It has been said the best social program is getting someone a job. It sounds simple, but in this economic climate it is easier said than done. As an HR Professional with over 15 years of recruiting and hiring experience it is difficult to watch people struggle to find a job. It is even more difficult to watch dreams crash down around someone and families suffer from the stress unemployment causes.
One of our clients after being let go from her employer of 17 years, just sat in the company parking lot and cried. Her whole world had been rocked. Now 18 months later she is looking at foreclosure and wouldn’t have food on her table if it was not for the resources she finds at the Christian HELP pantry. She had an interview last week and hopefully things will turn around.
Many people are paralyzed when they lose their jobs. They have never had to search online. They might now have to change careers after years of doing the same thing. Their social circles made up mostly of people they worked with, now are not as accepting of them. It is like they have a disease and maybe the remaining few might catch it. They are alone and they need help.
Christian HELP and the Central Florida Employment Council (CFEC) are devoted to equipping and empowering people to find jobs while helping to provide for their families. Through one-on-one employment counseling, resume assistance, job skills training, job fairs, an online job board, and our “Re-Charge and Re-Energize” your job search series seminars in the community. Additionally, a 2000 square foot food pantry helps families to not have to choose between rent and food.
We are hosting our Re-Charge and Re-Energize your job search seminar on Saturday April 2, 2011 at First Baptist Longwood from 9 AM- 2 PM. This job search series is free to the public to attend and will provide not only solid teaching on job search success skills, but networking opportunities as well.
We are looking for sponsors for this event and donations of promotional products and free or discounted coupons for approximately 200 guests. If you would be interested in sponsorship please call 407-834-4223 or e-mail cfec@cfec.org. If you would like to provide promotional products or coupons, please e-mail sandi@christianhelp.org or call 407-834-4022.
Thank you for your support of Central Florida’s Unemployed.
Sincerely,
Sandi Vidal
Executive Director
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Love your neighbor
Today is Valentine's day as every retailer will remind us. A day of hearts and candy, flowers, and cute little stuffed animals. For some, Valentine's day is a lonely reminder that they do not have a "special someone" in their lives. My son reminded me that is is also single awareness day. At 12, I am not too worried he will grow up and end up alone.
The good news is that we are never alone. John 3:16 reminds us that God loved us so much that He sent His only son to die for us. That is a powerful kind of love. God knows each one of us as an individual and His love is beyond our comprehension or explanation. The even better news is we can rest in it and be assured of our salvation if we love Him and accept his love in our lives.
Today is also a good reminder we should love our neighbors. Many of our neighbors are in need. One client at Christian HELP answered a recent survey question "What brought you here today" with the simple word- HUNGER. That is profound.
In a country with so much, in a world with great resources, our friends and neighbors are hungry. Hungry for food. Hungry for acceptance. Hungry for love.
Help us this week to show love to people who are experiencing loneliness and hunger, by supporting a family in need for just one week. Your donation of $15.00 will help a family to have groceries including fruits and veggies and meat for this week.
You can donate online at http://christianhelp.org/donate.htm.
Thank you for making a difference.
The good news is that we are never alone. John 3:16 reminds us that God loved us so much that He sent His only son to die for us. That is a powerful kind of love. God knows each one of us as an individual and His love is beyond our comprehension or explanation. The even better news is we can rest in it and be assured of our salvation if we love Him and accept his love in our lives.
Today is also a good reminder we should love our neighbors. Many of our neighbors are in need. One client at Christian HELP answered a recent survey question "What brought you here today" with the simple word- HUNGER. That is profound.
In a country with so much, in a world with great resources, our friends and neighbors are hungry. Hungry for food. Hungry for acceptance. Hungry for love.
Help us this week to show love to people who are experiencing loneliness and hunger, by supporting a family in need for just one week. Your donation of $15.00 will help a family to have groceries including fruits and veggies and meat for this week.
You can donate online at http://christianhelp.org/donate.htm.
Thank you for making a difference.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Our cup runneth over
Usually when you talk about your cup running over it is with blessings. Christian HELP is certainly blessed beyond measure. God never ceases to amaze us. This year seems just a little different. We are really starting to feel the crunch. The crunch of wearing many hats, working too many hours, not having an ounce of space to put another person. We feel the tug of our hearts as we moved to an appointment based system just to keep a little control of the flow of people coming in. We hurt when we don't have room for all the volunteers we really want and need to move to the next level.
What is God telling us? This year I keep telling people He is moving our cheese. He is pushing us out of our comfort zone and preparing us for new things. It is exciting and scary all at once.
We are looking at building or moving. We want to expand our services and classes. We are forming new partnerships... but at the same time, we are at capacity. I serve at another non-profit where the new mantra is to maintain and sustain instead of to expand and grow. For us the demand is too high to maintain.
Not only do people need jobs, they need food, they need finances, and they need hope. No matter how busy we get, we always stop to pray and remember who is in control. God has a plan. We may not see the big picture yet, but He does. We always need to make sure we keep our cup filled with His blessings by following His commandments and obeying His will.
Yesterday I listened to John Rivers of 4 Rivers Smokehouse talking about seeking, listening and obeying. We may feel the crunch, but we will still trust and obey.
Sandi
What is God telling us? This year I keep telling people He is moving our cheese. He is pushing us out of our comfort zone and preparing us for new things. It is exciting and scary all at once.
We are looking at building or moving. We want to expand our services and classes. We are forming new partnerships... but at the same time, we are at capacity. I serve at another non-profit where the new mantra is to maintain and sustain instead of to expand and grow. For us the demand is too high to maintain.
Not only do people need jobs, they need food, they need finances, and they need hope. No matter how busy we get, we always stop to pray and remember who is in control. God has a plan. We may not see the big picture yet, but He does. We always need to make sure we keep our cup filled with His blessings by following His commandments and obeying His will.
Yesterday I listened to John Rivers of 4 Rivers Smokehouse talking about seeking, listening and obeying. We may feel the crunch, but we will still trust and obey.
Sandi
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
I just wanted to take a moment to give my heartfelt thanks...
I just wanted to take a moment to give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who had a part in the Christian HELP Christmas program this year. We were truly blessed and overwhelmed by the generosity of the community and individuals who brought in toys, volunteered, did toy and food drives, and gave financially. Those of you who gave your time through volunteering left such an impression on our team. Your generosity with your time and willingness to go the extra mile amazed us daily. We saw angels in action.
The clients who experienced the program saw the goodness in people who made a difference in their lives for just a short time. Adopted families were blessed as they saw other families who did not even know them embrace their families and make Christmas special.
Our team at Christian HELP went above and beyond to make this event successful. I appreciate each and every one of them so much.
I saw God in action daily. I pray you did too.
Thank you and God Bless-
Sandi Vidal
Executive Director
P.S. Christian HELP works with People all year round to help them move forward and obtain jobs. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please click the Donate Now or the Contact Us link on the http://christianhelp.org site.
The clients who experienced the program saw the goodness in people who made a difference in their lives for just a short time. Adopted families were blessed as they saw other families who did not even know them embrace their families and make Christmas special.
Our team at Christian HELP went above and beyond to make this event successful. I appreciate each and every one of them so much.
I saw God in action daily. I pray you did too.
Thank you and God Bless-
Sandi Vidal
Executive Director
P.S. Christian HELP works with People all year round to help them move forward and obtain jobs. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please click the Donate Now or the Contact Us link on the http://christianhelp.org site.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Thank you for your Prayers and Support!
Fridays were a stressful day at Ronnie's company. That was the day layoffs were announced. After making it through a few Friday's of layoffs and even being told he was doing a great job, Ronnie learned on a Thursday 2 weeks before Thanksgiving that his job of 12 years was gone.
Depression, anger, shock, and fear were just a few of the emotions this father of 2 teenagers felt when he heard the news. How would he be able to provide for his family? What was he supposed to do now? He hadn't looked for a job in 12 years.
This year was a tough one for Ronnie. He had surgery on his back 6 months ago and then his wife announced she was leaving and filed for divorce. There was a bitter custody battle resulting in lawyer fees, alimony, and child support. The house was sold for what they owed and all extras were given up. Forced back to work from leave too soon, to take care of the kids, Ronnie pushed himself to make ends meet.
In less than 6 months, Ronnie felt his entire world crash down. As he moved into a small apartment and sold off all of his things, he felt a chapter of his life close. Losing his job was the icing on the cake. At $275 a week (unemployment), with child support and alimony payments there is literally nothing left. Fortunate to have a sister in town, he is moving in to her house in January, but there is not much room for him there.
To make matters worse, his insurance ended November 30th for him and the kids. He is waiting to see what cobra will cost. Trying to be strong every day for the kids, he is melting inside. His role is to be the provider and he is struggling to provide. He has reached out to his networking contacts and is updating his resume and looking for a job. He has heard it takes longer and salaries are lower these days.
Fortunately he has God, some family, and Christian HELP to see him through this time. His kids will have Christmas due to the generosity of strangers. There is food on his table and he can stay in his apartment one more month because of your's and others kindness. It is primarily through the support of individuals Christian HELP can be here to meet the needs of people like Ronnie.
Christian HELP relies almost entirely on the support of individuals, remaining independent of any government money. Please donate now if you can, and help ease the pain of those going through tough times.
Depression, anger, shock, and fear were just a few of the emotions this father of 2 teenagers felt when he heard the news. How would he be able to provide for his family? What was he supposed to do now? He hadn't looked for a job in 12 years.
This year was a tough one for Ronnie. He had surgery on his back 6 months ago and then his wife announced she was leaving and filed for divorce. There was a bitter custody battle resulting in lawyer fees, alimony, and child support. The house was sold for what they owed and all extras were given up. Forced back to work from leave too soon, to take care of the kids, Ronnie pushed himself to make ends meet.
In less than 6 months, Ronnie felt his entire world crash down. As he moved into a small apartment and sold off all of his things, he felt a chapter of his life close. Losing his job was the icing on the cake. At $275 a week (unemployment), with child support and alimony payments there is literally nothing left. Fortunate to have a sister in town, he is moving in to her house in January, but there is not much room for him there.
To make matters worse, his insurance ended November 30th for him and the kids. He is waiting to see what cobra will cost. Trying to be strong every day for the kids, he is melting inside. His role is to be the provider and he is struggling to provide. He has reached out to his networking contacts and is updating his resume and looking for a job. He has heard it takes longer and salaries are lower these days.
Fortunately he has God, some family, and Christian HELP to see him through this time. His kids will have Christmas due to the generosity of strangers. There is food on his table and he can stay in his apartment one more month because of your's and others kindness. It is primarily through the support of individuals Christian HELP can be here to meet the needs of people like Ronnie.
Christian HELP relies almost entirely on the support of individuals, remaining independent of any government money. Please donate now if you can, and help ease the pain of those going through tough times.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Toy Drive Drop Off Locations
Thank you for blessing a child in need with Christmas this year. Toys can be dropped off at any of the following Dove Tree locations by December 15th. After December 15th, please drop off at the main Christian HELP office.
Christian HELP 450 Seminola Blvd, Casselberry, FL 32707
Demetree Chiropractic – 3 locations Altamonte, Oviedo, Sanford
Willow Creek Church, Winter Springs
Starling Chevrolet, Kissimmee and St. Cloud
First Baptist Church Longwood
Northland, a Church Distributed, Longwood
Wekiva Presbyterian Church, Longwood
Gulf States Credit Union, HWY 17-92, Maitland
Big Ten Tires, Waterford Lakes
Cruise Adventure Travel, Downtown Orlando
Aloma Baptist Church
Victorio’s Restaurant Casselberry and Winter Springs
Jason’s Deli, Altamonte
WonderWorks - $5.00 off admission with a TOY!
City Arts, Downtown Orlando
Qdoba Mexican Grill, 3 locations in Orlando, Altamonte, Maitland, or Sanford
Mechanics Plus - Casselberry
Red Brick Pizza Kissimmee and Altamonte Locations
Pick up Dove Cards at M&M Vitamins- Lake Mary Blvd
Christian HELP 450 Seminola Blvd, Casselberry, FL 32707
Demetree Chiropractic – 3 locations Altamonte, Oviedo, Sanford
Willow Creek Church, Winter Springs
Starling Chevrolet, Kissimmee and St. Cloud
First Baptist Church Longwood
Northland, a Church Distributed, Longwood
Wekiva Presbyterian Church, Longwood
Gulf States Credit Union, HWY 17-92, Maitland
Big Ten Tires, Waterford Lakes
Cruise Adventure Travel, Downtown Orlando
Aloma Baptist Church
Victorio’s Restaurant Casselberry and Winter Springs
Jason’s Deli, Altamonte
WonderWorks - $5.00 off admission with a TOY!
City Arts, Downtown Orlando
Qdoba Mexican Grill, 3 locations in Orlando, Altamonte, Maitland, or Sanford
Mechanics Plus - Casselberry
Red Brick Pizza Kissimmee and Altamonte Locations
Pick up Dove Cards at M&M Vitamins- Lake Mary Blvd
Monday, November 29, 2010
Ministry Wish List
People often ask the questions "How can I help?" and "What more do you need?" This is a list of some of the areas we can use help with. Thank you!
Non-perishable food and baby items for our pantry
Turkeys and Hams for Christmas
Toys & Gifts (0-17), batteries (all sizes), and gift wrap for Christmas
Toiletries and cleaning supplies for our clients
Office Supplies- paper, pens, black markers, tape, clipboards
Bibles for our clients- can be purchased for just over $2.00 from American Bible publishers
White boards in good condition; white board markers
Tissues, paper products, cleaning supplies, zip lock bags
Plastic grocery bags, egg cartons
Prizes for Charity Challenge and Christmas in July Silent Auction
Employment Leads- are you hiring- know anyone who is? We would like to know!
Graphic designer for posters and flyers
Printing
We are in need of additional space- if you know of someone who can help us with this, please let us know
Volunteers- Employment Counseling, Food Pantry, Special Projects, Public Relations/Marketing, Dove Tree Drivers, Christmas volunteers
Prayer- we are always in need of prayer
Contact our office at 407-834-4022 Jackie Bradley for Volunteers, Jackie Normand for other interests.
We appreciate you thinking of us!
Non-perishable food and baby items for our pantry
Turkeys and Hams for Christmas
Toys & Gifts (0-17), batteries (all sizes), and gift wrap for Christmas
Toiletries and cleaning supplies for our clients
Office Supplies- paper, pens, black markers, tape, clipboards
Bibles for our clients- can be purchased for just over $2.00 from American Bible publishers
White boards in good condition; white board markers
Tissues, paper products, cleaning supplies, zip lock bags
Plastic grocery bags, egg cartons
Prizes for Charity Challenge and Christmas in July Silent Auction
Employment Leads- are you hiring- know anyone who is? We would like to know!
Graphic designer for posters and flyers
Printing
We are in need of additional space- if you know of someone who can help us with this, please let us know
Volunteers- Employment Counseling, Food Pantry, Special Projects, Public Relations/Marketing, Dove Tree Drivers, Christmas volunteers
Prayer- we are always in need of prayer
Contact our office at 407-834-4022 Jackie Bradley for Volunteers, Jackie Normand for other interests.
We appreciate you thinking of us!
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