Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon 2010 - announces total

Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon 2010 was a success. We are very proud of the bloggers who worked so hard to raise funds and awareness. The totals exceeded our expectations. We don’t have to remind everyone that our country is recovering from a recession.

At our organization we think that the economy is improving. Why? Because the number of people who ask us for free food or free school supplies has dropped substantially since last year. There are fewer phone and online requests. To us, this is a good sign.

We also feel that the improvement in the economy is reflected in the Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon 2010 totals. In 2009, our blogathon total was $400. We were very happy with that. This year is even better.

The funds generated go toward our general operating expenses. Things like phone, internet access and webhosting aren’t covered by grants (not that we’ve found anyway). Yet without them we couldn’t operate. After all, we are a .org! J

Going into the Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon we weren’t sure what to expect. Our team brought it home for us. The total raised this year (including pledges) is $850! This more than doubles what our volunteers helped us raise last year! Who wouldn’t like to see that happen with their mutual fund?

There is no way that we can thank our volunteers and sponsors enough for your hard work. I’m going to let our clients do that. The two lines below say it better than I ever could.

• “My family threw me under the bus. They can’t deal with my problems. You said it had more to do with them than me. I believe that now.”

• “You are there when my friends aren’t.”

Fundraising is important but that’s only part of the total support that keeps us online. (Page 2…)

Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon 2010 how volunteers helped

Fundraising is important to the success of the Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon 2010 but so is the total support that we receive from all participants. This can’t be quantified by looking solely at the amount raised in the Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon 2010.

Many people don’t realize that every incoming link to the Hope Blog helps. What it does is increase our Google page rank. This number is very important to our sponsors and advertisers. The scale is 1-10.

As of this writing, the page rank for Hope for Healing.Org is a 5. The blog that you are reading now has a page rank rating of 4. Those are numbers to be happy about.

Let us put this into better perspective for you. The following websites are ranked in order of page rank  The corresponding number is off to the side. Remember, the scale is from 1-10. The higher the number, the better the ranking.

Here’s the page rank comparison breakdown:

10 - CNN
9- Yahoo.com

8- Pay Pal.com

7- KnoxNews.com

6- Associated Content.com

5- WBIR Knoxville News station

5- Hope for Healing.Org

4- Holston.org

4- The Hope Blog

3- Best Places.com

Granted, page rank isn’t solely based on the number of incoming links, but it helps.

To our clients, it doesn’t matter what our rank is. They just want us to be there when they need us. Our volunteers work hard to make sure that happens. We couldn’t do it without you. You have our thanks from the bottom of our hearts!

Be sure to save the date for next year. See you the second Saturday of August 2011 for our next blogathon!

Thanks for helping in the Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon 2010

Thanks for helping in the Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon 2010. You have just made it possible for victims of sexual and domestic violence to receive support through our website, blog and Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio.

Bloggers, please don't forget to turn in any funds raised by next Saturday. We'll post final fundraising totals on Tuesday, September 7.

Flat donations of any amount are accepted anytime. If anyone wants to donate late they can. We do accept credit cards, checks and Pay Pal.

Pat yourselves on the back for a job well done. Congratulations to everyone who participated!

We look forward to seeing you August 27, 2011. Mark your calendars now. :-)

Parenting tips made easy

Many thanks to Lyn Lomasi for participating in our Blogathon!

Parenting any child is tough. The challenge can be made even harder after any kind of abuse, domestic violence or sexual violence.

Communicating successfully with your child is a key building block to establishing a good parenting relationship. This is a pretty tall order under the best of circumstances. Building a relationship can begin at any stage although it may take extra effort when working with older children or teenagers.

One of our Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon 2010 participants writes for Parent Successfully. The blog is full of tips that may be useful for any parent. You'll find information on every stage of development from pregnancy to teenagers. It's definitely worth a look.

Lyn Lomasi also writes for the following blogs. No doubt you will want to take a look at these too.

• http://www.articlewriterforhire.com/
• http://www.parentsuccessfully.com/
• http://www.naturallygreennews.com/
• http://www.povertyandhomelessness.com/

Recycling used cell phones helps domestic violence victims

Domestic violence programs go green too. When you recycle your used cell phone at a domestic violence agency you are providing a lifeline to someone who needs it.

Any extra phones or older phones that a program can't use are often recycled. The recycled phones provide needed funds that help agencies help clients. Many programs also accept small used electronics such as older or nonworking digital cameras, nonworking laptops, empty ink jet cartridges and more.

Our program is no exception. There is a long list of items that we collect. Would you like to help? Shipping the items is free. Email us at recycle@hopeforhealing.org for a full list of items to collect.

For more hot recycling tips read NaturallyGreenNews.com. 

~~ Many thanks to NaturallyGreenNews.com for participating in our 2010 Blogathon!~~

Huricane Katrina and domestic violence

The effects of Hurricane Katrina on domestic violence victims cannot be understated. The lessons in general  continue to impact the United States. We have learned much about what to do and what not to do in disaster planning. The lessons apply as much to individuals as it does to the government.

With Hurricane Katrina and domestic violence it quickly became apparent that victims were forgotten when it came to disaster planning. As an organization we networked with another agency to bring relief supplies of water, food, toys, diapers and clothing to the office of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Baton Rouge. As we now know, this was only a drop in the bucket compared the ongoing needs of the region.

One of the things we've learned about Hurricane Katrina and domestic violence is that disaster planning needs to be part of a safety plan anytime there is a danger of natural disaster. We've also learned about what organizations can do to plan ahead.

The Empowerment Consulting Blog provides insight on how organizations can make better plans. Together we can all do a better job of preventing another Hurricane Katrina and domestic violence disaster. Sure, we can't stop a hurricane but we can stop abuse. Disaster planning may be a key component in doing so.

How friends can help a domestic violence victim

You are always on rocky footing when domestic violence is happening to a friend you love. When we see an abuser isolating someone we love we often feel helpless and locked out. This is exactly what the abuser intends. Isolating a potential victim is a way for an abuser to increase control.

Carol Roach is a writer friend of ours who wrote an online article called How to Truly Be a Friend to an Abused or Battered Woman. She writes from her personal experience but also has a masters degree in counseling psychology.

Her article provides insight on how domestic violence effects friends and what was tried to help. Ultimately, she had to abide by her friend's decision. This can be the hardest thing that any of us will ever have to do.

Other ways that friends can help a domestic violence victim are:

• Listen when your friend wants to talk.
• Be nonjudgemental. 
• Find ways to help build your friend's self-esteem.
• Calling your friend will help break through the isolation.
• Be supportive in positive ways.
• Research domestic violence.
• Work with your supervisor or pastor to put up awareness posters to advertise the local hotline number.

You may have other suggestions on how friends can help a domestic violence victim. Please add your comments in the field below.

Carol also writes on Examiner about Women's Issues, mental health issues, and heath topics. She is also known for her work as a staff writer Factoidz.  Her articles are well researched and informative. The links above are included as a courtesy to our readers.

Have you got your blog on?

We do! Today is an exciting day for Hope for Healing.Org. It marks our 2nd annual blogathon. This fantastic event will always be held on the last Saturday of August. Our plan is to raise funds and awareness at the same time.

Did you know that worldwide 1:3 women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime? Some view this to be a conservative statistic.

Stats from Nape Abuse Incest National Network indicate 1:6 women and 1:33 men will be sexually assaulted.

Domestic violence and sexual assault is fully preventable. Every statistic means that someone made a willful decision to deliberately hurt another person. Life doesn't have to be that way. No one ever deserves to be hurt.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is the place to go to get help. They can talk to you and help you find resources that are near you. Calling is free and it's confidential. Don't let another minute go by without getting help. Call them. It's what they are there for.

Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon 2010 Tomorrow Aug. 28

Are you ready? The event we've all been waiting for is upon us! Our Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon 2010 happens tomorrow (Aug. 28) from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm. We have a great team of bloggers who are lined up and ready to go!

Be sure to check back tomorrow for live updates. We'll be tweeting and blogging up the minute announcements as it all happens. This is really going to be fun!

Get your blogging fingers ready. Get your browser engines ready. On the mark. Get set GO!

We need bloggers to help us for one day. Can you help?

We're gearing up for our second annual blogathon! Would you like to help?

You probably already know that Hope for Healing.Org is one of the busier sites on the web for victims of sexual or domestic violence. Go ahead and type "rape recovery", "rape flashbacks", "rape pregnancy" or "male rape" into your favorite search engine (or click the links). Then hit the back button to come back here.

I don't have to tell you that the economy has taken a toll on most nonprofits. Hope for Healing.org doesn't have any large corporate sponsors who write big checks. To continue helping victims of rape and domestic violence we are asking for your help, for one day, on August 28, 2010. The blogathon will help us raise needed funds that will allow us to keep helping others.

Becoming a part of the 2010 Blogathon is easy. All you need to do is ask your friends and co-workers if they will sponsor you. They set the amount. It can be .10 per blog post, $1.00 or more - whatever they decide.

Flat donations of any amount are also accepted. On August 28, 2010, you make posts on your blog per the theme of your blog. Then, you collect the funds from your sponsors and send them in within 1 week after the blogathon.

Guess what? There is no limit to the amount of money that each blogger can raise. Nope. None. The sky is the limit! Would you like to know where the money goes? This list will give you an idea.

Would you like to be a part of the Hope for Healing.Org 2010 Blogathon? Email us at blogathon@hopeforhealing.org. We'll email a welcome packet right out to you. To say thanks we'll link to your site from ours and list you on a big "Thank You" page after the event! How does that sound? We thought you'd like to help. Be sure to email us at the above link to get started.

We thank you in advance for choosing to help! :-)

Bloggers needed for our 2010 Blogathon to help rape survivors heal

Last year's blogathon was such a success that we're doing it again. August 28, 2010 is the big day. We need bloggers to help make this a success. Participating bloggers ask friends or family members to sponsor them as they blog on August 28. Bloggers can be sponsored with a one-time donation or a set amount for each blog post.

We'll be posting links to all participating bloggers on this blog. Whenever possible we'll also do a short write-up about your blog as a thank you.

Then, when it's all over participating bloggers will collect their funds and send them in. Donations can be paid by credit card, Pay Pal, check, money order or can be sent in by carrier pigeon. (The pigeon method may be a tad unreliable.)

Donations go into our general fund. This helps us run the website to help rape survivors, keep Voices of Hope on the internet airwaves, maintain this blog, provide support to victims and change the lives of juvenile offenders.

Want to help? Email us at blogathon@hopeforhealing.org. We'll get an email packet out to you ASAP! Thanks for joining us. We look forward to having you aboard for the Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon 2010!

Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon 2009 Concluded

That was fun! We'd like to thank everyone for your help and support. This is something that we will definitely do again. We've checked in with some of the participants who say they had a good time. Later, we'll be checking in with the rest of the group.
The list of participating bloggers is on the column on the right. They did a great job! All funds are due to be received in 2 weeks. As soon as we get the final amount we'll post it online. This was our first blogathon so we have no idea what to expect. Every dollar will help!
This has been a very busy weekend for us at Hope for Healing.Org. Blog readers know that we were in the process of moving our ministry center at the same time we had the blogathon. That made things very lively at times. We are grateful for the help of everyone who assisted us with our shuffle.
Thanks again for your help. We look forward to working with you both online and off.
As we close out the Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon 2009 we want to leave you with one final through. This is borrowed from our Voices of Hope show on Blog Talk Radio.
"No matter what you are going through, even in your darkest hour, there is hope for healing."
Good "night" and may God bless you!
Make your searches count.isearchigive Click here to help victims.

Outback Steakhouse Knoxville, TN Strawberry Plains Exit

The Outback Steakhouse is the first choice of many people in the area. They are widely known for tempting mouth-watering steaks and for their community involvement. We thank this Outback Steakhouse for sponsoring the Hope for Healing.Org blogathon 2009.

The contact information for the Outback Steakhouse at the Strawberry Plains Exit is:

The Outback Steakhouse

7400 Sawyer LaneKnoxville, TN 37924865.932.0036
In addition to steaks the Outback Steakhouse has seafood, chicken and other items. A full menu is available online here. You can order take out orders and find out more about the restaurant online at this website.
~~Many thanks to Outback Steakhouse for sponsoring our 2009 Blogathon.~~
Make your searches count.isearchigive Click here to help victims.

H&R Block in Dandridge, TN

For tax work in Dandridge there is no better place than H & R Block. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff will work hard to help you get the tax refund you are entitled to. The fast e-filing can guarantee that you get your money as fast as possible.
At H&R Block in Dandridge, Tennessee your satisfaction is guaranteed. The office is conveniently located near downtown and is open year-round. Hours may vary by season.
In addition to tax returns a wide range of other services are offered. These include a Second Look Review, Notary Public, Tax Audit Support, Drop-Off Services and more!
H & R Block1047 S Hwy 92, Suite BDandridge, TN 37725Phone: 865.484.1040
Find H&R Block in Dandridge by visiting them online here.

~~Many thanks to H&R Block in Dandridge for supporting our Blogathon 2009.~~

We're Still Live on the Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon!

We're still live for the Hope for Healing.org Blogathon. I will admit that it is getting harder to post as the night goes on. Next time, we won't schedule the blogathon for the same day that we move out of our office. Ouch!

But I'm not really complaining. We need to raise awareness about our organization and the people we help. What better way to do that by having a blogathon?

I've already had someone tell me today that they didn't know how it is to support us. Donating couldn't be easier than using the search engine link below. Plus, iGive has all sorts of toolbars and tools that we can use to help raise funds.

The Amazon.Com link on the front page of our site helps too. Anytime you order anything from Amazon.Com please consider using our link. It won't cost you any more than it normally would and the income helps us help others.

I think that's still a win-win right:??

Make your searches count.isearchigive Click here to help victims.

About Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio...

Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio is a ministry of Hope for Healing.Org. The show is geared to empower and uplift victims of sexual or domestic violence. There are two distinct formats for Voices of Hope.

Our Monday night show airs live at 8:00 pm. This is a show that is loose and unstructured. Callers are always welcome but victims are especially encouraged to call during this show. This is a great way to receive encouragement and get questions answered. Calls are taken on the air.

Not all guests feel comfortable calling in. That's ok. At Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio we understand the sensitive issues that survivors are dealing with. That's why we check our email constantly during the show. If you have a question or a comment email us at voicesofhope@hopeforhealing.org. We'll respond on the air. (Some questions may also be answered privately.)

Our Voices of Hope: Lunch Buffet airs on Tuesdays at 12:00 noon. This is a great time for professionals to share about their programs or specialities. Callers are welcome for this show also. The email will be checked constantly during this show as well.

Another great way to participate in a Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio broadcast is to use our chat room. Whenever possible we open it and monitor the room throughout the show.

New! For August 2009!
We now have the capability to go on location with the show. If you want us to come to you and broadcast from your nonprofit, store or business let us know. We'll be glad to come out and do that. Email voicesofhope@hopeforhealing.org to invite us out for a live remote. Our office is based out of Strawberry Plains, TN.

The call in number for all of our show is 718.506.1545. Long distance charges may apply.

We hope you will join us for Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio! See you on Mondays at 8PM or Tuesdays at 12Noon, Eastern.

Make your searches count.isearchigive Click here to help victims.

Puleo's Grille Knoxville, TN on Strawberry Plains Exit

Puleo's Grille at the Strawberry Plains Pike exit (#398) is a favorite of many in Knoxville. They are known for excellent food and even better service.

The favorite dish of our executive director is the mouthwatering Maple Glazed Pork Chops. They have many other excellent dishes on the menu. Choose from Italian specialties to the mouth watering Chopped Bleu Steak, Salmon, Sandwiches and more. There is something for everyone!

The Puleo's Grille is located at 7224 Regions Lane in Knoxville, TN. The zip code is 37914.

You can contact Puleo's Grille via their website at www.puleosgrille.com. Once there, you can view the menu, join the chef's e-club and learn about the restaurant.

The phone number of the Puleo's Grille at the Strawberry Plains Pike exit is 865.673.9101 and the fax number is 865.673.9104.

Hours are as follows:
11:00 am - 10:00 pm Sunday - Thursday
11:00 am - 11:00 pm Friday - Saturday

Puleo's Grille - Southern Roots - Italian Heritage

~~Many thanks to Puleo's Grille for sponsoring the Hope for Healing.Org 2009 Blogathon~~

Learn More About Hope for Healing.org on Twitter.

Do you want to know how our move is going? Are you wondering where we will be next? Are you wanting to find out who is going to be on the Voices of Hope Blog Talk Radio show?
Following The Hope Blog is great. For up to the minute information you want to follow our executive director on Twitter.
That's right. Gayle has her ownTwitter account. As of today, she has over 600 followers. Are yo one of them? Go to www.twitter.com/gaylesglimpes to sign up. Twitter is a free service. Why not start following Gayle today?
Then, you'll be up to date on everything going on at Hope for Healing.Org.
Speaking of updates, there goes another box. I better get to loading the moving truck...
Make your searches count.isearchigive Click here to help victims.

Nana Banana Designs Jeremiah 29:11

Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite scriptures. I was searching online when I stumbled across the blog for Nana Banana Designs. Across the top of the page in bold letters is the scripture reference Jeremiah 29:11.

At one glance I was hooked.

Later, I got the privilege of meeting this dynamic lady. She, her daughter and her grandchildren came to visit us at the ministry center. With the arrival of this family was a ray of sunshine.

See, you cannot visit her blog Nana Banana Designs without being uplifted. It is hope and inspiration all rolled into a handy terrific blog.

A couple of weeks ago she came again to the ministry center. This time we were able to talk for a minute. It seems that we have some things in common. Hopefully, God is opening the doors to a beautiful friendship.

If you've not seen her blog yet visit Nana Banana Designs. Be prepared to come away with a smile in your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Thanks for Stopping By the Ministry Center

We very much appreciated everyone who has stopped by today and yesterday. Most everyone who has come in has been passionate about our ministry needing to stay in Strawberry Plains. This won't help us with the landlord but it does help us feel better.

Our hope is to be able to find a location within Strawberry Plains. To do that we need your help. If you hear of someplace that is affordable please let us know. Tell your friends and neighbors and get them involved in our struggle.

Hope for Healing.org is the only social service agency that helps all of the 37871, Strawberry Plains zip code. To us, it does not matter which county you are in. We only care that you are a person who needs the services we can offer.

Our services include:

Assistance to Victims of Domestic Violence (hence the blogathon)
Restorative Justice for juvenile offenders
Hope Youth for At-Risk Youth
Food Pantry
Angel Food Distribution
Free Clothing
Free Household Items
Referrals
Crisis Stabilization
Domestic Violence Training and victim support
Homeless referrals
Other needs may be met on a case-by-case basis.

The people who receive these services know how badly they are needed.

Also, last year Hope for Healing.org gave out almost 30 Bibles. Can you imagine being in middle school and being the only person in your home who reads a Bible? The girl was upset when hers was lost during the many moves she had to make with her family. When we gave her a Bible she got excited, gave us a hug and said

"I love church Bibles most of all!"

You made it possible for her to have that Bible. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Now, if you don't mind, could you help us look for a place to relocate? This will help us continue to help students like this one have what they need.