Don't forget, the Angel Food forms and payment are due on May 9 by 2:00 pm. (This is also the date of the spring festival here in Strawberry Plains. )
If you don't have a menu you can download them. Visit the website at http://www.angelfoodministries.com
For $30 you can get a box that has a retail value between $60 and $80. This really helps stretch the budget. Orders are increasing as more people take advantage of this special deal.
Remember, this offer is for everyone. This is not a subsidy and there are no income qualifications. Angel Food buys in bulk and passes the savings on to us. No strings or hidden surprises. Just good value.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Meeting with a Newport Pastor
It was a pleasure to meet with Newport, Tennessee pastor Rev. Spell. He had only good things to say about his church. What a joy it was to talk with him!
As I shared about Hope for Healing.org he seemed to appreciate much of what I had to say. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of a long-term relationship.
As I shared about Hope for Healing.org he seemed to appreciate much of what I had to say. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of a long-term relationship.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Finding Grace author Donna VanLiere on Voices of Hope
Look for author Donna VanLiere on our Voices of Hope internet radio show on Monday, May 25, 2009 at 8:00 pm. The url is http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing Listen live or call-in during the show to (718) 506-1545
You will be inspired and awed at her story. Most of all, you will find grace. When you read the following excerpt you will see exactly what I mean. See you on Monday, May 11, 2009 at 8:00 pm!
Gayle
___________________________________________________
You will be inspired and awed at her story. Most of all, you will find grace. When you read the following excerpt you will see exactly what I mean. See you on Monday, May 11, 2009 at 8:00 pm!
Gayle
___________________________________________________
When the Wheels Come Off
By Donna VanLiere,
Author of Finding Grace: A True Story About Losing Your Way in Life . . . And Finding It Again
I grew up in the 70's and 80's when parents still told their kids to go outside and play. My friends and I would spend all day in the yard and when we got hot and sweaty enough we'd run to the back patio, open the water spigot on the side of the house and get down on our hands and knees so we could get low enough to turn our mouths up for a drink of water that splashed all over our faces and down our necks. In the evenings I remember seeing my parents shaking their heads as they watched the oil crises in the 1970's unfold on the nightly news. Gas prices skyrocketed to 73 cents a gallon! "Turn it off," my mother would say to my dad. "Good grief! The wheel's are coming off but they make it sound like the world's ending."
Like me, as a child you probably hoped for a life that would exceed your dreams but as those dreams collapsed along the way you've simply wished for a soft wing of hope but instead have gotten life in a culture of ungrace. That's not a word but it should be. If you don't know what ungrace is just listen to most people who didn't vote for any sitting president, watch how fast Hollywood turns on a star who no longer sells at the box office or turn on the news anytime during the day. Ungrace pulsates in our workplaces, communities, and in the media and tells us that regardless of what has happened we must do better, look better, and make ourselves better. But to love and accept someone regardless of their flaws and failures is a breath of hope in a world that turns more upside down than right side up. That is the gift of grace. It's being dirty and smelly and turning your face up under the spigot. Sometimes the wheels need to come off and you need to get pretty low before you appreciate grace.
The wheels are coming off for my friend Lisa. She's the owner of a beautiful clothing store for women. She's put her heart and soul into the store but then the economy tanked and people ran scared (even those who still had jobs and owned their homes). Trouble is, she did everything right: paid her mortgage, creditors and bills on time so she doesn't qualify for help. The wheels are coming off for my friend Jacob. When he took his vows he never envisioned this animosity, anger or separation. The wheels are coming off for my friend Gerri. She finished chemotherapy and is beginning nine weeks of radiation for breast cancer. It wasn't her dream but she's added it to her daily schedule: go to work, get groceries, go to hospital for radiation, do laundry, make dinner.
When we plan our lives no one ever says, "When I grow up I want to get a divorce, maybe two!" Or, "When I grow up I want to lose my house, my business and my life savings!" Broken dreams are never part of anyone's plan. We tie our plans up with ribbons and bows and aim for the mountain top but end up in the valley. In Finding Grace (St. Martin's Press, March 2009) I relate a story of walking with my second grade class to the library when a sixth grader spit on me. He didn't intend to spit on me but I was fortunate enough to be the one to pass at that exact moment. My teacher Mrs. Brewer cleaned me up but when I looked down at my maroon polyester blend turtleneck I could see the white tissue particles clinging to where the snot had been. "He blindsided you," Mrs. Brewer said. "That's how it goes sometimes."
At some point, life blindsides us with something far greater than a giant loogie. The diagnosis, abuse, foreclosure, broken marriage, death, or financial collapse brings us to our knees and though we try to clean ourselves up the best we know how we're still left with the stain of it all. "That's how it goes sometimes." True. But isn't there more? The beauty of grace says yes. There's more love after the infidelity, more joy after the diagnosis and more life after the financial ruin. Chris Gardner, the bestselling author of The Pursuit of Happyness was once asked how he and his son were able to overcome the shame of homelessness. Gardner said, "We were homeless, not hopeless!" Chris knew he was living on the streets but he was still living. That's grace. Grace is always present and always near but it's easy to miss -- things aren't always as they appear. I just returned from Winnipeg where The Christmas Hope is being filmed in a house. In previous months the homeowner fell off a ladder and broke several ribs. During x-rays it was discovered that he had cancer. That break-up, closed door to a job, or fall from a ladder may not be as devastating as you think but an act of grace that will save your life and help you discover higher dreams.
In a country of excess we suffer from a deficit of grace. In the last few months I've watched two stories on the news of men losing their jobs then killing their entire families and themselves. In another story a man lost his job after twenty years. "It's heart wrenching," he said. "But I still have my family and we're all together." That's the hope of grace speaking and it beats the alternative any day. Last week my friend Lisa liquidated merchandise and said, "It kills me to close this store but I know God still has a plan for me." That's grace at the end of a shattered dream. My friend Miriam's husband was devastated over their loss of money in the stock market. "How much do we have left?" she asked. Embracing and recognizing what is left is grace at the end of an economically depressed rope. There is life-altering power in that.
I once attended several Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for research. A man said, "I was a drunk for fifteen years. I lost my wife and son because she couldn't take it anymore. One day I woke up and said, ‘What the hell am I doing? I need to live.'" For fifteen years the noise of his life drown out the voice that said he was worthy, needed and loved but then came the day that he finally heard it. That wake-up call to life is a gift from God. With what strength that man had left he turned his face up toward that spigot of grace and let it splash all over him.
Finding grace in a culture of ungrace seems an impossible task but it is present, it is real and it is an indomitable gift that has the power to change your life. It does come with one condition, though -- like any gift you have to reach out and take it.
Like me, as a child you probably hoped for a life that would exceed your dreams but as those dreams collapsed along the way you've simply wished for a soft wing of hope but instead have gotten life in a culture of ungrace. That's not a word but it should be. If you don't know what ungrace is just listen to most people who didn't vote for any sitting president, watch how fast Hollywood turns on a star who no longer sells at the box office or turn on the news anytime during the day. Ungrace pulsates in our workplaces, communities, and in the media and tells us that regardless of what has happened we must do better, look better, and make ourselves better. But to love and accept someone regardless of their flaws and failures is a breath of hope in a world that turns more upside down than right side up. That is the gift of grace. It's being dirty and smelly and turning your face up under the spigot. Sometimes the wheels need to come off and you need to get pretty low before you appreciate grace.
The wheels are coming off for my friend Lisa. She's the owner of a beautiful clothing store for women. She's put her heart and soul into the store but then the economy tanked and people ran scared (even those who still had jobs and owned their homes). Trouble is, she did everything right: paid her mortgage, creditors and bills on time so she doesn't qualify for help. The wheels are coming off for my friend Jacob. When he took his vows he never envisioned this animosity, anger or separation. The wheels are coming off for my friend Gerri. She finished chemotherapy and is beginning nine weeks of radiation for breast cancer. It wasn't her dream but she's added it to her daily schedule: go to work, get groceries, go to hospital for radiation, do laundry, make dinner.
When we plan our lives no one ever says, "When I grow up I want to get a divorce, maybe two!" Or, "When I grow up I want to lose my house, my business and my life savings!" Broken dreams are never part of anyone's plan. We tie our plans up with ribbons and bows and aim for the mountain top but end up in the valley. In Finding Grace (St. Martin's Press, March 2009) I relate a story of walking with my second grade class to the library when a sixth grader spit on me. He didn't intend to spit on me but I was fortunate enough to be the one to pass at that exact moment. My teacher Mrs. Brewer cleaned me up but when I looked down at my maroon polyester blend turtleneck I could see the white tissue particles clinging to where the snot had been. "He blindsided you," Mrs. Brewer said. "That's how it goes sometimes."
At some point, life blindsides us with something far greater than a giant loogie. The diagnosis, abuse, foreclosure, broken marriage, death, or financial collapse brings us to our knees and though we try to clean ourselves up the best we know how we're still left with the stain of it all. "That's how it goes sometimes." True. But isn't there more? The beauty of grace says yes. There's more love after the infidelity, more joy after the diagnosis and more life after the financial ruin. Chris Gardner, the bestselling author of The Pursuit of Happyness was once asked how he and his son were able to overcome the shame of homelessness. Gardner said, "We were homeless, not hopeless!" Chris knew he was living on the streets but he was still living. That's grace. Grace is always present and always near but it's easy to miss -- things aren't always as they appear. I just returned from Winnipeg where The Christmas Hope is being filmed in a house. In previous months the homeowner fell off a ladder and broke several ribs. During x-rays it was discovered that he had cancer. That break-up, closed door to a job, or fall from a ladder may not be as devastating as you think but an act of grace that will save your life and help you discover higher dreams.
In a country of excess we suffer from a deficit of grace. In the last few months I've watched two stories on the news of men losing their jobs then killing their entire families and themselves. In another story a man lost his job after twenty years. "It's heart wrenching," he said. "But I still have my family and we're all together." That's the hope of grace speaking and it beats the alternative any day. Last week my friend Lisa liquidated merchandise and said, "It kills me to close this store but I know God still has a plan for me." That's grace at the end of a shattered dream. My friend Miriam's husband was devastated over their loss of money in the stock market. "How much do we have left?" she asked. Embracing and recognizing what is left is grace at the end of an economically depressed rope. There is life-altering power in that.
I once attended several Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for research. A man said, "I was a drunk for fifteen years. I lost my wife and son because she couldn't take it anymore. One day I woke up and said, ‘What the hell am I doing? I need to live.'" For fifteen years the noise of his life drown out the voice that said he was worthy, needed and loved but then came the day that he finally heard it. That wake-up call to life is a gift from God. With what strength that man had left he turned his face up toward that spigot of grace and let it splash all over him.
Finding grace in a culture of ungrace seems an impossible task but it is present, it is real and it is an indomitable gift that has the power to change your life. It does come with one condition, though -- like any gift you have to reach out and take it.
©2009 Donna VanLiere, author of Finding Grace: A True Story About Losing Your Way in Life . . . And Finding It Again.
Author Bio
Donna Vanliere, author of Finding Grace, is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Christmas Hope series and Angels of Morgan Hill. She lives in Franklin, Tennessee with her husband and three children.
Donna Vanliere, author of Finding Grace, is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Christmas Hope series and Angels of Morgan Hill. She lives in Franklin, Tennessee with her husband and three children.
For more information please visit http://www.donnavanliere.com
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Today I met with...
Martha Beamer. She is the pastor of Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church in the Morristown District. It was a pleasure to tell her about the ministry of Hope for Healing.Org. We discussed a date for me to come speak at the church.
I'm excited about that and can't wait. It will be Sunday, May 10 at the main worship service. If you are in the area, please stop by.
I'm excited about that and can't wait. It will be Sunday, May 10 at the main worship service. If you are in the area, please stop by.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Voices of Hope Blog Talk Radio Lineup for Week
We have a great line up for our Voices of Hope radio show on Blog Talk Radio.
Monday, 8PM EDT - Survivor Issues - Men Speak
Tuesday, 12PM EDT - DV Advocate, REACHS House of Hope Domestic Violence Program
Calls in during the shows to 718.506.1545
Tune in online at http://www.blogtalkradio.com
To ask a question, dial in and press "1" on your telephone keypad. Podcast downloads are available 20 minutes after the show closes.
This is a great line-up of shows. We hope to see you there!
Monday, 8PM EDT - Survivor Issues - Men Speak
Tuesday, 12PM EDT - DV Advocate, REACHS House of Hope Domestic Violence Program
Calls in during the shows to 718.506.1545
Tune in online at http://www.blogtalkradio.com
To ask a question, dial in and press "1" on your telephone keypad. Podcast downloads are available 20 minutes after the show closes.
This is a great line-up of shows. We hope to see you there!
Great Angel Food distribution. Thanks everyone!
Thanks to everyone who helped make our Angel Food distribution a success. We appreciate all of your help.
An estimated 48 people were served through the food boxes. In addition to the Angel Food distribution, we gave clothing and household items to a family of 5. A food pantry box also found a home as did a toy.
We worked with 3 juvenile offenders, three youth volunteers and four adult volunteers. The churches of Baileyton United Methodist in Greeneville, Tennessee and Holston Baptist Church of Strawberry Plains donated items.
All in all, it was a busy day. We couldn't have done it without you.
An estimated 48 people were served through the food boxes. In addition to the Angel Food distribution, we gave clothing and household items to a family of 5. A food pantry box also found a home as did a toy.
We worked with 3 juvenile offenders, three youth volunteers and four adult volunteers. The churches of Baileyton United Methodist in Greeneville, Tennessee and Holston Baptist Church of Strawberry Plains donated items.
All in all, it was a busy day. We couldn't have done it without you.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Gayle Crabtree to Speak to Carson Newman Group
Gayle Crabtree, Executive Director of Hope for Healing.Org will be speaking today at Carson-Newman College.
She will be talking about domestic violence and the programs offered through Hope for Healing.Org. Students will have the opportunity to see the Hope Quilt and to ask questions.
She will be talking about domestic violence and the programs offered through Hope for Healing.Org. Students will have the opportunity to see the Hope Quilt and to ask questions.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Thanks, Board of Directors
Thanks to our board of directors for coming to the board meeting last night. We met in a local restaurant and discussed where we are going, where we want to go and how we are going to get there.
We have a few positions open on the board. If you are interested in serving, or want to help with fundraising, let us know. We'll be glad to talk with you.
We have a few positions open on the board. If you are interested in serving, or want to help with fundraising, let us know. We'll be glad to talk with you.
Blog Talk Radio Voices of Hope Lunch Buffet Hope for Healing. Org
About Hope for Healing.Org. By request, we'll be talking about Hope for Healing.Org. Tune in to learn what we do and how we do it. We'll discuss our work with victims of domestic violence, juvenile offenders, Angel Food distribution, food pantry, clothing and household items.
If you go to Google and type in "rape recovery" you will find that Hope for Healing.Org is a top ranked webpage. Our Rape Recovery Help and Info. Page has been popular for several years now.
However, you may not realize that we offer many services through our mission center in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee.
This show will change that. Listen live at 12 noon today or call-in 718.506.1545. We'll look forward to having you on the Voices of Hope Lunch Buffet.
Next week, we'll welcome a rep from REACHS Domestic Violence program. You'll want to join us then too.
If you go to Google and type in "rape recovery" you will find that Hope for Healing.Org is a top ranked webpage. Our Rape Recovery Help and Info. Page has been popular for several years now.
However, you may not realize that we offer many services through our mission center in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee.
This show will change that. Listen live at 12 noon today or call-in 718.506.1545. We'll look forward to having you on the Voices of Hope Lunch Buffet.
Next week, we'll welcome a rep from REACHS Domestic Violence program. You'll want to join us then too.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Board Meeting Change
To our board members,
Don't forget the meeting tonight. It's at 6:30 pm. Email us or call to confirm location.
We have lots of interesting things to discuss. See you there!
Don't forget the meeting tonight. It's at 6:30 pm. Email us or call to confirm location.
We have lots of interesting things to discuss. See you there!
On Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio tonight, we have a group of survivors who are going to be sharing their experiences of healing from sexual assault.
Tune in from 8:00pm - 9:00 pm EDT. These ladies have "Been there. Done that." and lived to tell the story. They are all amazing women.
The show url is http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing
Call-in number to listen live or ask questions is 718.506.1545
These ladies will be sharing their stories of healing. It's our first group
format show. We're excited. Tune in to Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio tonight and let us know what you think.
Tune in from 8:00pm - 9:00 pm EDT. These ladies have "Been there. Done that." and lived to tell the story. They are all amazing women.
The show url is http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing
Call-in number to listen live or ask questions is 718.506.1545
These ladies will be sharing their stories of healing. It's our first group
format show. We're excited. Tune in to Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio tonight and let us know what you think.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Possible Metal for Roof Found
An anonymous blog reader may have a possible metal piece that we can have for our roof. We are excited and grateful at this possibility. We are hopeful that it will work out. Keep checking our blog for more details.
We were shocked when earlier this week metal scrap thieves stole a portion of our roof. Fortunately, the part of the building that it was stolen from is not usable. Nothing inside the building was damaged.
Still, it saddens me that a scrap metal thief would choose the ministry center of Hope for Healing.Org. The money to replace it would come from funds that would be used for rent, phone or the electricity bill. We are having an extremely difficult time in meeting those bills. Theft by a scrap metal thief only adds to our problems.
We are extremely grateful for any help we can get in procuring the possible metal for our roof. To the person who called, we hope you do still have the piece of metal in your shed. Thank you very, very much for thinking of us!
We were shocked when earlier this week metal scrap thieves stole a portion of our roof. Fortunately, the part of the building that it was stolen from is not usable. Nothing inside the building was damaged.
Still, it saddens me that a scrap metal thief would choose the ministry center of Hope for Healing.Org. The money to replace it would come from funds that would be used for rent, phone or the electricity bill. We are having an extremely difficult time in meeting those bills. Theft by a scrap metal thief only adds to our problems.
We are extremely grateful for any help we can get in procuring the possible metal for our roof. To the person who called, we hope you do still have the piece of metal in your shed. Thank you very, very much for thinking of us!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Angel Food Box Order Deadline Sat.
We'll be accepting Angel Food box orders at the mission center from 11:00 - 2:00 pm. Signature boxes are $30 each. Additional specials are available. The price varies for those. You can read the full menu here.
There is no limit to the number of boxes you can purchase. The only stipulation is that you be here during the designated pick up hours to get your food. We have no refrigeration and cannot store your food box. The pick up hours are from 10:00 - 10:30 on Sat., April 18.
Please contact us if you have any questions. We hope to see you tomorrow!
There is no limit to the number of boxes you can purchase. The only stipulation is that you be here during the designated pick up hours to get your food. We have no refrigeration and cannot store your food box. The pick up hours are from 10:00 - 10:30 on Sat., April 18.
Please contact us if you have any questions. We hope to see you tomorrow!
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Blog Talk Radio Voices of Hope Survivor Issues Monday 8PM
Is healing from sexual assault possible? Will I be able to recover? Long term survivors discuss healing on the Blog Talk Radio Show on Voices of Hope, Survivor Issues. The show airs Monday at 8PM (EDT USA).
Special guests for this segment are long-term survivors of rape, sexual assault and domestic violence. Tune to listen as these survivors discuss hope, family life and the road to healing. The show is airing as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Call in, listen live or download the podcast from http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing
Our radio call in number is (718) 506-1545. Calls will be taken live from 8:15-8:40 pm.
Remember, even in your darkest hour there is hope, for healing. These survivors are proof. We hope you will join us at 8PM Monday on Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio.
Special guests for this segment are long-term survivors of rape, sexual assault and domestic violence. Tune to listen as these survivors discuss hope, family life and the road to healing. The show is airing as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Call in, listen live or download the podcast from http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing
Our radio call in number is (718) 506-1545. Calls will be taken live from 8:15-8:40 pm.
Remember, even in your darkest hour there is hope, for healing. These survivors are proof. We hope you will join us at 8PM Monday on Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Belk Charity Day Tickets are on Sale Here Now!
Belk Charity Day Tickets are on sale here now! Tickets are only $5 each and are good at any participating Belk Department Store on May 2. Plus, each ticket purchased gets you a $5 discount off your first purchase during the Charity Day. (
Stop by our office in Strawberry Plains or order Belk Charity Tickets online by sending your donation via Pay Pal to donations@hopeforhealing.org. In the notes section just put in how many tickets you would like and the address to which we can send them. We'll get them out to you asap!
Belk Charity Day Sale happens only once a year. You won't want to miss it.
Stop by our office in Strawberry Plains or order Belk Charity Tickets online by sending your donation via Pay Pal to donations@hopeforhealing.org. In the notes section just put in how many tickets you would like and the address to which we can send them. We'll get them out to you asap!
Belk Charity Day Sale happens only once a year. You won't want to miss it.
Today is Sexual Assault Awareness Month Action Day. It has been organized by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center as a day to focus on preventing sexual violence.
Respect Works!
Statistics were gathered from 1993-1999 on sexual violence in the workplace. During these years, over 36,000 women were raped or sexually assaulted while on the job. Workplace sexual violence is not uncommon and should be stopped.
If you are an employer, take action. The following url will give you a list of resources:
http://www.nsvrc.org/saam/current-campaign/wpsv-resource-list#websites
If you are a victim know that you do not deserve to be abused. You are not responsible for the behavior. It's ok to speak out. The RAINN National Sexual Violence Hotline is 1.800.656.HOPE Call them. They'll be glad to help you find a way through.
For more information on sexual assault awareness contact the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Their url is http://www.nsvrc.org/
Respect Works!
This year, the focus is on sexual violence in the workplace.
Statistics were gathered from 1993-1999 on sexual violence in the workplace. During these years, over 36,000 women were raped or sexually assaulted while on the job. Workplace sexual violence is not uncommon and should be stopped.
If you are an employer, take action. The following url will give you a list of resources:
http://www.nsvrc.org/saam/current-campaign/wpsv-resource-list#websites
If you are a victim know that you do not deserve to be abused. You are not responsible for the behavior. It's ok to speak out. The RAINN National Sexual Violence Hotline is 1.800.656.HOPE Call them. They'll be glad to help you find a way through.
For more information on sexual assault awareness contact the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Their url is http://www.nsvrc.org/
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Blog Talk Radio Voices of Hope Lunch Buffet Recycle Here
Blog Talk Radio Voices of Hope Lunch Buffet Recycle Here was the topic of today's noontime show. If you aren't familiar with our recycling programs visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hopeforhealing to download the podcast. (For 1 week, this segment will be playing automatically when you download this blog.)
We need cardboard, newspaper and other items.
On the Voices of Hope Lunch Buffet segment you will learn how we recycle used ink jet cartridges, ipods, MP3 players, digital cameras, old laptops, cardboard, newspaper, used clothing, used tennis shoes, broken appliances, scrap metal items and wooden furniture.
There's very little that we cannot recycle. You don't have to live in the area to help us recycle many items! Ink jet cartridges, used cell phones and the like can be collected in your office or church and sent straight to the recycler. Just be sure to put a large note in the box asking them to credit Hope for Healing.Org.
The proceeds keep our lights on, the rent paid and internet services online. Proceeds beyond basic expenses go to provide food boxes for needy families or lunch for juvenile offenders.
For photos of some of our recycled items view these blog posts:
Stool, Kitchen Table and Wall Shelf
We need cardboard, newspaper and other items.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Please Return the Roof of Our Nonprofit
You would think that falling scrap metal prices would be a deterrent to metal thieves. Not so.
Yesterday, I got a rude surprise. A small section of our metal roof is missing from the building we rent. Without luck, we searched all over the property in case it blew off. Then I noticed that a few other things were missing from under our canopy.
Metal thieves have struck.
This make me mad and kind of sad. The roof may not have been much but we liked having it. And, we needed it.
Our nonprofit is struggling and can just barely make the rent. We help people get clothing when they need it. We give out food for free from our food pantry. If you need household items and cannot afford it we can help with that too. Hope for Healing.Org also restores the lives of juvenile offenders, distributes Angel Food and makes referrals for victims of domestic violence.
None of these activities generates income.
Replacing anything that is taken by metal thieves is going to be hard to impossible. Then I got word that the bicycle of a 12 year old girl was stolen. I wonder if this was taken for scrap metal too?
Times are hard but you don't have to resort to stealing metal to make money. There are still plenty of honest ways to make money. Bake sales, car washes, yard sales and the like are still valid ways of making an extra dollar. If you are considering stealing metal (or anything) think again. Please do not resort to stealing roofs or bicycles from innocent children.
And if you have our section of roof don't scrap metal it. Please bring it back. Ditto for the little girl's bicycle.
We'll be posting pictures here as we can.
Yesterday, I got a rude surprise. A small section of our metal roof is missing from the building we rent. Without luck, we searched all over the property in case it blew off. Then I noticed that a few other things were missing from under our canopy.
Metal thieves have struck.
This make me mad and kind of sad. The roof may not have been much but we liked having it. And, we needed it.
Our nonprofit is struggling and can just barely make the rent. We help people get clothing when they need it. We give out food for free from our food pantry. If you need household items and cannot afford it we can help with that too. Hope for Healing.Org also restores the lives of juvenile offenders, distributes Angel Food and makes referrals for victims of domestic violence.
None of these activities generates income.
Replacing anything that is taken by metal thieves is going to be hard to impossible. Then I got word that the bicycle of a 12 year old girl was stolen. I wonder if this was taken for scrap metal too?
Times are hard but you don't have to resort to stealing metal to make money. There are still plenty of honest ways to make money. Bake sales, car washes, yard sales and the like are still valid ways of making an extra dollar. If you are considering stealing metal (or anything) think again. Please do not resort to stealing roofs or bicycles from innocent children.
And if you have our section of roof don't scrap metal it. Please bring it back. Ditto for the little girl's bicycle.
We'll be posting pictures here as we can.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Gayle Crabtree Speaks to Oak Ridge District on Domestic Violence
Today, I was afforded the rare opportunity to address the Oak Ridge District Ministers meeting of the United Methodist Church. The topic was domestic violence.
I only noticed two pastors leave before my talk. Considering the tight schedules that some pastors keep I think that' s an accomplishment.
Several pastors told me that they looked forward to hearing my talk about domestic violence. This was before the meeting.
Once upon a time, pastors and domestic violence did not go together. Thankfully, times are changing. This wonderful group of ministers is proof of that.
May God grant them open ears, open hearts and open minds as they minister to victims within their congregations. May He also bring healing and health to the families that are locked in the viciousness of domestic violence.
I only noticed two pastors leave before my talk. Considering the tight schedules that some pastors keep I think that' s an accomplishment.
Several pastors told me that they looked forward to hearing my talk about domestic violence. This was before the meeting.
Once upon a time, pastors and domestic violence did not go together. Thankfully, times are changing. This wonderful group of ministers is proof of that.
May God grant them open ears, open hearts and open minds as they minister to victims within their congregations. May He also bring healing and health to the families that are locked in the viciousness of domestic violence.
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