I had planned on spending the morning at Christian HELP answering phones to learn what needs were in our community at this time. God had another plan for me.
I arrived at Christian HELP at 9:15am - just in time for their morning gathering round the little table in the kitchen to pray. We lifted each other up in prayer and the clients that would be coming in for various needs. As I made my way to the front desk to man the phones, Kristy Owens, our Director of Operations asked if I would be willing to do some Employment Counseling with the clients as we were short staffed. When something unexpected happens I am keenly aware that God may have something to show me and I jumped at the chance.
I only saw four clients today but what a cross-section of our community.
My first client was a lovely young lady who was attending college to get her degree but was looking for a part-time job to help her with her basic bills. We did a job search and I found two leads for her to walk away with and she was able to get some groceries from our pantry.
My next client was an elderly couple (65+). They had both been out of work for a year and his unemployment checks had once again stopped and they were hungry and scared. They had no family, only each other. We did a job search and found some leads but my hope for them was small. Who is going to hire someone that age? The husband looked frail and was asking for mechanical leads. He had his resume with him and was so earnest about finding something. Our volunteer who assists with resumes was there so I asked him to help my client as well. We prayed and they received bags of food to put in their car. Later I spoke to Kristy saying I felt we were not able to help them and she explained to me that we were. Christian HELP is independent and we have the discretion to serve those who we feel are in need. The groceries that we were able to give this couple was a dire need that we were filling and one we are able to continue to fill, the other need was just spending time with them, listening to them and praying with them. There are not many places out there where this couple can go and receive that much needed attention.
My third client was a lady who was able to help herself but was not doing so. She had been seeing us for over a year and was not following up on the job leads we were giving her. I had to explain to her that we were not helping her move forward and that she needed to seek out other agencies that may be a better fit for her.
Lastly I had a well dressed, educated women who came in for the first time. She had been out of work for 4 months and was feeling a little discouraged. Her experience was good and we were able to find very promising leads for her - it was rewarding to see her leave feeling more encouraged.
I love things to be black and white. I love to know if you are looking for a job we help you - if you are not we don't. Well guess what.....life is gray......there are people out there who don't fall into certain categories. This does not mean they do not deserve to be helped. I am totally against enabling people to be dependant but seeing this need this morning helped me to understand that God has us here for many reasons, not just one and we need to let him guide us to show where He wants to use us.
I also realized our logo - Christian HELP (Hope, Encourage, Love & Prayer) was right on the mark and being carried out every day!
Jackie Normand
Ministry Development Director
Thank You
Thank your to all our donors who make this Ministry possible. Please feel free to visit us to see God's work in action.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Upcoming Events at Christian HELP
Each month from January to September Christian HELP holds a lunch and tour so you can "Come and See" what God is doing at Christian HELP. The next tour will be June 7th and we would love to have you attend. The lunch starts at noon and ends around 1:00 PM. You can RSVP to jackie@christianhelp.org.
We have the 14th Annual Job fair this week on May 19th Featuring over 70 employers, educational opportunities, and job seeker resources. This is a great way to meet employers face to face. Details and registration are online at http://cfec.org.
On May 26th at 3:00 PM at the Christian HELP office, we will have our online search tips class with Michael Johnson as the trainer. The class helps job seekers to prepare for job search online.
The next day on May 27th we have our 4th Re-Charge and Re-Energize your job search seminar sponsored by WESH Channel 2. This seminar will help job seekers with interviewing, job search survival, and image. Job seeker resources will be available. Register online at http://cfec.org.
In July we will have our 3rd Annual Christmas in July event featuring musical entertainment, Melony McKaye from Z88.3 Radio, a Silent Auction, and a Dessert social. All are welcome to attend. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Christian HELP community Christmas Program.
Check our website often for other upcoming events and tell your friends!
We have the 14th Annual Job fair this week on May 19th Featuring over 70 employers, educational opportunities, and job seeker resources. This is a great way to meet employers face to face. Details and registration are online at http://cfec.org.
On May 26th at 3:00 PM at the Christian HELP office, we will have our online search tips class with Michael Johnson as the trainer. The class helps job seekers to prepare for job search online.
The next day on May 27th we have our 4th Re-Charge and Re-Energize your job search seminar sponsored by WESH Channel 2. This seminar will help job seekers with interviewing, job search survival, and image. Job seeker resources will be available. Register online at http://cfec.org.
In July we will have our 3rd Annual Christmas in July event featuring musical entertainment, Melony McKaye from Z88.3 Radio, a Silent Auction, and a Dessert social. All are welcome to attend. Proceeds from the auction benefit the Christian HELP community Christmas Program.
Check our website often for other upcoming events and tell your friends!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Be a lifeline for someone in need...
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
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
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!
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