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Abundant Blessings to Many...
In 2020!!
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Our Founder's Heart
Happy Historic 2020 Family!
It’s not just a brand new year—but a diverse and divine new decade! There is something super spectacular about seeing things evolve. Like when the cool winds of winter melts into the warmth of spring; when a caterpillar brilliantly turns beautiful and butterfly’s away; when rainfall floods the dark skies then draws back the curtains to applaud the rainbow; when a teetering toddler struggling to stand grows into a tall, talented, teenager of future hope and promise. No matter the transition, LIFE has a way of showing us visualizations and revelations of what could be, and would be, if we desire to see a better world.
Two weeks ago I met, Ms. Greene, a donor who left me with an interesting thought to ponder. And I quote: “We meet many people on the path of life, but it’s up to us how we choose to engage them. We can do something, say something, or just allow them to pass us by.” From this I began to ask myself the same question I shall ask you. Have you ever considered looking at strangers from a worm’s-eye view? Of course, no one wants to be compared, in any way, to the likes of a slippery, slimy, worm! However, when you give thought to another point of view, you may find that those who look up to others in esteem, learn to respect the view from a lowly and humbled perspective. Though worms have no eyes, they can judge light from darkness; no ears but can sense vibrations of danger; no legs but can move easily through the hardest soil; they possess very tiny brains thus can experience no pain.
Around this same time last winter, I penned a piece about having a bird’s-eye view. And, yes, this too can have great and mighty benefits (especially if you’re actually a bird). But, for humans, this perspective could also mean looking down on others from a high and lofty standpoint. You see, the gift of an aerial view is only as good as our ability to see a wide-range of ways to turn someone’s darkness into light; to open our ears to the cries of the weak and offer strength in times of need; to position our legs to carry the crippled soul who has fallen and can’t get up; and to wisely discern the pain of a shattered heart and speak healing to help ease their troubled mind. In 2020, let’s focus and forge ahead with a clear vision—while making a difference one person at a time!
As always… lovingly and graciously,
Carolyn A. Watson
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Pearl of the Quarter
At the tender age of 24, this budding young woman and Denver, Colorado native moved to Atlanta a few years ago in search of a more fruitful life. For most of her younger years, Ms. Angelica Brito, grew up in an unstable environment. She candidly shared how the influence of being raised by an alcoholic mother shaped her life. “My mother would often put me out; so I lived in my car for about two months while going to school.” Determined to finish strong, Angelica found a way to navigate the struggles of trying to study, make good grades, maintain her personal hygiene and emotionally hold it together—all from the confines of her vehicle. With determination and courage she continued to press her way and follow her dreams of going back to college to become a paralegal while working as a receptionist at a law firm.
Ms. Brito would later find herself being manipulated by a boyfriend who was abusive and controlling. She explains how the nightmares still hunt her from his abusive behavior even though the relationship is over. “Once, he pulled me out of the house and poured alcohol on me.” She shared. Each situation only made Angelica stronger and gave her the courage to escape the oppression she endured. It wasn’t until she met the father of her adorable one-year-old toddler, Johnathan that things began to look differently in her eyes. “Johnathan saved my life—he showed me a whole side of life that I didn’t know existed.” While this precious baby boy is indeed a gift from God, the father refused to step up and take part in their lives. “He didn’t want me to have the baby, so he pushed me away…” she explained.
Although Angelica is striving to be a good mother and persevering in spite of her circumstances of having to do it alone, her faith is still strong. She lends this piece of advice to other moms enduring hardship, “Always think about your future and your children so you’ll never have to worry about getting stuck in the daily feeling that nothing is going to change.” These are words well spoken. We all have our share of trails—but it's our mindset that determines whether we win or lose. When asked what it feels like to have furniture in her empty apartment, Angelica smiled and stated… “It meant everything to me. It’s one less thing to worry about and I feel so blessed to have come across this organization.” Ms. Brito has indeed shown us her expression of sincere gratitude. And she is already teaching Johnathan life lessons of paying it forward by showing up to volunteer for H.O.M.E.’s community coat giveaway. Now, that really is what L.O.V.E. in Action is all about!
On Behalf of The H.O.M.E. Team
Congratulations to
Ms. Angelica Brito
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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Looking 2 Pay It Forward @ #TaxSeason
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For ALL of us, 2019 should be considered a prosperous year! Why ? Because we’re yet alive to tell the story of God’s goodness and amazing grace! So as we look back and give thanks, here is an opportunity to pay it forward by allowing H&R Block to prepare your tax for 2019. With just a mentioned of the name, Helping Oppressed Mother’s Endure, Inc. (H.O.M.E.), H&R Block will contribute $20 to our organization on your behalf for supporting this nonprofit. It will cost you nothing and will bless us richly! Simply visit any H&R Block, present your taxes, and mention Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure, Inc. It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3!!!
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H.O.M.E. received world-wide recognition when two of our very own, Carolyn Tolbert and her sister Lisa Marie Forde, spent the morning at Live with Kelly and Ryan on their nationally syndicated morning talk show. Carolyn was thrilled to be chosen as the ‘I in Live’ guest of the day which afforded her opportunity to share a snippet of the work we do at H.O.M.E. And Lisa was also excited to be among five women selected to show off her dance moves! O’ what fun… to infinity and beyond!!
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Love, Love, L.O.V.E.
It was all about Love for our 3rd Annual Love Out-loud Voyage Event where we distributed over 200 pieces of colorful luggage, book bags and duffle bags, along with more than 700 winter coats to warm the hearts of less fortunate men, women and children! We had an AMAZING time showing ‘L.O.V.E. in Action’ as we set sail on a journey to meet the needs of our community. Hats off to our outstanding partners, Mr. Michael Bryant of New Life Community Ministries; Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson and Mr. Jonathan “PJ” Phillips of DeKalb County District 7 Board of Commissioners; Minister Celena Stewart of Berean Christian Outreach; and The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc ~ Sigma Mu Zeta Chapter. A special shout out goes to our dedicated volunteers and wonderful resource vendors for teaming up with H.O.M.E., as we grilled up tasty hot dogs, and woke up the community to an unforgettable event! To our generous sponsors, Good Morning America, Delivering Good and Burlington’s ‘Thanks So Much’ for providing H.O.M.E. with over 1,000 winter coats… WOW!!!
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Family Initiative
Adopt-a-H.O.M.E.
H.O.M.E. called… YOU answered! Thanks to the kindness of our community friends, several mothers and children received new toys, clothes, food and monetary gifts for Christmas! Special Thanks to: ‘It’s A She Thang’ Book Club, Redan Soul Line Dancers, Desirable Events, Lady T’s Homeless Ministries, and a few Dynamic Donors who helped to make the season bright for struggling moms and little ones who were blessed with the gift of holiday cheer! Together, We are Helping Hands… Helping Others!
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Can YOU Spare…
A Cup of Change?
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Small things can be BIG blessings! We had no idea that JAYA Church had selected H.O.M.E. to be their ‘Cup of Change’ recipient to kick-off the year 2020! Throughout, November and December 2019, spare change was collected to present to an inspiring nonprofit of good works. Who knew that God was preparing hearts and hands to contribute to H.O.M.E.! Thanks, JAYA, for your financial token of love for three consecutive years. We are still SO AMAZED by God’s Grace!
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Bundles and Bundles of JOY!
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H.O.M.E. was invited to participate in DeKalb County’s first Community Baby Shower! Every expecting mom received a gift bag, lunch and a list of valuable resources to make ready for motherhood. What a WONDERFUL way to prepare for a joyous and life-changing day!!!
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Helping Oppressed Mothers Endure is ecstatic when single mothers and children transition from motels, to a place they can be proud of and truly call home! Thanks to our newest partner, the Motel-to-Home pilot program, sponsored by United Way of Greater Atlanta, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and the Gwinnett Housing Corporation, H.O.M.E. will join forces by lending a helping hand to provide eligible moms of Norcross with furniture, beds, basic necessities and more to simply say... Welcome H.O.M.E.!!
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H.O.M.E. was in the house at Marbut Elementary School for their Parent Conference kick-off 2020! As scholars and parents got a glimpse of what’s to come in the world of academia for second semester, they also received library cards, home buyer information and much needed resources to help in the time of need. H.O.M.E. is always pleased to support this terrific theme school and we have Parent Liaison, Mrs. Patricia Scott-Harrell, to thank for inviting us into the village again and again!
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Pause 2 PRAY
One of the most important weapons of our faith that is essential to the success of H.O.M.E. is Prayer! Each quarter, our dedicated Prayer Warriors simply pray for the specific needs of our organization in the privacy of their own space, own time, for 7 consecutive days each quarter. Are you passionate about intercessory prayer? Join the anointed team that cover our H.O.M.E. with the gift of—PRAYER.
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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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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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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 BLANKETS
It takes A Village to Raise a Child and a Community of
Givers to Help Single Mothers in Need.
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