About Hope for Healing.Org

Hope for Healing.org is a 501c3 nonprofit. Primarly, the organization is known for working with victims of sexual and domestic violence online. The website is also known as the Rape Recovery Help and Info Page. This work includes the main rape recovery website at www.hopeforhealing.org, groups for survivors, the Hope Quilt, plus a newsletter (now blog) and Blog Talk Radio Show - Voices of Hope, awareness raising for victims of sexual and domestic violence as well as peer-based networking.
When it comes to sexual and domestic violence we know that the victim is never at fault. We work hard to share the message of healing to others. This is done through the rape recovery website and through books. Gayle Crabtree has authored Does God Still Love Me?
and Secondhand Hope. Profits from the sales go into the organization.
Locally, Hope for Healing.Org offers many other services. Some of the programs offered include restorative justice for first time juvenile offenders, Angel Food distribution, small food pantry, support for victims of sexual and domestic violence and clergy training. Other needs may be met on an individual case-by-case basis.
In addition to rape recovery and domestic violence recovery Hope for Healing.org has also worked with the homeless in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee and Knoxville areas. In 2008 and 2009 they participated in the Jesus in the Park and other events.,Right now, Hope for Healing.org is looking for a new home in the area of Strawberry Plains, Tennessee. There is a lack of affordable buildings in the area that are in usable condition. After trying to make it work in their previous ministry center in Strawberry Plains for over a year, the organization recently closed and began looking for a new home.
Online operations are not affected. It is hoped that a new home will be found soon in Strawberry Plains, Tennessee so that the local work of Hope for Healing.org can continue with local victims of sexual and domestic violence, restoratiave justice and other local clients can continue.

Nonprofit seeks new home. Can you help?

Our nonprofit is looking for a new home. Can you help us find one? The buildings that we are in are very old and have a very large amount of issues. (See these previous posts: electricity, water) Last week the doorknob fell of the door and on Monday a window fell in.

We would like to stay in either Strawberry Plains or Carter area. This is where most of our client base is from. Adjoining areas such as New Market or Riverdale would also be considered.

An underutilized Sunday School classroom would be ideal. If your church has space that they would like to donate please contact us. We would be interested in any small office type of space that is either free or very affordable.

Your generosity would allow us to continue serving victims of domestic violence. If you can help us please email gayle (at) hopeforhealing.org.

Thank you in advance for your support.

More Information:

WBIR.Com

ED back from Alaska Missions Trip

Help Victims. Use this link to make iSearchiGive your free search engine.

Our executive direction is now back from her Alaska mission trip. This gave her a chance to gain firsthand knowledge of the state with the highest incidence of domestic violence. A few thoughts stick out. She'll be sharing those in a later blog post.

Right now, it's off to work at the ministry center. There is a lot to do. We hope you'll stop by.

Stimulus Funds Put Students to Work

Use this isearchigive search engine link to help victims.

Greetings from Allie. Today was a good day at the ministry center. Through an employment program at a local college, we have three new staff members on board, two of which have been volunteering with us for at least two years. We will be getting a fourth person starting tomorrow. Yesterday, we received a fair amount of donated items and spent today sorting those, as well as finishing a woven-bottom chair. It's quite pretty; one of our new staff members worked on it and did very well with it. Tomorrow, more cleaning and sorting, and maybe some braided rug making! I'm looking forward to it!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

New Hours for Strawberry Plains Nonprofit Charity

Hope for Healing.org announces new ministry center hours.

Our winter hours for client services are as follows:

Friday 11-3
Saturday 11-3

If you need free clothes or household items, canned food or a referral, outside of these times please call for an appointment. Our number is 933.8769. Otherwise, please feel free to drop in during the posted times. If you are in need of household items and can bring a box with you it is appreciated.

Please note that the ministry center will be closed from Dec. 23 - Jan. 12. During these dates all client services will be on an appointment only basis.

Our cardboard and newspaper bins are open to the public at all times. Aluminum cans, used cell phones and empty ink jet cartridges can be dropped off during the office hours listed above. Please contact us if would like an ink jet or cell phone collection box for your home or office. These have prepaid shipping labels and can be dropped at any FedEx location after you collect 30 items. Please contact us for more information.

Marbledale Baptist Youth In Mission

We love volunteers! On Saturday, April 26 we look forward to the visit from the youth at Marbledale Baptist Church. They'll be sorting, tagging, folding, stuffing, pinning ribbons and doing lots, lots more! Plus, it's Angel Food Distribution Day. What a great day to come and be involved in the community!

Hope for Healing.Org a WI-FI Hotspot!

You asked. We listened. Hope for Healing.Org is now a WI-FI Hotspot!

Bring your laptops and come on down! It's available after school until 5:00 pm and all day on Saturdays. Have a seat at one of our outdoor tables. Enjoy fresh air, sunshine and wireless.

If you get thirsty we have canned Cokes, Diet Cokes, Coke Zero and bottled water available for .60 each.

So why not come on in. Shop our thrift store for awhile. Sit awhile. Watch the traffic go by and surf the internet.

We'll see you soon!

Up and running again.

Computer and phone lines are now up and running correctly. We had hoped for a seamless process. It wasn't. But, it's fixed now. :-)

Mike and his boys have been great to help us move! Michelle, Bill and Harvey have proven to be dynamite carpenters. Gwen was the extra hand we all needed. John and Allie toted and carried. James and his dad made a fantastic stage. We can't wait to have singings and outreach events to help bring the community together.

Everyone's been super to pitch in. You are how hope happens! I really appreciate all of your help.
Soon, we'll be announcing our grand re-opening.

See you then!

Gayle

It's official. We're moving!

The transition begins now. We're covered up in packing boxes, tape and wrapping paper. We're painting and getting things ready. Dishes are being carefully wrapped. Furniture is being moved, arranged and rearranged. The utlities are already on and we're beginning to make ourselves at home.

Our neighbors have already come over to introduce themselves. We couldn't ask for nicer people or a warmer welcome!

We're off the main highway in the heart of the historic district. Our new home has more than twice the space as before. Parking is easier. You'll love it! Come check us out!

Hope for Healing.Org
3126 W. Old Andrew Johnson Hwy.
Strawberry Plains, TN 37871

Strawberry Plains Slideshow on Picasa by Hope for Healing.Org

http://picasaweb.google.com/hopeforhealingorg/StrawberryPlainsTheCommunityWeServe/photo#s5172986388858193730

Curious about the area we serve? Click this link to view our slide show. It's hosted on Picasa. You shouldn't need any special software to view it. You'll see great footage about the Strawberry Plains, Tennessee community.

Let us know what you think!

Hope Activities today...

We're going to take a thrift shop break from January through mid-February to concentrate on client services and Mardi Gras. This will also allow us to pack away the winter items and spiff everything up for spring. The shop will reopen March 1 with a grand re-opening spectacular. Look for lots of new stock, specials and a spiffy looking store.

Today has been a very busy day. To help close up shop for the month of January we had to have help. Fortunately, a a juvenile offender, two teen volunteers and another couple helped us pack up the shop. It's time for a seasonal changeover and cleaning up. It's looking terrific.

But don't worry. If you need services PLEASE stop on in. Today a couple came by looking for baby items. They're in a tight spot and with the baby coming can't afford much. We were (as always) glad to help by vouchering items for them.

While a team was helping the couple, cleaning and packing, answering the phone and working with a couple who's staying here, another team was contacting local businesses for Mardi Gras. They had a productive day. Wait til you see the list. I think you'll be impressed.

Well, there's the phone again. I'll talk with you soon.

Please pray for the family a drunk driver demolished.

It was a senseless act of violence at the hands of a drunk driver. Joan went to our church. She was a friend. She was a terrific mom and an all around beautiful person from a beautiful family. She leaves behind two kids, a family who loved her and a huge hole in our community.

Dear blog readers, please pray for her family.

Please pray also for the 5 time drunk who lost his license 10 years ago who murdered her with his car and for his family.

Saying that she will be sadly missed doesn't quite cover it.

Thanks, Gayle

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2007/nov/14/judge-ups-bond-for-suspect-in-fatal-dui/

Singing and Auction To Help Raise Funds

Stop Domestic Violence
Free Gospel Singing & Auction
Saturday, August 4 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.

At the:
Hope for Healing.Org
Secondhand Hope Thrift Shop
2912 Hwy. 11E (Andrew Johnson Hwy.)
Strawberry Plains, TN 37871

Event MC - David Asbury from W.K.X.V. AM 900 Gospel Radio, Knoxville.

The auction begins at 12:00 noon.Perusal begins at 10:00 am.

Comehave some fun! There will be face painting and games for the kids, concessions and lots of fun for everyone!

Featured Singers:

• Anchor Holds
• Touched By Grace
• Danny Tipton
• And more!

To Benefit:
Hope for Healing.Org
2912 Hwy 11E (Andrew Johnson Hwy.)
Strawberry Plains, TN 37871
Phone: 865.933.8769

Hope for Healing.Org is the only 501c3 social service agency serving all of Strawberry Plains, TN. We help victims of domestic violence, distribute Angel Food boxes, train clergy, work with juvenile offenders, raise awareness and we provide clothing, household items and meet other needs on a case-by-case basis as items are available.

To volunteer or learn more about what we do please phone us at 865.933.8769 or view our blog at http://hopeforhealingorg.blogspot.com

We hope to see you at the singing!