The community’s story is our story – it’s your story – share it. Here in our blog, Stories of Hope we invite you to join the conversation of what it means to speak beauty into brokenness – to share in the stories of HOPE South Florida.
a holistic Christian response to homelessness and poverty in our community
Moved to serve....
Good Morning Neighborhood Group!
After volunteering at the homeless shelter last Thursday, I felt a call to help more. Everyone does food/pantry drives at this time of year, so I decided to do a travel-size toiletry drive.
As I was saying my goodbye’s to the homeless people leaving the shelter after they had their meal, I helped give away either a pair of socks or a razor to each person. I think I would take the razor, but can you imagine having to choose?! That really caught my attention. So why travel-size toiletries? Most seemed to choose razors over socks. Hygiene is so important. I saw the need, and I saw how these people wanted to take care of themselves the best they can, but they do not have the resources to.
We are so fortunate! To actually physically be in the presence of this kind of poverty and see these men, women and children in such need, it was absolutely eye-opening. I am bringing my brothers with me to help serve one night. They need to be aware of how blessed they are! (It was a good reminder for me, too!)
If you would like to donate some new travel-size toiletries – razors, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo – or help in any way, email me! I would like to deliver the items by Wednesday November 23rd so if I can receive the items by Tuesday November 22nd that would be great. Also, please feel free to pass this email on to anyone who would be interested in helping.
Thanks!!
Margaux
November 16, 2011
ALL to the GLORY OF JESUS!
Every Monday Night we have the oppurtunity to share in Praise and Worship with Coral Springs United Methodist Church and the Dining With Jesus ministry. Last night as Denny and I were leaving, there was a gentelman that was walking that had been there for the worship and meal. We asked him if he needed a ride somewhere, as it was raining. He shared with us that his bike had been stolen earlier that day with his sneakers. He was now in flip flops. He said he worked a part time up in Pompano and he could probably get $40 to get shoes. We took him there and then ended up at K-Mart, where no clue to him, the Lord placed on Denny’s heart to purchase the sneakers and backpack that he needed. We can’t do that for all but we can here and there.
It was a blessing to help him and be the hands of Jesus. Prayerfully it made a difference in his life and that he saw Jesus working in his life. It blessed us as we spent a few hours with him!
What a joy to serve!! The Lord placed that on our hearts and our hearts were just smiling to see his face light up with hope! Thank you for allowing us to serve alongside with you!
Blessinngs,
Diana
Phoenix Parker Ministires, Inc.
November 1, 2011
Snapshot of a Family
When Venese (3 small children) moved into one of our apartments at The Shepherd’s Way Family Shelter, she came with a number of serious barriers for independence. One child had a serious medical condition, she held less than part-time employment, no High School Diploma and was without childcare.
While in our program, Venese was able to increase to fulltime employment as soon as childcare services were provided. Her son’s medical conditions were better managed after the family stabilized in a safe shelter environment. She started receiving GED classes to continue education in a vocational career as a manager. As a result, Venese was able to save money to move to back to independence. Six months later, she is still stable and has HOPE.
October 14, 2011
A Parent's Story
My name is Schardesca, a single mother of three that had to leave the father of my children. I moved in with my mother in the Fort Lauderdale area and registered at Broward College with the intent to earn a B.A. degree in Business Management. I currently work part time at Sun Life Stadium at $8.50 an hour. I only receive $66.00 in child support every two weeks.
My mother has been babysitting for my infant, Marissa as well as my four-year-old Richard so I could go to school during the day but the responsibility had gotten too difficult for her and I was left to paying for daycare once again. That’s where God’s Little Lambs (The childcare ministry of HOPE South Florida) came to the rescue!
The regular tuition fees for my two children would of been $140 per week for my infant and $110 per week for my four-year-old. There was no way I could afford it. However, God’s Little Lambs was able to give me 40% scholarship so that I could continue to attend college and become self-sufficient.
I’ve just completed my first semester and now am into my second semester at Broward College.
Thank you God’s Little Lambs – thank you HOPE South Florida.
September 8, 2011
Chastity’s Story
My story starts while I am six months pregnant and being told that I can no longer work for the company that I had been working with for 2 ½ years, due to the possible endangerment to my unborn child. I was very disappointed and afraid not only because I was pregnant but because my boyfriend and I had just paid first, last and security on an apartment that we could barely afford. We decided to move in because the rental office said it was too late to take back the deposit due to the fact that they held the apartment for us for about a week. We were doing good paying our bills on time and were very happy that we had just brought a beautiful baby boy into the world. After 8 ½ months of maintaining our bills, my boyfriend lost his job due to the economy.
We called 211 and every other agency we could in order to get financial help to save our home. When I was told that no company had funds to assist us, I decided to put our names on the waiting list for a homeless shelter, which I never thought that I would do. We waited for a call from a shelter and kept updating our names on the waiting list for about 1 ½ months before we were called by The Shepherd’s Way, Faith in Action program, letting us know that there was an opening. Right before I received the call from The Shepherd’s Way, my boyfriend was called back to work, but it was too late to save our apartment.
We went to Shepherds Way and we are very much thankful for the roof that has been provided to us. I am now finishing my schooling for medical assistant and will be working for the doctor’s office that I am currently interning. I am thankful for all that has happened while I have been at The Shepherd’s Way and I am looking forward to the future and all that lies ahead.
August 3, 2011