HOPE OUTREACH NEWS

November 04, 2008

Executive Director, Marty Kalow, wants everyone to know that our donation crew has initiated expansion of their recycling operations. In addition to our regular donations we are receiving recyclable rags, cardboard and electronics so that we can turn them into cash. The intention is to capture the items most people are already throwing away into the landfill and reroute them into our donation processing.

All of your recyclable materials, resalable products and monetary contributions support our ministries. Our truck only picks up donations Tuesday through Saturday till 5 p.m. However, you can donate Monday-Saturday 9-6:30 at the store and warehouse.

So, along with your garage sale leftovers, let us help you clean up around the house. Recycle all of your discarded belongings to be put to good use. Call us at 237-4673 to schedule a pickup. 100% of all proceeds are invested back into the community and Hope Outreach ministries.

 Parenting Ministry Update:

Ann has announced there will be 2 events this fall in the Enid Public School District that will promote abstinence for 7^th & 8^th graders. There will be one for the girls and one for the boys in an uplifting demonstration of each individual’s value and unique qualities. The school district will be busing the youth to these events. Call the Parenting Ministry for more information and how you can be involved.

 Ann Price has added more curriculum. The program now has over 100 Earn-While-You-Learn classes available. The EWYL program is always looking for mentors to spend about one hour a week with a first time parent. You do not have to be a parent to be a mentor, just a willingness to spread God’s love to an individual and give a little of your time. Call Glenda at 237-2292 to find out about becoming a mentor.

 Nutrition classes are also offered as a free service to families at the Family Resource Center, 815 W. Broadway.

 Community Care and Homeless Ministry Update:

The Day Center has been impacting lives!  People who find themselves in hopeless and helpless situations are finding that there is someplace to turn.  Over the past few weeks, we have assisted hundreds of people with small things like a warm shower and a haircut right up to larger things like assistance with finding employment and housing. 

 In the course of seeing people’s lives impacted physically and financially, we have had opportunities to impact them spiritually by giving them Bibles, praying with them, and sharing the love of Christ with them.  Through it all, we are finding that many times, people just need to know that someone cares. 

 We cannot do what we do if our friends don’t do what they do.  We appreciate your part in this ministry through your continued donations.  Items that we are in continual need of are things like coffee, snack crackers, soaps, shampoos, toothpaste/brushes, and Styrofoam cups.  We still need gently used backpacks for our homeless friends (which holds everything they may own).  As with any ministry, the financial assistance friends like you give allows us to continue to offer the assistance and support our visitors need.  And, for that, we thank you for your continued prayers and support.

 Faith Farm Update:

Kate Morrison, Faith Farm Coordinator, is in full swing with harvest. Yeah, she’s swinging the knife and the pruners for your benefit. The fruits and early spring vegetables have been a wonderful success. Huge heads of lettuce and cabbage were harvested for market on Tuesdays and Fridays, 8-10 (summer hours). The rain has dampened (pardon the pun) harvest a little, but the tomatoes are coming on strong. Peppers, chilies, tomatoes, baby beets, onions, and egg plant are ready to take home. The creamery folks are providing free delicious taste samples. The egg man shows up on Fridays with fresh-from-the-nest eggs. When you stop by on Market Day, 820 W. Cherokee, buy a fresh cut bouquet of flowers for you table, too!

 Faith Farm is need of a full time assistant whose primary duties consist of garden maintenance. Most of it is light duty like watering and a little weeding, but occasionally they must be able to lift 40 lbs. and do a little light tilling. Those interested can apply online at www.hopeoutreach.org or in person at 215 S. Van Buren.

 Thrift Store Update:

Come see the new look. Hope Outreach rejuvenated their buildings. All 3 locations received a fresh coat of paint and new logos to celebrate 17 years of service for the community. We were also blessed to be able to install new carpet in the furniture showroom and add a little color on the walls in the Thrift Store for your shopping enjoyment.

 The Thrift Store is now hiring employees for full or part time positions.  Volunteers are our favorite. We’re always looking for people who like people for the position of part-time greeters. Our greeters help shoppers and help direct mission inquiries. We’ll be glad to train smiling faces for these fun tasks. Apply online today at www.hopeoutreach.org or in person at 215 S. Van Buren.

Thank you for supporting Hope Outreach. When you are in the store, stop by and meet our new Public Relations guy, Lee Langshaw. He’ll be happy to greet you and show you around.