I know for many people change is not exciting, but here at Bridge of Hope Centre County, change truly is exciting. We have gone through some changes since my last post in December. We have hired a new FRC (Family Resource Coordinator). Her name is Sharon Nearhoof May. Sharon has seven years’ experience as a pastor, extensive experience in human services, as well as three years’ experience teaching science in an inner-city high school. Sharon is as passionate about the Bridge of Hope Centre County mission as I am. We are currently working together on the intake process. This is the process by which we add another family to serve here at Bridge of Hope Centre County. We are currently conducting first interviews with our perspective moms. This is quite amazing. The interviews are in depth, taking a couple hours to complete, and the whole process will take several weeks. Please keep all of us, Sharon and I and the moms in your prayers. We trust that God is moving throughout this whole process, and we will find the right Mom and family to serve. I will keep you updated as the process goes along. I know for me the hardest part will have to be telling a woman she was not chosen to be a part of the BoHCC program. All of these women need and deserve this help and “hand-up”. Unfortunately, we can not accept them all. We do, however, go out of our way to make sure that each mom leaves us and this process with some kind of referral and hope. If we are not the ones to help them, we (Sharon and I) will find an agency or group that can. Again, please join us in this mission and pray for us. If you would like you can visit our website and give to Bridge of Hope Centre County or join us on May 8, 2011 for our second annual Mother’s Day Walk. Help us continue this mission of ending and preventing homelessness for single mothers in Centre County.
Luke 2:19 – “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
I LOVE the Christmas season. I enjoy the decorations, the music and usually all of the hustle and bustle that comes with it too. I also love this same season in church as well. Advent, preparing for the birth of Jesus. I work hard to to keep the “reason for the season” at the forefront of my thoughts. I usually do this by reading the Christmas story. In the years since I became a mom, I have found that I concentrate on one verse more than all of the others. A verse I hardly noticed before. I verse that seems almost out of place, Luke 2:19. (If you read it in context you will see what I mean about seeming out of place.) This year this verse has taken on even more significance to me. I completely understand how a mother treasures everything that has to do with her child, but this year I am thinking not just of myself and my children, but of all mothers, especially homeless moms. I know they treasure many things regarding their children in their hearts, and I can only imagine all the pondering they do. They want to provide for their families. They love their children and want only the best for them, just as I do. At this time of year, when I think of all the blessings and gifts that I and my family have and will share together, I am also remembering all those moms who have become so personal for me since I’ve started with Bridge of Hope Centre County. Those homeless single women struggle to just provide a place for their children to sleep, let alone Christmas gifts. During this Christmas/Advent season, please consider helping Bridge of Hope Centre County prepare to serve more homeless moms in our area. We will add a new family, prayerfully, by February, and possibly another family in the spring. God is doing great things in our community through Bridge of Hope Centre County. With your help and generosity we can give area homeless moms new things to ponder for next Christmas. May you have a joyful and blessed Christmas!
This is the first time I have ever written a blog. I do have to say that I have read many blogs created by other people, but this is the first time I have tried it myself. I enjoy reading what other people write, so my goal is to make my blog fun and informative. I will of course be relating information and stories dealing with Bridge of Hope Centre County. Now, where to start. I have been employed by Bridge of Hope Centre County for almost one month. I have to say that it has been a busy, but wonderful month. I have met so many great people. From the board, to the staff, to the participating families, everyone is so special. I am very excited about continuing to get to know all of these people, and watching everyone work together to further the mission of Bridge of Hope… to end and prevent homelessness for women and children in Centre County.
