Earlier this week, our board of directors met with our entire staff for a day-long strategic planning session. This effort sets the direction of Hope Alive for the next 3-5 years. As part of the day, the board wanted to hear from a resident mom about the impact Hope Alive’s ministry is having on the lives of those we serve. Riyan (who was featured in our November newsletter) shared with the board the accomplishments she and her children have made during their stay that have put them on the road to success and independence.
Riyan first talked about the children’s ministry staff that has helped to change the lives of her children. She’s so thankful for the loving care, support and professional advice the children’s staff provides to her and her two little ones. She said they’ve learned so much more than she ever imagined they could at this young stage of their lives.
Riyan also talked about the changes that have happened in her own life. She’s learned important conflict resolution and financial management skills, grown in her faith, and has become a role model and leader among her peers. She admitted that some of the life-change she’s experienced has been hard, but she recognizes that it’s all for her benefit to bring her to the place where she is today. She was awarded a vehicle through Second Chances Garage to give her greater independence, will complete her associate’s degree at FCC this year, and is interviewing for a full-time job as she prepares to graduate from the program and move out on her own.
Riyan’s testimony was the highlight of our day – helping us better understand the significant impact God's ministry is having on our families' lives. As we celebrate our fifth year of serving homeless families and our tenth year since Hope Alive was born, we praise God for the ministry’s effectiveness in changing the face of homelessness in our community.
On behalf of our staff, board of directors, and residents, thank you for keeping hope alive for each precious life we serve. Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Christmas is a time for love
I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as ours at Hope Alive. I was at Hope Alive Christmas morning and it was inspiring to see the love that our families shared. Two of our moms read scripture and talked about the true meaning of Christmas before all the children were allowed to open their gifts. Every child was so excited as they unwrapped gifts that had been donated for them. Amy was thrilled with an art set and Julie loved the outfits that had been picked out especially for her. One mother came into the kitchen with tears streaming down her face after opening a simple gift card that had been purchased for her. With this gift she can purchase food, clothing, even needed medications. Another mother said this Christmas made up for the last four when she and her daughter moved from place to place.
After breakfast, all the moms and children spent the next couple of hours playing games together – laughing and having great fun. It was so heartwarming to see the love between them. As another mother once said, it’s just one big overwhelming family at Hope Alive.
It’s this loving, stable environment that Hope Alive offers that provides our families with the foundation for growth, healing, and the courage to move forward toward self-sufficiency. Thank you for supporting this life-change and for offering hope of a future. Thank you for keeping hope alive and for walking with us on this amazing journey of faith. May you enjoy an especially blessed New Year! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
After breakfast, all the moms and children spent the next couple of hours playing games together – laughing and having great fun. It was so heartwarming to see the love between them. As another mother once said, it’s just one big overwhelming family at Hope Alive.
It’s this loving, stable environment that Hope Alive offers that provides our families with the foundation for growth, healing, and the courage to move forward toward self-sufficiency. Thank you for supporting this life-change and for offering hope of a future. Thank you for keeping hope alive and for walking with us on this amazing journey of faith. May you enjoy an especially blessed New Year! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Needs of homeless children
If you follow my blog, you may have been wondering where I’ve been for the past several weeks. My excuse is that there’s just too much to do and too little time. Part of the “too much to do” are the grants we’ve been writing and submitting to private foundations. In writing about the needs of homeless families, I’m reminded of the serious challenges homeless children – our children – face.
Research shows that homeless children are twice as likely as middle class children to have moderate to severe acute and chronic health problems. Half of homeless children have witnessed or experienced violence in their lives so it’s understandable that half of homeless school-age children have problems with anxiety and depression and 20% of homeless preschoolers have emotional disturbances that require professional care. Homeless children are four times more likely to have delayed development and behavioral disorders. These needs describe our youngest residents, but despite their serious challenges our children are exceptionally bright and fun-loving and just need a stable healing environment in which to grow and develop to their full potential. Hope Alive offers just that to our children. Once a family finds stability at Hope Alive, the changes that God brings to their lives are amazing.
To hear about this incredible life-change, I invite you to join us at our upcoming Resident Achievement Banquet on Thursday, October 13 at Dutch’s Daughter starting at 6pm. It’s a wonderful celebration of our residents’ inspirational progress and an evening of fabulous food and fellowship. Visit our website or call to reserve your seat today.
We’re also excited about our upcoming Help the Homeless Mini-Walks and hope you can join us on:
Sunday, October 16 for the Hope Alive Mini Walk on our beautiful nature trail in Sabillasville. Join us anytime between 1-4pm at the Hope Alive property for a short walk and to better understand the journeys of homeless families.
Saturday, October 22 at the Hope Alive Corn Maze at Crumland Farms in Frederick between 10am and 3pm for lots of fun on their twisty turny corn maze.
Visit our website to link to the online registration or to download a walker registration for the walk of your choice. You can always register at the walk and every walker will receive a free t-shirt!
Thanks for reading! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Research shows that homeless children are twice as likely as middle class children to have moderate to severe acute and chronic health problems. Half of homeless children have witnessed or experienced violence in their lives so it’s understandable that half of homeless school-age children have problems with anxiety and depression and 20% of homeless preschoolers have emotional disturbances that require professional care. Homeless children are four times more likely to have delayed development and behavioral disorders. These needs describe our youngest residents, but despite their serious challenges our children are exceptionally bright and fun-loving and just need a stable healing environment in which to grow and develop to their full potential. Hope Alive offers just that to our children. Once a family finds stability at Hope Alive, the changes that God brings to their lives are amazing.
To hear about this incredible life-change, I invite you to join us at our upcoming Resident Achievement Banquet on Thursday, October 13 at Dutch’s Daughter starting at 6pm. It’s a wonderful celebration of our residents’ inspirational progress and an evening of fabulous food and fellowship. Visit our website or call to reserve your seat today.
We’re also excited about our upcoming Help the Homeless Mini-Walks and hope you can join us on:
Sunday, October 16 for the Hope Alive Mini Walk on our beautiful nature trail in Sabillasville. Join us anytime between 1-4pm at the Hope Alive property for a short walk and to better understand the journeys of homeless families.
Saturday, October 22 at the Hope Alive Corn Maze at Crumland Farms in Frederick between 10am and 3pm for lots of fun on their twisty turny corn maze.
Visit our website to link to the online registration or to download a walker registration for the walk of your choice. You can always register at the walk and every walker will receive a free t-shirt!
Thanks for reading! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The little fawn
Yesterday afternoon I was returning to Hope Alive after picking up some lunch in Thurmont. (Not a usual occurrence since it means a trip down the mountain.) As I headed up the driveway, a fawn came darting across and ran through the front yard. I watched her go over the hill toward the Joshua Center. As I rounded the corner of the house I spotted her at the playground fence trying to figure out which way to go. When she saw me she turned and took off over the hill disappearing into the safety of the tall field grass.
This reminded me of our youngest residents that often come to us frightened by their housing instability and the uncertainty in their lives. Like the little fawn, they don’t know which way to turn and where safety lies. And like the fawn, they stay close to mom until they feel safe to run. Once our children feel secure, healing begins, they gain confidence and even make remarkable physical growth! I didn’t realize how much growth until I saw the growth chart in Abba’s Angels marking inches in new height within a couple of months for nearly every child!
Before we know it that little fawn will be an adult and before we know it our children will grow into the amazing men and women God designed them to be! What a joy to watch them change and experience new hope!
Here in this beautiful setting, God often uses nature to reveal His presence and encourage us in the work He has called us to do.
One more reminder about our upcoming fall events …
A Benefit Concert - Friday, September 9, 7:30pm - Featuring gospel artists AGCS – A Group Called Seneca and Seven Days Running at Monocacy Valley Church, 9861 Old National Pike, New Market, MD.
Rock the Need – Saturday, September 17, 2-8pm – A charity concert and fashion show at Westview Promenade benefitting Hope Alive and other local charities.
Fourth Annual Resident Achievement Banquet - Thursday, October 13, 6:00pm, at Dutch’s Daughter to celebrate the inspirational progress of our residents.
Help the Homeless Mini-Walks: Maze-a-thon at Crumland Farms - Saturday, October 29, 10am-3pm and Hope Alive Mini Walk – Sunday, October 16, 1-4pm (raindate October 23).
Help us spread the word! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
This reminded me of our youngest residents that often come to us frightened by their housing instability and the uncertainty in their lives. Like the little fawn, they don’t know which way to turn and where safety lies. And like the fawn, they stay close to mom until they feel safe to run. Once our children feel secure, healing begins, they gain confidence and even make remarkable physical growth! I didn’t realize how much growth until I saw the growth chart in Abba’s Angels marking inches in new height within a couple of months for nearly every child!
Before we know it that little fawn will be an adult and before we know it our children will grow into the amazing men and women God designed them to be! What a joy to watch them change and experience new hope!
Here in this beautiful setting, God often uses nature to reveal His presence and encourage us in the work He has called us to do.
One more reminder about our upcoming fall events …
A Benefit Concert - Friday, September 9, 7:30pm - Featuring gospel artists AGCS – A Group Called Seneca and Seven Days Running at Monocacy Valley Church, 9861 Old National Pike, New Market, MD.
Rock the Need – Saturday, September 17, 2-8pm – A charity concert and fashion show at Westview Promenade benefitting Hope Alive and other local charities.
Fourth Annual Resident Achievement Banquet - Thursday, October 13, 6:00pm, at Dutch’s Daughter to celebrate the inspirational progress of our residents.
Help the Homeless Mini-Walks: Maze-a-thon at Crumland Farms - Saturday, October 29, 10am-3pm and Hope Alive Mini Walk – Sunday, October 16, 1-4pm (raindate October 23).
Help us spread the word! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Thursday, August 11, 2011
The last of summer fun
This week, our children had one of the most amazing field trips ever! They left Hope Alive Wednesday morning at 6:45am for a pirate adventure in Annapolis! After boarding the pirate ship, their faces were painted and they dressed up in pirate garb. They were given pirate nicknames like Jolly Jaelyn, Dangerous Dan, and Jump Ship James and learned some pirate language like “Argh” for “no” and “Aye Aye” for “yes”. Loud voices were encouraged along with a foot stomp so everyone knew they meant business.
On their cruise in the harbor, they retrieved a sunken treasure chest. They blasted water cannons while a pirate staff walked the plank. They learned about navigation and teamwork and had some plain ole good fun!
They stopped for lunch on the trip home and every child slept all the way back. God answered our prayers for safe travel, an enjoyable time, and for all the children to get along. One major answer to prayer was that our car sick child did not get sick! Everyone – including our amazing children's staff Ashley and Liz and volunteer and prayer warrior Pam Geisbert – had a blast!!
We are grateful to PNC Bank for sponsoring this educational field trip and for their partnership that supports our child development programs. The children will wrap up the summer with three field trips next week (Princess Party for the girls courtesy of The Temple – a Paul Mitchell Partner School, a trip to Adventure Park for the boys, visit to the police station and fire company) and their talent showcase the last day of summer vacation.
As we end our summer programs, we’re busy planning for our fall events. Plan to join us and support Hope Alive’s ministry to homeless women and their children:
A Benefit Concert - Friday, September 9, 7:30pm - Featuring gospel artists AGCS – A Group Called Seneca - and Seven Days Running at Monocacy Valley Church, 9861 Old National Pike, New Market, MD.
Fourth Annual Resident Achievement Banquet - Thursday, October 13, 6:00pm, at Dutch’s Daughter to celebrate the inspirational progress of our residents.
Help the Homeless Mini-Walks: Maze-a-thon at Crumland Farms - Saturday, October 29, 10am-3pm and Hope Alive Mini Walk – Sunday, October 16, 1-4pm (raindate October 23).
Visit our website for more information and help us spread the word! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
On their cruise in the harbor, they retrieved a sunken treasure chest. They blasted water cannons while a pirate staff walked the plank. They learned about navigation and teamwork and had some plain ole good fun!
They stopped for lunch on the trip home and every child slept all the way back. God answered our prayers for safe travel, an enjoyable time, and for all the children to get along. One major answer to prayer was that our car sick child did not get sick! Everyone – including our amazing children's staff Ashley and Liz and volunteer and prayer warrior Pam Geisbert – had a blast!!
We are grateful to PNC Bank for sponsoring this educational field trip and for their partnership that supports our child development programs. The children will wrap up the summer with three field trips next week (Princess Party for the girls courtesy of The Temple – a Paul Mitchell Partner School, a trip to Adventure Park for the boys, visit to the police station and fire company) and their talent showcase the last day of summer vacation.
As we end our summer programs, we’re busy planning for our fall events. Plan to join us and support Hope Alive’s ministry to homeless women and their children:
A Benefit Concert - Friday, September 9, 7:30pm - Featuring gospel artists AGCS – A Group Called Seneca - and Seven Days Running at Monocacy Valley Church, 9861 Old National Pike, New Market, MD.
Fourth Annual Resident Achievement Banquet - Thursday, October 13, 6:00pm, at Dutch’s Daughter to celebrate the inspirational progress of our residents.
Help the Homeless Mini-Walks: Maze-a-thon at Crumland Farms - Saturday, October 29, 10am-3pm and Hope Alive Mini Walk – Sunday, October 16, 1-4pm (raindate October 23).
Visit our website for more information and help us spread the word! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Thursday, July 28, 2011
God speaks through children
God always uses the children to remind me of why I’m here at Hope Alive doing what He called me to do. It was many many years ago that God spoke to me through some precious children that lived at the Frederick Rescue Mission where I served for more than seven years. It was during that time that God broke my heart for homeless women and children and I heard God’s gentle voice calling me to make a difference in their lives.
That was the beginning of the Hope Alive journey. Because God had used these children in such a powerful way in my life, a ministry to meet the unique needs of homeless children was at the very core of the Hope Alive vision. Today, we have a ministry that far surpasses that original vision. Thanks to the passionate leadership of our children’s ministry director, Ashley Benoit, and the dedicated service of our preschool teacher, Susan Hagelin, and assistant, Liz Miesner, our resident children experience love, stability, joy, growth and hope every day!
On Tuesday of this week, Jody (Family Ministry Specialist) and I were talking in the hall. As one of the little toddlers walked by with her caregiver, she stopped and hugged me around my knees. She turned to Jody and did the same and then she went on her way! Then yesterday, I was in the children’s center during nap time and one of our sweet little preschoolers was tossing and turning on her nap cot unable to fall asleep. She then settled down and turned to look at me with a great big smile and blew me a kiss! My heart just melted.
These children and their amazing mothers are the reason we are here. Just knowing that God is changing their lives in such remarkable ways encourages us in this journey. God speaks through them to confirm His calling on our lives to minister to their needs. Thank you for walking with us in this journey of faith and for your loving support and encouragement that God uses to keep hope alive for all of us here in this ministry! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
That was the beginning of the Hope Alive journey. Because God had used these children in such a powerful way in my life, a ministry to meet the unique needs of homeless children was at the very core of the Hope Alive vision. Today, we have a ministry that far surpasses that original vision. Thanks to the passionate leadership of our children’s ministry director, Ashley Benoit, and the dedicated service of our preschool teacher, Susan Hagelin, and assistant, Liz Miesner, our resident children experience love, stability, joy, growth and hope every day!
On Tuesday of this week, Jody (Family Ministry Specialist) and I were talking in the hall. As one of the little toddlers walked by with her caregiver, she stopped and hugged me around my knees. She turned to Jody and did the same and then she went on her way! Then yesterday, I was in the children’s center during nap time and one of our sweet little preschoolers was tossing and turning on her nap cot unable to fall asleep. She then settled down and turned to look at me with a great big smile and blew me a kiss! My heart just melted.
These children and their amazing mothers are the reason we are here. Just knowing that God is changing their lives in such remarkable ways encourages us in this journey. God speaks through them to confirm His calling on our lives to minister to their needs. Thank you for walking with us in this journey of faith and for your loving support and encouragement that God uses to keep hope alive for all of us here in this ministry! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Friday, July 8, 2011
Loving encouragement from God
It’s not uncommon for our staff to hear from a resident mom who comes in the office and announces, “I got the job” or “I got an A in the class”. We are equally thrilled to watch as our resident children engage in new activities such as their recent improvisation exercise during their “drama week” in the school-age program. It’s these types of successes that encourage us in the day to day work of the ministry of serving God’s people in need.
But on days when a mom or child is having a particularly difficult time or there are more problems with the computers or an overwhelming workload, discouragement can creep in and the stress mounts for our overworked staff. I had one of those days yesterday. It’s at these times that we need to take a break and refocus ourselves (myself) on God, knowing that He is in total control of His ministry and we are just the tools of His hands. It’s not about the “doing”, but more importantly it’s about the “being” with Him that matters most. When I do this I find my attitude changes and peace returns.
Yesterday in the middle of my pity party, God reminded me of His constant presence with us. I opened a donation that we received in the mail from a generous couple with a note saying it was given in honor of the great work that we do. I couldn’t help but cry at the loving touch from God through this faithful couple. I ended my day with a greater sense of peace than I had felt all week.
I just wanted you to know how much your loving support and encouragement means to us and how deeply we appreciate your committed partnership. Thank you for walking with us on this journey of faith. We love you!
Hope you enjoy the weekend. I think the heat is getting to me as I found myself following Kate Middleton's top fashion looks on the royal couple's North American tour. Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
But on days when a mom or child is having a particularly difficult time or there are more problems with the computers or an overwhelming workload, discouragement can creep in and the stress mounts for our overworked staff. I had one of those days yesterday. It’s at these times that we need to take a break and refocus ourselves (myself) on God, knowing that He is in total control of His ministry and we are just the tools of His hands. It’s not about the “doing”, but more importantly it’s about the “being” with Him that matters most. When I do this I find my attitude changes and peace returns.
Yesterday in the middle of my pity party, God reminded me of His constant presence with us. I opened a donation that we received in the mail from a generous couple with a note saying it was given in honor of the great work that we do. I couldn’t help but cry at the loving touch from God through this faithful couple. I ended my day with a greater sense of peace than I had felt all week.
I just wanted you to know how much your loving support and encouragement means to us and how deeply we appreciate your committed partnership. Thank you for walking with us on this journey of faith. We love you!
Hope you enjoy the weekend. I think the heat is getting to me as I found myself following Kate Middleton's top fashion looks on the royal couple's North American tour. Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Experiencing success
This morning at our annual Community Partner Breakfast, two of Hope Alive's moms shared their stories. One mom has been in the Hope Alive program for a full year and - as she shared - has experienced much success from improved health, stabilization for herself and her young daughter, educational opportunities for both in HeadStart and pre-kindergarten and at Frederick Community College, and now as a leader in the house with the other resident women.
Our second speaker was a program graduate now living on her own for the past year in independent housing and having graduated from Frederick Community College with her associate's degree. Through tears she thanked Hope Alive and the donors that were present and gave God the glory for her life transformation. She shared her plans to pursue a doctorate degree which we're convinced she'll acquire.
What I hadn't remembered was that three years ago next week, she was homeless and contemplating camping in a tent behind WalMart. She was on her last night in a motel placement by the Department of Social Services and felt she had no other option but to move to a tent and place her son with family members until she could find housing. She heard about Hope Alive and was the quickest intake we've ever done - moving her in within two days.
This morning she reminded us all that she was homeless and desperately hopeless and in just a short three years, she has a beautiful home, a college degree, good job, healthy relationships with her adult children and new grandson, and most importantly faith, hope and success of a future.
It made me think about the contrast we see often with women who want nothing more than a roof over their families' heads believing that a job is the answer to their problems ... to the women who are as determined as both of these wonderful ladies who spoke today. The work of life-change is tough and beyond challenging and as badly as our staff wants this change for them, they have to want it for themselves.
Right now, our Hope Alive house is filled with positive and motivated women and energetic and loving children who are embracing the wonderful unique opportunities that help them realize they are special in God's eyes.
Special thanks to our 2011 Community Partners that we had the privilege to recognize at this morning's breakfast. God uses their commitment to our mission and dedicated resources to make this ministry possible.
To all who love summer as much as I do ... enjoy this holiday weekend and stay safe. Until next week ...
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Our second speaker was a program graduate now living on her own for the past year in independent housing and having graduated from Frederick Community College with her associate's degree. Through tears she thanked Hope Alive and the donors that were present and gave God the glory for her life transformation. She shared her plans to pursue a doctorate degree which we're convinced she'll acquire.
What I hadn't remembered was that three years ago next week, she was homeless and contemplating camping in a tent behind WalMart. She was on her last night in a motel placement by the Department of Social Services and felt she had no other option but to move to a tent and place her son with family members until she could find housing. She heard about Hope Alive and was the quickest intake we've ever done - moving her in within two days.
This morning she reminded us all that she was homeless and desperately hopeless and in just a short three years, she has a beautiful home, a college degree, good job, healthy relationships with her adult children and new grandson, and most importantly faith, hope and success of a future.
It made me think about the contrast we see often with women who want nothing more than a roof over their families' heads believing that a job is the answer to their problems ... to the women who are as determined as both of these wonderful ladies who spoke today. The work of life-change is tough and beyond challenging and as badly as our staff wants this change for them, they have to want it for themselves.
Right now, our Hope Alive house is filled with positive and motivated women and energetic and loving children who are embracing the wonderful unique opportunities that help them realize they are special in God's eyes.
Special thanks to our 2011 Community Partners that we had the privilege to recognize at this morning's breakfast. God uses their commitment to our mission and dedicated resources to make this ministry possible.
To all who love summer as much as I do ... enjoy this holiday weekend and stay safe. Until next week ...
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Friday, June 24, 2011
Summer update
If you follow my blog, you've probably been wondering where I've been. After a much-needed 10 day vacation, I'm finally back on track! There's always so much going on every day, so here are just a few updates as we start our summer at Hope Alive.
Our children's programs are in full swing with all of our school-age children home for the summer. They join our infants, toddlers and preschoolers in a full-day program including field trips, educational programs, recreation, arts, crafts, and just plain fun! All of our school-agers attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) this week. It's fun to hear them come through the door singing songs about God's love. I asked one of our older children how she was enjoying VBS. She said she just loved it but was sorry it was almost over. But she told me how much she is looking forward to summer camp that she'll be attending later this summer with our older children.
Thanks to a generous gift from PNC Bank, our children are not only enjoying new mulch on our playground but they will have the privilege of going on several educational field trips this summer. Catoctin Zoo donated tickets so all our moms and children could enjoy the animals. Thanks you Catoctin Zoo for sponsoring their visit last Friday.
Two of our resident moms are taking college classes this summer at Frederick Community College. One mom is especially ambitious taking 4 classes so she can graduate with her associate's degree next spring. As one mom patiently waits for the results of her GED exam, she and another mom are enrolling for fall classes. One mom is enjoying her new job and has already been recognized for her leadership qualities. They are all finding such confidence in their successes.
God has abundantly blessed one family in particular. A mom and two of her three children came to live at Hope Alive months ago. Her oldest daughter was living with other family members due to their housing instability. They had an emotional reunion last week when she joined her mom and siblings at Hope Alive.
I'll keep the updates coming and additional news. Until next week ...
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Our children's programs are in full swing with all of our school-age children home for the summer. They join our infants, toddlers and preschoolers in a full-day program including field trips, educational programs, recreation, arts, crafts, and just plain fun! All of our school-agers attended Vacation Bible School (VBS) this week. It's fun to hear them come through the door singing songs about God's love. I asked one of our older children how she was enjoying VBS. She said she just loved it but was sorry it was almost over. But she told me how much she is looking forward to summer camp that she'll be attending later this summer with our older children.
Thanks to a generous gift from PNC Bank, our children are not only enjoying new mulch on our playground but they will have the privilege of going on several educational field trips this summer. Catoctin Zoo donated tickets so all our moms and children could enjoy the animals. Thanks you Catoctin Zoo for sponsoring their visit last Friday.
Two of our resident moms are taking college classes this summer at Frederick Community College. One mom is especially ambitious taking 4 classes so she can graduate with her associate's degree next spring. As one mom patiently waits for the results of her GED exam, she and another mom are enrolling for fall classes. One mom is enjoying her new job and has already been recognized for her leadership qualities. They are all finding such confidence in their successes.
God has abundantly blessed one family in particular. A mom and two of her three children came to live at Hope Alive months ago. Her oldest daughter was living with other family members due to their housing instability. They had an emotional reunion last week when she joined her mom and siblings at Hope Alive.
I'll keep the updates coming and additional news. Until next week ...
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Thursday, May 5, 2011
National Day of Prayer
Today is National Day of Prayer – actually the 60th Annual National Day of Prayer! The early morning prayer breakfast I attended (sponsored by One in Christ ministry) provided a focused time in prayer for our nation and leaders and a stirring message by the keynote speaker, Cynthia Dunbar. As an educator and attorney, Ms. Dunbar’s mission is to return our country to the faith of our founding fathers that our government was established on in the constitution and declaration of independence.
A highlight of the morning for me was a comment made that the Maryland International House of Prayer (MIHOP) staff and prayer warriors pray constantly for Hope Alive! We cannot do what God has called us to do without prayer and God’s presence and power in this ministry and our lives. It’s so encouraging to know we are covered in prayer!
By prayer, God sets the captives free and brings hope and healing to every mother and child we serve! By prayer, our resident moms feel there is the promise of a future and new life! By prayer, our families experience God’s unconditional love and acceptance that leads to peace and new hope!
Thank you to all who pray for this ministry and the families we are called to serve. We are grateful to God for the prayer warriors He raises up on our behalf. May you know the God and Father of our nation - the One who sets us free and gives new life through His Son Jesus Christ! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
A highlight of the morning for me was a comment made that the Maryland International House of Prayer (MIHOP) staff and prayer warriors pray constantly for Hope Alive! We cannot do what God has called us to do without prayer and God’s presence and power in this ministry and our lives. It’s so encouraging to know we are covered in prayer!
By prayer, God sets the captives free and brings hope and healing to every mother and child we serve! By prayer, our resident moms feel there is the promise of a future and new life! By prayer, our families experience God’s unconditional love and acceptance that leads to peace and new hope!
Thank you to all who pray for this ministry and the families we are called to serve. We are grateful to God for the prayer warriors He raises up on our behalf. May you know the God and Father of our nation - the One who sets us free and gives new life through His Son Jesus Christ! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Rekindling the vision
Nine years ago this week, God told me it was time to step out in faith. On Sunday, April 7, 2002, my pastor preached a sermon on “rekindling the vision”. For me, the vision was one of a new women and children's ministry that God had birthed in my heart two years earlier - a ministry that was located outside the city of Frederick in a safe and secure nurturing environment where homeless women and children could find healing, recovery and hope of a future. By the end of the two years leading up to April 7th, I had lost hope that the vision would ever be fulfilled because nothing seemed to be happening to make it a reality.
When I heard my pastor’s message that Sunday morning, I knew God was speaking to me. My pastor challenged each of us in the congregation with this question: “What’s keeping you from seeing the vision fulfilled?” God answered the question for me. He told me it was my fear of loosing a paycheck. I knew at that moment that God was asking me to step out in faith, leave my job, and start this new ministry as a full-time volunteer. That’s when Hope Alive, Inc. was born.
I wonder what would have happened if I had not been in church that morning or if I was preoccupied during my pastor's message and didn’t hear God speak to me. Or what if I assumed his message was for someone else thinking God couldn’t possibly be speaking to me! April 7, 2002 changed my life. The nine years since that time has been tremendously challenging, but incredibly rewarding and spiritually life-changing! What a privilege to watch what God can do to make His vision a reality. What a blessing to be used by God to serve His people in need when we say “YES” to His call. And what an honor to serve alongside so many of God’s faithful servants in the kingdom work He has called us to do.
What about you? Is there a vision God has laid on your heart that you’ve lost hope will ever be fulfilled? As my pastor asked me that Sunday morning nine years ago, “What’s keeping you from seeing the vision fulfilled?” Believe that with God all things are possible and listen intently for His voice because He is speaking!
Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
When I heard my pastor’s message that Sunday morning, I knew God was speaking to me. My pastor challenged each of us in the congregation with this question: “What’s keeping you from seeing the vision fulfilled?” God answered the question for me. He told me it was my fear of loosing a paycheck. I knew at that moment that God was asking me to step out in faith, leave my job, and start this new ministry as a full-time volunteer. That’s when Hope Alive, Inc. was born.
I wonder what would have happened if I had not been in church that morning or if I was preoccupied during my pastor's message and didn’t hear God speak to me. Or what if I assumed his message was for someone else thinking God couldn’t possibly be speaking to me! April 7, 2002 changed my life. The nine years since that time has been tremendously challenging, but incredibly rewarding and spiritually life-changing! What a privilege to watch what God can do to make His vision a reality. What a blessing to be used by God to serve His people in need when we say “YES” to His call. And what an honor to serve alongside so many of God’s faithful servants in the kingdom work He has called us to do.
What about you? Is there a vision God has laid on your heart that you’ve lost hope will ever be fulfilled? As my pastor asked me that Sunday morning nine years ago, “What’s keeping you from seeing the vision fulfilled?” Believe that with God all things are possible and listen intently for His voice because He is speaking!
Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Join us for visions
It’s only a few short weeks until one of my favorite special events of the year. Hope Alive’s signature event, Visions for Hope, is scheduled for Thursday, April 28 at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center in downtown Frederick. This fun family-friendly event is an annual art auction of children’s artwork to benefit Hope Alive’s child development programs – even featuring the artwork of our very own resident children! Young artists under the age of 21 are invited to submit up to three pieces of original art. The works are sold by silent auction with bidding beginning at 6:30pm. Last year’s event raised more than $15,000 to support homeless children and help change the lives of our youngest residents.
I’m excited to announce that we have an anonymous donor who will match every dollar bid on artwork (up to $5,000) the evening of the event! Just think – your bid will double and will go twice as far to meet the unique needs of homeless children. We also have some great items for auction on our community table including tickets to Six Flags and Sight & Sound Theatre.
Tickets are only $25 for adults and this year children under 12 are free! Visit our website at http://www.hopealiveministries.org/calendar/event/185 and click on “Call for Submission entry form” to submit artwork or “More Information” to become a patron sponsor of the event or to purchase tickets. I hope to see you there. I can’t wait to see who takes home “Wood Man” this year!
Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
I’m excited to announce that we have an anonymous donor who will match every dollar bid on artwork (up to $5,000) the evening of the event! Just think – your bid will double and will go twice as far to meet the unique needs of homeless children. We also have some great items for auction on our community table including tickets to Six Flags and Sight & Sound Theatre.
Tickets are only $25 for adults and this year children under 12 are free! Visit our website at http://www.hopealiveministries.org/calendar/event/185 and click on “Call for Submission entry form” to submit artwork or “More Information” to become a patron sponsor of the event or to purchase tickets. I hope to see you there. I can’t wait to see who takes home “Wood Man” this year!
Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Friday, March 25, 2011
Looking for that special someone
On my drive to Hope Alive earlier this week, I was listening to radio talk show hosts discuss the importance of children having positive male role models in their lives. They said that children who do not have father figures in their lives are emotionally handicapped. We agree and know this to be true at Hope Alive.
The day after listening to the radio discussion, God reminded me of the importance of this need among our youngest residents. My husband came to Hope Alive after work to address some property repair issues and when he came into the house, several of the children ran to greet him with books in hand wanting his attention. Seldom are female volunteers or staff greeted with such excitement.
Of the 66 children we’ve served since opening our doors, many of them have emotional challenges attributed in part or in whole to the lack of a positive father figure in their lives. I’ll never forget one such child. This youngster’s abandonment by her father was the source of the emotional issues she wrestled with. Her biological father had dropped in and out of her life so often that at her young age she knew she couldn’t depend on him for the security and loving support that she desperately needed. A father figure stepped into her life in a very healthy way to fill this painful void and she‘s now finding healing. But what about the children who are still searching for that special someone to help meet this important emotional need? Every child deserves the chance to experience unconditional love, acceptance and happiness so they don‘t grow up to be emotionally handicapped adults. It's this father-figure - or lack thereof - that gives children (and adults) an understanding of who our Heavenly Father is. I believe we can do and need to do more for our youngest residents in this area. Let me know if you're feeling called to respond. On a similar note, everyone can help meet the needs of our youngest residents by attending our upcoming Visions for Hope annual fundraising event on Thursday, April 28 beginning at 6:30pm at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center in downtown Frederick. This fun family-friendly event benefits Hope Alive’s children’s programs that are designed to meet the unique needs of our resident children. Check out our website at http://www.hopealiveministries.org/ for more information or to register to attend. Until next week ...Friday, March 4, 2011
More county cuts
Early this week Hope Alive – among many other community nonprofits – received official notification from Frederick County that the total funding for the Grants for Human Services Program awards to nonprofit organizations has been cut by 25% for FY2012. This memorandum also warned grantees that the County expects “to see similar reductions to the Grants for Human Services Program of approximately $125,710 or 25% in each of the future fiscal years beyond FY2012.” And don’t forget about the 19% reduction that happened previously in FY2011. The bottom line? It’s no secret that the current Board of County Commissioners’ (BOCC) intention is to cut all funding to Frederick County nonprofit human service organizations. (Hope Alive’s $7,030 county grant was cut from the FY2011 budget, but our FY2012 application was recommended for $4,335 in funding.)
In addition, the BOCC announced in their 2/24/11 work session that an additional $108,536 for Non-County Agencies was “voluntarily” relinquished by the Department of Social Services (DSS). The word from DSS is that the county funding was not “voluntarily” relinquished, but that they were told to do so. So this week, DSS reduced their housing unit from 5 workers to 1.5 eliminating the rental assistance program that prevents evictions.
For some nonprofits, these decisions have far reaching financial impact forcing some organizations to reduce critical services to Frederick County residents. For all nonprofits, the service impact will be devastating placing the escalating demand for services on the backs of the already strained nonprofit sector. Comments from the BOCC in televised work sessions basically state that the nonprofits and churches will need to do more.
I agree with other nonprofits that if you are refused services from nonprofits and non-County agencies due to cuts in County funding, call the BOCC offices to let them know the impact. At Hope Alive we are already seeing the fallout from the BOCC’s earlier decision to relinquish the $2 million federal Head Start grant back to the federal government. The Emmitsburg Head Start program where Hope Alive’s 3 and 4 year old resident children attend half-days, closed its doors this week. Parents were told their children’s names would be kept on the waiting list if and when the center reopens. Thankfully, Hope Alive has a safety net for our children that attended Head Start as they now spend more time in our children’s center, but they will still miss the important supplemental services Head Start provided such as medical screenings, parent support and family advocacy.
On a more positive note, I'm so glad God is in charge and He is our provider and sustainer!
Please plan to attend our upcoming Visions for Hope event on Thursday, April 28th at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center in downtown Frederick. This is an important family friendly and fun fundraising event benefitting Hope Alive’s child development programs. You can read more on our website at http://www.hopealiveministries.org/. Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
In addition, the BOCC announced in their 2/24/11 work session that an additional $108,536 for Non-County Agencies was “voluntarily” relinquished by the Department of Social Services (DSS). The word from DSS is that the county funding was not “voluntarily” relinquished, but that they were told to do so. So this week, DSS reduced their housing unit from 5 workers to 1.5 eliminating the rental assistance program that prevents evictions.
For some nonprofits, these decisions have far reaching financial impact forcing some organizations to reduce critical services to Frederick County residents. For all nonprofits, the service impact will be devastating placing the escalating demand for services on the backs of the already strained nonprofit sector. Comments from the BOCC in televised work sessions basically state that the nonprofits and churches will need to do more.
I agree with other nonprofits that if you are refused services from nonprofits and non-County agencies due to cuts in County funding, call the BOCC offices to let them know the impact. At Hope Alive we are already seeing the fallout from the BOCC’s earlier decision to relinquish the $2 million federal Head Start grant back to the federal government. The Emmitsburg Head Start program where Hope Alive’s 3 and 4 year old resident children attend half-days, closed its doors this week. Parents were told their children’s names would be kept on the waiting list if and when the center reopens. Thankfully, Hope Alive has a safety net for our children that attended Head Start as they now spend more time in our children’s center, but they will still miss the important supplemental services Head Start provided such as medical screenings, parent support and family advocacy.
On a more positive note, I'm so glad God is in charge and He is our provider and sustainer!
Please plan to attend our upcoming Visions for Hope event on Thursday, April 28th at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center in downtown Frederick. This is an important family friendly and fun fundraising event benefitting Hope Alive’s child development programs. You can read more on our website at http://www.hopealiveministries.org/. Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tough week
It was a tough week at Hope Alive. It started with our newest staff member breaking her leg requiring surgery, pins and plates. Ouch! She's on crutches and hobbling around the best she can and trying not to overdo it.
Then, another staff member had a stove fire in her apartment requiring a visit by the fire department. No one was hurt, but she was left needing a new stove and smoke smell in everything.
It was also an unusual week of having to make some really tough decisions involving residents. When it involves the lives of others, the decisions are especially difficult to make. Then God brought about a major heart change and that's what it's all about!
Then there was more disappointing decisions made by the Board of County Commissioners this week with their 25% cut to the County's Grants-In-Aid program providing critically needed funding for nonprofit services. This follows last year's funding cut to nonprofits with another 25% projected cut for FY13. Hope Alive submitted a grant for the current funding cycle so if it's rated and ranked among the highest, our funding from two years ago may be reinstated.
And every week we continue to hear the heartbreaking stories from families who are struggling to survive in our own backyard. This week, among others, we received calls from a mother dying of cancer and living on the streets with her two children and a woman with three children needing to flee violence in their home.
Even though it was a tough week, we were blessed to see the positive changes and continued determination of so many of our families as they press forward toward healing, recovery and self-sufficiency.
Please continue to pray for us, those we serve, and the many families who are homeless and on the brink of despair who need our help. Pray God will meet their needs and fill their lives with His life-changing love and hope of a future. As we've witnessed so much lately, we know God hears and answers our prayers! Until next week ...
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Then, another staff member had a stove fire in her apartment requiring a visit by the fire department. No one was hurt, but she was left needing a new stove and smoke smell in everything.
It was also an unusual week of having to make some really tough decisions involving residents. When it involves the lives of others, the decisions are especially difficult to make. Then God brought about a major heart change and that's what it's all about!
Then there was more disappointing decisions made by the Board of County Commissioners this week with their 25% cut to the County's Grants-In-Aid program providing critically needed funding for nonprofit services. This follows last year's funding cut to nonprofits with another 25% projected cut for FY13. Hope Alive submitted a grant for the current funding cycle so if it's rated and ranked among the highest, our funding from two years ago may be reinstated.
And every week we continue to hear the heartbreaking stories from families who are struggling to survive in our own backyard. This week, among others, we received calls from a mother dying of cancer and living on the streets with her two children and a woman with three children needing to flee violence in their home.
Even though it was a tough week, we were blessed to see the positive changes and continued determination of so many of our families as they press forward toward healing, recovery and self-sufficiency.
Please continue to pray for us, those we serve, and the many families who are homeless and on the brink of despair who need our help. Pray God will meet their needs and fill their lives with His life-changing love and hope of a future. As we've witnessed so much lately, we know God hears and answers our prayers! Until next week ...
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Friday, February 18, 2011
This week's highlights
This has been a week of exciting news! One of our resident moms passed her learner’s permit test and her pre-GED tests allowing her to register to take the state GED exam! She’s thrilled that she'll be driving soon and that college is now within reach!
Unlike most of us, one of our resident moms was anxious to visit the MVA this week to get tags and title for her very own car provided by Second Chance Garage in Frederick. Not only does this organization donate vehicles to families in need, but their required basic car care and budgeting classes help each recipient to keep their vehicles on the road. For our resident family, this is one more step forward toward independence and self-sufficiency!
And one more highlight of the week was the phone call we received from the Knott Foundation in Baltimore of their generous grant award to Hope Alive to fund our case manager position - a.k.a. Family Ministry Specialist! We are so grateful for the Knott Foundation’s belief in our mission and partnership in our service to homeless families. We'll feature this foundation in an upcoming newsletter.
I hope you’ll plan to join us for our upcoming Visions for Hope event on Thursday, April 28th. This is our really fun annual silent auction of children’s artwork - including our own Hope Alive children - to benefit our child development programs. Check out our website and Facebook page for more information on ticket sales, entry forms for children’s artwork, and event sponsorships. Hope to see you there!
I hope you're following the news of the Board of County Commissioner's decision last week to relinquish the federal Head Start grant and turn over the operation of this program to a federal contractor. We'll keep you updated as we start to see the impact and fallout of their decision in the coming weeks. Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Unlike most of us, one of our resident moms was anxious to visit the MVA this week to get tags and title for her very own car provided by Second Chance Garage in Frederick. Not only does this organization donate vehicles to families in need, but their required basic car care and budgeting classes help each recipient to keep their vehicles on the road. For our resident family, this is one more step forward toward independence and self-sufficiency!
And one more highlight of the week was the phone call we received from the Knott Foundation in Baltimore of their generous grant award to Hope Alive to fund our case manager position - a.k.a. Family Ministry Specialist! We are so grateful for the Knott Foundation’s belief in our mission and partnership in our service to homeless families. We'll feature this foundation in an upcoming newsletter.
I hope you’ll plan to join us for our upcoming Visions for Hope event on Thursday, April 28th. This is our really fun annual silent auction of children’s artwork - including our own Hope Alive children - to benefit our child development programs. Check out our website and Facebook page for more information on ticket sales, entry forms for children’s artwork, and event sponsorships. Hope to see you there!
I hope you're following the news of the Board of County Commissioner's decision last week to relinquish the federal Head Start grant and turn over the operation of this program to a federal contractor. We'll keep you updated as we start to see the impact and fallout of their decision in the coming weeks. Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Speechless
This week I was speechless. It doesn't happen very often and doesn't last very long, but this week there were just no words I could find to adequately describe the decision and comments made by Frederick County's Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) at Tuesday's work session regarding the relinquishing of the federal Head Start grant. As a result of the commissioner's 4 to 1 vote to relinquish the funding back to the federal government, the Frederick County Head Start program will be turned over to a new federal contractor effective March 1, 2011. Commissioner David Gray was the only vote against it arguing they were making a rash decision.
Here are the facts presented by County employees at the BOCC worksession. Frederick County's Head Start program has operated in the county for nearly 40 years as a federal grantee and is a nationally recognized model. It's a 10 month program now serving 282 three and four year olds who are income qualified based on the federal poverty level. This is a national program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, and social and other services to enrolled children and families. The program employees 80 people and operates with an annual budget of $4,516,442 of which $2,223,451 comes from grant revenue including $2,003,686 from a federal Head Start grant. The county's contribution to run this model program is $2,293,093.
Here are the facts presented by County employees at the BOCC worksession. Frederick County's Head Start program has operated in the county for nearly 40 years as a federal grantee and is a nationally recognized model. It's a 10 month program now serving 282 three and four year olds who are income qualified based on the federal poverty level. This is a national program that promotes school readiness by enhancing the social and cognitive development of children through the provision of educational, health, nutritional, and social and other services to enrolled children and families. The program employees 80 people and operates with an annual budget of $4,516,442 of which $2,223,451 comes from grant revenue including $2,003,686 from a federal Head Start grant. The county's contribution to run this model program is $2,293,093.
So by cutting this program, the savings to the county are $2.3 million which is the sole purpose for relinquishing the federal grant and all other associated grants.
What leaves me speechless is the decisions they made to relinquish the federal grant with seeming disregard to the impact on the children and families served. As of March 1, 2011, Head Start will be operated by a federal contractor as the interim operator (Community Development Institute Head Start - a Denver-based contractor) for about a year or more until a new contractor and federal grantee is awarded. Eighty county employees will loose their jobs effective February 28, but "hope" to be picked up by this new operator. I guess it's supposed to be comforting that this new operator will hold a "job fair" for these 80 employees slated to loose their jobs at the end of the month. These are not only "county employees", but teachers and advocates dedicated to serving disadvantaged preschoolers and families in Frederick County - including our very own Hope Alive children!
What leaves me speechless is that the BOCC believes the nationally recognized Head Start program won't be significantly impacted by the $2.3 million cut from county funding. With the move back to the federal government, funding will be limited to the $2 million federal grant, but the County Commissioners assured citizens that services for county children and families in the program would continue. The math doesn't work and and no program can sustain that
level of funding cuts and maintain the quality of its program and core services. In a meeting with Head Start parents Thursday night, the new interim operator warned parents that "without the county funding, he is unsure if all the services Head Start provides will be available when it takes over." It's also surprising that Commission Young believes that nonprofits should pick up this program. I guess he's not aware that nonprofits have been struggling to survive for the past three years to sustain critically needed county services that the government doesn't provide.
What also leaves me speechless is that all the preliminary discussion was done behind closed doors. Tuesday's BOCC worksession was the first opportunity for public comment on the proposed cut and parents and teachers only received word the day before that this program was up for final vote at Tuesday's work session. The interim operator is already at work transitioning the program back to the federal government. The cost for the county to relinquish the Head Start program is estimated to be between $650,000 and $695,000 to fund annual leave payout, severance pay, and unemployment insurance.
I'm sure most folks realize this is just not a preschool program, but it ensures every disadvantaged preschooler that's enrolled is prepared for kindergarten and has the best chance at school success. I speak and write often about the needs of very low-income including homeless children - even through this blog - and the great disadvantage they have compared to children from moderate income families. The Head Start program prepares disadvantaged preschoolers in Frederick County for school readiness and is used and needed as a supplement to Hope Alive's child development program to address the unique needs of homeless preschoolers and ensure they have the best start in school and chance for success in life.
And finally, what really left me speechless were the comments made by two of the County Commissioners in response to tearful parents' pleas to preserve county funding and operation of the program. I'll let their comments speak for themselves. I don't even want to reprint them here. I know the Commissioners' comments were not intended to be offensive, but they were. Check it out for yourself on the BOCC work session video at http://frederick.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=5&clip_id=2541, the County press release at http://www.frederickcountymd.gov/documents/Board%20of%20County%20Commissioners/Press%20Releases%202011/February%202011/Head%20Start%20Transition.PDF, and the Gazette articles at http://gazette.net/stories/02092011/frednew175041_32611.php and http://gazette.net/stories/02112011/frednew110429_32547.php. The Frederick News Post articles are also available on their website.
It wasn't long before I found my voice again and I've been talking about it ever since. I'd love to know what you think. Better yet, let the Board of County Commissioners know what you think and let your voice be heard loud and clear! Thanks for reading. Until next week ...
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Friday, February 4, 2011
Moving forward toward hope and a future
For the past few months, one of our resident moms has been taking GED classes in preparation for the state exam. This week she took the pre-test exams and passed all the tests with flying colors! This means she can now register to take the state GED exam. Earning her high school diploma is one step toward her goals and dreams that will allow her to move on to college classes and pursue a new career. Prayerfully, she'll be proudly wearing her cap and gown this May at the Frederick County graduation ceremony. We can't wait!
One day on her way to GED class, this mom and Jody Julian (our Family Ministry Specialist) were chatting about her spiritual life and how God has intervened these last few months. In this mother's young faith and wisdom she said, "You never really know about God until you are really that down." God is intervening in her children's lives too. They are happy and well adjusted at Hope Alive and look forward to spending their days in our Children's Center. Just this week, the oldest of the two proudly sang the ABC song with another preschooler as we gathered for prayer. She was thrilled that her mom was there to hear her and beamed as we all applauded.
This mother's nightime panic attacks have now been replaced with peaceful sleep and she often speaks about the opportunities her family is blessed with now they have a secure, happy, and safe environment in which they can grow and thrive.
Please pray for this young mother as she prepares to take her state exam in the coming months. Pray for hers and every family who calls Hope Alive home as they dedicate themselves to important life-change and moving forward toward hope and a future. Thank you for walking this journey with us.
Let me know if you have any questions. I'll be happy to respond to them in my weekly blog or feel free to call or email me anytime. Until next week ...
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
One day on her way to GED class, this mom and Jody Julian (our Family Ministry Specialist) were chatting about her spiritual life and how God has intervened these last few months. In this mother's young faith and wisdom she said, "You never really know about God until you are really that down." God is intervening in her children's lives too. They are happy and well adjusted at Hope Alive and look forward to spending their days in our Children's Center. Just this week, the oldest of the two proudly sang the ABC song with another preschooler as we gathered for prayer. She was thrilled that her mom was there to hear her and beamed as we all applauded.
This mother's nightime panic attacks have now been replaced with peaceful sleep and she often speaks about the opportunities her family is blessed with now they have a secure, happy, and safe environment in which they can grow and thrive.
Please pray for this young mother as she prepares to take her state exam in the coming months. Pray for hers and every family who calls Hope Alive home as they dedicate themselves to important life-change and moving forward toward hope and a future. Thank you for walking this journey with us.
Let me know if you have any questions. I'll be happy to respond to them in my weekly blog or feel free to call or email me anytime. Until next week ...
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Friday, January 21, 2011
Healing from the inside out
Life change is the goal for our resident families which paves the way for them to permanently exit the roles of homelessness and experience self-sufficiency and hope of a future. Pursuing higher education, exploring new careers, and learning job readiness skills and effective money management - including debt resolution and savings - are all significant and measureable goals they need to accomplish. But the real life-change that God desires happens from the inside out. This is often the hardest work to do and for our moms it's the most painful and difficult.
Most of our resident women commit to this challenge in order to find true healing. This work involves exploring their personal faith journeys through a deepening relationship with God as well as identifying and addressing their emotional barriers to health and wholeness.
This week, four of our resident moms took a giant step in this direction by attending a "Walk Through the Bible" class at a local church. They signed up weeks ago because of their desire to know and understand more about God through His word. After dinner and clean-up, they packed up the van with all the children and headed off to church. In addition to their weekly worship attendance, this is a critical part of their journeys to healing from the inside out. I know God will meet them face to face as they desire to know Him and His Son Jesus.
Please continue to pray for our families as they dedicate themselves to this often painful life-change in order to find true healing and recovery and hope of a future. Until next week ...
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Most of our resident women commit to this challenge in order to find true healing. This work involves exploring their personal faith journeys through a deepening relationship with God as well as identifying and addressing their emotional barriers to health and wholeness.
This week, four of our resident moms took a giant step in this direction by attending a "Walk Through the Bible" class at a local church. They signed up weeks ago because of their desire to know and understand more about God through His word. After dinner and clean-up, they packed up the van with all the children and headed off to church. In addition to their weekly worship attendance, this is a critical part of their journeys to healing from the inside out. I know God will meet them face to face as they desire to know Him and His Son Jesus.
Please continue to pray for our families as they dedicate themselves to this often painful life-change in order to find true healing and recovery and hope of a future. Until next week ...
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Thursday, January 13, 2011
More work to do
Today I was reading a National Survey from the Institute for Children, Poverty & Homelessness. Some of the data for Maryland I was well aware of and reference it often when I speak to groups, but some of the data was surprising. Here are the facts that I think paint a bleak picture for low-income families in Maryland:
1. Nearly 25% of MD families are one-parent, female headed households.
2. The median family income in MD is $82,404 with an average income of $103,236.
3. The fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,102.
4. To afford this rent the income needed is $44,080.
5. Nearly 11% of children under the age of 5 and nearly 10% of children 5-17 in MD live in poverty.
(Source: www.redwhiteandbluebook.org/statedata.asp?year=4&state=us_md, retrieved 1/13/2011.)
I guess the good news is that the national averages for children living below the poverty level are almost doubled that of Maryland’s. (Keep in mind the 2009/2010 federal poverty level for a family of 3 is $18,310.)
As I reflect on the data, I come up with more questions than answers. What happens to very low income families living at 30% of area median income? With a fair market rent of $1,102 and a needed income of $44,080 to afford this rent, how can a single parent/low income family survive? And where do they go to find affordable housing? I’m sure you’ll agree with me that one child living in poverty in MD – or anywhere in this wealthy country – is one too many, yet nearly 11% of children under the age of 5 in MD are living BELOW the poverty level.
One thing I do know is that the work of Hope Alive is critically important to transform the lives of single parent/low income homeless families. Without the ability to earn a “housing wage” and find healing from the inside out, their prospects of achieving and maintaining self-sufficiency and independence are questionable at best. There’s so much more work to do and I sense God is calling Hope Alive to do more in 2011 to meet these needs. I look forward to see where God will lead us in this New Year.
A quick update on our babies … our first baby (born in December) was joined by our second baby when he came home from the hospital this past Monday. Babies, moms, big brothers and sister are all adjusting well.
Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
1. Nearly 25% of MD families are one-parent, female headed households.
2. The median family income in MD is $82,404 with an average income of $103,236.
3. The fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,102.
4. To afford this rent the income needed is $44,080.
5. Nearly 11% of children under the age of 5 and nearly 10% of children 5-17 in MD live in poverty.
(Source: www.redwhiteandbluebook.org/statedata.asp?year=4&state=us_md, retrieved 1/13/2011.)
I guess the good news is that the national averages for children living below the poverty level are almost doubled that of Maryland’s. (Keep in mind the 2009/2010 federal poverty level for a family of 3 is $18,310.)
As I reflect on the data, I come up with more questions than answers. What happens to very low income families living at 30% of area median income? With a fair market rent of $1,102 and a needed income of $44,080 to afford this rent, how can a single parent/low income family survive? And where do they go to find affordable housing? I’m sure you’ll agree with me that one child living in poverty in MD – or anywhere in this wealthy country – is one too many, yet nearly 11% of children under the age of 5 in MD are living BELOW the poverty level.
One thing I do know is that the work of Hope Alive is critically important to transform the lives of single parent/low income homeless families. Without the ability to earn a “housing wage” and find healing from the inside out, their prospects of achieving and maintaining self-sufficiency and independence are questionable at best. There’s so much more work to do and I sense God is calling Hope Alive to do more in 2011 to meet these needs. I look forward to see where God will lead us in this New Year.
A quick update on our babies … our first baby (born in December) was joined by our second baby when he came home from the hospital this past Monday. Babies, moms, big brothers and sister are all adjusting well.
Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
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