HopeHouse held our first ReCaP ceremony at the end of June to honor the successful graduation of five Resident families from the HopeHouse community. At the ReCaP ceremony, we took the time to remember the circumstances each family faced before coming to HopeHouse. Some were homeless. Some were living at the mission. But all were unsure of their next step in life. We celebrated the victories and accomplishments these families have seen in the last year while living at HopeHouse. Victories that included: acquiring a job, increasing their earning, learning to manage their money, developing life skills, and growing spiritually. All of our graduating families have moved into permanent, sustainable housing that fits within their budget and meets their families’ needs. We look forward to continuing to be a part of our Residents’ lives and seeing them continue to grow and break the cycles of poverty that previously held them back. Congratulations to all of our graduates!
Fall 2013 www.hopehouseokc.com
ReCaP. Remember. Celebrate. Proclaim.
Resident Managers.
Here are a few of our newest local partnerships: ReMerge, Christ United Methodist Church, NOVO Ministries, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
For more information on all of our partnerships visit the Strategic Partners section of our website: hopehouseokc.com/#/strategic-‐partners
Fundraising Luncheon HopeHouse OKC exists to help end the cycles of poverty and homelessness for some of the most vulnerable and poverty stricken families here in our great city. By providing temporary housing, intentional Christian community and basic support services we are able to walk alongside these families to help them achieve THEIR dreams. Their dreams of buying groceries for their children. Their dreams of not relying on government assistance. Their dreams of one day being homeowners. These are the dreams that matter, and this is the dream of HopeHouse OKC. To make these dreams a reality we need you. We need HopeBuilders. Join us for lunch on Monday November 18th to learn how you can build hope for those who are hopeless.
Monday November 18th, 12pm Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazih Zundi Drive
(Across the street from the Governor’s Mansion)
RSVP to [email protected] 405.289.9539
New Partnerships.
HopeHouse has welcomed to the building new Resident Managers. Ernest and Moneek Odunze are passionate about knowing Christ and living in Christian community. For over a year, Ernest and Moneek lived in a community of believers in downtown OKC called the Refuge. Now they are bringing their heart to love others to our HopeHouse Residents. Ernest also works at Family Expectations and Moneek is busy taking care of their two precious little babies, Ernest Jr. and Ezra. The Odunzes are deeply invested members of Frontline Church. HopeHouse is blessed to have a family that feels called to disciplining our Residents and being spiritual leaders in our community.
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New Residents.
HopeHouse OKC: Breaking the cycles of poverty and homelessness…one life at a time.
hopehouseokc.com
HopeHouse OKC Board of Directors: Jeff Oakley –Board Chair. Don Bullard – Board Member. Mike Cross – Board Member. Rhonda Hefton – Secretary. David Hudiburg-‐ Board Member. Chad Green – Board Member. Tom Portman – Treasurer. Treb Praytor – Executive Director.
With the graduation of five Resident families this summer, HopeHouse began the process of interviewing new applicants. The Lord has truly blessed us with a group of women and single moms who are highly motivated and ready to seize the opportunity available at HopeHouse to improve their own lives. Here a just a few of their stories.
Tabby: When we met Tabby, she was 8 months pregnant with major medical problems and facing sleeping on the streets in the middle of winter. Despite the adversities, Tabby was attending classes at Vatterott pursuing a degree in paralegal studies. Tabby was clearly motivated to change her life circumstances but was in desperate need of housing and support to make this change. We welcomed Tabby into the HopeHouse community and have had the opportunity to see Tabby change and grow immensely in the last 10 months. Tabby has continued her paralegal studies, attended counseling, worked part-‐time, and learned to mother her precious daughter, Mackenzie. Tabby will graduate from Vatterott in the spring and is looking forward to a successful career as a paralegal. We look forward to seeing what Tabby will achieve in her life!
Angela: Following major health problems that led to a long period of hospitalization, Angela was unable to work and without support eventually ended up homeless. Angela was spending her days at Catholic Charities Women Development Center where we connected with her and realized how the transitional and supportive housing of HopeHouse could help her. With her time at HopeHouse, Angela has worked on individual resume development, interviewing skills, and is now applying for work. Angela is participating in employment education at The Education and Employment Ministry (TEEM). Angela hopes her time at HopeHouse can help her reenter the workforce, learn money management skills, and transition to successful, independent, permanent housing.
Tabby and Mackenzie.
Isaac.
Rashawnda: After graduating the Bridge to Life Program at The City Rescue Mission, Rashawnda was ready to move out of the Mission but unsure of where to go next or how to provide for herself and her two children. Rashawnda, Isaac (9) and Alayshia (7) moved into HopeHouse and love the support of our community. Rashawnda is now working full-‐time while participating in life skills and budgeting classes. The kids are doing well in school and are excited about being matched with mentors from Big Brothers Big Sisters. Rashawnda is saving money for a car and looking forward to pursuing a career in nursing.
Angela.