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Our Founder's Heart
Grace and Greetings Family!
Question… can you think back to something you’ve learned over the past few months that was humbling yet eye-opening? In both my personal life, and in the life of H.O.M.E., God has graced me to see family’s transition in a whole new way. While providing furniture and basic necessities to single mothers remain steadfast—the impact I’ve witnessed upon those who are rising from the ashes of “struggle” has enlightened, enriched and educated me to do more to ease the sting of oppression and help to break the strongholds that stem from anxiety and depression.
Until now, I never considered the number of people who have been paralyzed by—Worry. This small five-letter word, and the grip of its affect on how one navigates day-to-day, has literally peeled back the layers in my mind. And while the goal for moms to live safely and comfortably is crucial, the desire for peace of mind presents an insatiable appetite that can’t be filled with material things. From a spiritual perspective, knowing and believing that God works all things together for good in time, is an outlook that can cause anxiety to slowly dissipate. It’s a faith walk not a cake walk that invites us to anticipate hope with the mindset that no matter the struggle—it is well with our souls.
A few weeks ago, I misjudged a mom because of her lack of enthusiasm when we arrived to her apartment. It felt as if she didn’t appreciate anything about our visit, our nice furniture, or our excitement to decorate her empty home. After staging the items and preparing to leave, I was moved to ask if she was okay. I then learned that she’d been dealing with extreme anxiety her entire life—even as a child. You see, any life alterations (expected or unexpected), flips her switch to worry and triggers something inwardly that cannot be easily erased. That day, I was taught something much more valuable than the act of kindness through furniture—I was humbled to apologize for being judge and jury for a condition I just didn’t understand.
So many of us are rich with bright ideas, burgeoning concepts and brilliant inventions that could help our communities thrive if we but dare to dive! However, for some, the fall seems too long; the water appears too deep; and the fear of failure more than one could ever survive. For this reason we must live to learn and learn to live—it’s the only way to help others endure conditions that we ourselves can’t begin to imagine or ever comprehend.
As always… lovingly and graciously,
Carolyn A. Watson
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Pearl of the Quarter
At age 39, Ernestine Hill is on the road to success after facing hardship and now recovering from what she and many of us believe to be the unthinkable—Homelessness. After her failing health caused Ernestine to lose her job, she fell into deep depression. By far, this was her lowest point in life—yet, even from within the walls of a shelter she prayed, stayed focused, worked hard, saved her money, and sought resources to assist with returning to a life she once knew.
This mother of two adult children, and her smart, energetic, six-year-old drummer boy, Chrisavier, moved to Atlanta in 2015 while helping her church relocate and rebuild. Along with this challenging mission—she too needed a change in her own life as well. However, Ernestine had no idea that things would take a turn for the worse and four months of her life would be spent having to leave a shelter each day by 5am, and be in-house by 5pm. This made it extremely difficult to find a job and execute her plans to overcome oppression. Once she graduated to the transitional housing program she had more flexibility and used every opportunity to her advantage.
Even in an unfortunate set of circumstances, Ernestine’s heart for helping others remained strong. Knowing, first hand, what it’s like to be out in the cold before sunrise she provided aid to other women by warming up her truck in the morning and allowing them to nap inside until she had to report to work. She would also cook large meals while living there and bring food to those who could appreciate a good home-cooked meal. What a remarkable example of a heart that still desired to “give” in the midst of losing everything!
When we asked Earnestine what it meant to finally have an apartment of her own and receive furniture from H.O.M.E., her sincere heart said it all, “Oh my gosh, furniture meant everything because I had nothing. H.O.M.E. was a breath of fresh air—I didn’t have to worry about how long I was going to be on the floor.” In this new season of her life, Earnestine is indeed striving for success and planning to open a catering business someday. Moreover, her greatest desire is to help those who are handicap and disabled. “I truly thank God for H.O.M.E. because it turned things around for me and my family.”
On Behalf of The H.O.M.E. Team
Congratulations to
Ms. Ernestine Hill
for Being Our
Pearl of the Quarter
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God Turns Little... Into Much
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Changing Lives Through the Gift of Furniture...
One Truckload at a Time!!
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There are MANY Ways… to come ‘H.O.M.E. for the Holidays’
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If you’ve ever attended this event you already know we roll out the red carpet, a scrumptious meal, amazing entertainment, a powerful word, raise operational funds and just get pampered by our Distinguished Gentlemen of H.O.M.E… Well, this year is no different!! Make plans for an EXTRAORDINARY morning on Saturday, December 14th, and get your tickets early for this annually sold out event! Have other plans for the holidays? No worries… you can donate in-kind goods and services; become a sponsor; be a fabulous vendor; decorate a table; or consider making a sweet child or deserving mom’s Christmas by purchasing the gift of a bed before the chilly winter season (Twin bed $75 | Full bed $85). As always, Thanks so much for loving and supporting our mission—Hope to see you there!!!
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GA Gives for #GivingTuesday!
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Mark your calendars for December 3rd and make Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure, Inc., your 501(c)3 nonprofit of choice for #GivingTuesday 2019! Whether you’re in Georgia, Texas, New York or anywhere in the world you can contribute to our meaningful cause! Over 800 mothers and children collectively have been served with furniture and basic necessities since 2014. We kindly ask you to remember us with any amount and simply—GIVE! You may also donate on behalf of a love one. Together, WE are 'Helping Hands... Helping Others!'
Click below and let your love for H.O.M.E. show!
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Our Future Leaders Have a Right… to Know Their Rights
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H.O.M.E. Team along with 23 budding teens ages 13-18 enjoyed a private, by invitation only, ‘Know Your Rights’ Youth Leadership Camp presented by Colin Kaepernick right here in the ATL. Over 450 youth attended this spectacular event that covered an array of topics including: legal rights, higher education, financial literacy, technology, health & wellness, self-empowerment and leadership. Not only were they motivated by powerful speakers, celebrities and young entrepreneurs—but they each took home Nike tennis shoes, Nick Cannon’s Ncredible headphones and a backpack full of really cool stuff!! Sending a heartfelt “THANKS” to Colin Kaepernick, Nessa, Cherrie Cater and the entire KYRC Team for their cheerful hospitality and continuous support of H.O.M.E. We also extend sincere gratitude to our bus driver, Mr. OJ Allen, and New Life Community Center for providing transportation. What an unforgettable way… to enjoy a chilly rainy day!!!
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Joyful, Joyful, LORD We Adore You!
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Can you help us say…. Phenomenal!!! The evening was well spent celebrating, commemorating and giving God all the praise. Our ‘Joyful Noise’ 5-Year Anniversary benefit concert was indeed a hand-clapping, foot-stomping, tear-jerking and soul-stirring event and we could not have asked for more! We humbly extend the warmest THANKS to our comedic MC and every artist, performer, speaker, honoree, sponsor and volunteer who contributed to the overwhelming success! Much gratitude goes out to Pastor Marlin D. Harris and Lady Monica Harris, the music ministry, and the entire staff of New Life Church for hosting and supporting this marvelous event. Hats off to ‘This Is It’ BBQ and Seafood for catering a delicious meal for our comfy and cozy VIP lounge. It was an unforgettable night to remember and we did indeed… Experience the JOY!!!
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We’re just getting back from ‘A Long Walk H.O.M.E.’ and we have YOU to thank for a successful run! O’ what fun we had with our captains, teams, participants, volunteers, and the wonderful Redan Soul Line Dancers! A special note of appreciation goes to Mr. Larry Tinsley our honorary MC, Commissioner Larry Johnson for honoring H.O.M.E., DJ Frank for rocking the house, and of course, our outstanding sponsors and financial supporters. Make plans to join us next year… and “Be the Change” all year!! And now, let’s CONGRATULATE our terrific circle of winners…
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H.O.M.E. in partnership with Safe Haven doled out the backpacks to bless over 100 future leaders of Marbut Elementary with cool and colorful book bags! Thanks to Founder, Alicia Washington, and her dedicated team for providing much needed bags and school supplies to distribute to less fortunate students who deserve to thrive. It certainly does take a village… and we are grateful for nonprofits that are in the business of helping people prosper!
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It was an honor and a pleasure for H.O.M.E. to spend the day at Wade-Walker YMCA in support of their V-103 Rec Takeover! There were many activities, food, fun, games, prizes, resources and more. We are thankful for partnerships that afford us opportunities to “reach out and touch” a community of all ages, all stages, and from all walks of life! Thanks Wade-Walker YMCA... YOU ROCK!!
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Atlanta LIVE... Take Two!
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Last month, Carolyn A. Watson was back in the Channel 57 studios once again to share the heart of our ministry and mission. For truly God has given us favor and much exposure for which we are sincerely thankful! We so appreciate the dedication of our incredible H.O.M.E. Team who is without question one-of-a-kind!
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Let's NOT be Silent about Domestic Violence
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H.O.M.E. was thrilled to be invited as a reliable community resource for the Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Workshop at Berean Christian Church this month. In honor of those who have fought the good fight of faith and won we salute you. For those who have finished their earthly course and received their wings of glory we pause to remember you.
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Thanks to the generous donation we received from our local Unclaimed Freight of Stonecrest, H.O.M.E. was able to provide two new mattress sets with frames to a mom and her child who deserved a comfortable and good night sleep. Sometimes, it’s the little things in life that we take for granted—until we’re reminded that someone else is far less fortunate than we are. For only $75 you too can provide a bed for a precious child and $85 will give a mom the best rest of her night!
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Volunteers Matter!
Love what we do here at H.O.M.E.? We welcome you to sign-up and volunteer to help us load furniture, sort linen, fold towels, unpack boxes, decorate homes and more! If you’re a company, social group, men’s or women’s ministry or an individual looking to ‘give back’ we need you. It’s often tedious and hard work… but a necessary labor of love! Connect with us and NOW is a good time to start!!
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Remember H.O.M.E. at Checkout
Think “H.O.M.E.” when you shop at Kroger and Amazon Smile! Allow us to receive the benefits when you spend your dollars at Kroger and online at Amazon Smile. Just by searching for Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure and entering our code you can donate a percentage of your spending to a great cause! Together, We are Helping Hands… Helping Others!!
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Are YOU the Next Super Hero?
Become a H.O.M.E. Hero and get some really cool stuff! Sign up to be a monthly financial donor and receive a H.O.M.E. hat & tee and other awesome advantages!! Visit www.Home2heart.org today! Not interested in giving monthly? Consider making a one-time contribution of any amount or signing up for corporate giving through your employer. Little becomes much… when it’s placed in the Master’s hand!!
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Come H.O.M.E Friends…. We Need YOU!
“The harvest is plentiful… but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:27
Become a Volunteer, Create a Group Service Project
or
Purchase our featured item(s) of the quarter: FULL & TWIN SIZE COMFORTERS
It takes A Village to Raise a Child and a Community of
Givers to Help Single Mothers in Need.
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