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So many people feel so overwhelmed and disempowered by the stresses of modern life that they convince themselves they can't make a difference. So they don't even try. They bury their talents in the ground and let their spirits wither on the vine of life. I hope they will bestir themselves at least to say every day as an anonymous old man did: "I don't have the answers, life is not easy, but my heart is in the right place."

- Marian Wright Edelman
Guide My Feet

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Isaiah 43:2
October-November 2008

Dear Friends,

Clearly, these are uncertain times. A friend of mine called the other day worried about the non-profit he leads. His fear was hard to hear. Last week, the troubled lives that many of our loved ones are still trapped in, caused one staff to just break down. Richard, our dear Executive Director is leaving us the end of this year and we have yet to find his replacement. My husband, Wayne had surgery last week, addressing a serious blockage in his femoral artery which has kept his leg from healing from a hip replacement two years ago. People we love have no work. Our ministry bills bring us to our knees daily even as the poor in our city are even poorer, as the economic pains are felt the heaviest among them.

But daily, we get up, go after it, spend ourselves on behalf of the poor, work as if the end is nowhere in sight while delighting in the small blessings and victories. Jesus had a lot to say about worry. He told us not to; instead, He asked us to look at creation, and observe the detailed ways in which our Heavenly Father cares for all. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matt. 6:33,34)

We love you dear friends and know you stand with us prayerfully.

Kit
School Year Programs Advance
Kids have gone back to school, and our programs are up and running. What a privilege it is to watch our programs grow and develop, right alongside the lives they are influencing.
  • Kids Life (500 kids) on Monday nights – new this year are parents from the neighborhood providing security for the programs – 150+ volunteers serve in this program alone
  • Teenagers on Wednesday nights (150 youth) –– new 7th graders have been added to Monday nights and 8th graders to Wed. – also new this year is a beginning and advanced leadership class for youth, which has record attendance
  • Jeremiah Project – is seeing great growth in jobs development.  This week we confirmed 7 people who have been hired at Ranch Market on 32 Avenue and Indian School.
  • “I Can Do It” and “Partners in Learning” – have record numbers in the programs, tracking over 200 kids and youth in their education, over half of these students have one-on-one mentors.


Mom’s Place and The Pumpkin Patch
Once a month, Moms Place (our teen mom program) has a big activity together.  The Neighborhood Center in October transforms into The Pumpkin Patch.  Moms and Dads and their little ones (4 yrs and under) have an interactive play day together.  They search for pumpkins and decorate them, finger-paint with Jell-O and pudding, decorate treat bags to collect candy and – because its still hot here in Phoenix – splash around during water play.  Over 20 young moms, 30 kids and 10 volunteers participated.

 

Research being done on Future NM Businesses

A team of highly skilled businessmen are volunteering to finalize the research that has taken place over the past three years on the future businesses which will be located at The Neighborhood Center. Their report will be coming soon.
 

Barrio Works begins Expos           

Barrio Works enters its first school year, open for business.  Periodically, it will host an expo, where contractors, employers, volunteers in the trades and others, give our students and their parents insights into owning a business, a glimpse of their field, trade info, and on occasion on-site presentations, which benefit both those that are learning and enhance The Neighborhood Center.  This first Expo featured Jack Hobbs, a local bike shop owner.  Basic bicycle maintenance was covered and students worked for over two hours on their own bikes.  A BBQ followed.  Eight youth, five volunteers and presenters enjoyed the day. 

 

Hope House Fund-raiser – November 8, 2008


Scout Dinner – November 8, 2008 

Key friends of the ministry will gather together the evening of November 8th to hear a beautiful presentation of where the ministry is today and what is still hoped for as we seek the Lord on the development of The Neighborhood Center.

click here to email your rsvp Hope House Fundraiser Luncheon, Nov 8th
Pray with us!

That overwhelmingly in all we do and in all we are, Jesus would be lifted up! As we make decisions in light of these uncertain times, that we would be neither ahead nor behind the will of God for all that matters to these poor neighborhoods we serve.

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