Clothing Racks

Do you want to know what it feels like to realize homelessness has ended? It feels like joy running through every part of your being. It looks like the smile spreading across your face. It’s the moment you whisper inside of yourself, this is actually working. These were the things I experienced yesterday, when I had an encounter with an Alumni Child of Hope.

There I was walking through a store here in Auburn looking for the perfect sandals to launch me into the warm season. As I moved through the aisles, I stopped at a clothing rack. Out of nowhere I felt something wrap itself around my legs, I froze inside until I realized the delight of who it was. It was the child of one of our Acres of Hope graduates. Her bright blue eyes looked up at me in pure delight. She yelled out my name, and began to laugh in a high pitched tone. Delighted in the fact she saw a familiar face. As I looked upon this child, healthy, joyous, and on an outing with her mom, I realized Acres of Hope is truly ending homelessness. It really is a place where the trajectory of lives are being changed.

Yes, it was a little girl hiding in a clothing rack that reminded me of the new found life she has. Once a child passed between homes, now she lives in stability with her mother. She is a child filled with joy and hope. I thought I was headed to the store to get sandals, but God had other plans in mind. He wanted me to see the power of renewal and transformation first hand. The results of a life willing to surrender to his power. The results of that Acres of Hope mom doing the hard work to change her circumstances resulted in a life outside of homelessness for her daughter. In that Alumni Child of Hope, I saw what we fight so hard each and every day to see - true freedom, true joy, true hope. So clothing racks will hold a new joyous memory for me now. Each time I see them, I will remember the day I was hugged through a clothing rack by a little girl, who you helped us to save, and transform. Thank you.

To get involved in changing the lives of mothers and children breaking the cycle of homelessness,

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

Identifying The Damage: The Wounds They Can't See

One of the singular challenges of recovering from a childhood in which your emotional needs weren’t met is identifying the damage. I know that sounds hugely counter-intuitive, but it’s true; it’s complicated by the fact that you can’t heal a wound you can’t see.

So how do we make the hidden wounds become visible to a resident that is in need of true inner change? We address the behaviors, then search for the memory behind it. “Timelines” at Acres of Hope is a process in which residents share with peers, staff, and their chosen guests, the story of their lives. In order to do a timeline each resident must take the time to step back and do a full reflection on their lives. They look at where they have been. Then they process where they want to go, and what it will take to achieve their goals. Yet something so vital happens as each mother processes her life, she begins to see patterns of behaviors and habits that reveal some of the paths of dysfunction she herself has remained in or began to live out.

Most of the behaviors learned began in childhood. As she grows in the program and does the hard work to renew her life, it becomes clear what behaviors, thought patterns, and core beliefs need to be removed. Unlike the physical scars that remain and are visible before our eyes, pain hidden has been endured by the residents and are the inner wounds that are all too often the root issue. For the things that remain hidden to us, are the things that can destroy us. The memories or traumas unaddressed may remain stored within our beings without the realization of why the month of May for a mother may be hard. The lack of addressing the passing of a loved one to addiction. A vacuum cleaner being used causes anxiety because a childhood abuser could strike during a moment when hearing wasn’t clear. When a resident gets angered by another peer’s tears, the recognition of the tears that she once cried brought forth frustration from a guardian. Getting to the roots of wounds, and identifying the damage it has caused, is vital to walking in true transformation and healing.

Even more so is the power of God working in the lives of the women - renewing them from the inside out. Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds”. The thing that sets Acres of Hope apart in breaking the cycle of homelessness is the power of God at work, truly shining his light into the heart of our residents, and bringing the revelation that produces healing. Through the truth of God’s word, the fervent prayers of many, and the willing steps forward of our residents, they are identifying the damage, and healing the wounds that as a society we originally could not see. Due to this process Acres of Hope has become the last program they will ever need. The cycle of homelessness and the roots that cause it, broken.

Would you like to join us in providing the opportunity for more wounds to be healed and lives transformed? You can donate today and help mothers and their children change their lives, and impact the lives that will come through the ones currently doing the hard work of renewal.

Visit: acresofhopeonline.org and change the trajectory of our future generations.

Rolly Pollies and Slugs

The rain was sprinkling outside and the soil grew soft. The children anticipate a trip outside. The freshness of the rain’s cleansing lingers in the air. The sound of little feet splashing in the newly found puddles. Smiles etched across their faces as they head for the park. (We call it “Redemption Park” because we see so many children transform from hiding and fear when they first arrive to joy and community as they grow and transform.) Some run for the slide, a few scatter for the swings. Some stay beside the staff member hoping for a game, or adventure, just about anything. Just about when the kids can stand it no longer, the adventure of the day is given. What creatures can you find that come out after the rain?

The kids’ eyes start scanning. Feet quickly moving throughout the park. The first discovery is made and one of our little boys picks up a slug. The girls scream at the slimy creature. The little boy laughs. The challenge is on. Who can find the most creatures. A little girl comes forward with many little rolly pollies in her hand. “Aren’t they cute”, she asks. The children gather round to look at the little creatures. Each child amazed, each child left with the challenge of seeing what they can find.

To many reading this story, it may be one that reminds you of your childhood, your children, or grandkids. Perhaps the thought of what a great reminder of youth will run through your mind. However, I would like you to draw in for a closer look and see how miraculous it is that the children of Acres of Hope - who have started off in places of homelessness, trauma, and other dysfunctional odds against them - anything that reveals a normalizing of their lives is a huge victory. For the child who use to live in a tent during a rain storm, having a safe place to live so that you can play in the rain instead of survive a storm is a big deal. It’s a big transformation. Discovering bugs to learn about them, is far different than seeking to keep bugs off your table or out of your bed at night. What the children are experiencing at Acres of Hope is amazingly beautiful.

Would you like to join Acres of Hope in seeing the lives of children transform? Are you gifted with the ability to rock a baby to sleep, teach children fun activities, or mentor a child as an Angel Grandparent? Well the perfect opportunity has arrived. Acres of Hope is in need of some childcare heroes. So glance below and see what you can do to help Acres of Hope children break the cycle of homelessness ... and their mothers too.

Morning and/or afternoon shifts are available, Monday thru Friday

For more information on how you can get involved email Chantel at chantel@acresofhopeonline.org

Or check out our volunteer opportunities at acresofhopeonline.org/volunteer

So This Is What I Was Missing

She glanced around, closed her eyes

Pondered the last 7 months of her life

The only thought that escaped her mind

Was when did it happen, at what point in time

Did the peace arrive on the face of her child

When did her frowns dissipate to reveal the joy in her smile

At what point did homelessness leave her description

When did the Gospel truth become her prescription

No longer overlooked, or shunned by eyes dismissive

She whispered to her soul, so this is what I was missing.

With her child as her purpose, and ending homelessness her mission

She left her former ways to gain a new disposition

With her child safe and healthy, and her spirit’s lifting

A renewed life called her by name, and framed her distance

From every old way that tried to call her name

She knew her life was meant for more, and her identity had changed

No longer does her child scream in anger or rage

No more tears from hunger or fears of the people they would have to engage

She was free and so was her kid

There was true life erupting and a reason to live

She no longer considered what it would be like if she gave up

Because now she knows what life is like when your provision is like an overflowing cup

So this is what I was missing, she says deep in her soul

As she notices internal and external success with each achieved goal

She sees her life and family through a brand new scope

This is what transformation looks like at Acres of Hope

To see first hand how lives are changing at Acres of Hope, come and visit us for a tour.

To schedule your tour today, call 530-878-8030

She Was Wrong About Love

Love does not envy… 1st Corinthians 13:4

I was in my addiction, and I knew he was married, but I hadn’t felt safe my whole life, he made me feel safe. A Mother of Hope

From the time she was young her grandpa was her saving grace. Katie knew she was safe where he was. But that sense of grace and safety were short-lived as he passed away when she was only 7 years old. Katie was left as a vulnerable young girl in a scary world with a mother lost in her addiction and a father battling mental illness unable to protect her from the hands of many predators. Innocence gone, and vigilance awakened, the fight for survival began.

By age 12, Katie found her first boyfriend and began an exploration into physical intimacy. She was searching for love, hoping to fill the void she grew to know by the absence of protectors. Katie put on an external shell of tattoos, dyed hair, and anything that would hide the real woman she was becoming. The little girl inside of her was still there hiding and hurting, but it was too dangerous to reveal her to predators, better yet anyone. By age 17, being seen as incorrigible and out of control, Katie was placed in a group home and after 3 months she left to search for my mother. She found her and with confrontation in her heart, Katie wanted to know why she was not a quality mother to her. Unfortunately her mother used this opportunity to create a bond between the two formed by the one thing her mother finally took the time to teach Katie … check fraud. Love was a scam. It was the stolen identity that hid who she really was.

“I knew only a love that was envious for anything that seemed better than what I had come from”, Katie said. She had become cold-hearted because Katie believed she wasn’t worthy of love. She wasn’t worth being found in her mind. The only worth she knew was a scam, a fraud. Yet the real Katie was still deep inside screaming. All she wanted to do was survive. Even in the new found bond with her mom there was a competition of who could scam the best. Her mom’s love was envious and Katie desired it. The legacy her mom gave was the connection in a jail cell. Katie was her cell mate. When she was released from jail her mother remained locked away. Perhaps a saving grace. Katie went searching for a room and found a man. She fell in love with a married man. He was safe, secure, a provider, and had money for her wants and needs. It wasn’t long before envy showed it’s face again. He gave her safety, and Katie gave him the scam she had become. Shortly after becoming physically involved on a one night stand her first born child came to be. When he was born she believed God would give her a second chance. Yet Katie lost him to a relatives care due to domestic violence and addiction. After 18 months he returned to her care and she returned to her old way of life. She returned to the man, the drugs, even letting her mom back in. 4 years later, another son arrived and left Katie feeling alone and scared. She entered rehab with her kids and after the loss of her mother, came to Acres of Hope to renew her life.

Since coming to Acres of Hope, Katie has been able to win sole custody of her children through reunification. She has regained her ability to obtain a drivers license and car. She just made her last payment this week to completely clean up her credit as well. Katie’s faith in God has been renewed and strengthened. Katie never believed she would find a job after all that she had done. However, the reputation of the women who have gone before her has set a legacy that opened the door for Katie as well.

Katie says,

“I didn’t find just one job, I was offered two jobs working in a field that I never imagined would accept me into it. I have a community of support and a family here at Acres of Hope. I have grown as a strong mother, and have an incredible bond with my children. For me, love is no longer envious. Love is God and the way He can teach and transform a cold, stony heart and make it beat again. Love no longer is envious in my life. Love is rather the beating expression of how God can change you. I was wrong about love, it doesn’t envy, instead it never fails. I have learned love can always breakthrough, so do it. Love truly, madly, deeply.”

This is Katie’s story of a life renewing through Acres of Hope.

To be a part of the lives of mothers like the one in this letter, and their children,

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

Life Get's Messy Sometimes

A little one sits in her high chair. Macaroni and cheese is calling her name. Her little hands reach for the little pink bowl. Eyes wide with anticipation she draws the yummy goodness to her mouth only to release the noodles before arrival. Her gaze lowers to allow her sight to meet the detoured location of where her noodles arrived. Yet in seeing her lunch sit in another place besides her mouth, the grand idea to grab more noodles and drop them down her clothes and high chair erupted. As her chuckles filled the room her mother placed her elbow on her daughter’s high chair, and with a small grin said, “life get’s messy sometimes doesn’t it little one”. Her daughter held out some macaroni and cheese tightly gripped in her little hand to share with her mother, which was warmly received.

If only all messes could be so sweet. Yet at Acres of Hope we see the real messes that many mothers and their children are seeking to clean up. The desire to clean up bad credit. The need to finish a year of education. The hope of reunification with children. There are so many different messes to climb out of at times for our families because they are seeking to clean up a past of multiple disappointments, dysfunctional choices, and behaviors that led to a cycle of homelessness. Yet equipping women and their children to clean up the messes is what we do at Acres of Hope. It is not us cleaning up the messes for them. We equip our families with the tools to clean up their own messes, so they can face a world that is at times messy, and know how to make their way through successfully.

We have been watching success, upon success happen at Acres of Hope. Mothers and their children are diving deeper into their faith. A mother who thought she had too many messes to overcome recently went from needing to clean up her credit, get her license reinstated, and find work has done all three. A woman who feared her past would hold her back, has just finished filling out the paperwork to enroll in a 401k at her new job.

You see at Acres of Hope we know that for our families life has been messy. Yet it is so incredible watching our families learn to clean up their own messes, and move forward with their lives.

Do you want to see first hand how lives are changing at Acres of Hope? Come and visit us for a tour of campus.

To set up a time to tour with us:

Call 530-878-8030 or Learn more about Acres of Hope at: acresofhopeonline.org

2020: The Year of The Harvest

 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 2nd Corinthians 9:10

We have crossed the threshold into the year 2020, and we are seeing the blessings from faithfulness. In 2019 you overwhelmed us with your faithful support, of volunteering on campus, monetary gifts, donating to our Renew Stores. Each act of love you revealed to our families informed them that their lives could truly change by the love of God. Behind the scenes of your generosity a harvest has been growing.

When families arrive the soil of their hearts must be tilled. For many their hearts are hardened by living in survival mode for far too long. Softening the soil of their heart by offering a stable home, caring staff, volunteers, and community, allows them to know they are no longer alone. The guards begin to come down and the soil of their heart softens. In this soft soil, new seeds of hope can be planted. Dreams of what they can be and accomplish. For many it may be the first time they can dream of a life outside of dysfunction or homelessness.

When the soil of their hearts have been softened, and the seeds of hope have been planted, it is time to water and bring light to their lives. We must encourage, strengthen, and challenge to take the risks of living in a way they have never known. Finishing their education, clearing up records, applying for and getting their first job. Each new goal is ventured into with the ability to look back and see they are not forging their way alone. Watering.

The light shines in and produces growth where along the path the hurdles arise. Where perhaps a mother or child fears succeeding. Maybe they want to try to sabotage the plan because they now have success, but fear the hurt that could come if they lost such joy once again in their lives. At Acres of Hope we must shine a light right on those fears, those lies of the past, that seek to trap our residents in places of fear over victory. You see transformation happens from the inside out. Rather than setting up a mother by allowing them to race into the world and just start accomplishing tasks, we seek to dive deep into renewal by changing the way they think about themselves, and what they can accomplish. For the woman or child who has only known dysfunction and failure, they need to know that they can and are succeeding at what they have set out to do. They can stay on track, walking confidently out into the world. We must shine the light of truth so they can see who they really are, and what they can accomplish.

Then after all the tilling, watering, and shining a light into the dark places, we see the harvest. The harvest is the season at Acres of Hope where the mothers and children are committed to changing. The wrestling is over, true life change is the goal. It is a place in our families lives where the growth of fruit in their lives is now seen externally. We see it today in the little girl who came in as a wide eyed infant, cautious, and vigilant. Today she is a toddler filled with joy and freedom. We see it in the mother who sees the difference between the childhood she was raised in and the healthy one her son is experiencing. We even see it in the mother who thought she would never be able to gain employment because of her past, who recently was offered two jobs.

The year of the harvest has arrived here at Acres of Hope. 2020 will be a year where the fruit will be evident that God is transforming lives from the inside out.

To join us in the year of the harvest,

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

Staying Late

Dear Friends:

“Sometimes I work late at my desk at Acres of Hope. I can hear the children playing together right before meal time. Walking through the main house, I will catch a chat with the mother preparing dinner. I will get to hear the stories of the victories she has had throughout the day. Each one is precious, because each one reveals she is moving towards a life of freedom for her and her child. As I consider each moment I think of the ones who have come and gone throughout this year. I think of those who have entered in longing for hope, and those leaving as testimonies of transformation.

Another year has flown by and the staff at Acres of Hope have had a front row seat to so many victories and successes! We get to witness the relief on people’s faces when they finally secure keys to their home once again, or for some, for the first time ever. We experience firsthand the joy of someone getting a job because they know that is a major step in securing their housing. Being able to secure diplomas and drivers licenses helps each person feel like they are moving towards success.

We witness the strength and tenacity of our residents time and time again and wonder how we would do if we walked in their shoes. Yet watch with utter admiration as each family does the work to renew their lives. As we watch hope spring forth hear at Acres of Hope we look forward to year 2020 with even higher hopes and greater anticipation of the many families and individuals we will meet. We will hear their stories, and help them move forward with their goals.

At Acres of Hope we work to help women and children recover from the hardships of homelessness with dignity while helping them to know their God-given worth. We are thankful for you being a part of what is changing the lives of our families.

To donate or get plugged into the mission at Acres of Hope to break the cycle of homelessness for women and their children,

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

Over The Last Few Days at Acres of Hope

Over the last few days at Acres of Hope so much has been transpiring. There is always so much to tell you. At times words don’t even seem enough to grab the magnitude of the transformation, joy, and growing relationships evolving here on campus. However we will do our best to give you a glance within.

The Moms

It has been so exciting to watch the mothers of hope advance rapidly. If you have been tracking along on our media pages, the journey of many of the women have been revealed. Some mothers have begun stepping out and giving their testimonies of transformation to own their voice, and inspire others on the verge of change. There was a graduation for a mother that finished her high school education, and within the same day passed her written test for a driver’s license. Another mom has been pursuing employment. It has been exciting to watch her transform from a place of doubt and fear to a sense of esteem as she steps forward in her next steps of living a productive life in society. All of the moms are experiencing the joy of setting new holiday traditions that are healthy, and will forever be in the memories of their families hearts. All around campus the mothers have been decorating their cottages and the campus house with joy in their eyes. The growth is beautiful to watch.

The Children

The children of hope have been having the time of their lives. They have been enjoying helping their mothers decorate their homes around campus. They have experienced the wonderful new activities in the children’s center. They are learning to create play dough from scratch. New activities on the playground, songs in group sessions, and life skills are evolving the children to a level of camaraderie as they work together to reach their goals. It’s amazing to see the beauty of wonder through the eyes of children as they observe the world around them through a magnifying glass. A worm poking it’s head through soil becomes the talk around the table after such a close encounter through enlarged vision. The laughter and joy sounding off around campus brings a smile to every heart it encounters.

The Community

You, our precious community have blessed us above and beyond. Over the last few days our families have enjoyed cookie decorating, playing on a new bounce house and play structures. We have watched the joy on the faces of the children when you enter the gates to play in Redemption Park. We have felt the warmth in our hearts as our babies of hope fall asleep in your arms in the nursery while being rocked so sweetly. We are always grateful for the opportunities our families receive when they get to break away from the hard work of renewing their lives. Enjoying activities such as a dinner out and a photo shoot in a winter wonderland hits the spot for our families. Yes, you - our dear Acres of Hope community - we are so blessed to have you.

Over the last few days at Acres of Hope the love of God’s transforming power has been revealed time and time again. We see it in the renewal of our families. We see it in the compassion of our community. We see it in the joy of our children. It is contagious, and it is touching us all. We thank you for all that you have done to join us in the mission of breaking the cycle of homelessness for women and their children at Acres of Hope.

If you would like to experience the joy of being a part of our future days,

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

It's The Little Moments That Makes Life Big

Around here each little moment is a precious milestone towards the overall transformation of a family. All throughout the year you have seen the videos, photos, and read the stories. Each one revealing a new lesson learned, a barrier crossed, or a victory achieved. Whether it’s the first smile of a newborn infant, or the smile of a mother on her first day of work at her new job. The little moments matter. It matters that a child is excited to run to the park. It’s amazing to see a mom hold in the air her driver’s license as she walks through the door. What a moment to witness when a little boy who never wanted to be touched, runs up to others with open arms for a hug, squealing the words, “I Love You.”

You see for us here at Acres of Hope, the little moments matter. It is these moments that in time will reveal the progression of how a life that began in a place of homeless, transformed into a life that has broken the cycle. That realization comes the day when an invitation is given to visit a graduate family at their new home. It comes in moments of college graduations or an alumni child inviting you to his next belt placement in martial arts. It comes full circle when a graduate returns to mentor other residents to show them the way out of broken cycles too.

The little moments matter.

On December 3rd #GivingTuesday you can help provide the opportunity for many more moments to happen in the lives of our families at Acres of Hope. One moment from you can make a world of difference for women and children breaking the cycle of homelessness. Won’t you join us in making more little moments matter?

To make your difference in the lives of Acres of Hope Families you can donate at acresofhopeonline.org.

Taking a moment now to make your gift and our generous matching* donor will double your gift. Double the impact, double the moments that you will be helping happen.

Thank you in advance for each moment that you invest in seeing the lives of these women and children break the cycle of homelessness, and we thank you for the moments you already have.

Sincerely,

*matching total donations up to $10,000 during #GivingTuesday

Inside the world of a mother: Journal Entries

Disclaimer:

The following is the most precious viewpoint we could offer you the supporters of Acres of Hope to embrace. What you are about to read is the shared journal entries of a Mother at Acres of Hope. She came to me recently wanting to tell her testimony to all of you, but in a way that she could tell it best. She wants you to know how grateful she is for your support. She also wants you to know that you have changed her family’s lives. So as you read, hear the inside world of a Mother at Acres of Hope.

Journal Entries:

7/12/19

Change is a hard process. It’s uncomfortable. It’s not easy to sit with, and I would rather run. However, if I want to change, I must be willing to sit through this mess until I can figure out how to change it.

8/1/19

At the end of the day I’m ok. I’m slowly starting to love myself for the 1st time. My kids are alive, well, fed, and happy. We are clean and most importantly we aren’t scared. Thank you God.

8/15/19

I’ve changed into someone I love and respect. I am proud of me.

8/27/29

It’s okay to cry, just do it and then you will feel better.

9/14/19

I can’t believe it. I’m really happy. I thought it was impossible to get my license back. I’ve got it. The things in my life are only by the Grace of God. I will remain focused. I will remain prayerful. I will not be boastful, but rather say thank you Jesus for taking care of me.

10/13/19

My son says he is proud of me. I told him I am proud of him too.

10/27/19

The song from church today about who is worthy to open the scroll is from Revelation. I just read that this week.

11/13/19

Tonight I committed to surrendering my will, my triggers, and my hurts to God. God can have my pain. I will continue to do this daily. I had a good healing cry. The holidays are here, but as you have done again and again, I say help me Jesus. I know that you will see me through this too.

As you know, Acres of Hope is a place that is breaking the cycle of homelessness, yet behind the scenes, it is a field of fertile soil where God can do deep transformation from the inside out. Our mom ended her journal entries about considering the holidays and asking for God to be near to her to guide her through them. As you consider Acres of Hope this Holiday season, keep our families, staff, volunteers, and community in your prayers. As usual if you would like to see the expansion and growth of this wonderful program, you can donate at acresofhopeonline.org. If you want to be the hands and feet here on campus give us a call, at 530-878-8030. As you know, “the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few”.

We thank you for being a part of the transformation story taking place here at Acres of Hope.

There Is So Much To Be Thankful For

1 Chronicles 16:34: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

As the holiday season is already gearing up, we wanted to start the month of November by sharing with you that at Acres of Hope there is so much we are thankful for. Just recently we have been blessed to witness so many moments - from the tiniest of feats, to the grandest of accomplishments - and we are thankful for each and everyone who has made them possible.

Here are just a few of the highlights:

A mother has cleaned up her credit score, removing a hurdle to financial success. Three graduates have recently moved into their own homes with their children. An Alumni of Hope child has began taking karate lessons and earned his first yellow belt. A child who only recently arrived on campus has learned to use and understand the words, “I love you”. A baby is scooting across the floor and building those muscles to crawl. Another child has her first teeth beginning to break through the gums. Families are building new holiday traditions with visiting a pumpkin patch, and painting faces to create jack-o-lanterns. I recently sat on the steps of a resident’s cottage, and listened to the children play together as their mothers exchanged items and conversations as real “neighbors” do. As I witness it all I realize this is what healing looks like. This is the Story of Hope. This is the truth of why Acres of Hope exists. It is to see lives being transformed and renewed.

The women and children of Acres of Hope give all of us staff and volunteers something to smile about. It is because we get to see the Bible alive and active. We see hearts of stone melted. We see the lost get found. We see hope restored. We watch as despair is undone. We get invited to baptisms. We get invited to visit the homes of Alumni. We see Alumni of Hope return to inspire other residents going through the process of transforming their lives and breaking the cycle of homelessness.

At Acres of Hope there are many reasons to be thankful, we invite you to join us in becoming one of the reasons we give thanks,

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

You Have A Voice

Our Voice is God-Given. It exudes from the very breath of God who breathed us into being. May we use it wisely. Jodie Stevens.

Many people will say, “I am a voice for the voiceless”. However, here at Acres of Hope we are empowering women to use their own voices. We teach them the power of using their own words to overcome the years of being silenced. They have remained a lock-box of secrets, as the actions done in the dark remain hidden. They have been engaged by tactics of fear, and to teach them to use their own voices is one of the bridges to setting them free from the cycles of abuse.

Consider the following journal entry from a Woman of Hope,

Why we remained silent- A Monster of Rage

We feared the night. Feared the sound of our abusers steps. We feared our lives because they were threatened daily with death. We hid behind bruises, behind tears, behind walls. We entertained the thoughts that we didn’t matter at all. To be beaten does more than bruise the skin. It’s someone looking you in the eyes saying you’re not worthy externally or within. After gaining the courage to reach out for help, we were returned to our prisons of rejection, fear, and accusation. So we learned not to reach out, and learned to be silent. To prevent the glass house from shattering, and our predators became more violent. When we stood before judges, stood before courts, we were stripped of our children when they said on their own they cannot provide or support. We can’t bare leaving our children like we don’t care. So we wept before falling asleep to rest before the pain continues. You fight each day to wrestle the despair. Silence is a prison we cannot uncage. No one comes to turn on the light in the dark where the bogus gentle soul is truly a monster in the dark.

Allowing those who have seen the darkest of places, and behaviors to find and use their voices is one of the keys to seeing dysfunction end. It is the plalces where abuse is revealed, healing can happen, and as one of the root causes of homelessness, another cycle is broken. At Acres of Hope we help women and children find their voices. That’s exactly what happens, they not only learn to speak for themselves, rather they began speaking of their transformation and it inspires others to become brave enough to speak as well. This not only changes life for them, but can be the foundation of change for generations who are, have been, and are to come.

To join the mission of breaking the cycles of the silenced,

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

Weathering the Storms: From Surviving to Thriving

“We weathered the storm and learned to not just survive, but what it means to thrive.”

When I arrived at Acres of Hope with my two children, I was really angry. I blamed myself for making us homeless. So I stayed away from everyone at first. I was like a tornado, full of emotions ready to boil over. I just wanted the pain of my past to go silent. Yet the staff, mentors, and volunteers weathered the storms with me. Through their love and patience I began to grow. Then slowly, I began to open up to other residents and staff. I started to participate in daily workshops, classes, and programming. I realized my family was finally happy. We had a home. We were together, and we felt safe.

While at Acres of Hope, I flourished and so did my confidence. I began to realize that I could do anything I set my mind to. With God now as a pillar in my life, I believed He would be by my side as I took each new step forward. I no longer had to be ashamed of my past, because our future was brimming with hope.

Today, I’ve learned to trust. To let go of my anger, fear and hurt and to feel hope instead. I’ve forgiven my past and let people help me learn to love again. I really appreciate everything we’ve gained here at Acres of Hope. The staff gave us the assistance we needed to adjust and grow. I knew there was a better life waiting for me and my children. And guess what? We’re moving into our new home…just in time for the holiday.

A Mother of Hope

To be a part of transforming the lives of women and their children at Acres of Hope,

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

Recess: The Transformation of a Little Boy

He came to us, and we immediately wanted to see his life changed. His oversized ball cap was pulled low to provide a hiding place for his little eyes. His hair was long and shaggy. His little teeth stained and chipped. When engaged he would quickly pull his hat lower and take a step behind his mother’s legs. He would wrap his little arms around them as tight as he could and squeeze his eyes closed.

Little by little his transformation was brought to the light. A little boy hidden beneath a hat, began to want to be seen. He wanted to run free. His eyes twinkled with hope and safety. His heart opened up to being loved. He has grown to love volunteers and staff who come to offer him stories, playtime, or an adventure. I often can hear him telling his best friend on campus, “let’s go to the park and ride our bikes.” Each day I see this little boy evolve I am overwhelmed by the grace and love of God.

Today once again I saw him. I sat at the dinner table with the families, and I listened as he told his tale. “Mom I get to go to recess now”, he said with a jubilant cry. The statement was huge, because for this little boy recess was something that he often lost during class time because of outbursts, hiding from the teacher, or distracting class with grunts and growls. When the teacher would speak to this little one, he would burst into tears, and run quickly to a corner to hide.

At such a young age, the root issues that caused this little boy to lack the social skills, and tools that his peers held, made him feel shame. Yet, tonight to see his little face lit with a smile. To hear the joy as he shared about recess. He spoke of his friends, of the swings, and the seesaw. He spoke of recess, more so he spoke of his transformation. For this little one to earn his recess, means his social skills are improving. He has a healthy environment to grow and learn at Acres of Hope. The evidence at school, is recess.

So excuse me, as I smile with the warmth in my heart at this moment, knowing that a little boy’s life is changing. Today it is recess, tomorrow it will be so much more for this child and his family.

If you would like to get involved in the transforming work happening at Acres of Hope,

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

Power Outage

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10

Her brown eyes were wide. Her words were piercing. She said, “I have lived rough before and I know what it’s like to be without power; I know what it’s like to be on the streets.” Her words silenced the room. I asked her what was the difference between experiencing a power outage at Acres of Hope, and having no power out living on the streets. She said, “When you’re all alone out on the streets the one beautiful thing that happens is at nighttime you can see the stars.” Then she spoke as if in a whisper, “ The rest gets hard when it gets cold, or you didn’t get enough to eat, or a child you are trying to keep.” Then she looked up and stared right in my eyes and said, “A power outage here at Acres of Hope was different because I wasn’t alone and I had a roof over my head.”

As I considered her words, I pondered the world she used to know. The nights of rough or no sleeping. I considered how she may have gone to bed hungry some nights to make sure her child had enough to eat. I even thought about her viewing the stars at night, and considering something grander than herself. Yet the thing that stood out to her was that she now had a home and she was no longer alone. Considering in both scenarios the power was out, one situation held a hope for her, that she did not want to relinquish. Living homeless brought her to the doors of Acres of Hope. Yet the realization of faith, community, and stability is what will keep her here until she is ready to step out into her next level of thriving. The power of God is at work at Acres of Hope. Though physical power may be put out, God’s power to transform lives, and open the eyes of women and their children to a new way of being will never cease.

To see first hand how God’s power is at work at Acres of Hope schedule a tour today,

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

In The Eyes Of A Homeless Child

The Diary of Jeremy age 9

In the eyes of a homeless child

We see a soul asking if I’m worth the while

The question in his eyes

Lying down in the backseat of a car on a clothes pile

He says, I gather them all around me, cause it keeps me warm

Mama gets us bagels from the bakery that are stale or torn

The holes in my clothes remind me I’m alive

Cause when the chill runs through them, I shiver for awhile

It’s how we survive

Everyone tells me I’m wise for my age

No one knows I don’t want to be, mama says this won’t be a chapter, it’s just a page

All I know is I’ve seen mama cry on many days

In my heart I question is this really just a phase

Another day passes, and another tear falls

I can’t wait til I’m old enough to take care of us all

Right now I’m too young, I just hope to grow

Sometimes I wonder if me and my mom will make it, or if we will travel to where the people in heaven go.

I’m just a kid, trying to survive, trying to live

Just hoping that somehow we’ll make it out of the car, and to a place where we can make the most of it.

One day I’ll see my mama’s face with no tears to cry

Yet today I still see the world through the eyes of a homeless child.

At Acres of Hope children no longer see the view of the world as a homeless child. They know the joy of love, support, safety, and transformation. For the child who prays for a place of refuge, there is hope. Acres of Hope.

To change the vision of a child seeking to end their cycle of homelessness,

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

Leaving Grandma's House

“Acres of Hope is a safe and stable place where women and children can heal from the hurts that have left them vulnerable. We look at each family individually. Recognizing that safety and security are ultimately found in Jesus, we present Him as the solution to their pain while accepting them where they are in their journey.”

For Austin and Margaret their journey into homelessness left them separated. Margaret met Austin’s dad when she was 19 years old plunging into a life of drugs and risky behavior. During a time of being misplaced, Margaret was surviving on the streets. One day at a local park she came across a young man who loved to spend hours talking to her about the conditions of the world. After much dialogue and time Margaret became involved with Austin’s dad, and eventually gave birth to her beautiful little boy. Austin was 3 years old when he began roaming the streets with his mother. They survived by couch surfing, sleeping in public bathrooms, and abandoned buildings. Finally after visiting her mother, Margaret decided to give Austin a fighting chance at a real life. She asked her mother to take in Austin while she searched for a place to change her life. Austin spent 2 years living at his Grandma’s house, while Margaret roamed through shelters and work centers trying to find a way to change her circumstances. Eventually Margaret showed up to walk through the doors of Acres of Hope.

Austin had been placed in the custody of his grandmother for 2 years. Yet now that Margaret had a place to call her own at Acres of Hope, she was ready to do the work to bring her son home. Austin was moved back into his mother’s care when he was 5 years old. He began to adjust at Acres of Hope as his mom began setting up their lives. When preschool started Austin was showing needs in the (social/emotional) assessments as well as showing a lower level of development for his age . While homeless his mother was struggling to manage both their needs and emotional changes. Coming to Acres of Hope Margaret stated she was overwhelmed with filling a parent’s role. She didn’t know where to begin with getting Austin on a schedule, enforcing discipline, showing affection, and just basic parenting skills. We listened and revealed our program is here to give support to the family as a whole. Books, articles, suggestions, meetings, and community resources were given. Acres of Hope family support specialists, mentors, and volunteers from the community gave her tools to succeed.

In working with Margaret we were able to identify and build on the skills she did have and empower her to be an expert in raising her child. Margaret takes every opportunity to be active and involved in her child’s education, fully participating in the many offered activities to grow her child. Through time Margaret has shown a desire to continue improving, and working hard to be a model for her child. Today Austin is meeting and exceeding the age appropriate milestones. The family is engaged and growing in leaps and bounds.

Austin was able to leave his grandmother’s house and return to his mother’s care. Margaret was able to become and retain being the strong, healthy, and stable mother Austin needs.

To learn more about the lives being changed at Acres of Hope,

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

Homelessness Is...

Being homeless means not being secure, not knowing where you’re going to go, or where you see yourself in the near future. If you have to contemplate about having a roof over your head or a refrigerator to get food from, then you’re homeless. In reality, homelessness is far different than the picture most Americans hold in their head, such as a piece of cardboard with a plea for donations scrawled on the front, dirty clothes and plastic bags.

Homelessness is the child’s stretched out hand as he enters the car of a social worker. Homelessness is the tears that hit the sidewalk a mother walks on. Homelessness is the employment rejection due to a lack of clean clothes. Homelessness is a steel bunk bed in a shelter. It’s the tent beneath the bridge, or the blanket in the woods that are the best refuge for a women and her child to stay together.

Homelessness comes to the child who ages out of the system. It comes to the young woman who steps away from a toxic family. It comes to the mother who says no more abuse. Homelessness comes when another paycheck fails too.

Many of these families run to shelters. Most shelters serve as a place of temporary salvation and rescue for people on the street. The majority offer food, beds and bathroom facilities, but for many seeking resources, jobs, housing, treatment, mentoring and guidance a shelter stay doesn’t offer the time needed to build the stability or the ability to sort through root issues needed to not return to homelessness.

Yet at Acres of Hope women and their children do find the resources and help they need to break the cycles of homelessness. They have time, support, community, and the tools needed to step out and live as a renewed family that can thrive in society. Acres of Hope is not a shelter, it’s not a home for those looking for a quick fix to a lifetime of dysfunction. Acres of Hope is a place where women and their children get a chance to be seen, heard, and supported. It’s a place of stability and healing. It’s a place where God reaches out his loving hands and proclaims, you are home. Homelessness is a symptom of the root issues that often traumatize lives. At Acres of Hope we have a remedy to those symptoms: love, grace and accountability, and the tools needed to help families step out on their own.

Join us in the mission,

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

She Has Only Known Hope

Her little hands reach out accepting attachment. Her eyes sparkle with trust. Her tiny mouth turns up into a smile. The sounds of gurgling, and the new formations of grunts, and attempts at speaking fills the air. She came to us as a little bundle of cuteness. Today as I glance upon her little face, the words that keep repeating in my mind are, “she has only known hope.”

When she arrived with her mother at Acres of Hope they were surrounded by support, and stability. In her early days of life, she knew what it felt like to sleep in safety and warmth. She had quality food to put in her little stomach to help her grow. Her mother was able to provide for her the proper care she needed to be a baby filled with joy.

At Acres of Hope it is one of the greatest blessings to be able to say, a child has only known hope. The reason is for many they have already been affected when they arrive by the effects of trauma, and homelessness. Some taken into foster care systems, or living in unstable conditions. Yet when a child comes either in the womb, or in the earliest stages of their lives, we can be sure that the child that enters through our doors, only knows hope. As the staff answers the phone daily for the women and children waiting to find their refuge, and place to transform and renew their lives we pray to continue to grow in the provision. We pray that God will allow us to see more and more children come to know life can be full of hope.

To join us in allowing children to only know hope,

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