When you think of homelessness, children don’t usually come to mind.  But there are more children than you can imagine who are being affected by homelessness.   Homeless families with children are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population.  As of October 15, 2010, over 339 students have been identified in the Green Bay School District as experiencing a minimum of one homeless situation. As the video indicates, every school district in Brown County has reported numbers of homeless students.  If you are inspired to get involved in the work of Freedom House, visit our website at  www.freedomhouseministries.org and click the “How Can I Help?” tab.

As I sat in my office yesterday morning, I was beside myself trying to comprehend “Who is this resident sitting right in front of my very own eyes?”…she was absolutely radiant!  I’m not talking about just smiling, or simply having a good day, but GLEAMING with joy!  This particular mother has been a resident of Freedom House for less than two weeks and I cannot even begin to tell you what a difference I see in her already.

This mother came in extremely apprehensive and was not ready to take this giant leap towards independence.  Until now, she had always relied heavily on other people; family members, friends, male relationships, etc.  I distinctly remember our first meeting and the many tears that flowed from her hurting eyes as she began grappling with the fact that now was the time for “the rubber to meet the road.”  But, just two short weeks later, a set of different tears flowed; tears of joy, hope, and excitement as she shared with me how thrilled she was to look at herself in the mirror and know that yes, she could do this.  She is daily climbing over hurdles that have been years in the making and is a true example of not allowing fear to conquer her.  She is conquering her fears.  This resident is personally experiencing God through his promise in Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

It is funny to me as God sometimes reminds me that it is not just my role to minister to the residents of Freedom House, but that they will also minister to me.  Usually, much more than I expect.  While I may be here to remind them of the promises in God’s Word, or to offer encouragement when they encounter a slight roadblock or a giant brick wall, it is the residents who are taking action.  THEY are not just being HEARERS of the Word, but actual DOERS.  I am blessed each day as I witness the work of the Lord in the families residing at Freedom House.  Will you also allow our residents to minister to you? Just a small sacrifice of your time will allow you hear the hearts of some of our families.  I guarantee that it will fill you up…and then some!  Visit our website at www.freedomhouseministries.org and click on the “How Can I Help?” tab to find out ways that you can connect with our families.

Christmas is just around the corner and Freedom House has been blessed this year by Schneider National, as well as other families and businesses who are reaching out to our families.  Schneider National is “adopting” 20 of Freedom House’s current residents, past residents and future residents (those on our waiting list).  Freedom House on average seeks provision for over 50 families per year.  The Adopt A Family program is an annual program that helps Freedom House’s residents receive gifts for their family, as well as feeling the love of the community.  Each resident fills out a needs list and a wants list and is then matched with a willing family or business in the community.  The families or businesses from the community then decide which items they want to bless the family with from their lists.  Every family is given the option to meet their Adopt A Family.  Here are some of the wonderful encouraging words that came from last year’s Adopt A Family program:

“The family and I that delivered gifts to had so much fun!” Joan (Adopt A Family, 2009)

“I’m hoping that we can make this Christmas nice for this family.  Our family is always looking to help out others that have hit a bump in their road.  We have been blessed and would and try to spread the blessing to others.” Nicole (Adopt A Family, 2009)

Residents have already begun to fill out their Christmas lists for this year’s program.  We have seen so many families in the past who have been blessed by this program.  For some residents, the best gift of all is knowing that Christmas will be provided for their children.  One resident stated, “I don’t want anything for Christmas this year.  I have shelter and am grateful for that, but please just help me to get my children a gift for Christmas.”  Other past residents are just hoping for basic needs, like laundry soap and pots and pans to help alleviate the every day stress of tight finances.

While the residents are blessed every year, it’s been so awesome for me to watch the giver be blessed and encouraged as well.  In 2 Corinthians 9:7 it states, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” I had always heard the bible verse referring to a cheerful giver, but until last Christmas season, I don’t think I ever truly saw what that meant.  As each family got to meet and deliver the gifts they carefully picked out, you could see the joy on their faces.  I had so many families call later and ask what more they could do.  Some families went back out and got their Adopt A Family a Christmas tree and decorations.  Others brought them cookies that they baked as a family.  Some even got more involved and began meeting with them on a regular basis. I was so encouraged and proud to be a part of a community that has such “cheerful givers”.

Here are some more words from other cheerful givers:

“My husband and I wanted to thank you for letting us take part in your Adopt a Family program. We feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with your organization and to meet the family. We look forward to working with you next year.” Ken and Julie

“Our office really enjoyed being a part of this program and we were all definitely blessed by it.”
I just want to thank everyone who has taken part in the Adopt A Family Program and encourage you to continue to be a “cheerful giver” all year long.  If you would like to know more about the Adopt A Family program or other ways to help out this Christmas, please call me at 432-4646 or email me at heatherf@freedomhouseministries.org