In our last e-mail newsletter we shared with readers some of the success stories we have experienced recently at Christian HELP, we are so blessed when clients come in and share how our services and our team have helped to connect them with a job, keep food on their tables and provide them with hope.
Behind each success story is another soul who is still a work in progress struggling to make ends meet, wondering if they will make it to their next meal. There are stories of depression and despair, hurt and rejection as they apply for job after job only to hear that they have not been chosen or maybe not even hearing back at all.
Every day we see people like Cora who lost her professional job because she refused to be unethical and was told "there is no place for you here anymore", and Amy a single mom whose husband left her after 20 years of marriage, and she was laid off from her job. We see people like Jennifer who has one more night in her extended stay hotel before she ends up on the street with her 11 year old daughter if they can't find a shelter bed, after she lost her job and could no longer afford the rent.
It is hard to believe that I am officially celebrating my 3rd anniversary with Christian HELP this month. So much has changed with our economy and we have had to change with it. We are continuously working to improve our services to provide our clients with all of the tools we can to help them move forward. We have solidified partnerships with other agencies and resources in an effort to compliment our services. We have engaged the Human Resources community to provide hands-on interaction with our clients to share their knowledge and tips with job seekers. It is such a blessing when a job seeker tells us we helped them to get the job!
In this economy our services are needed now more than ever. It is people like you who provide the majority of the funding for our services. We cannot do what we do without God's blessing and your help.
Just as a reminder, in April your funds will be matched by the Alan S. Feinstein Foundation, Charity Challenge, and a few generous donors. Your donation of $30 will become $60 and will feed a family of 4 for a month, Your donation of $100 will become $200 and will keep the lights on for a family, Your donation of $1000 will help place 20 clients in jobs. Your donation is a a lifeline for a job seeker in need. We cannot thank you enough for helping us to continue to do what we do.
God is in Control and He is active at Christian HELP. We are so glad to have you as part of our "family here". I personally feel so blessed for all of the prayers and support we have received. Please do not hesitate to call or e-mail me anytime.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us financially, prayerfully, and with your words of encouragement. We appreciate you.
"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." Jeremiah 29:11
Friday, April 2, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Double Your Impact With Local Giving
I am finding it a bit harder to ask for support as I see tragedies happen around the world. The devestating earthquakes in Haiti and Chile just tear your heart out. Images of hurting people are sometimes too much to bear. They need our support, but there is still hurt and pain here at home too.
Unemployment is at record highs and people are just paralyzed in their job search. Even well networked people are having a harder time finding a job. We saw over 10,000 clients last year at Christian HELP and we are averaging 12-15 more each day than this time last year.
The most disturbing thing is how many people come in hungry. Really hungry. We have cookies in the lobby each day and the plate is empty minutes after it is set out. A few times counselors have run to the back to get someone food just so they can talk to them about employment.
There is a chance unemployment benefits may not be extended. Unemployment benefits of just $275 a week run 26 weeks. According to the Department of Labor a job search can take an average of 33.5 weeks. What do you do in between? Throw in a health issue and it is a disaster in the making.
People are mad, they are scared, they don't know where to turn. No one gets back to them after they spend 2 hours working on an application online. They feel like a number.
At Christian HELP, we still answer our phones with a live person. We offer a warm and welcoming safe place for people to come and share their stories. We have volunteers who dedicate a day or more a week EVERY week to making sure clients are cared for. We offer Hope, Encouragement, Love, and Prayer.
Help us continue to help these clients. They are your friends and your neighbors. We have seen so many people these past 2 years go from comfortable to choosing between rent and food. Beside almost every unemployed person is a child or a family to support.
In March and April through the generosity of the Feinstein Foundation, some generous directors and donors, and Charity Challenge every dollar donated to Christian HELP is doubled; $25 becomes $50, $500 becomes $1000 and so on. Will you please consider a donation at this time.
Thank you so much for your prayers and generosity.
Unemployment is at record highs and people are just paralyzed in their job search. Even well networked people are having a harder time finding a job. We saw over 10,000 clients last year at Christian HELP and we are averaging 12-15 more each day than this time last year.
The most disturbing thing is how many people come in hungry. Really hungry. We have cookies in the lobby each day and the plate is empty minutes after it is set out. A few times counselors have run to the back to get someone food just so they can talk to them about employment.
There is a chance unemployment benefits may not be extended. Unemployment benefits of just $275 a week run 26 weeks. According to the Department of Labor a job search can take an average of 33.5 weeks. What do you do in between? Throw in a health issue and it is a disaster in the making.
People are mad, they are scared, they don't know where to turn. No one gets back to them after they spend 2 hours working on an application online. They feel like a number.
At Christian HELP, we still answer our phones with a live person. We offer a warm and welcoming safe place for people to come and share their stories. We have volunteers who dedicate a day or more a week EVERY week to making sure clients are cared for. We offer Hope, Encouragement, Love, and Prayer.
Help us continue to help these clients. They are your friends and your neighbors. We have seen so many people these past 2 years go from comfortable to choosing between rent and food. Beside almost every unemployed person is a child or a family to support.
In March and April through the generosity of the Feinstein Foundation, some generous directors and donors, and Charity Challenge every dollar donated to Christian HELP is doubled; $25 becomes $50, $500 becomes $1000 and so on. Will you please consider a donation at this time.
Thank you so much for your prayers and generosity.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The Mayor's Job Fair
Today was the first job fair of the year for Christian HELP and the Central Florida Employment Council. Over 60 companies were represented and many job openings were available. Thousands of people came out in hopes of finding a job. I stopped and spoke to one gentleman who was very professionally dressed and I told him that we did have links to all of the employers on our website and he could also apply for jobs online when he got home. He simply said to me "I don't have a home." Wow...
This man was not someone who looked homeless. He was clean, he was professional, and he was very humble and nice. Kristy Owens, our Operations Director had a chance to speak with him and hopefully we can find him a place to stay. At least he still has his truck.
Another lady came, desparate for a job. The shelter she is in gave her notice that if she cannot find a job, she will not be able to stay. She has 2 kids.
Last year over 6,000 people found jobs at our job fairs. It is my prayer that we will help connect more this year. These are our friends and neighbors. They need our help. If you know about jobs, please share them with us so we can share them with others.
This man was not someone who looked homeless. He was clean, he was professional, and he was very humble and nice. Kristy Owens, our Operations Director had a chance to speak with him and hopefully we can find him a place to stay. At least he still has his truck.
Another lady came, desparate for a job. The shelter she is in gave her notice that if she cannot find a job, she will not be able to stay. She has 2 kids.
Last year over 6,000 people found jobs at our job fairs. It is my prayer that we will help connect more this year. These are our friends and neighbors. They need our help. If you know about jobs, please share them with us so we can share them with others.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Hard Times- Huge Blessings
Christian HELP was blessed to be able to serve over 500 families for Christmas and help additional families through 13 other partnering agencies from Homeless Ministries to United Cerebral Palsy and the Greater Orlando Autism Society. Thank you to everyone who volunteered, donated toys and donated finances. This was a really tough year for so many people and we were so blessed to be able to make things a little bit easier for so many.
One Adopter said, " I just wanted to say thank you for having a program to help people in need. We were blessed to adopt a lady and and her grandchildren. We have meet with her twice to deliver the tree & decorations and then this past Friday my husband meet her to deliver the gifts. After meeting my husband, she called me crying and so telling me how thankful she was to have us. We asked her not to tell her grandchildren about us so one day in their little lives they can truly be blessed."
Our prayer for 2010 is for more job oppportunities for our clients and your continued involvement in our ministry. If you have not been out to see us, please consider joining us for a lunch and tour on January 11th from noon-1. Let Jackie know at 407-8340-4022 if you can make it.
Have a safe and wonderful new year!
One Adopter said, " I just wanted to say thank you for having a program to help people in need. We were blessed to adopt a lady and and her grandchildren. We have meet with her twice to deliver the tree & decorations and then this past Friday my husband meet her to deliver the gifts. After meeting my husband, she called me crying and so telling me how thankful she was to have us. We asked her not to tell her grandchildren about us so one day in their little lives they can truly be blessed."
Our prayer for 2010 is for more job oppportunities for our clients and your continued involvement in our ministry. If you have not been out to see us, please consider joining us for a lunch and tour on January 11th from noon-1. Let Jackie know at 407-8340-4022 if you can make it.
Have a safe and wonderful new year!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Is it Christmas yet?
This year is seems like Christmas started in October. The stores were dressed to the hilt with ornaments and lights, Christmas trees were decorated before the pumpkins and costumes were even hauled away.
For those in need, it can be a reminder of how their dollars wont be able to stretch to cover more than just expenses if even those. At Christian HELP we are blessed thanks to our friends and neighbors, churches, and businesses to be able to fill in the gaps for many unemployed and underemployed families. Each year Z88.3 http://zradio.com partners with Christian HELP to tell the stories of families who have applied to our Christmas adoption program. This year they are sponsoring the bags for food and toys as well. Chick-fil-a, Centra Care, and Qdoba are Dove Tree locations. Northland, Willow Creek, First Baptist Longwood, Aloma Baptist Church, Brush Arbor Baptist Church, Metro Church, and Wekiva Presbyterian are challenging their congregations to help others in need through toy collections. Master's Academy is helping with toy and food drives. Ipod and Noah's Ark are providing storage space. And there are so many more businesses, churches, and volunteers who are a big part of this program.
I am so thankful for all of the people who step forward and say "I am here, send me". There is still room for you to help out. Please call us at 407-834-4022 if you would like to be a part of blessing others through Christian HELP.
Last year I worried that we would not have enough toys. Dick Wilson, Founder of Christian HELP kept reminding me that God was in control and there would be enough. He was so right. This year, I know God will take care of the need through people like you. Be blessed!
For those in need, it can be a reminder of how their dollars wont be able to stretch to cover more than just expenses if even those. At Christian HELP we are blessed thanks to our friends and neighbors, churches, and businesses to be able to fill in the gaps for many unemployed and underemployed families. Each year Z88.3 http://zradio.com partners with Christian HELP to tell the stories of families who have applied to our Christmas adoption program. This year they are sponsoring the bags for food and toys as well. Chick-fil-a, Centra Care, and Qdoba are Dove Tree locations. Northland, Willow Creek, First Baptist Longwood, Aloma Baptist Church, Brush Arbor Baptist Church, Metro Church, and Wekiva Presbyterian are challenging their congregations to help others in need through toy collections. Master's Academy is helping with toy and food drives. Ipod and Noah's Ark are providing storage space. And there are so many more businesses, churches, and volunteers who are a big part of this program.
I am so thankful for all of the people who step forward and say "I am here, send me". There is still room for you to help out. Please call us at 407-834-4022 if you would like to be a part of blessing others through Christian HELP.
Last year I worried that we would not have enough toys. Dick Wilson, Founder of Christian HELP kept reminding me that God was in control and there would be enough. He was so right. This year, I know God will take care of the need through people like you. Be blessed!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Chase Community Giving
As I write this blog, the lobby at Christian HELP is filled with people in need. They have lost jobs or had their hours cut back. Many are hungry, many are tired, and some have even lost hope. Christian HELP is able to provide job leads, coaching, and a listening ear to those in need. We can minister to the hurting and hungry. Please help us to continue to provide these wonderful services by voting for us in the Chase Community Challenge. If you are on facebook, it just takes a moment to vote and share. 100 Charities will recieve $25,000. Please help us to be one of them by clicking on the vote now button.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Friday, October 23, 2009
God is in Control and He is Active at Christian HELP
I just wanted to share my speech from Harvest of Hope- here is what God laid on my heart:
My heart breaks every time I walk through a job fair and see professional people dressed in suits looking for jobs… many times looking for any job that will feed their families and keep a roof over their head.
My heart breaks as I listen to the stories of people who have worked hard all their lives who are now facing layoffs, foreclosures, and health issues.
My heart breaks as I listen to people who have no hope for the future because they cannot see past today. The pain and grief of not being able to provide is just too much to bear.
My heart breaks when a client says save the food for someone who needs it more. I can go without…
A year ago, I spoke at the Harvest of Hope when employment was at 6.4% and we thought things were bad. Now it is at 11.5% and I know it is bad for many people who have never had to deal with job loss before. Some are hopeful, but others are paralyzed. We have had clients who came in and could not speak because they were crying so hard.
The one thing that has remained steady and allowed us to remain positive is that God is in control and He is active at Christian HELP.
When Debbie needed help with food and bills after not being able to work for several months due to a sore on her foot caused by diabetes, we couldn’t see how we could help, but God did.
When we were nearly out of food and thought we might have to shut down our pantry, God provided manna from heaven so no one would go without.
When I struggled to figure out how WE were going to provide for so many families at Christmas, God blessed us with more toys than we knew what to do with and we were able to bless other ministries.
God is in control and He is active at Christian HELP.
Christian HELP was formed in 1992 by Dick and Madge Wilson and their friend Harry Kunish. In over 17 years, Christian HELP has connected over 70,000 people with jobs- enough to fill a football stadium and given away over 6 million pounds of food.
In the past year we added Employment seminars, Job search skills classes, and additional training for our counselors to meet the changing dynamics of finding a job in this economy. We opened 3 satellite offices, strategically placed in South, East, and West Orlando to meet people at their point of need, and provided on-site job skills seminars for several churches.
We serve over 70 people a day in our center who are looking for jobs, food, and hope. We provide a listening ear, job leads and food, and offer hope through prayer. Harry, one of our counselors had a client who cried, when he came in, cried during counseling, and cried as he left because he had put out over 2000 resumes with no calls back. A week later he came back to tell Harry that his prayers had worked and he found a job!
God is in control and He is active at Christian HELP.
As we look at 2010 and beyond, we plan to continue to expand our services to meet the needs of our clients. We will have more employment seminars, expand our job search skills classes, and continue to expand our satellite office locations.
We are still battling with space issues and are working on our plans to expand our space.
We will continue to collaborate and work with community partners to be able to provide holistic services to our clients and meet their needs. We will strive to work on solving root cause issues and giving hope to those with no hope.
Where to do you fit in?
Without you, there is no Christian HELP. There is no hope. God uses people like you and me to help others. In 2nd Corinthians 9:8-9 God’s word says 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
9 As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
You may be here today because you are passionate about Christian HELP and want to help in any way you can. You may be here because someone invited you and you wanted to know more. Maybe a friend dragged you kicking and screaming… God makes no mistakes. He wanted you here today.
Please prayerfully consider what God lays on your heart as you participate in the program today. He may give you a thought of where you fit in, or a number you should give. As you consider what he lays on your heart, I pray that you will come alongside us prayerfully and financially to continue this important ministry.
God is in control and He is active at Christian HELP.
My heart breaks every time I walk through a job fair and see professional people dressed in suits looking for jobs… many times looking for any job that will feed their families and keep a roof over their head.
My heart breaks as I listen to the stories of people who have worked hard all their lives who are now facing layoffs, foreclosures, and health issues.
My heart breaks as I listen to people who have no hope for the future because they cannot see past today. The pain and grief of not being able to provide is just too much to bear.
My heart breaks when a client says save the food for someone who needs it more. I can go without…
A year ago, I spoke at the Harvest of Hope when employment was at 6.4% and we thought things were bad. Now it is at 11.5% and I know it is bad for many people who have never had to deal with job loss before. Some are hopeful, but others are paralyzed. We have had clients who came in and could not speak because they were crying so hard.
The one thing that has remained steady and allowed us to remain positive is that God is in control and He is active at Christian HELP.
When Debbie needed help with food and bills after not being able to work for several months due to a sore on her foot caused by diabetes, we couldn’t see how we could help, but God did.
When we were nearly out of food and thought we might have to shut down our pantry, God provided manna from heaven so no one would go without.
When I struggled to figure out how WE were going to provide for so many families at Christmas, God blessed us with more toys than we knew what to do with and we were able to bless other ministries.
God is in control and He is active at Christian HELP.
Christian HELP was formed in 1992 by Dick and Madge Wilson and their friend Harry Kunish. In over 17 years, Christian HELP has connected over 70,000 people with jobs- enough to fill a football stadium and given away over 6 million pounds of food.
In the past year we added Employment seminars, Job search skills classes, and additional training for our counselors to meet the changing dynamics of finding a job in this economy. We opened 3 satellite offices, strategically placed in South, East, and West Orlando to meet people at their point of need, and provided on-site job skills seminars for several churches.
We serve over 70 people a day in our center who are looking for jobs, food, and hope. We provide a listening ear, job leads and food, and offer hope through prayer. Harry, one of our counselors had a client who cried, when he came in, cried during counseling, and cried as he left because he had put out over 2000 resumes with no calls back. A week later he came back to tell Harry that his prayers had worked and he found a job!
God is in control and He is active at Christian HELP.
As we look at 2010 and beyond, we plan to continue to expand our services to meet the needs of our clients. We will have more employment seminars, expand our job search skills classes, and continue to expand our satellite office locations.
We are still battling with space issues and are working on our plans to expand our space.
We will continue to collaborate and work with community partners to be able to provide holistic services to our clients and meet their needs. We will strive to work on solving root cause issues and giving hope to those with no hope.
Where to do you fit in?
Without you, there is no Christian HELP. There is no hope. God uses people like you and me to help others. In 2nd Corinthians 9:8-9 God’s word says 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
9 As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
You may be here today because you are passionate about Christian HELP and want to help in any way you can. You may be here because someone invited you and you wanted to know more. Maybe a friend dragged you kicking and screaming… God makes no mistakes. He wanted you here today.
Please prayerfully consider what God lays on your heart as you participate in the program today. He may give you a thought of where you fit in, or a number you should give. As you consider what he lays on your heart, I pray that you will come alongside us prayerfully and financially to continue this important ministry.
God is in control and He is active at Christian HELP.
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