Follow our ED on Twitter

Make your searches count.isearchigive Click here to help victims. Did you know that you can follow our executive director on Twitter? She has her own account there so people can follow her. Gayle Crabtree will send updates as to what's going on atwith the organization and her life.
Over 500 peoplle have signed up already. Have you? If not click this link to begin following her on Twitter now.

Calling All Bloggers

Got searches? Click here to stop domestic violence.

The Blogathon for Hope for Healing.org is a great way to help get exposure for your business or blog. We picked up another potential sponsor today. You don't want to wait until the last minute to sign up.

If you want to participate be sure to email us at blogathon@hopeforhealing.org. It's sure to be lots of fun! It all starts at 8am on 8/15!

For more details click here.

See you online!

Sexual & Domestic Violence Resources on Blog Talk Radio

Thanks for tuning in to today's Voices of Hope Lunch Buffet on Blog Talk Radio. The topic was "Let's Talk Domestic Violence". On the show we gave out stats and information. The stats that were given were compiled by the Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic Violence from the Family Violence Prevention Fund and are found online at www.tcadsv.org. They do a great job of coordinating programs across all of Tennessee and are a terrific resource for survivors.

The number for the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1.800.799.SAFE. Calls are answered 24/7/365. If you are looking for a domestic violence program near you or need information they can help.

Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio airs on Tuesdays at 12Noon (EDT) and on Monday nights at 8PM (EDT). Our guest call-in number is 718.506.1545. Callers are welcome to ask questions or listen in. Questions may be asked live or emailed to voicesofhope@hopeforhealing.org.

All the programs of Hope for Healing.Org are supported by donations and the ads and sponsorships that appear on our website and blog. We thank our supporters for all of your help. Please continue working to help us get the word out to end sexual and domestic violence.

Visit www.thehopeblog.org often. Twitter followers can keep up with our executive director @gayleslimpses.

See you online, Monday at 8PM (EDT).

About the Ministry Center

Make your searches count! Use isearchigive to help victims.

People sometimes ask me what we do at the ministry center. The short answer is yes because that's the word we try to use most often. I can best explain by telling you about this past Saturday. This was a random busy day for us at Hope for Healing.Org.

It was the last day that the kids on the stimulus grant were working. One of these kids came to us in 2005 as a juvenile offender. This year he came as an employee. That's how much his life has been changed. The next two kids that are working for us both have learning issues. They all suffer from a lack of confidence but did very well with us.

You've already seen some of the furniture that they learned how to make. We do these things with the juvenile offenders that serve their community service with us. The parent of one of the kids that we worked with stopped by on Saturday. She wanted to let us know that her child was promoted to the next grade. According to her, we're responsible for encouraging her student to stay in school. That news made my day.

We worked out a trade with the homeless shelter in New Market. They came and got most of our knick-knacks. In return, they're bringing us more ladies clothing to give away. It was a good thing too. With school about to start clothing is on the minds of many.

After they left, our summer youth coordinator was able to pull some things together for an outreach event that's coming up. We'll be at Calling All Men in Sevierville on August 7 & 8. It's up to her to help get the display ready. She's doing a great job with it! It's basically the same display that we took to the Jesus in the Park event except with more information about us.

Later in the afternoon a woman stopped in with her kids. She's a former victim of domestic violence and is relearning how to live her life. The problem is that she has no dishes, clothing, pots or pans and is without a bedframe or other furniture pieces. That is, she was without until she came to us. Now she has clothes and a few dishes. Her kids have a couple of toys each. If we can find someone with a truck she'll have a couple of pieces of furniture.

After she left we started helping one of our stimulus kids. When she first came she said that she didn't paint. She also didn't seem to be very interested in learning. Somewhere along the way that changed. She is now painting a table to give to the daughter of her friend. It's a cute table. I am positive that the little girl is going to love it!

By this time it was 7pm. Gayle's husband called to remind her about dinner and coming home. It was time to pack up. Before that happened there was a little more work to do.

Just as Gayle and Allie were beginning to leave a guy in a pick-up truck stopped. He says he is living out of his car. The inside of the car looked the part. Problem is that the man has no food. Could we help him out with a box from our food pantry? Sure. Plus, we had a couple of bottles of water and some canned sodas. It wasn't much but he seemed grateful.

As we were leaving a lady was putting her newspapers in the dumpster. We thanked her for that. The newspaper and cardboard helps. We don't get much but it all adds up.

Also on Saturday we had some very generous donors stop by. Without them we would be lost. We do ask for a donation when people get items but that doesn't happen very often. We genuinely appreciate all of the support we get. Whether you are supporting us on the internet or dropping off at our ministry center we appreciate it.

When we're not busy at the center we're answering email, updating the blog, working on the website or trying to stay afloat financially. There's plenty to do. Volunteers are always welcome. I hope this answers about what we do. If not, leave a comment to let us know. We always like hearing from you at Hope for Healing.Org.

Here are some photos of the ministry center. The kids recreated the table and the other furniture pieces that you see. We're proud of them at Hope for Healing.Org!

Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio 8/27/09

Make your searches count. Use isearchigive by clicking here.
Voices of Hope on Blog Talk Radio airs Monday nights at 8:00 pm and Tuesdays at 12:00 Noon (EDT).
To listen live or comment visit us online at http://tr.im/voicesofhope Free podcasts are available about 30 minutes after the show. Download them to a CD or to your MP3 player.
If you are interested in being a guest on the show please contact us. We'd love to talk with you. Our email address is voicesofhope (at) hopeforhealing.org.
Click the arrow to begin playing our show on the player below. It can take a minute for the player to fully load.

Our New Name is The Hope Blog

Use this isearchigive search engine link to help victims.
Help us celebrate our new name. You can now visit us online at www.thehopeblog.org. Check in here for all the latest updates and information about Hope for Healing.Org. Look out for new features and interactivity. We believe that the blog will be a great compliment to our website.
This will make it easier for you to check the progress of our upcoming Blogathon for Hope for Healing.Org and keep up with how we make a difference.
To keep informed, subscribe at the Feedburner link on the left to get all of our updates emailed to you. Choose the "as it happens option" or to get a daily digest. It's free. It's fast. It keeps you updated on how we help victims of sexual & domestic violence, the homeless, and work with juvenile offenders.

We'll be discussing some of these new features tonight on Voices of Hope. Tune in to Blog Talk Radio at 8PM (EDT) to learn more!

iSearchiGive Check Received. Keep Searching!

Use this isearchigive search engine link to help victims.

Keep using the above link on iSearchiGive. You're doing great!

We just received a check for $29.84. That's only .14 shy of buying a food box for a victim of domestic violence or for a family in need! It can also be used to go toward the phone, rent or light bill. Best of all, raising these funds didn't cost anything. It's a free donation that's given each time someone uses the search engine link above.

So keep on searching. Tell your friends. Download the iGive toolbar.

Make your clicks count!

Local Charity Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon Details

Use this isearchigive search engine link to help victims.

The Hope for Healing.Org Blogathon is just around the corner! The event date is set to begin at 8:00 am on Saturday, August 15. It will run for 24 hours. We'll be posting a special blogroll of all the blogs that will be participating.

Participating bloggers will solicit sponsors. Sponsors can pledge to donate a certain amount per blog post made by the blogger or for however many hours the blogger stays awake. Some sponsors will want to make a one-time donation of a set amount.

Our first sponsor has pledged to donate .25 for each post our ED makes in the 24 hour period. Our goal is for each blogger who participates to raise a minimum of $20 each. There is no minimum or maximum amount. Donations can be made via pay pal, check or money order.

Bloggers do not have to write about sexual or domestic violence. While we do hope that participants will choose to write at least one article on sexual or domestic violence it is not required. Bloggers can write about what fits their lifestyle or blog.

Bloggers who do hit the $20 minimum will receive a free set of notecards as a thank you. These have been made by volunteers of Hope for Healing.Org and by Hope Youth.

All proceeds benefit Hope for Healing.Org and will go to our general fund. This helps us pay the rent and other bills.

Please contact us at blogathon(at)hopeforhealing.org to register your blog today.

Look for more details on the Hope for Healing.Org blogathon to come soon!

We heartily thank Blogathon for allowing us to use their name in conjunction with this event, according to their Creative Commons License.

They're Almost Gone!

Use this isearchigive search engine link to help victims.

I can't believe that the kids working under the stimulus grant are almost gone. It seems like they just arrived yesterday. We are so proud of them! They've gained skills, formed friendships and have had their confidence soar! We're really lucky to have had them with us. Their last day is Saturday. If you get the chance please swing by and see what they've accomplished. They'd love it and we would too!

View photos of the terrific items that they've made here.

Free Ways to Help Hope for Healing.Org Raise Funds

Help domestic violence victims for free. Make a difference in the lives of others by visiting these links. They are both good ways to help Hope for Healing.Org raise funds without putting a dent in your wallet.

Every time you use the Yahoo powered iSearchiGive search engine it raises funds. Download a free toolbar to make searching even easier.



Shopping for back to school on Amazon.com?

Use the box to the right and Amazon.com will donate a tiny percentage of your purchases back to Hope for Healing.Org. It doesn't cost you any more than it normally would and you get the satisfaction of helping a worthy cause.

Oak Ridge District Meeting of the UMC

Search from this link to help victims of domestic violence!

I just got back in from attending the Oak Ridge District Meeting of the United Methodist Church tonight. This was held at Cove Lake State Park.

It was great to see all of the pastors and to get to meet the new ones that are coming into the district. We have a new Alan McKee and his wife Charlotte are our new district superintendent and wife. It's a good time to be a United Methodist in the Holston Conference. I look forward to working with this terrific group of pastors for years to come!

Here are a two photos from tonight.

Hope for Healing.Org to Participate in Clergy Training Event

Use this isearchigive search engine link to help victims.

Gayle Crabtree is scheduled to speak at Clergy Gathering training on domestic violence in October.

On October 13, 2009 the clergy of the Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church will receive training on domestic violence. This is the first time that this training has been offered.

Training pastors at the Clergy Gathering 2009 will be:

Bishop James E. Swanson, Jr. Resident Bishop of the Holston Conference.
Rev. Robin Kimbrough, Tennessee Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Gayle Crabtree, Hope for Healing.Org
Deborah Yeomans, Legal Aid of East Tennessee

Other members of the Holston Conference Domestic Violence Task Force will also be presenting.

The Clergy Gathering 2009 will be held in Kingsport, Tennessee at Colonial Heights United Methodist Church. More information about the domestic violence training event is available online at the Holston Conference website. CEU's are available. For more information on the training please contact the Holston Conference or Hope for Healing.Org.

Recycled Items by Juvenile Offenders Help Recycle Lives

Make this isearchigive link your search engine. Help victims for free!

We've had a number of requests for information about the recycled products made by the kids we work with. Many of these kids are victims of domestic violence and many of them come to us as juvenile offenders who are serving court-ordered community service.

When the kids come we work with them on the projects you see here. All the items were donated to our ministry center and recycled into the beautiful pieces you see here. When we do this, we get to talk to the kids about the ugliness in their lives and how they can get on a better track. The kids learn new skills. In fact, so many kids enjoy recycling these items that many wind up coming back as volunteers!

All items are available for sale at our ministry center. Proceeds from the recycled items help us pay rent and other expenses and go back into the program.

Jesus in the Park July 2009

Search here to help us raise funds!

After the yard sale we set up headed out to set up at Jesus in the Park. The event is geared to reaching the homeless and was held again at the World's Fair Site in Knoxville. The message at the Hope for Healing.Org table was simple. God heals from abuse. To help spread the word we took approximately 75 Christian books to give away. Plus we took stacks of information on abuse, how teens can be safe on the internet and domestic violence.

We were cleaned out of information so fast that we probably set a new record. In about 45 minutes our table was clear. Several of the ladies wanted to talk. So did some of the guys.

The preaching was good. The music was great and the weather was perfect.

Jesus in the Park happens on the 3rd Saturday of August at the World's Fair Park. There is no cost. No donations are taken. The event is open to everyone but is geared to the homeless and low income.

It's an honor and privilege to be there. If you have time, come help us out.

Here are a few photos of Jesus in the Park, July 2009.

Check out our 2008 article here.
More info about Jesus in the Park can be found online.

9mnhfjqwve

Yard Sale Raises Almost $100!

Use this isearchigive search engine link to help victims.

Thanks to everyone who follows this blog! We appreciate the time you took in stopping in. I hope you enjoyed the yard sale as much as we did. The kids enjoyed demonstrating their talents, meeting people and helping you with selections. It was a great day. We certainly could not have done it without you. In all we raised almost $100 for the ministry center. That's not bad for our area.

Please continue to think of us and keep us in your prayers.

Yard Sale Today!

Use this isearchigive search engine link to help victims.
We're having a yard sale from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm to help raise funds. Our rent is late and we're trying to get the funds together. We have some terrific items that are available. If you get the chance to come by, we'd be glad to see you!
For directions click here.

View Larger Map

Fundraising Yard Sale Set for Sat. July 16

Use this isearchigive search engine link to help victims.
It begins at 9:00 am - 2:00 pm rain or shine. Come to our ministry center at 3130 W Old Andrew Johnson Hwy. Help us raise funds to go toward rent and expenses. Everything in our center is going out at yard sale prices (exception is the program items created by Hope Youth).

We have clothing for men, women and kids. There are knick knacks, household items, kitchen tables, a bedroom set and more.

Come see what we have! You won't go away empty handed!

Have a Seat in This Chair

Use this isearchigive search engine link to help victims.

The kids working under the stimulus grant have been having a blast. Today, they finished reconditioning this chair.

We have a two-fold goal with these items. On the one hand, the kids learn about recycling items. That's important. But learning the skill is just as important. By working on these projects they can create items to beautify their homes, give as gifts or to sell at craft shows. It improves their confidence and expands their worldview.

That's not too shabby for a day's work is it?

All program items that are made by the kids are for sale at Hope for Healing.Org. Come see us!

Check Out This Set of Legs

Use this isearchigive search engine link to help victims.

The table in picture 1 was donated to us. It was weak. It was wobbly. It was not the pretty.

A little TLC from kids working under a stimulus grant changed all that. They tightened screws. They brushed the legs with wire brushes and then sanded them. Then, the kids sealed the legs with Rustoleum.




The top of the table needed some TLC. Most of the top was a light color.
There were some areas that appeared to be multi-colored. In a few spots the surface was showing its age.

The kids went to work sanding, wiping and sanding some more. Then they applied a few fresh coats of Rustoleum enamel paint. When they finally finished they had a masterpiece on their hands.





Wouldn't it look great in your home or business?

Recycled Furniture Recycles Lives

Use the isearchigive link. Help us raise funds!
We have kids working with us this summer under a stimulus grant. I'm so proud of them! Today they learned how to weave a chair bottom. The chair sold before the end of the day. Then, the kids transformed an ugly table into a thing of beauty. It's attracting so much attention that it won't be around long!
The other item that was finished today is an end table. It was worn, scratched and in need of TLC. Now, it looks fabulous in black and will no doubt last for many more years.
Watching the kids as they acquire these skills is fun! I'm excited for them!

But, there is a shadow looming on the horizon. We have not been as successful in selling items as we need to be. If you know of someone who can use beautiful items for their home please tell them about us.

Your purchases help us change lives. We work with victims of domestic violence, distribute free clothing, maintain a small food pantry and change the lives of juvenile offenders.
This weekend we hope to have a yard sale to raise needed cash. We are behind on our rent and have no idea where the $1,000 that is needed is going to come from. If you have a store that can take pieces on consignment or if you would like something nice for your home, please let us know.

See you at the yard sale!

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.