Several weeks ago, I was approached about lending my name to an effort in N. Richland Hills, that will aid battered & abused women & their children. This is program has already been used by the Community Enrichment Center & has ministered to & aided countless families as they get their feet on the ground, break the cycle of abuse & turn their lives around. I was honored to lend my name to the purchased appartment complex emergency wing of the program that's already dear to my heart!
A couple of weeks later, I learn History Maker Homes has joined the effort & is now building a community center for the property that is to be named "The Sharon Washburn Center for Hope"! WOW! This is overwhelming & I am truly honored to be a small part of such an incredible effort to help so many people. This will be a 5 month build & the Center will house 2 offices, a Children's Play Therapy room, a computer room for specific computer training, laundry facilites, a small kitchen & large meeting room for counseling sessions & get togethers amoung the residents.
The Emergency Wing will be for people fleeing their own house, from a shelter or abusive situation, that needs immediate help & shelter. Residents can remain in this wing for 60 to 90 days. During this time period, they are presented with a 2-year program that's available to them with stipulations for building a better life. Some of the stipulations for remaining in the 2-year program are remaining clear of their abuser, holding a job or getting into job training that equips them for a better life & future with their children. During this 2-year timeframe the resident lives rent free & is introduced to computer training, counseling, job skill training & life skill training. They will also learn stories about Jesus & know the reason so many volunteers help & teach & furnish the apartments. It is because of their love for Jesus. He is the reason for this entire heartfelt effort!
The apartment facility was purchased 2 years ago by people with vision & a dream to help others. The refurbishing doesn't come free, nor does the furnishings & free rent for the residents! A Small Group from The Hills Church has agreed to furnish apartments out of their own pockets! This refrubishing part will be approximatley $600,00 with $300,00 already given. Any contributed monies, large or small, will help set this effort on track & help women for years to come. So, please contribute, if you can, to CEC Sharon Washburn Center for Hope 6250 NE Loop 820 NRH TX 76180. Pray abusive cycles will be broken & lives will be changed by Jesus. Our goal is to offer Hope in Jesus. Hope is what changes lives! We can hold jobs & feed our children & live in big houses but if we don't have hope of heaven in our souls, we have nothing! This ministry provides Hope & that's why I'm so terribly excited about it & honored to be a part. Join in if you want! I'll post pictures as I have them with progress on construction of the Center.
Blessings!
Sharon, that is AWESOME!!! I'm so happy to hear History Maker is playing an integral part in making your dream a reality. One of our kids lives in a HM home, and we've been very impressed with the company's quality, integrity, and Christian values. Not that you need an earthly monument for those you've touched to remember you, but this will be such a wonderful legacy of your spirit, love, faith, and your amazing way of always putting others before yourself. I can't begin to tell you how I've learned from you through your blog. You are more than special. Continued blessings...... Mona
ReplyDelete