Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Enjoying the Christmas spirit

  December is a very busy time for all of us at HopeTree. We get so caught up in sending out our bulletin inserts to churches, wrapping gifts for residents, and planning for the upcoming year that we often forget to take time for ourselves. That's why one of my favorite parts of Christmas at HopeTree is going to all the Christmas parties on our Salem campus, our WOODS campuses, and all of the DDM homes. It's not just for the food (although it is quite good), but rather for the looks on the residents faces. They come from all different backgrounds and have all sorts of different personalities but at Christmas, it all seems to slow down for them.
  There is something heartwarming about the look on a resident's face when they are given their presents. Someone from the community, who doesn't even know them, went to the trouble to buy these gifts for them. The residents come to know that there are people out there who care for them. They get to eat at a special Christmas dinner put on just for them. They get to help decorate their cottages and Christmas trees. They get to spend time with their families. In short, the residents get to see what Christmas is all about: giving to others as Christ gave his life for us.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Count Your Blessings

  This time of year is so busy with holiday celebrations, shopping, cooking and getting homes ready for family time, we tend to forget what we are actually doing all of these things for. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on the blessings we have in our life-- from our families to employment to our friends who support us. It is so easy to go through the day and ask God to help you with this or that, but it is harder to take time to focus and tell Him the things for which you are thankful. Dr. Charles Stanley, a well-known Christian writer and minister, says in a recent devotion:
  “Thanksgiving refreshes our souls as we spend time with God, concentrating on His goodness and grace. Anxiety is replaced with peace, and despondency with joy. If you wake up each morning and thank the Lord for deliverance from the power of sin, provision for all your needs, and guidance for the day ahead, what is left to cause worry or discouragement?
  To establish a habit of thanksgiving, recall God’s loving kindness in the morning, and recount His faithfulness at night. Thank Him for blessings—and also for the deep work He is doing in you through difficulties. As you start to see situations from His perspective, your gratitude and trust will grow.”
  How great would it be to go through the day with fewer anxieties and fear about situations? Developing this habit of focusing on blessings and the positives could have a powerful influence on people’s attitudes and perspectives. Now you ask: How can we apply this to our daily lives working with at-risk children? 
1.       Pray for your residents and coworkers often….but also remember to thank God for the blessings you receive from them daily.
2.      Focus on positives with your residents---try to catch them doing good things! This will eventually become habit and they will begin to see themselves in a more positive light.
3.       Being a part of the team at HopeTree is hard work—no matter what role you play!! Sometimes we just don’t have the answers about how to help the children we serve. We worry, stress, obsess and personalize their problems until we are so stressed out it affects our work and maybe even our health. Dr. Stanley says thanksgiving “refreshes our souls.” Maybe some of the stress of the job will start to be a little less intense if we start thanking God beforehand for the love, guidance and peace we receive from Him daily-- and then see how the day goes! What a blessing it would be at the end of the day to thank God for helping us through a difficult situation! How incredible would it be to start seeing things through God’s perspective, as Dr. Stanley says.
  So, remember to count your blessings daily. God has blessed each of us in different ways, but remember - the most important blessing he gave to us is his Son. Let’s concentrate on that this Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons and remember the sacrifice He made for us.


 Michelle Wright, MSW
 Sr. Director of Social Services

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Give Thanks

  There is so much to be thankful for this holiday season. We are thankful for our staff at HopeTree Academy. The highly educated teachers spend countless hours preparing lessons and teaching a demanding population that requires the most sincere dedication. They prepare our young residents to be intelligent, unique, hard-working individuals in a challenging world.

  We are thankful for all the cottage counselors on our Salem campus as well as our two WOODS programs. Their commitment to guide and supervise our residents helps to shape them into fine young men and women. They spend long, thankless days trying to make a difference in a young person's life. Our residents are better people because of you.

  We are thankful for all the social workers in Residential Care, Foster Care & Adoption, and WOODS. Your demanding jobs require long hours and endless paperwork. All of your hard work does not go unnoticed.

  We are thankful for all of our DDM direct support staff. The time you spend with our DDM residents truly makes a difference in their lives. You provide fun, guidance,  and meaning to their lives.

  Lastly, we are thankful for all of our supporters. All of your prayers, gifts, and donations make it possible for us to continue to provide the love and support that all of our residents need. We couldn't do this without you.

Thank you and have a happy Thanksgiving.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The More the Merrier!

  You can never show too much love. It is something that everyone needs and, at the same time, everyone is quite capable of giving. At times, I see so many youth that need the love, support, guidance, and attention that I had growing up and I wonder what will happen to them. Will they ever be able to have the same opportunities that I had? Fortunately, I've met many caring people who are willing to welcome into their lives with open arms this population with such a great need.

  First, I'm proud to announce that HopeTree Academy signed a contract with Roanoke County to provide services to 20 students of the Roland E. Cook Alternative Education Center (You can read about it here, scroll down to the third bolded sub heading). Now, 20 students will have access to the brand new HopeTree Education Center and a committed staff of teachers who are dedicated to providing the specialized alternative education that these students need.

  This past weekend was our Ector Hamrick Walk in Portsmouth. I had the opportunity to talk to a woman there from a nearby church. She brought her entire family to the walk, including several adopted children with disabilities. She was a lively, bubbly woman who had a lot of love to give. It warmed my heart just to know that there are people like her out there willing to open her arms, not just to adoption, but to children with disabilities.

  In the next issue of Caring Times (check our Publications page), there is a story about a woman from Franklin County who was a foster parent for several years. About 2 years ago, she had a family of four sibling to whom she was providing foster care. She fell so in love with them that, despite having two biological children of her own, she adopted all four! With six kids in the house, she really has her arms full. However, I could see that, because of her dedication and flexible schedule, she was able to give these kids all the love that they desperately needed.

Friday, October 30, 2009

HopeTree on TV

   The last week of October started off with a great appearance on 'Rise and Shine'; a cable television program produced in Franklin County for the Jet Broadband cable system. This program appears on Jet Broadband in counties stretching from Franklin to Appomatox to the New River Valley. Hosted by Dick Shoemaker, 'Rise and Shine' gives businesses and agencies in the region a great chance to present information about their efforts to the local communities.
   On the 26th, Michelle Folden Wright, HopeTree's Senior Director of Social Services, former resident Jennifer, and Communications Dirctor Mark Early sat down with Mr. Shoemaker to discuss not only HopeTree's residential programs, but it's educational offerings as well. Most impressive was Jennifer's descriptions of how HopeTree was able to give her the life assistance she needed during her 'teen years' and then help her with her college education. After graduating from Salem High School, Jennifer attended Virginia Western Community College, then transferred to Radford University to earn not only her Bachelor's degree, but her Master's degree in Social Work. Jennifer is currently employed as a social worker in the Roanoke Valley and leading a very productive life.
   It's stories like Jennifer's we hope to share with the community through our publications, website, Facebook page, and this blog. Your help with this effort would be greatly appreciated. Please share our blog and Facebook pages with your friends and family. The more we tell people about what we can do, the more people we are likely to reach who may need our services.
   Thank you for spreading the word about orr mission. If you have Jet Broadband in Central or Southwest Virginia, look us up this weekend. We just may be on in your area.

Friday, October 23, 2009

How you can help HopeTree

  We often get asked "How can I help HopeTree?" Some people take up a collection at their church. Some people donate items on our needs list. Some people help with our Christmas wishlist. Some start their own walk-a-thon.
  After throwing out several suggestions, sometimes people tell me "I just don't have the time." Welcome to the digital age! With social networking sites like facebook, helping HopeTree just got a whole lot easier. All you have to do is log in to facebook and add HopeTree Family Services as your cause (if you don't have an account, sign up! It's free!). Then you can recruit other supporters and donate directly to HopeTree through facebook's secure online donation form (I've already recruited 10 people and helped raise $125 this month!).
  So why do I tell you all of this now? Because this month is America's Giving Challenge. Through November 7, America's Giving Challenge will award prizes to charities that generate the most unique donations daily (that's number of donations, not dollar amount. You can give as little as $10!).
  So get out there and find everyone you know that care about helping at-risk youth and adults with intellectual disabilities as much as we do. You don't even have to leave your computer chair.

Friday, October 2, 2009

It feels like fall

  Now that summer is officially over school is in full swing at HopeTree. We now have seven day students at HopeTree Academy on our Salem campus and we expect more as word of the great educational opportunities we offer spreads throughout the region. We also have seven students enrolled at Salem High School and three at Virginia Western Community College.
  Independent Living, which just expanded last March, now has five residents. Independent Living is a great way for our residents to obtain the necessary living skills to enter into the real world and is a great benefit to all residents who enter into the program.
  Our Christian Education Director, Jenny Call, has started a weekly prayer group on campus to pray for the staff and residents of HopeTree. It's the season of change and things seem to be changing for the better as we continue to grow and provide Christian support to those in need.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Martinsville Walk Brings in Nearly $12,000

  Last Saturday, the Martinsville Walk, conducted by the Henry County Baptist Association, was a big success raising nearly $12,000!
  This year, for the first time, the walk was held at the Horne Home; the HopeTree DDM home in Martinsville for persons with intellectual disabilities. Supporters met at the Home and walked in the surrounding neighborhood. Afterwards they toured the Horne Home and were given a first-hand experience of the vital mission that they are supporting. 
  Some passers-by even stopped to inquire about the event and make a donation.
  HopeTree would like to thank the Henry County Baptist Association and everyone that supported the walk. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Big Weekend!

  Last Friday was the opening ceremony of the new HopeTree Academy. A large crowd gathered around as Dr. Richerson welcomed everyone and asked for a moment of silence to remember the victims of 9/11.
  Keynote speaker Rev. George Fletcher III spoke about the history of HopeTree and the powerful impact it has had on so many children's lives since its opening in 1890. Afterwards, Dr. Ector Hamrick lead a dedication prayer for the new school.
  Education Director Dr. Tommy Barber introduced two residents of HopeTree Academy, Thor and Shaleigh, who helped to cut the ribbon, thus marking the official opening of the HopeTree Academy. For pictures, visit our facebook page.

 

  On Saturday, HopeTree supporters came out to Stockton Memorial Baptist Church for the Chester-area Walk-A-Thon. We couldn't have asked for better weather and a good time was had by all. Our area residents and at least four churches participated in pick 'em ducks, guessing how many M&M's were in a jar, and getting their faces painted.
  HopeTree was represented by President and Executive Director Dr. Richerson, Board Members Ron Eason and John Mizell, and many staff and residents. Area Churches that were represented included Stockton Memorial Baptist Church, Tomahawk Baptist Church, Grace Baptist Church, and Elkhardt Baptist Church. Together we raised over $2,000 with our biggest rundraiser being one of our own DDM residents.
  Stockton memorial has recently become active with HopeTree and were wonderful hosts. Discussions have already begun about doing our walk at their church again next year. Look for pictures to be posted on our facebook page in the near future.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

This is who we are. This is what we do.

Imagine for a moment that everything you depend on for your sense of security, for your identity as a person, is gone. You no longer have a home. You no longer have access to your family. You have no clear idea where your next meal is coming from.

Now imagine you are twelve years old.

That's a terrifying situation to be in. For all too many young people today, this is not an exercise in imagination. It's their reality. Whether they have been emotionally exiled by their parents, removed from their home due to their own misbehavior or their parents' illegal acts, at heart, they remain youngsters who need shelter, food, love, and guidance.

We give them those things, and so much more. We are HopeTree Family Services. This is what we do.

Picture yourself as your child is being born. Indescribable joy streams from your heart as you hear that first gasp of breath and heralding cry as your newborn boy or girl comes forth into a new existence. In a timeless moment, you celebrate the patient waiting of nine months and you anticipate all the glorious achievements you know your child will experience and accomplish in their long, full, rich life.

Then you discover your child has an intellectual disability. Sometimes suddenly, sometimes gradually, the nature of those glorious achievements change. Some may be reached, but in a far longer time frame than you imagined. Some may never be accomplished. In virtually all of them, you will need help.

We can give you that help. We can help your son or daughter with intellectual disabilities achieve everything they are capable of achieving. We are HopeTree Family Services. This is what we do.

HopeTree Family Services has provided aid to children and youth since 1890. We began our mission as an orphanage. As the years passed and societies needs changed, we adjusted our programs and adapted our facilities and continued meeting the needs of those who came to us for care. We now offer residential services, academic and vocational programs, counseling, and foster care. Our main campus is located in Salem, VA, with other facilities located in Craig County, Henry County, and Chester, VA.

In 1992, we began a new ministry to a segment of Virginia's population that had long been under-served; adults with intellectual disabilities. We started a state-wide ministry to these adults and their families and it has grown steadily ever since. We have 16 group homes for adults spanning Virginia from Abingdon to Virginia Beach. Each home houses 4-6 individuals. Many provide respite or in-home care for others in the surrounding community.

There many facts and figures we can provide about the quantity of people we care for each year. We can offer numerical guides summarizing the total cost of our programs and the impact they have. But those are merely cold numbers that utterly fail to communicate the actual power our ministry has to transform lives.

Children and youth come here angry, lost, sullen, and hopeless. With time and care, we sooth their anger, help them find themselves and a proper path in life, and show them they do have hope for the future. Our academic and vocational offerings are second to none. Our personalized levels of care treat each person as a person, not a number or statistic or just another case.

What we offer most of all is quality. Our quality of care is unmatched, regardless of the program or facility. HopeTree Family Services sees our work as a true mission. We care for each person in our care as thought they were our own, whether a foster child in Richmond, an adult with Down Syndrome in Abingdon, or a teenager enrolled in our day school in Salem. We care for each and every person who crosses our threshold from the challenges of their homelife to the hope we offer them for a better future.

We are HopeTree Family Services. This is what we do.