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Our Founder's Heart
Cheers to a Healthy and Happy 2021 Family!!
I begin this message with an insightful quote sweetly expressed by, Mother Teresa, which bears the weight of what every human heart should long to feel. “If the poor die of hunger, it is not because God does not care for them. Rather, it is because neither you nor I are generous enough. It is because we are not instruments of love in the hands of God. We do not recognize Christ when once again He appears to us in the hungry man, in the lonely woman, in the child who is looking for a place to get warm.”
Just three days into the New Year, I encountered a homeless woman by the name of, Carla. She was standing all alone in the distance. She had positioned herself away from the traffic of busy grocery shoppers. My husband first noticed her and had already begun turning around to offer a few dollars for food. Upon approach, I rolled down my window and asked if she would like something to eat. “No thank you… I’ve eaten,” she humbly responded. But there was something in the loneliness of her eyes that led me to ask, “What’s your name and is there anything you’d like me to pray for?” A gentle smile appeared as she took a moment to think. “Well, I have family but I’ve been living out here for three years…” she began to share her story. Before long, I emerged from the car, took her by the hand and begin praying to God for her heart’s desire.
That day, I learned that Carla wasn’t really interested in money, housing, or even real help—she simply needed someone to care enough to stop, listen and leave her feeling ‘noticed.’ For you see, the lonely woman I initially paused to only pass a dollar or two—was a totally different woman that I left lifted up from the power of prayer and friendly fellowship. The year, 2021, is a good time for each of us to escape to a quiet place and search ourselves. A deep exploration of what kind of instrument we truly are and in whose hands have we positioned ourselves to be used. God wants to teach us precious and profound life lessons through those who are strongest among us. No, not the rich, wealthy, comfortable and well-to-do of this world—but through the lowly, lonely and lost who live among us every single day.
Let us all take a moment to think soberly as we stake our claim to a New Year of happiness, wellness and prosperity. I believe we will find that anything we dare to do, seek to accomplish, hope to gain can only be worthwhile when we surrender to the sacrifice of being instruments of love.
As always… lovingly and graciously yours,
Carolyn A. Watson
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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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Pearl of the Quarter
Residing in a small studio apartment with just enough space to live comfortably on her own, Naima Hicks, had no clue that life would soon take a devastating detour. It all began with the passing of her only daughter’s husband in November 2017. From there, both, her daughter and granddaughter, moved in to lend support to each other as they mourned their loss. Maia was just two-years-old at the time when grandmother, daughter and granddaughter struggled to forge ahead during this difficult crisis. “Since it seemed we would be together for a while, I applied for a Habitat home to accommodate the three of us.” Naima explained. But, just when it looked like life was getting better, Naima, experienced the unthinkable. In March 2019, she suffered the tragic death of her only daughter, Maia’s mother, in the midst of trying to pick up the pieces and find a ‘new normal’ for her small family. Sadly, her precious and adorable granddaughter was now left without, mother or father, to nurture and watch this beloved budding flower grow.
This same year, however, some good news was on the horizon. Naima was approved for a Habitat home and in January 2020, she and Maia moved into this beautiful, newly built, three bedroom home. “I felt like it was a blessing from Heaven; like God was looking out for me. It also felt like my daughter had been assigned as a guardian angel to watch over me and her daughter—all this happened in the same year.”
While this lovely home was well deserved and a huge blessing for Naima, she had very little furniture to fill the rooms with love. She went on to further express, “H.O.M.E. gave me a sigh of relief; I felt like I could breathe. It was so good to know that an organization really cares. And I truly appreciate the quality of the furniture—it was the highest quality and fit mine and my granddaughter’s personality. This was rare and a personal touch.” The H.O.M.E. Team was overjoyed to assist this dedicated grandmother with every basic necessity she requested. Once her home was fully furnished, Naima welcomed us in to take photos. And her sweetheart of a granddaughter, Little Miss Maia, was also truly ecstatic to invite us into her room. It was indeed fit for a princess as she was excited to show off her Frozen decorated bedding, stuffed animals, dolls and more! “I want Maia to know that she comes from loving people who are compassionate, humble, talented, educated and spiritual—this is also in her so continue the legacy.”
When we asked Naima how she would encourage another grandmother who may be mourning the loss of her child and left to raise her grandchild(ren), she offered, “ Stay steady and find support. This is not a sprint, but a marathon, and you have to take one day at a time.”
On Behalf of
The H.O.M.E. Team
Congratulations
Naima Hicks
for Being Our Pearl of the Quarter
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‘Thank You’ for Coming
H.O.M.E. for the Holidays!
We were thrilled to host our first virtual HFTH that was indeed full of inspiration, motivation and food for the soul. In partnership with, Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter, this health and wellness, fun-filled morning was just what the doctor ordered to uplift and encourage each other in such a meaningful way. A special thanks to all of our phenomenal presenters, participants, donors and sponsors for making this fundraising event a HUGE success!! And, not to mention, our COVID Couture virtual fashion show models who were so gracious to sport their pjs on the virtual stage and help make this a morning to remember. Last, but certainly not least, a shout out goes to, Carolyn Tolbert, our virtual technician extraordinaire who kept us up and running. We deeply appreciate EVERYONE for your love and support of H.O.M.E. and the many ways you show it!!
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Love Lives
@The Faith Center
H.O.M.E. was ecstatic to be chosen to receive a love offering donation from The Faith Center Church in Tucker, GA to kick-off 2021! We never know who is watching God work through our mission to serve oppressed mothers suffering lack. Every little bit counts and we are grateful that many see and respect the services we provide through H.O.M.E. Thanks to contributors like, The Faith Center Church, we can continue the journey of impacting lives through the gift of furniture—one mother, one child, one day at a time!! Check out the video Here!!
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The Leathery Lends
H.O.M.E. a Hand
Hats off to Leatherology for your charitable contribution to H.O.M.E. Over the holiday season H.O.M.E. was selected to receive a portion of the proceeds from a special gift item purchased from November through December. O’ what a blessing it is to be in the number of nonprofits that do ‘good work’ in our community. We count it a privilege to be given the opportunity to shine the spotlight on our furniture bank and the work the Lord is doing through the efforts of Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure, Inc. For more information about Leatherology please visit www.leatherology.com. And a special thanks to Lee Litumbe with Spirited Pursuit for choosing H.O.M.E.!
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A Special Delivery for Thanksgiving
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Cold Weather +
Warm Hearts =
Boxes of Gratitude!
COVID-19 made EVERYTHING a challenge for many last year and continues to impact those struggling to survive the frigid winter weather. However, in the midst of it all, there were some great things that continued to happen as well! H.O.M.E. would like to express our warmest thanks to Delivering Good, Good Morning America and Burlington’s for providing hundreds of warm coats to warm many hearts this chilly holiday season. For four years and counting … Thanks for your faithfulness!!
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Children are a Precious Gift
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Our Adopt-A- H.O.M.E. Family Program was a beautiful way to end 2020! Words would only fail to express the JOY in our hearts to be able to provide hundreds of toys, bikes, and more to families who could not afford anything this holiday season. There is no better way to bring a smile to a child in need. Hats off to the individuals who adopted a H.O.M.E. family for Christmas. We love and appreciate your gift of kindness more than you will ever know!!
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Dedication is Motivation
Volunteer Spotlight
This quarter H.O.M.E. would like to spotlight our dedicated volunteer, Ms. Tonya Riddick, for rolling up her sleeves to serve whenever the opportunities arise. A single mother of two, and former H.O.M.E. client who has benefited from our services, Tonya has never stopped giving back. She is a wonderful example of, when you’re blessed to receive—you have a duty to pay it forward. H.O.M.E. was thrilled to present her with a ‘Just Because’ Edible Arrangement to simply say, Thanks a Million! We are always in need of volunteers. Got spare time on your hands? Join us here at H.O.M.E.!!
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We are thankful that God gives us favor through the hands of many vessels who love the work we do! Here's a loving shout out to, Ms. Loretta Shelton, for her faithfulness to Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure, Inc. since day one! Last month, Loretta placed H.O.M.E.’s name in a drawing to receive a donation through Loves Healthcare Services LLC., and by God’s grace… WE WON!! Additionally, each day in the month of December, Loretta purchased a food item(s) to fill boxes with the love of Christ for Christmas! This generous portion of food and gift card blessed two of our mothers with a hearty helping of groceries. Loretta is such a gracious member of the H.O.M.E. family and her unwavering support lends a ‘hand up’ to our mothers and children every chance she gets. Thanks, Ms. Loretta Shelton, for ALL you do!!
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What a Great #GivingTuesday!
We cannot say ‘Thank You’ enough to those who showed up for #Giving Tuesday on behalf of H.O.M.E. Your generous contributions afforded us the opportunity to finish strong in 2020! Because of you, many lives are made better and stronger for so much longer! We hope to have your support for #GivingTuesday again in 2021. Thanks in advance for making a difference!!
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Come H.O.M.E. Friends….
“The harvest is plentiful… but the workers are few.” Matthew 9:27
Don’t have spare furniture? Consider helping with a gift of financial support of ANY amount. All donations are tax deductible. Together, let’s sew in love and give as we have been blessed to those less fortunate. Here’s how:
- Make a monthly contribution or a one-time financial gift of ANY amount
- Donate new or gently used furniture and home décor
- Purchase our featured item(s) of the quarter: Full & Twin Size Sheets
It takes A Village to Raise a Child and
a Community of Givers to Help Single Mothers in Need
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Remember H.O.M.E. at Checkout!
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"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 or 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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Questions???
Have gently used furniture, home furnishings or small appliances you no longer need? Contact us!! We'll be happy to pick it up!
678-964-4328 ~ Info@Home2Heart.org
Donations are tax deductible!!
To learn more about H.O.M.E., Inc. (Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure, Inc.)
visit www.Home2Heart.org
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