live.

Angel Food Ministries FBI Search Warrant Executed 2/11

I got an email today from Angel Food Ministries. It says that a search warrant was executed at their home office in Monroe, GA. The email is silent on what information was being looked for by the investigators.

The following is taken from the email sent out this evening.

"Monroe, GA - Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - A single search warrant was executed today on Angel Food Ministries home office. Angel Food Ministries believes that this is an investigation of an individual or individuals connected to the organization, and not regarding the ministry itself, its service to the public or its host sites in any way.

The Board of Directors has pledged full cooperation with government officials.

Angel Food Ministries, welcoming its 15th year of serving food to those in need, reaches 39 states to hundreds of thousands of families with nearly six million boxes distributed in 2008. It is our mission to do that, and it will continue to do so. AFM is taking orders and is prepared to fill them as usual."

FoxAtlanta is reporting that the search warrant was executed by the FBI. More information is available on the FoxAtlanta website.

The website for Angel Food Ministries is http://www.angelfoodministries.com

Domestic Violence

Today was one of those days that just makes you proud. I had a meeting with two church representatives. They want to learn about domestic violence and find ways that their churches can help. That's exciting because it means that the people of God are finding ways to be the hands and feet of God. Personally, I find that exciting and I am very proud that progress is being made where the church is concerned.

A few hours later though, I took a crisis call. (This made me sad instead of proud.) Another family is being torn apart by domestic violence. They are deeply involved in their church. It will be interesting to see how this church responds. Will the church be there to support this family? Or, will the church be locked in insecure silence?

Time will tell.

Blog Talk Radio Show Soundbox Player

Great Internet Radio Show!

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing

We had a great radio show tonight. A few people used IM and another couple of people emailed questions. Please don't forget that the show also has a chat room. Next week, we'll be using it and taking calls live exclusively.

If you missed the show and want to hear it via podcast please click the above link. It is availble for podcast download via Itunes.

We look forward to hearing from you next week at 11:00 pm Eastern at the above url.

Remember, there is hope for healing.

See ya online,
Gayle

Mardi Gras Strawberry Plains 2009 Photos Online

Mardi Gras Photos Click Here

Our Mardi Gras Photos are now online. View the party by clicking the above url!

Mardi Gras Strawberry Plains 2009 Photos are Online!

Wow! Did we ever have fun at the Strawberry Plains Mardi Gras 2009. I'm getting lots of compliments from people who tell me that this was the best year ever. We had a great crew and (as you can tell from the photos) lots of fun!

This photo shows some of the great auction items that were available. There were bath and body baskets, screwdriver sets, truck-tie down sets, crock-pots, jewelry, gift certificates to Amerigo's and Outback Steakhouse, a Jackson electric guitar, Ocoee whitewater rafting passes, items made by Hope Youth and more.

Bojangle's Chicken in Powell was our chicken sponsor. We had a great DJ and lots of fun!

Next year the party happens on Feb. 5, 2010. Mark your calendars now. A party this good is way too much fun to miss!

Hope for Healing.Org Blog Talk Radio Mon, Feb. 9

Spiritual Issues is Domestic & Sexual Violence is the topic for our Blog Talk Radio Show to air tomorrow, Monday, February 9. Spiritual Issues for Survivors starts at 11:00 pm Eastern time.

Hope for Healing.Org founder Gayle Crabtree will be taking caller's questions live.
She is the author of Does God Still Love Me. The book is available from Amazon.Com and other online book stores.

The call in number is (718) 506-1545
(Long distance charges from the phone company will apply.)
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing

Our previous talk show is available here:
https://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing

See you online!

Strawberry Plains Mardi Gras - Thank you!

Strawberry Plains again had a Mardi Gras. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who worked so hard to make this happen. We could not have done it without you! Pictures will be posted soon.

Volunteers cooked food, served food, decorated, helped with the silent auction and did everything to make this Mardi Gras the best ever. We appreciate all of your efforts.

Many thanks go to the terrific DJ who kept us entertained and to the sorority of Gamma Sigma Sigma. You all did an outstanding job and are a credit to Carson-Newman College.

If you miss Mardi Gras this year don't despair. Mark your calendars now to attend next year's Mardi Gras on February 5, 2010. It'll be our sixth straight year! See you there!

Strawberry Plains Amazing Pumpkin Patch is Coming

Strawberry Plains Amazing Pumpkin Patch is coming in October. We have just gotten word that about 1,000 pumpkins are going to be arriving.

The patch will be open beginning October 10 from 11:00 am - 8:00 pm. School groups are welcome to come earlier. Youth groups can come later. For the older kids we'll be offering a marshmallow roast two nights a week. This can be booked for groups only and makes a great outing.

We'll have craft booths, pumpkin booths, storytelling, music and food. Hopefully, we'll be able to offer hayrides and lots more. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time Strawberry Plains has had a pumpkin patch. All proceeds benefit the ministries of Hope for Healing.Org. Volunteers are welcome. To join in the fun call us at 933.8769.

See you in October at the Strawberry Plains Pumpkin Patch. The fun happens at 3126 W. Old Andrew Johnson Hwy., Strawberry Plains, TN 37871.

Strawberry Plains Mardi Gras Tonight 7:00 pm.

Strawberry Plains Mardi Gras happens again tonight. It's the 5th straight year! Tickets are still available at the door. They are only $10 each.

We'll see you at the Strawberry Plains Presbyterian Church at 3128 W. Old Andrew JOhnson Hwy., Strawberry Plains, TN 37871. Phone 933.8769 for directions.

Activities include a chicken dinner sponsored by Bojangles Chicken plus a silent auction, music and dancing. It's always lots and lots of fun!

See you there!

Mardi Gras 2009 Donations Include...

Many thanks to Bojangle's Chicken and Biscuits for once again providing the chicken for our Mardi Gras Party! Knoxville has two area locations. Choose from Powell or Lovell Rd. If you are in Pigeon Forge don't forget to stop by there too! Be sure to tell them we sent you.

Donating auction items are:

Outback Steakhouse has given us a gift certificate for Mardi Gras. Who will be the high bidder on the $45 gift certificate? Come and see on Friday night at Strawberry Plains Presbyterian Church. The fun starts at 7:00 pm.

We also have:
Depression Era Bedroom Suite
Gift Baskets
Ocoee Whitewater Rafting trip
and More...

This year's Mardi Gras doesn't have as many items as previous Mardi Gras parties have had. The economy has been bad on everyone. We're still sure to have lots of fun and excitement!

At only $10 the adult tickets are a real bargain. Where else can you enjoy great music from a hip DJ, get a dinner that includes an appetizer, Gumbo, Bojangle's Chicken, 2 Sides, Drink, Dessert and Fruit PLUS get your chance to win door prizes?

Strawberry Plains Juvenile Offenders Hope for Healing.Org Radio Local Services

Strawberry Plains, TN is home to Hope for Healing.Org. From our home in the downtown Strawberry Plains area people are fed, clothing distributed and lives are changed.

Hope for Healing.Org is best known locally for their work with juvenile offenders. These are kids who are court ordered to give a set number of community service hours. Many of them seem to come from homes where domestic violence is prevalent.

During this segment of our Blog Talk Radio broadcast we speak with Allie. She is the summer youth coordinator and spends a lot of time nurturing juvenile offenders. Also, Allie is responsible for record keeping and task managment.

In "Local Services" she talks about what she likes best about working with juvenile offenders in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealingorg

Blog Talk Radio Show Hope for Healing Org Spiritual Issues

Hope for Healing.Org is live on Blog Talk Radio. Join us on Monday night at 11:00 pm Eastern for our first live Blog Talk Radio Show. We'll be talking about spiritual issues faced by survivors of sexual or domestic violence.

Visit us online at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing

Board Meeting Postponed

Because of the weather, the board meeting has been postponed. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Feb. Board Meeting Reminder

Sorry guys. This one slipped up on me. I hope it didn't slip up on you. Our monthly board meeting is tomorrow evening, Feb. 2. If you can't make it let me know. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you. We still have a number of board positions open. If you know someone who is interested please do toss their name in.

See you tonight!

Our agenda is:

Welcome
Prayer
Minutes of the last meeting
Treasurer's Report
ED Report
Fundraising
Old Business
New Business
Call for other Business
Adjourn