I recently read the book "The Coming Jobs War", by Jim Clifton, CEO of the Gallup Organization. After a worldwide poll, it was discovered the one thing people want above all others is A GOOD JOB. That was a wake up call even for me, and I live and breathe jobs.
People want to have meaning, they want to find their place in this big world. They want to have a part in contributing to the bigger picture. For many people jobs are more than just a sense of security, they are their identity. As I think about my job at Christian HELP, I have to admit that it is a significant part of my life above and beyond the paycheck. Many times when I want to volunteer or do other things people cannot separate me from my job.
When you get involved with Christian HELP as a volunteer or financial investor, you are helping people to achieve the goal of finding a good job. Our boot camp starts tonight with a full house of particpants. This is an excitiing program, brought to us by Inez Rodriguez who has given her time and talents to Christian HELP in a big way by allowing us to not only use her materials, but by volunteering to teach, coach, and mentor clients for 6 weeks at a time. I love not only her commitment, but seeing the results. Many long term job seekers are finding themselves in a good job after completing the program.
We are in the process of starting a new program geared towards people who are underemployed, or have difficulty holding a job or finding a job. This 6 class program will give not only job skills, but work on retention as well. It has been a labor of love and research and it is amazing to see it come together. We need your help to make it a reality. The initial costs have been underwritten by the Walmart State Giving Foundation, but we will need more funds to be able to administer the program. If you are interested in changing lives and can help with this, please let us know. Sponsorships for students will be $150 and cover all of their materials. You can also "share the cost".
Fighting hunger and homelessness is a big task and can seemm overwhelming, but as we help peopel get back on their feet, we will see this problem start to diminish.
Thank you for all you do! You are Christian HELP.
Sandi
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Remaining strong through tough times
Imagine
the rollercoaster ride of being a single mom and experiencing a layoff, getting
a new job and then getting laid off again.
Finally after months of searching you get a job, and it turns out not to
be the right job, but wait; another offer comes… and once again, you find
yourself jobless. This is what happened
to Lisa Lee.
She was scared her unemployment would
run out. She was scared she could not provide adequately for her daughter who
was starting to apply to colleges, she was scared about where her next meal
would come from. She was scared no one would understand what she was going
through.
Coming to Christian HELP for food and
assistance can be such a humbling experience.
So many people never imagine it will be them standing in line outside
the food pantry waiting for their name to be called. The amazing thing is God
provides for every single person who comes through the door, and He does it
through you and others like you. God
took Lisa through this journey and she has now landed a job in a company with
growth potential. Her daughter was
accepted to college and will start in August. Times have been tough, but Lisa
has remained strong.
Thank you for making a difference in Lisa’s
life and the hundreds of others who walk through the doors of Christian HELP
every week.
PS. Save the date- May 29, 2012 and log
on to www.100carsforgood.com to help Christian HELP win a new van.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Finding jobs, REDUCING HUNGER, providing hope
A week ago I got a new kitten from a friend who runs another local non-profit. She knew I was looking to adopt a new kitten and she let me know she has 3 who were ready to find new homes. We selected a little tabby we affectionately call "Katniss" after the main character in the hunger games. Unlike our other 2 cats, Katniss has turned out to be quite scrappy. She is into everything and is a ball of energy. What strikes me the most about her (other than how cute she is) is that she eats every meal like she may not get another one. Now, I know my friend fed the kittens, but for this one, when the food is out of site she seems to think it wont come back.
Now why am I talking about my kitten? I am mentioning this because earlier today, Harry, one of our counselors went to the pantry and grabbed a few packages of cheese and crackers. He said he keeps them in his office for clients and shares them with people who are hungry. There are people who have a tough time sitting and sharing their story with us because they are so hungry, they can't focus. Imagine for a moment not knowing where your next meal was coming from. We have so many people who come in, who don't have to imagine. They just don't know.
Thankfully, God provides food to Christian HELP for us to share with those in need so they don't have to worry about their next meal. I have seen people recently at events who have eaten more than I would have expected or squirreled away some food for later. When one gentleman came up to me after an event and asked me how he could get food from our pantry, it made me stop to realize that people you never imagine are hurting.
No child should have to go hungry is one of our promises we try to keep. Through the efforts of Christian HELP and the Casselberry Community task force, we are making a dent. This is not because of our work, but because of the support we receive from community partners and people like you. I am so thankful to know where my next meal is coming from. Aren't you?
Now why am I talking about my kitten? I am mentioning this because earlier today, Harry, one of our counselors went to the pantry and grabbed a few packages of cheese and crackers. He said he keeps them in his office for clients and shares them with people who are hungry. There are people who have a tough time sitting and sharing their story with us because they are so hungry, they can't focus. Imagine for a moment not knowing where your next meal was coming from. We have so many people who come in, who don't have to imagine. They just don't know.
Thankfully, God provides food to Christian HELP for us to share with those in need so they don't have to worry about their next meal. I have seen people recently at events who have eaten more than I would have expected or squirreled away some food for later. When one gentleman came up to me after an event and asked me how he could get food from our pantry, it made me stop to realize that people you never imagine are hurting.
No child should have to go hungry is one of our promises we try to keep. Through the efforts of Christian HELP and the Casselberry Community task force, we are making a dent. This is not because of our work, but because of the support we receive from community partners and people like you. I am so thankful to know where my next meal is coming from. Aren't you?
Katniss at 5 weeks
Thank you for all you do!
Sandi Vidal
Executive Director
Monday, April 9, 2012
Think Big, Don't Limit God
Those words are on my "war" wall as a daily reminder that while some of the projects Christian HELP is looking at taking on are bigger than we are, they are not bigger than God. I am amazed daily as our prayer of asking God to send the right people into our paths is answered over and over again.
As we research potential programs, initiatives, and ways to better connect people with their next job, we are astounded at how the information is coming together so neatly.
Why are we amazed? God already knows the outcome and He is guiding the way.
I can't help but be excited about how God is working through Christian HELP. My personal faith has grown so much over these past 5 years of working at Christian HELP. Over and over again, we see God answer prayer. Not always as fast as we want or the way we want Him to, but He never lets us down.
We encourage your involvement in His work here at Christian HELP. This month we have matching funds available for all donations made. When you donate $1 it becomes 2, $100 becomes $200 and $1000 is $2000. We are able to meet the needs of so many more families with your partnership.
If you have never donated to Christian HELP, I would ask you to consider donating today. If God has put it on your heart, please reach out. You make the difference.
You can donate online at http://christianhelp.org/donate.htm or by mail to 450 Seminola Blvd, Casselberry, FL 32707.
Thank you for being a blessing.
In His service,
Sandi
As we research potential programs, initiatives, and ways to better connect people with their next job, we are astounded at how the information is coming together so neatly.
Why are we amazed? God already knows the outcome and He is guiding the way.
I can't help but be excited about how God is working through Christian HELP. My personal faith has grown so much over these past 5 years of working at Christian HELP. Over and over again, we see God answer prayer. Not always as fast as we want or the way we want Him to, but He never lets us down.
We encourage your involvement in His work here at Christian HELP. This month we have matching funds available for all donations made. When you donate $1 it becomes 2, $100 becomes $200 and $1000 is $2000. We are able to meet the needs of so many more families with your partnership.
If you have never donated to Christian HELP, I would ask you to consider donating today. If God has put it on your heart, please reach out. You make the difference.
You can donate online at http://christianhelp.org/donate.htm or by mail to 450 Seminola Blvd, Casselberry, FL 32707.
Thank you for being a blessing.
In His service,
Sandi
Friday, March 9, 2012
Christian HELP Rejoices in God’s Presence at 20th Birthday Celebration
From the beginning of time, God has always showed up in powerful ways in the lives of His beloved creation. We are precious to Him. Always have been and always will be.
When God’s Son, Jesus, was born into the world and became man, God drew even closer to humanity. Jesus expressed His deep, deep love when He declared: “I have called you friends.” (John 15:15). Imagine that! Friendship with God’s own Son for everyone who will reach out to the Savior who forgives our sins and provides eternity in heaven for every single believer. Now that’s a gift, my friends…
Over the past 20 years, Christian HELP has taken up special residence in the hearts of Central Floridians, time and again showing up in the lives of thousands by providing help, encouragement, God’s powerful love, and prayer for those who are walking though the difficult journey of trying circumstances. As these men and women suffer, often finding themselves without adequate housing, employment, food, or even a ray of hope, Christian HELP steps in and compassionately reaches out like Jesus did, meeting each individual right where they are through careful listening, wise counsel, attentive prayer, and multi-faceted practical help. It’s Christian HELP that really helps.
When we take time to look more closely at the story of Jesus in the New Testament, we see for ourselves God’s Son in action. In these pages, Jesus unfailingly feeds the hungry, heals all manner of sickness, and consistently provides direction and forgiveness to those who yearn for His touch. We even see Jesus showing up in times of celebration, like when He attended a wedding and miraculously transformed water into wine.
Christian HELP models its own outreach initiatives in similar fashion. When people who need a job don’t have enough food to eat, Christian HELP loses no time opening up its Food Pantry to pour out a blessing. When men and women experience the depression that accompanies difficult life circumstances, wise counselors and prayer warriors step up to the plate to help and listen. And when jobs are needed, career counseling, job fairs, a computer room, and resume assistance become readily available to all. In more ways than one, Christian HELP brings help, hope, and even miracle to countless many, as day in and day out, lives are transformed - one person at a time.
And so, 20 busy years have swiftly gone by, with Christian HELP now celebrating its highly anticipated and lovingly prepared 20th birthday. There is little doubt that Jesus was present to guide the organization’s founders, Dick and Madge Wilson, during those important first days. As it was from the beginning, Jesus continues to lead Christian HELP’s current leadership team, along with a faithful army of volunteers, many loving supporters, and the grateful men and women who have received help within these loving walls.
God most certainly showed up 20 years ago when Christian HELP was born. It is a sure thing He will continue to be present in the days and years to come, as Christian Help dedicates itself to bringing hope, encouragement, the love of God, and prayer to Central Florida’s people in need.
God’s presence is, without a doubt, Christian HELP’s most cherished 20th birthday present. He is here and so are we, as together, we celebrate 20 wonderful years. Happy Birthday Christian HELP!
By Chris Schneider
Volunteer
When God’s Son, Jesus, was born into the world and became man, God drew even closer to humanity. Jesus expressed His deep, deep love when He declared: “I have called you friends.” (John 15:15). Imagine that! Friendship with God’s own Son for everyone who will reach out to the Savior who forgives our sins and provides eternity in heaven for every single believer. Now that’s a gift, my friends…
Over the past 20 years, Christian HELP has taken up special residence in the hearts of Central Floridians, time and again showing up in the lives of thousands by providing help, encouragement, God’s powerful love, and prayer for those who are walking though the difficult journey of trying circumstances. As these men and women suffer, often finding themselves without adequate housing, employment, food, or even a ray of hope, Christian HELP steps in and compassionately reaches out like Jesus did, meeting each individual right where they are through careful listening, wise counsel, attentive prayer, and multi-faceted practical help. It’s Christian HELP that really helps.
When we take time to look more closely at the story of Jesus in the New Testament, we see for ourselves God’s Son in action. In these pages, Jesus unfailingly feeds the hungry, heals all manner of sickness, and consistently provides direction and forgiveness to those who yearn for His touch. We even see Jesus showing up in times of celebration, like when He attended a wedding and miraculously transformed water into wine.
Christian HELP models its own outreach initiatives in similar fashion. When people who need a job don’t have enough food to eat, Christian HELP loses no time opening up its Food Pantry to pour out a blessing. When men and women experience the depression that accompanies difficult life circumstances, wise counselors and prayer warriors step up to the plate to help and listen. And when jobs are needed, career counseling, job fairs, a computer room, and resume assistance become readily available to all. In more ways than one, Christian HELP brings help, hope, and even miracle to countless many, as day in and day out, lives are transformed - one person at a time.
And so, 20 busy years have swiftly gone by, with Christian HELP now celebrating its highly anticipated and lovingly prepared 20th birthday. There is little doubt that Jesus was present to guide the organization’s founders, Dick and Madge Wilson, during those important first days. As it was from the beginning, Jesus continues to lead Christian HELP’s current leadership team, along with a faithful army of volunteers, many loving supporters, and the grateful men and women who have received help within these loving walls.
God most certainly showed up 20 years ago when Christian HELP was born. It is a sure thing He will continue to be present in the days and years to come, as Christian Help dedicates itself to bringing hope, encouragement, the love of God, and prayer to Central Florida’s people in need.
God’s presence is, without a doubt, Christian HELP’s most cherished 20th birthday present. He is here and so are we, as together, we celebrate 20 wonderful years. Happy Birthday Christian HELP!
By Chris Schneider
Volunteer
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Building Better Futures
This past weekend we held our first focus group, as we start to plan the launch of our capital campaign. At Christian HELP we are always seeking God's will for our next step. We are learning to think big, really big... that being said, we are in the process of drawing the dream.
I have been in several different groups where we did the pie in the sky what if money was no object exercise to brainstorm about what direction the company or organization should go. In this case, we are looking at how can we meet more needs, produce more results, and not just help people get jobs, but actually create them.
What if we had a state of the art training center? What if we had room for groups to come in and give back in a big way, what if we could teach people how to succeed with hands on apprenticeship programs, what if...
What if we had a quiet place where someone could bow their head in prayer and bring all their burdens to God...
Please pray with us for God's favor and direction as we embarq on this new season for Christian HELP. We are 20 years young and ready to meet the challenge.
In His Service,
Sandi Vidal
Executive Director
I have been in several different groups where we did the pie in the sky what if money was no object exercise to brainstorm about what direction the company or organization should go. In this case, we are looking at how can we meet more needs, produce more results, and not just help people get jobs, but actually create them.
What if we had a state of the art training center? What if we had room for groups to come in and give back in a big way, what if we could teach people how to succeed with hands on apprenticeship programs, what if...
What if we had a quiet place where someone could bow their head in prayer and bring all their burdens to God...
Please pray with us for God's favor and direction as we embarq on this new season for Christian HELP. We are 20 years young and ready to meet the challenge.
In His Service,
Sandi Vidal
Executive Director
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Christian HELP’s Food Pantry – Reaching Out in a Place of Love and Miracles
One of the most vivid accounts of Jesus’ love and compassion for people comes to life in the Bible story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, (John 6 and Mark 6). Even as a child, I took great delight in picturing that huge crowd assembled on a distant green hill, soaking up the rays of a sunny day, while listening to the loving voice of Jesus. On that particular day, time must have swiftly raced by as the people took in valuable spiritual nourishment for their parched souls. The problem was, no one had apparently bothered to keep track of how physically hungry everyone would become as the day progressed. Jesus, on the other hand, had a very special plan in mind that would ultimately save the day. He knew exactly what his grace and love would soon impart to each man and woman, and every boy and girl. A miracle was in the making…
Can you picture Jesus in high gear as he got to work on that bright and expectant afternoon? Calmly, (he was never panicked), his disciples were instructed to make the people sit down as they rounded up one ordinary boy’s donated lunch of two fish and five loaves. In an instant, the boy’s lunch was transformed into a meal that served the entire crowd of 5,000. That scrumptious picnic feast handily filled every belly, with abundant leftovers to spare. The Bible tells us simply, “They all ate and were satisfied.” (Mark 6:42). Jesus’ actions demonstrated then, as now, that his heart “had compassion on them.” (Matthew 20:34).
Christian HELP’s Food Pantry reaches out to the hungry of Central Florida with a similar heart of compassion. In a world that continues to reel from a troubled economy, Christian Help regularly meets the physical needs of hundreds of families as these individuals go about the big job of seeking employment. With gentle respect for all, people consistently come and receive well balanced food items that are distributed carefully and with love, including bread, meat, vegetables, fruit, cheese, lunchmeat, and dessert. “We show our clients the face of God,” says Food Pantry manager, Mark Blanton, quietly. “We give them all a smile,” he explains, sharing also how incredibly important a smile can be for people beaten down by the multiple pressures of modern life.
The Food Pantry got its start some 20 years ago under the watchful and dedicated eye of Christian HELP co-founder, Madge Wilson. Today her guiding influence is still felt as those who serve in the pantry continue to carry on with high energy, fairness, equity, and stewardship – the very qualities which meant so much to Madge.
Donated food items make the food pantry a center of bustling activity and outreach. All of the food is made possible by generous provisions from community partners such as Walmart, Target, Bob Evans, Pizza Hut, Winn Dixie, and Publix. It’s not a boy’s lunch, of course, but it works in much the same miraculous way, bringing food that tends to multiply as it is given to sustain so many.
There is a poignant side note about Christian HELP’s food distribution team. It seems that as the small army carries out their Herculean mission each day, the team grows ever more united in ministry. They are, quite simply, a modern day version of Jesus’ disciples in motion. Some of the team members are long time volunteers like Gwen, Eva, Miss Annie May, John and Ron. Others are young people doing volunteer community service for school credit, and loving every minute of it. Still others are working off community service hours as they gain powerful lessons in respecting others while also being treated with respect themselves. Through it all, it’s hard to determine who gets more blessed – those who work to give, or those who come to blessedly receive.
Yes, Christian HELP’s Food Pantry is a place of uncommon blessing. Oh, it might not be located upon that same ancient hillside of long ago where Jesus fed the 5,000. But it is still a place of unusual and ongoing miracle. It is that place where quiet spiritual and physical nourishment lovingly reach men and women, and boys and girls each and every day, right here in Central Florida.
By Chris Schneider
Can you picture Jesus in high gear as he got to work on that bright and expectant afternoon? Calmly, (he was never panicked), his disciples were instructed to make the people sit down as they rounded up one ordinary boy’s donated lunch of two fish and five loaves. In an instant, the boy’s lunch was transformed into a meal that served the entire crowd of 5,000. That scrumptious picnic feast handily filled every belly, with abundant leftovers to spare. The Bible tells us simply, “They all ate and were satisfied.” (Mark 6:42). Jesus’ actions demonstrated then, as now, that his heart “had compassion on them.” (Matthew 20:34).
Christian HELP’s Food Pantry reaches out to the hungry of Central Florida with a similar heart of compassion. In a world that continues to reel from a troubled economy, Christian Help regularly meets the physical needs of hundreds of families as these individuals go about the big job of seeking employment. With gentle respect for all, people consistently come and receive well balanced food items that are distributed carefully and with love, including bread, meat, vegetables, fruit, cheese, lunchmeat, and dessert. “We show our clients the face of God,” says Food Pantry manager, Mark Blanton, quietly. “We give them all a smile,” he explains, sharing also how incredibly important a smile can be for people beaten down by the multiple pressures of modern life.
The Food Pantry got its start some 20 years ago under the watchful and dedicated eye of Christian HELP co-founder, Madge Wilson. Today her guiding influence is still felt as those who serve in the pantry continue to carry on with high energy, fairness, equity, and stewardship – the very qualities which meant so much to Madge.
Donated food items make the food pantry a center of bustling activity and outreach. All of the food is made possible by generous provisions from community partners such as Walmart, Target, Bob Evans, Pizza Hut, Winn Dixie, and Publix. It’s not a boy’s lunch, of course, but it works in much the same miraculous way, bringing food that tends to multiply as it is given to sustain so many.
There is a poignant side note about Christian HELP’s food distribution team. It seems that as the small army carries out their Herculean mission each day, the team grows ever more united in ministry. They are, quite simply, a modern day version of Jesus’ disciples in motion. Some of the team members are long time volunteers like Gwen, Eva, Miss Annie May, John and Ron. Others are young people doing volunteer community service for school credit, and loving every minute of it. Still others are working off community service hours as they gain powerful lessons in respecting others while also being treated with respect themselves. Through it all, it’s hard to determine who gets more blessed – those who work to give, or those who come to blessedly receive.
Yes, Christian HELP’s Food Pantry is a place of uncommon blessing. Oh, it might not be located upon that same ancient hillside of long ago where Jesus fed the 5,000. But it is still a place of unusual and ongoing miracle. It is that place where quiet spiritual and physical nourishment lovingly reach men and women, and boys and girls each and every day, right here in Central Florida.
By Chris Schneider
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