If I Run Today

The hardest thing to do is stay still.  A Woman of Hope

Self sabotage is huge for those who have left lives of trauma, homelessness, and addiction. Those who have seen the darkest sides of life live in a fear of returning to broken places of neglect and disappointments. In an effort to prevent themselves from having surprise threats of disappointments or the return of a dangerous occurrence, a person will beat whatever brings them fear to the punch. Self Sabotage. Though they desire closeness, they will push you away. Though they desire to talk, they will sit silently. Though they long for friendship, they will offer coldness. Yet all of these responses are based on a fear, of all they could lose. They have been let down, passed over, and condemned so often, that to even believe that something good will come, or stay is frightening. So every single mother and child that comes through our doors has to face the crossroads of if they will run or stay to see the love and hope that we offer.

Just consider the heart that internally thinks:

A Mother

“ If I stay, what will happen when they find out I’m not perfect? What will happen the first time I mess up? Will they kick me out  if I am angry, because I feel so hurt and angry inside? What will they do if I get hungry in the night? Can I go to the frig? If I stay here how will I cope with all this pain, and not go crazy? “

A Child

“Will I really get to stay? Will they take me back to foster care? What if I mess up? Will they separate me from mom again, I don’t think I can take it again. What if I’m hungry, and it’s not a meal time, do I steal the food? What if I was caught stealing, will they send me away? Don’t steal food, don’t steal food?  I’m scared, this is hard, how am I going to stay here?  How can I be like them, when all I’ve known is fear?  Pain?  I don’t know how to do this. I’m scared.”

If every thought of what could be is filled with a place of fear of when the rug will be pulled out from under you next, how can a mother or child feel like they can stay? Well at Acres of Hope we recognize the fight or flight response. We understand the desire to self sabotage out of fear of what could go wrong. We speak into the darkness that still fills the minds of mothers and their children the light of truth, until that truth dismantles the power of fear over their lives. We watch as residents go from the place where their hearts are asking if I run today, what will happen, to the moment they begin asking what will I accomplish if I stay?

The Acres of Hope staff, mentors, and volunteers are here to stay. We are staying in the fight. We are staying with the mission of seeing homeless mothers and their children break the cycle of homelessness. Our residents are learning what it is to stay still in hope, love, stability, and see that their reality can have happiness and peace.

Today, will you partner with us in making sure mothers and children can stop asking the question “If I run today what will happen?”

Visit: acresofhopeonline.org to learn more or give a donation to see more lives changed.

Who Shows Up In The Graveyards

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me. Psalm 23:4

This week I rode in a van as a little boy had a heart to help the homeless communities he met walking on the streets. His father and mother took turns collecting items to see the reality of this little boy’s dream of loving the homeless community come true. Yet as I tagged along for the mission of capturing the moments through the eyes of a child, it was the boy’s father who gave me an inside view into the world of a child living homeless. He drove me to the graveyard where he and his mother would pitch a tent on pallets every night.

From the ages of 13-19 he lived in that graveyard spending nights in death’s camp. He shared he had no choice in where he stayed since his father was long gone and his mother couldn’t provide a home. They functioned by gathering whatever they could at meal kitchens. In the day hours they would lift whatever they could to get through the night. Anything they could gather meant survival. He cried many nights in that graveyard wanting something different. Yet, we can ask ourselves, who shows up in the graveyards? For that child living in the graveyard with his mother, today he would find Acres of Hope.

Story after story comes to us each day on why a place like Acres of Hope matters. This is one of them. For mothers and children facing the graveyards of homelessness, we are here to show them life and hope. So share with your churches, your neighbors, clubs, and peers about Acres of Hope. For maybe just one person will hear about the hope found at our campus and come out of the graveyards of homelessness. Perhaps one sponsor will sow a seed to help Acres of Hope grow to answer more of the calls from the graveyards. We will let them know we have a place for life and hope. 

Will you raise awareness with us? Will you answer the call of seeing more lives renewed? Will you be one of the ones who show up in the graveyards of homelessness?

If you have a group, church, or club who would like to hear about the transformation happening at Acres of Hope email us at: info@acresofhopeonline.org

This Is How They Say Thank You

Who doesn’t love hearing the words “thank you” after a kind action has been taken. I know I do. Yet as we prepare to fill our bellies with some of the tastiest Thanksgiving creations to grace our dinner tables, I realize sometimes “thank you” has a much bigger meaning. If your family is like mine, before we start diving in we typically take a few moments for all the members of the family to say one thing they are thankful for this year. Typically I share about the love of all the people surrounding me, or God’s grace, but this year, will be a little different. There is a thank you, that melted my heart. A thank you not spoken in words, but revealed through actions.

This week I looked upon the photos and reports of three incredible sights. An alumni mother shared a photo of her Christmas tree. The beautiful tree standing 6’ tall and adorned with shimmering ornaments and flickering lights, carried the significance of being the first full size tree to grace their new home. For this Alumni Family of Hope, having that tree standing in their own home says so much. It speaks from the hearts of the children, my mom is safe. From the heart of a mom, my children are reunified to me this year. It speaks from the heart of a family, we have our own home. To many it might just seem to be a normal preparation for Christmas in a family home. For this family, being so excited to launch into the holiday season early, is because this year it brings so much joy.

Maybe it’s the current residents, who shared moments of gingerbread house building. One mother revealed it was her daughter’s first time experiencing it. To be able to build a home full of sweetness, then in the evening when all is said and done, to tuck safely in the warmth of their home, and know they are loved. Perhaps, it is the mother who sat in the rocking chair reading to all the children, a story of Christmas and what is to come. As the children’s imaginations ran wild with dreams of all this Christmas would be. Each moment a treasure to hold in my heart. Our hearts. Because the truth is, these moments they reveal to us, are the way they say “thank you.” It is a “thank you” so much bigger than their words. It is the “thank you” revealed through a changed heart and life.

This Thanksgiving, when I give thanks, I will be sharing of you. Sharing about how a community so vast and loving continues in the mission of Acres of Hope to break the cycle of homelessness for mothers and their children. I am thankful for every moment of gingerbread house building, story times, and setting up Christmas trees, because it reveals the truth that the process of renewing lives is working because of your support.

Most importantly, I will share I am thankful for your commitment to see even more lives changed, today, tomorrow and for generations to come.

Acres of Hope Community we are so thankful for you.

Lisa Risdal

Executive Director

Tent Cities

I recently took a trip to Washington D.C., New York, St Louis, and Illinois. In each area there was a common theme that caught my eye, it was tent cities. I call them tent cities because they are clusters of camps of about 3 or 4 people to a location. Some of these tent cities were hidden beneath bridges. Some were located outside of local public spaces. Some were just out on the public sidewalk. As I looked at these tent cities, I began to notice even more the trash surrounding some of people in tents. The rats that scurried through the camps. The rats that scurried over the people lying there. As I witnessed first hand the scene set before my eyes, all I could do to not cry was to remind myself of what is happening at Acres of Hope.

Some of the mothers that have come to us at Acres of Hope used to live in some of those same tents. Throughout the years you have heard a few of our mothers speak of those years. You have heard them share of the years of abuse, addiction, and generational disfunction that kept them there. The amazing panoramic perspective for me here at Acres of Hope, is I can clearly see that it is possible to turn a life around. Everyday at Acres of Hope that is exactly what is unfolding. I see Alumni in our community shopping, working, studying and worshipping. I am invited to their homes for coffee, or to simply catch up about how life is going. I see them and it hits me like a ton of bricks. This is not the same woman or child that walked through the doors of Acres of Hope. This is a family evolving into living out their true potential in this world. Looking at this family today, you would never have known they were ever homeless. There are alumni that have come so far beyond their days of living in tent cities. They were willing to turn their backs on the disfunction and do the hard work it took to live in the fullness of life they were meant to know.

Today as I write to you, the inspiration to continue pressing on is heavy upon my heart. We must continue to be a bright horizon for mothers and their children to leave the darkest places they have known, to experience hope. What is the alternative? Tent cities? Separated children from their mothers? Despair and hopelessness? Addiction? Death? The remedy to removing the darkness these families are seeking to be free from, is Acres of Hope. At Acres of Hope they will experience a freedom, home, renewal and most importantly hope towards a brighter tomorrow.

Will you partner with us in bringing more families hope?

Today you can donate to Acres of Hope to support the continued work of bringing mothers and their children hope.

To Donate visit: acresofhopeonline.org/givenow

Mom Didn't Come Home Last Night

I was only ten. My Mom was missing again. My mother’s addiction would often have her in places unmentionable. I once followed her, because she would always say she was going to the bathroom but come back with money to pay for our meals. I found out what she was doing one day. My heart was broken. I tried to eat every single bit of the meal. I felt sick inside. I wanted to rage, I wanted to cry. I couldn’t look my mother in the eye. She knew it. She knew I was ashamed of what she had done. What she had become. I just wanted her to be my mom. She couldn’t be. She was in places of addiction long before me. Still my heart was broken because I couldn’t understand how she would choose an addiction over me. She would seem happy for a moment but then I would hear her weep. As she apologized over and over again for what she had done to me.

When you’re a child and your mother is an addict, you never know what is going to happen. You somehow feel as though it’s your fault but really it’s not at all. It’s you who tucks your mother in at night, when it should be the other way around. It’s you who searches the house for spare change to get a can of soup from the corner store to make sure she has eaten. It’s you who sees the look on your mother’s face when she feels defeated. All the while you are depleted with the worry of whether she will live or die. It is a world of responsibility when she is the only one you have in your life to help you survive.

I remember the night when my mom didn’t come home after chasing the remedy for her addiction. Arrested in the night, and I didn’t know why she had gone missing. I tried to take care of me and my friend who had a mother like mine. We made it for 3 weeks before we were taken to a juvenile detention because no foster homes were available. Everyday I cried. I didn’t know if my mother was dead or alive. We lost our home, our life. Yet in time she came for me. She didn’t look like she used to. She was different. She told me she had a place to live, and would be able to be a mom to me. I am thankful for the help she had. Now I know my mom will come home every night.

The transformation that happens at Acres of Hope allows children to experience the freedom to be a kid. No child should have to clean up the affects of addiction. No child should know the heartbreak of going into juvenile detention because they don’t have a place where a healthy mom is able to care for them. Most of the time we tell you the power of transforming a life from homelessness to hope. Today I want you to walk in the shoes of a child that needed more than a home. They needed a mom who was transformed from the inside out. At Acres of Hope we are not just breaking the cycle of homelessness, by transforming lives from the inside out we are breaking cycles of generational dysfunction, addiction, and trauma. We have removed the bandages and went straight for the root of the wound.

We are Acres of Hope, the place where moms come home every night.

To learn more about Acres of Hope,

Visit: acresofhopeonline.org or Call: 530-878-8030

Responsibility: A Budgeting Woman

From December 5, 2019 I have learned so much! Financially I learned how to manage 

my money wisely. Before coming to Acres I would live paycheck to paycheck, and when I got 

that paycheck I would spend it within the first 5 days. Sometimes even the first day! I learned to 

make a shopping list prior to going grocery shopping. I know how to budget my food stamps for 

the whole month, and when I do eventually get off state assistance I have a good Idea of how 

much money I will have to budget out for food for a whole month. My next goal in this area is to 

create a real budget for when I leave Acres that include my bills I’ll have to pay and savings. 

My credit has also come a long way, I paid off a good chunk of my debt. I am still in the 

process of getting things deleted off my credit and so far two medical bills fell off. I still got 

around $3,000-$5,000 left to pay off but I have a plan to repay it in payment plans after I leave.

A Women of Hope

These are the words, goals, and desires of a mother moving to level 3 at Acres of Hope. Each level residents advance in the program adds an increase in responsibility, and trust. Mother’s that come into our care not knowing how to do the basics of life are learning how to stand on their own two feet. This is the process. We must allow them the opportunity to show what they can do. We help them get off of all the crutches that acted as handouts so they can have a hand up to rise up and be all they are meant to be in the world. The proof is the fact that our Alumni walk among you in society in multiple fields, and you would never even guess they were ever residents at Acres of Hope. So today we celebrate the process, the progress, of our mothers stepping deeper into the realms of independence so they can truly break the cycle of homelessness.

To help more families experience the transforming renewal program called Acres of Hope,

You can provide a financial gift that allows for us to serve our current families, and the ones who will enter

in the future days.

To donate visit: acresofhopeonline.org/givenow

Life, Liberty, and The Pursuit of Happiness

Back when there were only 13 colonies, and valiant-hearted future Americans decided to unite together to protect each other, they decided to wage war against King George of Great Britain, representing an American Revolution. They were desiring a change of government. A change from the suffering and oppression they had known. Americans shared what they believed Government should be. They then shared what had been committed against them. They finished their train of thoughts with where they want to go in the future. That future would have the ability for all humanity to experience the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In 1776, Thomas Jefferson and the editorial team, “The committee of 5”, produced the Declaration of Independence.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. To break it apart even further, each person is given the right to live, know freedom, and pursue the pleasure that will bring them great joy. At Acres of Hope we witness today the pursuit of life for mothers who come to us with babies in the womb searching for a place where they can rest their heads and be safe. The pursuit of life for the woman of hope who nearly ended her life, yet now living at Acres of Hope has given her a drive to not just live but thrive. Freedom, our mothers and children have fought their way out of trauma, abuse, and homelessness. The freedom they seek is freedom from broken cycles of dysfunction. Freedom for their children to live as kids, without the restraints of needing to overcome hardships no child should have to face. The pursuit of happiness. There is that special moment of pure joy when a Mother of Hope walks her children into their own home for the first time. Examining smiles, and squeals as kids realize they have their own home. Each joy that is experienced when someone steps out into the new phases of their lives successfully.

This Independence Day we remember the ones who have gone before us to pave the way so that we can truly know life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We ask you to remember our community here at Acres of Hope, who are working so hard to know the truth of being all that they can be because of the ones who have gone before.

We wish you a Happy Independence Day,

We hope you will find the blessing in the day, and find hope that you will experience true joy with your loved ones as you consider July 4th 2020.

Go now and pursue life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

acresofhopeonline.org

Still Home

Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Acres of Hope is still a place called home for mothers and their children breaking the cycle of homelessness.

Acres of Hope has been consistently at work transforming the lives of women and their children. Your support remains an important factor in the work accomplished here at Acres of Hope. Statistics about hunger and homelessness are important, but each person’s story of transformation is truly what it is all about. It is why we serve, and why you our generous donors over the years have invested in our residents lives.

The stories we share are what your support of Acres of Hope has accomplished. Our families are fed, they have safe shelter, and support. They are no longer invisible. They are are seen, and their lives are transformed. Just this last week we received a message from a young woman who was an infant in the womb when her mother arrived at Acres of Hope to renew her life. That little baby was born into the world not knowing the effects of homelessness. She wrote to us to let us know that Acres of Hope allowed her life to be different than the life her mother experienced. We hold this story in our hearts.

On Thursday, May 7th, there is an opportunity to support Acres of Hope through Big Day of Giving. Your dollars will be doubled. Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, the first $15,000 we receive will be matched dollar-for-dollar. So you can make double the impact. Whether you give $10 or $1,000 your donation will make a huge difference in breaking the cycle of homelessness for the mothers and children at Acres of Hope.

Your support is critical in providing a reliable source of funding for our families through this COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of the ways your financial gift will support our families:

$100 Cottage Sponsor - covers the cost of utilities to one family cottage for a month.

$80 Dinner Sponsor - covers the cost of dinners for one family a month.

$60 Transportation Sponsor - covers the cost of transportation for one family a month.

$40 Diaper Sponsor - covers the cost of diapers/wipes for one infant a month.

$20 Essentials Sponsor - covers the cost of basic essentials (toilet paper, soap, hygiene supplies, etc) for one family for a month

This Big Day of Giving will you be a giver of hope? We are still your essential service providing safety, shelter, and hope to mothers and children breaking the cycle of homelessness. They still call us home.

You don’t have to wait until May 7th to be a part of the Big Day of Giving 2020. Schedule your gift today: https://tinyurl.com/BDOG2020  Don’t forget, your gift is being doubled by our anonymous matching donor!

Heroes Rise

Heroes rise and amaze us each and every time they come out of a dangerous peril standing in victory. In the midst of COVID-19, there have been heroes rising here on the campus at Acres of Hope. As the world all around our campus searches for normal again, within the walls of Acres of Hope there are mothers and their children still doing the hard work to break their cycle of homelessness.

I would like to pause here and describe to you the courage that is happening on our campus. First, there are staff that have been working around the clock as our campus has been on lock down. Some staff have camped out on campus so that they could abide by the quarantine guidelines while providing for the mothers and children renewing their lives. Other staff work remotely to protect our families from any outside germs. This has helped to keep the campus safe and virus free. Those staff members are heroes. Just this week each of the staff received thank you cards from the residents overwhelmed with their willingness to fight for them while the world around them faces COVID-19 pandemic. Heroes.

Also are the mothers and children. Can you imagine the fear our residents must have felt when they found out about COVID-19. The news of small businesses closing. As they wondered if COVID-19 would somehow slip into campus, and bring harm to themselves or their children. Alumni who were to celebrate their graduation, who had their ceremony canceled. As they sat waiting in limbo wondering if they would have to wait longer to get into their housing they were able to secure. Or the current pregnant mother who is expecting her baby any day now, and praying for a smooth delivery. Heroes. Each mother despite any fears that arose, revealed the truth of Acres of Hope. They showed courage, and they did it for their children. The mothers rose to the task. They created fun games to play with their children to teach them about germs, and wearing protective gear. They grew stronger as a community, as they came together and encouraged one another to continue growing. The campus has been filled with peace as they continue to study God’s word and share with each other. Heroes.

Then there is you. A hero. You have been the ones who have allowed Acres of Hope to keep the doors open. You have been the heroes behind the scenes that have allowed mothers to remain safe with their children on campus. Children will not be stripped from their mothers, and taken into foster care because they have no place to live. Mothers will not know the fear or agony of returning to the streets because their last place of hope had to shut it’s doors. No, you are a hero. What you have done, are doing, and will do, is keeping them safe. Our residents are safe because of your love, and generosity. COVID-19 has not taken it easy on anyone, but in the midst of dangers and threats, you showed up to be a hero to mothers and children.

This week is known as giving week. The reason is two days of giving both land on this week. #GivingTuesdayNow begins tomorrow on May 5th. Big Day of Giving lands on May 7th only two days later. We at Acres of Hope would like to ask for any heroes of hope that would like to keep our mothers and children safe and secure on our campus to donate towards Big Day of Giving. We have a matching sponsor who will double your gifts for the first $15,000 donated. So if you choose to give to Acres of Hope on #GivingTuesdayNow, please donate your gift through our Big Day of Giving link, so your gift can have double the impact.

To be a hero of hope and give to keep our families safe and secure donate today at:

https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/acresofhope

In Her Own Voice: Moving Mountains

“Acres of Hope has helped me in more ways than I could ever express, or explain. Aside from this being the very first place my son has ever called home, it is changing our lives. At Acres of Hope my son experienced having a bed for the very first time in his 4 years of life. I have gained a deep and meaningful relationship with the Lord here. I’ve learned how to be a mother to my children. I now know how to connect and bond with them in ways I never knew before. I’ve grown so much mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. I have developed a new found confidence I have never had before. I have learned how to be confident, self sufficient, and healthy as a mother. Being at Acres has made me want to change my whole life to become stable and good. I have been able to change from the inside out. It’s an experience I hope more mothers who come from where I have come from get to experience. It is the staff, volunteers, and mentors, that show us we can do anything. They help us to move the mountains that have held us back.“

A Mother of Hope

The words you just read were the thoughts of one of our mothers at Acres of Hope. As I sit writing to you, I am in tears. I remember the fear this mother and child duo faced when they arrived to the Acres of Hope campus. I remember the look in her little boy’s eyes as he tried to protect his mother from anyone getting too close to her. What would make a little boy feel the need to stand in front of his mother to protect her? We can only imagine. Yet over this last year I have watched this family grow. I have watched as trust has been built. This mother who would sit on the couch weeping because she didn’t have parents to show her the way, or protect her. Yet now it was time to rise up and be a strong parent for her son, and she didn’t know how to be that type of person. Her journey began with a lot of tears, because though she was learning to be a strong parent for her child, she also was facing the triggers of what not having that in her own life produced. The very thing that was healing her, was pulling back the bandages of wounds covered without true healing. So the wounds were opened, as she stood at the base of many mountains to climb. At Acres of Hope we climbed with her, until the day we were able to show her the tools she had at her disposal. Dispelling the falsehoods were like a sledge hammer to the rock. As the truth of her identity, value and worth poured forth, so did her ability to smash down any obstacle that stood in her way. She began moving those mountains. Healing those infected wounds of the past. Today she is not the same woman. We can say that for so many of our residents, and alumni of hope.

Today you have read the words of one of our mothers. She spoke from her own viewpoint, in her own voice, in her own words. I would like to ask you this Big Day of Giving, please help us move more mountains for mothers and their children ready to break their cycle of homelessness and the root issues that caused it. Let us allow the prayer of this resident to be brought to life. Your financial gift today will be a tool that allows them to know they can have a different life. A life filled with hope.

To help more mothers and children living at Acres of Hope move mountains, you can donate today for Big Day of Giving at the link below. We have a matching sponsor who will double your gifts for the first $15,000 donated.
https://www.bigdayofgiving.org/acresofhope

Thank you for moving mountains.

"Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.

Mark 11:23

Happy Mother's Day

There you were, held within your mother's womb. Each decision she made while you were growing inside of her would shape the small person that would enter into the world. There you were, learning to walk, say your first words, ride a bike, and get on a school bus for the first time. She was there to worry, love, laugh, kiss the wound to make it better. It's your mom. As you grew and ventured away from her direct care to forge a life of your own, there she stood as an anchor you could always return to for advice, guidance, or support. Yes, she is your mom, your greatest advocate. Your loudest cheerleader, the one who loves you more than anything.

For some of you reading this today, perhaps you think to yourself, I didn't have a mom like that. Perhaps it was not your biological mom who showed you the way of life, and the ropes to maneuver through it. Maybe it was another who looked at you through the eyes of love, and sheltered you under their wings. Maybe you were adopted or have a beautiful mentor who fills the gap. Whatever the reason your pathways crossed, through them you found love, support, and guidance. Think of them this day. Appreciate them, and reflect on every single memory that reminds you just how much they have loved you.

Maybe you are one who has lost a mother this year. For you as you read this, know that we are sending a hug to you at this moment from our hearts. We hope that today will be a day where you can reflect on each precious moment, and remember just how much you have been loved. Share memories, post a story of your favorite moment with your mom. Remind the world just how special she has been to you. Today, we think of Mothers. We take the time to appreciate each and every one of them whether Biological, Adoptive, Foster, Spiritual, or a mentor. Their value is irreplaceable in this world. The expressions of love that They have shown is a root of good that makes this world go around.

So today, here’s to you Mothers! We appreciate you, and from the bottom of our hearts we say,

Happy Mother's Day from Acres of Hope.

acresofhopeonline.org

A Baby Of Hope Has Arrived!

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14

On the Acres of Hope campus the sounds of jubilee are springing forth. A mother of hope has given birth to a precious baby girl. This little one is born into safety, community, prayer, and love. Her life does not begin with the sad effects of homelessness. No, her first breath into this world was taken with a mother who knows she can care for her. She will not know the peril, of going into a system of care, she is held in her mother’s arms.

This is what you are doing Acres of Hope community. You are not just changing lives, you are saving lives, you are helping to bring lives into the world in a place of safety and stability. Look at the face of this child. Pray over her for her journey through this life. Pray for her mother as she begins this new season with her new precious daughter. We know that you will be here to support, love and pray for our families as they continue in their lives of renewal and transformation.

Today in the midst of all that is going on in the world that can seem overwhelming, I would like you to consider this hope. A little girl came into the world, healthy, safe, and with the ability to go home with her mother who can care for her. This is hope, it’s Acres of Hope.

To donate to support this new baby girl or the continued mission of Acres of Hope,

visit: acresofhopeonline.org/give

The Importance Of Fathers

There we sat around the table at Acres of Hope. After hearing a few timelines, (the life story and reflections of residents) presented one morning, I heard a common theme in the histories of mothers who came to live with us. Fatherlessness. As all the mothers gathered around the table to debrief their timelines we heard that morning, a question sat in my heart. I asked the residents, “How many of you had father’s that were present in your life?” Eyes began shifting, heads lowered, some eyes became glossy. Of all the ten mother’s that sat there for the meeting, none of them had fathers. I share this story with you, because looking at the statistics we are presented in regards to fatherlessness in the USA today, we have to reveal to you, that a root issue in the cause for why mothers and their young children show up searching for hope at our doors is due to the lack of a father in their life.

Father’s are a God given gift to children. Just consider God himself reveals himself as the Heavenly Father. So the human role here on earth, is pretty important.Father’s have a great impact on their children just as much as mothers do. For girls, as they grow older they will tend to look for characteristics of their father in men or be attracted to those type of men subconsciously. A girl looks to her father to set the standard of who she should be dating and without that guidance she sometimes goes down the wrong path and ends up with the wrong man. Guys on the other hand may model themselves after their father, I know we’ve all heard a lot of young boys say “I want to be like my Dad when I grow up.” They look for approval and acceptance from their father before they look to their mother and more than likely copy whatever behavior. What a father does and how they project themselves in front of their children is really important. A father teaches his children things that a mother may not have experience with and vice versa. Children are impressionable so what they see and hear their parents do plays a role in everything.

The effects of fatherlessness is potent. That is why it is so important to celebrate the Fathers in the world that are stepping up to the task of raising the next generation. Each father that shows up from day to day to let their children, grandchildren, and even the kids they let into their lives to love through mentorship is creating a lasting role of hope for their future and what they will become. Fathers are important, and they are a vital part of seeing the lives and dynamics of families thrive.

So we wanted to express our gratitude for all the father’s, mentors, and male leaders, out their in the world today.

To you we say, Happy Father’s Day.

acresofhopeonline.org

An Anthem Of Hope

A little girl reached up for a swing, held higher than herself. She watched as some of her friends at Redemption Park on the Acres of Hope campus, had successfully achieved the grand feat. They were able to swing on the high bar. Though small and among the youngest of the group she was determined. Sure enough she climbed. She achieved her goal. The smile that spread across her little face was priceless. This is the anthem of hope. It’s the realization that anything is possible if you work hard to achieve the hopes and dreams you have.

Four mothers in the midst of Covid 19 pandemic moved out into their own homes. Through a recording of her first moments revealing to her children their new home, we watched 2 little boys squeal at their new house. Their mother beamed as she realized she had a new home to offer her children. She was employed, and that her past no longer holds her back.

This last week we shared a picture of an alumni of hope who just advanced in the Awana’s Club. She graduated out of her first year in cubbies to advance to the wildflowers. When I saw that picture I cried. The reason, that little child of hope almost didn’t come to be, because before her mom knew she was pregnant, she was going to end her own life. That mother of hope has advanced in her career, is thriving in her own home, and has a child who is healthy and advancing too.

There is an anthem of hope spreading here at Acres of Hope. The staff, residents, alumni, community, and churches are seeing it. It is the ability for homeless mothers and children to advance from places of dysfunction to rise to lives of healing and success.

We are Acres of Hope, your local essential nonprofit at work to renew and transform lives.

To learn more or donate to Acres of Hope visit: acresofhopeonline.org

Reflections: Memorial Day

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

This week I was considering the sacrifice of those who have given their lives for our sake. For the sake of freedom they gave. For the sake of love they died. I was reading the post on Facebook of a young widowed mother now going forth to raise a child on her own as a single mom. Her tribute priceless. She shared videos of her young husband, the joy on his face to serve his country, his family. Yet though there was joy in the memories, there she sat. She is a young mother, pouring out her heart over the man she loved, and the father her daughter lost.

I share this story with you to remind us that Memorial Day is an enormous day to pour out our compassion and care on those around us. Just as those who have served and lost their lives for our freedom have loved, and poured out their lives for us. May we rise to the occasion of showing care, concern, and compassion for our neighbor, our loved ones, and even the stranger. For there are people who on this day, instead of celebrating and rejoicing, they sit behind the scenes remembering the ones they loved. I know personally that a young single mother now sits behind the scenes of this day, remembering the man she fell in love with, looking into the face of her little girl and seeing him.

As I reflect, I consider how quickly a life is turned upside down. How quickly a family can go from hope to grief and hopelessness. Yet as well how quickly a life can be impacted by the power of an unending love. At Acres of Hope we are so grateful for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice of love and dedication so that we can experience freedom.

As you reflect on this day, and remember, I hope you experience the love and hope found in the memories of those who gave it all. We remember with you.

Have a reflective Memorial Day filled with hope.

acresofhopeonline.org

Loose Tooth

There she was, her little hands covering her eyes. Mom was cheering her on. Her little sister watched in excitement. It was time for her second front tooth to fall out. The moment seemed so intense to this little girl. Though she grew squeamish at the thought of how this tooth would make it’s grand exit, the consideration of it’s departure kept her in the game of removing it. She was hesitant about the method, but certain about the goal. Her mother’s comforting embrace, and words of encouragement was enough to give the first remedy a try. With a small string around the tooth, and a door handle tightly clutched, she reluctantly closed the door in hopes of a gentle release of the tooth. To everyone’s dismay, the string slipped off, and the sigh of wonder filled the room. With quick thinking by her mother, while her daughter still felt a bit of courage, she said, “Will you let me gently tug it with this napkin”? To everyone’s surprise and delight she agreed. Within a second the tooth was removed. Smiles filled the room. She was missing her two front teeth. This beautiful toothless little girl had the most precious moment that she will always carry with her. She had her family there to help her conquer the shenanigans of a loose tooth.

Yet, there must be more said. If I leave it here, you will walk away with a smile on your face, and maybe say to yourself, I love what Acres of Hope is doing. Yet I sit here tonight knowing this truth, this family desperately needed Acres of Hope. For the little girl in tonight’s story has a history much bigger than the joy I have shared with you. Her mother is the sister of an Acres of Hope alumni. The Alumni almost ended her life, but in the nick of time, she found out she was pregnant. She fought to save her own life, and provide a healthy life for her child. She did it. Passed around a system of foster care was her story, yet she graduated Acres of Hope and today works with foster youth.  A couple years after she graduated she fought for her sister to change her life too. Her sister agreed to doing the transforming work at Acres of Hope to renew her life for both herself and her children. Tonight we see the evidence of that choice, as a loose tooth reveals so much more. It revealed a child’s courage, a mother's presence, and a sister's encouragement. Yet the most important evidence is the proof that Acres of Hope is not just ending homelessness, but rather impacting our residents in such a way that they are stepping out and changing lives too. Our Alumni found her sister, and brought her to Acres of Hope. This sister is a strong mom who is present for her daughters. The daughters are safe, and one of them tonight lost a tooth.

This is Acres of Hope. We are always at work breaking the cycle of homelessness for mothers and their children.

acresofhopeonline.org

He Called It Home

How do I even begin to tell you what it feels like in words…

I watched a little boy enter the Acres of Hope campus with such anger. He was all of 3 years old. When approaching him to welcome him for the first time, he was armed with a cup of ramen noodles. He was going to use that pasta to defend himself from my greeting, and provide a shield from me having access to his mother. I listened to the deepest shrill that a three year old boy could make. His mighty roar to defend off any danger. Within myself my heart wept a bit. I asked myself what have you seen little one, that would allow you to rise up with such a defense. I stepped back and with both feet, I kept inching my way towards a standing space that would provide his security.

Over time, I watched this same little boy go from being his mother’s line of defense to being a kid. I watched him transform from holding a consistent scowl, to having the largest smile spread across his face. I have watched him strengthened and encouraged by his mom as each day she grows stronger and healthier. I watched as he figured out the big bikes, trust jumps, and proclaiming with all his might and belief, “I Love You”. Yet there is one thing that came across my radar this week, that made me weep tears of joy when I heard it. His mom said, “He called this place home. He called Acres of Hope home”. This little boy who never had a bed of his own until he came to Acres of Hope. This little boy who felt he had to be his mother’s first line of defense at the age of 3. This little boy who has learned love, trust, and to be a kid, has also learned he has a home. That’s right, he’s home, right here at Acres of Hope.

Being a place where children are safe, loved, supported, and their mother’s can grow healthy and strong is the consistent evidence that we are pouring forth to you our community. Right now you, our community, can help us provide the children on campus the opportunity to say “I am home.”

You can help provide a sense of peace, security, and HOME to the families of Acres of Hope by donating at:

acresofhopeonline.org/givenow

Your gift will help provide housing, utilities, pantry food items, and other important basic essentials for day to day living that supply our families with a the reassurance that they are safe, secure and “home” throughout this COVID-19 pandemic … and beyond.

Acres of Hope is still here, breaking the cycle of homelessness for women and their children, and we know you are too.

Thank you for joining us in the mission.

Together: A Peace That Stills The Heart

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

The word “crisis” usually brings a shudder to the body, like a chill passing through. In society we have been listening to words like crisis, pandemic, and fear. It can be weighty and be a deterrent to seeing the peace all around us. At Acres of Hope there is something so beautiful unfolding. PEACE.

The mothers and children at Acres of Hope are seeing the term “crisis” in a different light. Before “crisis” meant homelessness, abuse, addiction, loss, and hopelessness. Yet today as the world outside the walls of Acres of Hope searches for any glimpse of peace, there it is radiating through the women and children on the Acres of Hope campus. This time as crisis unfolds all around them, they are not in the center of it. They have safety, a place to rest their heads, a place to continue growing into a strong and healthy family. While hunkering down and self-isolating themselves, they are growing stronger and healthier together. The extra family time brings out their true joy because it means more time to read their kids a story, get creative, play a game, teach their children, and just find time to be silly. As a big-extended family they have even created their own “escape room” type adventure at Acres of Hope - “Corona Survivor” where they have turned the need to keep healthy and safe into a daily adventure of activities and challenges that are both entertaining and educational. The joy, laughter, and community at Acres of Hope makes this crisis seem like no crisis at all.

As the world searches for peace, our families have it. Behind the walls of our closed campus, Acres of Hope is a shining example of the power of love, community, and togetherness that helps us all thrive - even in the most challenging of times.

This is Acres of Hope.

Always Truly,

Acres of Hope, breaking the cycle of homelessness for women and their children.

300 Stories of Hope

Hi Everyone!

Along with the rest of the world, our thoughts have been reeling this last week trying to keep up with and avoid the coronavirus all at the same time ... and not be afraid!  As you can imagine, nonprofits like Acres of Hope are dependent on community support for funding and needing to cancel all of our public events in the near future has greatly impacted that source of needed revenue.  In just the last few days, we have seen more than a dozen large fundraising events and outreach opportunities vanish from the calendar.

Obviously keeping us all safe, healthy and happy is the greatest priority.  So while sitting in pseudo-quarantine we put our heads together to try to come up with a way that our community can keep themselves safe and healthy and still support the end of homeless for women and children at Acres of Hope. 

The families of Acres of Hope are doing the hard work to renew their lives each and every day. You have watched with us, through each picture, and article read the stories of transformation. It is the child who comes out of hiding and shouts out with arms wide open, “I love you”. It’s the little boy who jumps up in the arms of his angel grandpa and says, “I missed you yesterday”, just because he missed one day from Acres of Hope. It is the mothers who have finished their education, stepped into the work force, and are set for graduating Acres of Hope to move into their own homes. Each of our Acres of Hope mothers and their children remind us with the power of their stories of transformation as they break the cycles of homelessness and the root issues that caused it. Today, we ask you to join us in telling a story of Hope. Your story!

Introducing ... "300 Stories of Hope"

We're looking for 300 individuals, families, teams, companies, churches and community organizations that are ready to put their actions to work to each raise $1,000 ( or more ) to help us expand our campus!  Being able to add more cottages to our campus means getting more women and children off the streets and on their paths of renewal and restoration.

So, if you're like me, reeling with the news that you have 4 weeks of no school, no activities, no clubs, no sports, and no events  ... This is a great opportunity to use that time to get creative, challenge your kids, your family, your friends, your coworkers and let's END HOMELESSNESS for women and children at Acres of Hope.

Let us not be fearful, but use this as an opportunity to step out in faith and unity and make a lasting difference in our world.

Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking:

- steps challenge (hike, walk, run, bike)

- dance for dollars (video style)

- craft or bake sale

- garage sale (spring cleaning time!)

- shamrock (paper) sales

- gifts to honor someone special

- game night

- virtual challenge - golf, bowling, skating

- rubber duck races, polar plunge, beard growing, etc, etc

YOU CAN DO THIS AND WE NEED YOU!!  

No matter where you are, during this time where the kids are home you can create in your community a fundraiser that gives hope.

300 Stories of Hope.

Make your story the story our Acres of Hope families will be talking about when they say, “They changed our lives forever”.

Follow these 5 easy steps and get started today!

1. Pick your fundraiser.

2. Tell your friends and family.

3. Share your stories and pictures with us via Facebook @acresofhopeonline, Instagram #acresofhoperenew or email us at office@acresofhopeonline.org

4. Submit the funds you've raised online at acresofhopeonline.org/givenow or mail them in.

5. Help Break the Cycle of Homelessness for women and children!

We are excited to tell your story of how you brought HOPE to our families.

To learn more about Acres of Hope or donate, visit: acresofhopeonline.org

Or Call: 530-878-8030

Strangers Love Like This

Mothers Reflections Part 1

I broke trust, with everyone I encountered. They trusted me, the real me, but the addict I had become was untrustworthy. Who could love someone like that. Who could love someone with a past like that.

I never knew a love like this existed.

I didn’t know how to love my son, I didn’t have parents just a cycle of systems. Those places taught me rules, and to be tough, and manipulate to get my way. The one thing they didn’t teach me, was how to love. I didn’t know how to love myself, or my child.

Each day at Acres of Hope we hear the reflections spoken to us about the lives our residents have seen. The places they have been. The suffering, trauma, and losses they have endured. Many of the stories are so overwhelming and heartbreaking we’re left wondering how they survived. Yet each day we also watch as those who have transformed and have experienced a renewed life share their stories. The difference in each story is the power of change, the power of hope discovered. Yet even more so is the ability to identify what is at the core of those redeemed stories that bring smiles to our faces, and warms the hearts of those who listen. At the core we found you.

When you volunteer, donate, mentor, or become an angel grandparent, it is you our families see pouring out love to them. You become a part of their redemption story, and it goes a little something like this…

Mothers Reflections Part 2

“It’s like a family here. I’ve never had that before.”

“This program is truly a miracle for me and my family. It has saved me from alcoholism and is teaching me the skills to break the cycle of addiction and abuse, and to eventually become a productive woman and mother in the community.”

“I have learned how to engage and get engaged in Church and outside support. Teaching me to love again.”

The reflections that our families see through you shows them ultimately how big God’s love is for them. One mother said recently, “It’s amazing strangers love like this, I mean they don’t even know me, but they love me”.

The love you have shown our families is so beautiful, and it fills them with hope.

To pour out more of your love on mothers and children breaking the cycle of homelessness,

Visit us at: acresofhopeonline.org or Call: 530-878-8030