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
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Walk this way
Great news! Hope Alive has been selected as a 2011 beneficiary of the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Program! This means that Hope Alive has the awesome opportunity to raise significant funds to sustain our program services and raise awareness about the issue of family homelessness.
As a beneficiary, we recruit walkers of any age to participate in a local Mini-Walk in our community. For each walker, we receive the walker’s registration fee (minus $5 to support the Help the Homeless Program) PLUS 100% of an incentive award based on the number of walkers registered with Hope Alive PLUS any sponsorships or donations designated for Hope Alive.
For example, if we recruit 1,000 paid walkers – say youth for example –we’ll receive $15,000 in walker registration fees PLUS a $15,000 walker incentive! And if it’s adult walkers we receive even more!
We’re collaborating with the Frederick Rescue Mission this year on three local walks. One is confirmed for a Maze-a-thon at Crumland Farms on Saturday, October 29 from 10am-3pm. So just think … you and your family or friends can come out and enjoy a beautiful fall day and walk the corn maze while helping the hungry and homeless! And you’ll learn about the needs of the homeless while you participate!
Walker registration fees are:
Adults $30
Youth $20 (age 25 and younger)
Virtual Walker $35
So let us know if you’re interested in walking or better yet hosting your own Mini-Walk and we’ll get you plugged in! Visit our website at www.hopealiveministries.org or email me at info@hopealiveministries.org for more information. We’ll keep posting the details as they become available!
We’re excited – can you tell? Help us spread the word!! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
As a beneficiary, we recruit walkers of any age to participate in a local Mini-Walk in our community. For each walker, we receive the walker’s registration fee (minus $5 to support the Help the Homeless Program) PLUS 100% of an incentive award based on the number of walkers registered with Hope Alive PLUS any sponsorships or donations designated for Hope Alive.
For example, if we recruit 1,000 paid walkers – say youth for example –we’ll receive $15,000 in walker registration fees PLUS a $15,000 walker incentive! And if it’s adult walkers we receive even more!
We’re collaborating with the Frederick Rescue Mission this year on three local walks. One is confirmed for a Maze-a-thon at Crumland Farms on Saturday, October 29 from 10am-3pm. So just think … you and your family or friends can come out and enjoy a beautiful fall day and walk the corn maze while helping the hungry and homeless! And you’ll learn about the needs of the homeless while you participate!
Walker registration fees are:
Adults $30
Youth $20 (age 25 and younger)
Virtual Walker $35
So let us know if you’re interested in walking or better yet hosting your own Mini-Walk and we’ll get you plugged in! Visit our website at www.hopealiveministries.org or email me at info@hopealiveministries.org for more information. We’ll keep posting the details as they become available!
We’re excited – can you tell? Help us spread the word!! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Lifesaving measures
Before Hope Alive ever opened its doors to homeless families, our staff and volunteers worked diligently to develop and implement a high standard of excellence in the delivery of our program services. We researched, wrote and amended what seemed like volumes of policies and procedures and created the needed forms and tools to support that level of operation. Through the process – and continuing today – we view everything through risk management lenses. All the effort to minimize risk to the greater level possible has paid off and even saved lives.
Part of our required staff training includes annual American Red Cross CPR and first aid certification. Our staff is trained during the year at different intervals depending on the employee’s start date. Our last training was held in April and three of our resident moms participated and became fully certified in CPR and first aid. Among this class was one of our newest staff members in our children’s ministry – Liz Meisner. What she didn’t know then was that she would be putting these skills into practice in a few short months.
In the children’s center this week, Miss Liz saw an infant making a noise that she thought was her usual baby talk. But as she listened more closely, she realized the baby was choking. Without a second thought, her life-saving skills went into action. She placed the baby head down on her forearm and gave her five back blows (appropriate for an infant) and then turned her halfway over to see if what she was choking on had been dislodged. Noticing that the baby’s hair beret was missing Miss Liz quickly ran her finger inside the baby’s mouth and felt the beret and pulled it out. Amazing!
Surprisingly, this isn't the first lifesaving measure we’ve experienced at Hope Alive. The first year we opened, another children’s ministry staff came to the rescue of a teen who was choking on a potato chip at lunch. Her CPR skills automatically kicked in as she ran to his side. She administered the appropriate back blows and abdominal thrusts and the chip came flying out! He was shaken, but grateful for her quick response.
I am so proud of the awesome staff God has assembled! I’m amazed at the wonderful children’s ministry team that is so attentive to our children’s every need and loves and cares for them as their own. And I’m grateful to Operations Supervisor Missy Miller for her diligence in keeping our staff training up-to-date on these lifesaving measures.
Enjoy the beautiful weather that’s forecasted for the weekend and stay safe! Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
Part of our required staff training includes annual American Red Cross CPR and first aid certification. Our staff is trained during the year at different intervals depending on the employee’s start date. Our last training was held in April and three of our resident moms participated and became fully certified in CPR and first aid. Among this class was one of our newest staff members in our children’s ministry – Liz Meisner. What she didn’t know then was that she would be putting these skills into practice in a few short months.
In the children’s center this week, Miss Liz saw an infant making a noise that she thought was her usual baby talk. But as she listened more closely, she realized the baby was choking. Without a second thought, her life-saving skills went into action. She placed the baby head down on her forearm and gave her five back blows (appropriate for an infant) and then turned her halfway over to see if what she was choking on had been dislodged. Noticing that the baby’s hair beret was missing Miss Liz quickly ran her finger inside the baby’s mouth and felt the beret and pulled it out. Amazing!
Surprisingly, this isn't the first lifesaving measure we’ve experienced at Hope Alive. The first year we opened, another children’s ministry staff came to the rescue of a teen who was choking on a potato chip at lunch. Her CPR skills automatically kicked in as she ran to his side. She administered the appropriate back blows and abdominal thrusts and the chip came flying out! He was shaken, but grateful for her quick response.
I am so proud of the awesome staff God has assembled! I’m amazed at the wonderful children’s ministry team that is so attentive to our children’s every need and loves and cares for them as their own. And I’m grateful to Operations Supervisor Missy Miller for her diligence in keeping our staff training up-to-date on these lifesaving measures.
Enjoy the beautiful weather that’s forecasted for the weekend and stay safe! 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, June 2, 2011
48 Hours to Meet the Need
This morning at 11:15, there was a prayer service and community rally to publicize the upcoming 48 Hours to Meet the Need event to raise awareness about the needs of the poor and homeless in our community and the County budget cuts impacting housing and nonprofit services. I’ve reprinted Pastor Jonathan Switzer’s email here so you’ll have all the information first-hand. (Pastor Switzer is the 48 Hours to Meet the Need organizer and Pastor of Crossroads Valley Chapel.) Please help us spread the word to bring our community together to respond in our neighbor’s hour of need.
“I want to share with you this week an important community-wide effort to raise awareness – 48 Hours to Meet the Need. For those just tuning in, on June 16 and 17 we have asked the Commissioners, Senator Young, Kai Hagen, Chamber of Commerce, non-profits, as well as Catholics, mainline denominations, evangelicals, Muslims and Jews to join us for a 48 hour fast. During those two days, everyone is asked to give whatever money they would normally spend on food for their family to whichever non-profit they feel is best positioned to care for those most in need in our midst. This is a response to the $370,000 of cuts that the current County Commissioners have made to local non-profits. Our website is www.frederick48.org for more information! If only 8% of the 87,000 family units in Frederick County gave, we would cover the cuts that have been made.
On WFMD on June 16 and 17, Blaine Young, Ron Young, Bob Miller, Kai Hagen and I will be joined by non-profits, community leaders and others to promote involvement in the fast. I also am asking you to join us on those days on air!
This is a unique chance for unity in Frederick that we want to fully maximize! We are Americans and neighbors together in Frederick County, MD. We can do this.
Let’s hope that our work together will really make a big difference during this season in Frederick. Whatever happens in future election cycles, may this 48 hours help to cover the shortfall for this cycle.”
I hope you will help us spread the word. Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
“I want to share with you this week an important community-wide effort to raise awareness – 48 Hours to Meet the Need. For those just tuning in, on June 16 and 17 we have asked the Commissioners, Senator Young, Kai Hagen, Chamber of Commerce, non-profits, as well as Catholics, mainline denominations, evangelicals, Muslims and Jews to join us for a 48 hour fast. During those two days, everyone is asked to give whatever money they would normally spend on food for their family to whichever non-profit they feel is best positioned to care for those most in need in our midst. This is a response to the $370,000 of cuts that the current County Commissioners have made to local non-profits. Our website is www.frederick48.org for more information! If only 8% of the 87,000 family units in Frederick County gave, we would cover the cuts that have been made.
On WFMD on June 16 and 17, Blaine Young, Ron Young, Bob Miller, Kai Hagen and I will be joined by non-profits, community leaders and others to promote involvement in the fast. I also am asking you to join us on those days on air!
This is a unique chance for unity in Frederick that we want to fully maximize! We are Americans and neighbors together in Frederick County, MD. We can do this.
Let’s hope that our work together will really make a big difference during this season in Frederick. Whatever happens in future election cycles, may this 48 hours help to cover the shortfall for this cycle.”
I hope you will help us spread the word. Until next week …
Sue Oehmig
Founder and Executive Director
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