Hearts on Fire Spotligt

                                                                              is shing on.....

                                                                         Restoration Blessing

 

                                                        

                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                            

 

Whenever you hear the terminology “non-profit”, it goes hand in hand with the verbage “fundraising”. As everyone knows a non-profit cannot

exist without the support of some awesome philanthropic giving of time, resources and talents.  Over the past few years social media has

changed how non-profits achieve a target audience.  A fan base on facebook is essential to getting the word out about the needs for non-profits

and to promote their fundraising events and to connect with the busy folks who support what their chosen non-profit serves.  Angelheart is no

exception.

 

We recently went through a restructuring of how we serve our kids, which forced us to get out of our comfort zone and really get to know the

community that serves our kids and makes what we do possible. Through it all we have run into some other amazing non-profit groups that help

serve kids in a capacity that may keep kids from having to enter into the foster care system and we have met groups that serve kids when

the system has failed and they have ended up in juvenile or jail even.  

 

We have also run into some for profit groups that have hearts bigger than the world that have reached out and guided and mentored us as we learn

the ropes of raising funds to better meet the massive needs of children of abuse and neglect.

 

We all have one goal, and that is the “healing and nurturing of children’s hearts, so that they in turn can support themselves, their families and eventually,

reach out to serve others.

 

So, we are starting a Hearts on Fire Spot Light to shine the light on those amazing people that serve kids in our community. Our hope is that even though

you may not be in a place to foster or adopt a child, you may see something in our spot light that you can use your talents to benefit children at risk.

 

Our first Hearts on Fire Spotlight will shine on Diane Hamilton, founder of “Restoration Blessings”.

                                               Volunteers pray for homeowners home.

Diane worked tirelessly for 5 years for our kids when we had an emergency shelter. She ran the Guardian Angels and handled all the

fundraising for our group as well as helped keep the shelter in good repair and saw to the individual needs of the kids, such as birthdays,

holiday celebrations and clothing needs until she was called into ministry through her church at Hill Country Bible Church in Pflugerville

to start Restoration Blessings!

 

This ministry puts together a team to help single parent moms with home repairs, and yard work and car repairs,so their funds and time

can be focused meeting the heart needs of their kids. Children from single parent families often tend to be high at risk kids, and the services

provided to them through Restoration Blessings will help moms be more focused on the care of their kids when they are not worried about

how to pay for the repairs that will keep their homes and cars safe.

 

If you have the talents and skill of home and car repair and lawn care, your services will help a mom better focus on the activities of their

children with much less stress. Stop by their facebook fanpage and become a fan at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Restoration-Blessings/201206293241478

Check out their website at http://www.restorationblessings.org/ 

 

You can make a difference from one heart to another!

 

Galations 6:9 Let's not get tired of doing what is good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest-if we do not give up.

Imagine the sand in your toes, seagulls squawking in the distance and slow waves rolling onto shore. For many of us vacationing at the beach is a tradition. It’s where we go to unwind from a long year, reconnect with family members, and spend time contemplating thoughts that our everyday lives are too busy to entertain.

Sadly, many of the children we work with have never been to the beach, or on any family vacation for that matter. They haven’t felt the sun radiating on their skin while a warm salty breeze blows over their beach chair. They haven’t fallen asleep to wake up feeling fully refreshed, and they have never been taught to relax.

You can imagine the resistance I received when telling a group of teen-aged boys that we would be pretending to go to the beach. Still, eight boys participated in spite of the “no electronics allowed” rule. They placed their feet in the sand, rubbed on some sunscreen and soaked up the warmth of a space heater, and for the next 15 minutes, we heard the waves roll in via CD, enjoyed the mist of a salt water spray bottle, and took in the aroma of a Hawaiian Sunset by Febreeze. They were allowed to sit with nothing but the essence of the ocean, and their own imaginations for a few minutes. No static from the outside world. They were encouraged to explore what their beach looked like and what activities they might participate in. They participated in deep breathing exercises when negative thoughts arose and were given steps to follow if they felt anxious.

Meditation can be a very powerful tool to reducing the amount of stress endured by a child. While only a few of the boys admitted to feeling better after the activity, it was evident that they all were calmer. A couple of the boys even asked to stay “at the beach” for just a little longer…

Let the Bidding Begin!

 

We have been so blessed by the local entreprenuer community in Austin, Cedar Park,

Pflugerville and Georgetown.  Thank you for your philanthropy in supporting our efforts

to meet the needs of children of neglect and abuse!  Below are some of the items in our 

theme baskets that will be available for bidding!  We will also be raffling a wine boat with

various wines, including wines from our venue, The Vineyard at Florence.

 

 

 

Mother to Be

 

Rae of Light Photography

One Custom Mini-Session

30 minutes of photo shoot time

Up to 10 images in a private gallery

5 complimentary gift prints (8x10 or smaller)

 

 

 

Value: $200

 

 

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

 

*Cynthia Benedict Designs by Cindy MaCuk

Necklace and Earrings

*Beauti Control

Body Wash, Body Scrub, Body Cream, Cologne, Instant Manicure, $10 gift card

*Hand Poured Soap

Soaps, Decorative Pen & Note Pad, Pink Bracelet

*Nu Nails

Mani & Pedi

 

Value: $170

 

 

A Date in the Park

 

*Crazy Horse Creations

Decorative Wine Holder

*Inwood Instates Vinyard

Bell’amore Dolce Wine

*The Escape Fine Crafts & Gifts

Bread Dip Tray

*Fredericksburg Farms

Citrus Garlic Bread Dipping Mix

 

 

Value: $120

Romance in the Air

 

*Carey World Wide Chauffeured Services Austin

3 hour Limo Ride

*Water 2 Wine

Wine Tasting for 6

*Austin Natural Jewelry

Necklace and Earrings

Blue Fire Kitchen

Personal Chef prepared

Dinner for 2

 

 

Value: $650

 

 

Dads in Charge

 

*Merry Maids

2 House Cleaning

*Burger University

$25 gift card and t-shirt

*Mel’s Lone Star Lanes

10 free games of bowling

 

 

Value: $225

Bun in the Oven

 

*Bowties and Bobbles

Homemade Blanket & Lovie

*Pillow Candy by Pamela

3 homemade baby pillows

*Maison Chic

Lovie

 

 

Value: $100

Pampered Pooch

 

*OZ Pet Sitting & Grooming

2 days of in home pet sitting

Pet supplies

*Dog Boys Dog Training

 

 

 

Value: $75

Queen for the Day

 

*American Laser Skincare

Microdermabrasion

*Maids by Melissa

2 hour cleaning

*Beauti Control

Body Wash, Body Scrub, Body Cream, Cologne, Instant Manicure, $10 gift card

2 Bracelets , handmade soaps

Blue Fire Kitchen

Personal Chef Prepared

Dinner for 2

 

                                   Value: $450

Kiss the Cook

 

*Savory Spice Shops

Dips for Chips – Dill Dip, Nacho Cheese Dip, Gran Paradiso Parmesan Cheese Sprinkle, Mt. Elbert All-Purpose Seasoning

*Le Cordon Bleu

one hands on cooking class

*Pepper Springs

Best O’ Pesto Dip Mix

*Wonderful Things

2 spoons, single handed server, bottle opener

Joy Peppers

Pepper jams

 

Value: $200

 

 

Birthday Extravaganza

 

*All Things Kids

pizza party for 8

*Amy’s Ice Cream

2 small Amy’s Ice Cream with 1 crush’n topping

*Mel’s Lone Star Lanes

25 free bowling games

 

 

Value: $275

A&M Graduation

 

 

t-shirt

*Flyingthreads

One free monogramming

*Pillow Candy by Pamela

Pillow case

 

$25 Starbucks gift card, $20 Jason Deli,

$15 Quiznos, $25 Torchy’s Taco

 

 

Value: $150

UT Graduation

 

*Flying Threads

UT-shirt

*Flyingthreads

One free monogramming

Coffee Cup

 

Dringking Mug

Pillow Candy by Pamela

Pillow case

 

$25 Starbucks gift card, $20 Jason Deli,

$15 Quiznos, $25 Torchy’s Taco

 

Value: $150

 

 

 

 

Java Time

 

*Tootie Pie

2 Pies

 

2 tea towels, handpainted table clothes, set of 4 coasters, soaps, apron

Peets Coffee

Coffee cups

*11:11 Emporium

Tea

 

 

 

 

Value: $200

Honeymoon

 

*Kindred Oaks

1 night in Honeymoon suite and breakfast

*Bang Salon and Day Spa

1 Women’s Hair Cut

*Massage Envy

Massage

 

 

 

 

Value: $300

Humble Abode

 

*Judith Miller

Original Hand Painting

*Angelheart

Faith, Family, Friends wall hanging

*Frameable Moments

Faith Picture, Love - John 3:16

 

Handmade stationary, coasters

 

Wall Decal – “Because 2 People Fell In Love”

 

 

Value: $250

Back To School

The first day of school is great! Seeing friends that you've missed all summer, sharing vacation stories, showing off new clothes and shoes, and comparing backpacks. There are so many things to catch up on and so much anticipation for the coming months...

...unless you're the new kid...

...again...

Then it is strange faces everywhere, not one single person you recognize. And what's more, you carry a secret that you don't feel comfortable sharing with new would-be friends. You live in a shelter. Your summer vacation consisted of being removed from your home, or changing foster homes again. The first day of school is not great for everyone.

Easing the fear and anxiety of starting a new school is a priority at Angelheart. We try very hard to understand the difficulty that our kids experience in this transition. With the help of so many volunteers and supporters, we are able to provide our kids with new, fashionable clothes and shoes they can be proud of to start their school year in. Each year, Operation School Bell provides several outfits, socks, underwear and a new pair of shoes to each child placed at Angelheart. School suppplies start pouring in each summer and fill an entire walk-in closet with enough items that our children actually get to choose just the right style and colors that make them feel special and ready to learn.

Although new clothes and supplies do not totally rid a child of the anxiety that school can bring while living in a shelter, they do help to ease the stigma of being 'different' in what could be yet another traumatic day for our children. As the person asking, "How was your first day of school" to a van load of kids, I always expected the usual grumbles about the awful teachers and stuck up kids, but quite often I got to hear "It was great!".

Thank you Operation School Bell and to those that donate to organizations that help not only the children at Angelheart but to so many others.

                  Art and Life

 

 

                                       

 

 

 

 

Today at Angelheart there was lots of laughter as

local artist and muralist, Beverly Garland,  kicked

off our Heart Project and  taught art concepts to

our kids.  Initially, they drew their first impression

of the object they chose to draw.  Then Beverly

ask them to do a blind drawing where they could

not look at the paper but only at the object they

had chosen to draw.  Next she ask them to draw

the negative space of the object. Following that

she had them go back and draw the object again

as it really is and not as how they think they should

draw it.  There was a remarkable improvement in

many of their last drawings from the first drawings. 

Unknowingly our kids were learning to look deeper

than initial first impressions, put their focus on what is

real and let go of what is preconceived, assess and

eliminate the negative that distract them from seeing

what the point of their efforts should be and don't settle

for face value or what they think they should see. 

Additionally they learned there is always room for

improvement and to keep trying.

    

 

After the class a few of the older kids asked Beverly questions

about how long she had been drawing and she showed them

her portfolio of the different ways her passion for drawing provides

an income.

 

Thank you Beverly for reaching out to our kids and sharing your time

and gifts with them!  We appreciate you!

An Awesome Gift from some Awesome Kids

H.E.A.R.T. Project

Healing . Educating . Adjusting through Recreational Therapy

Angelheart Kids is excited to start a new venture in helping our foster parents and kids. Often times our foster parents have family emergencies or just need some vacation time. Since we closed the emergency shelter we have been tossing around ideas to improve our support of our parents while providing beneficial programs for our kids. We have decided to run our Heart Project out of the home.

In order to get this program off the ground we would like to enlist the support of our community churches and businesses to run one or two day retreats/camps/workshops for our kids. We would like to offer programs that teach them money management, cooking, health and hygiene and spiritual growth as well as awareness of their spirtual gifts and worth as God's creation. We want to inspire them to grow up to be leaders and give back to their communities.

We also need help making our location a fun, warm and inviting environment for our kids. We need a large sturdy dining table and chairs, sturdy living room furniture, bath towels for three bathrooms and twin bedding as well as large pieces of wall art for the bare walls.

If your chruch organization or business would sponsor a weekend program or help with making the Heart Home more warm and inviting, please call Mary Ann Gay at 512.773.1100. If you would like to donate towards funding this project please click the paypal link below.

The Road to Thriving

Through the years I have worked with many kids in shelters and low income neighborhoods. Establishing enough trust to make a difference is hard in the lives of these kids. They know when you really care, or if it is just a job you have to do. It takes a special group of committed hearts to break down the defensive walls kids in these circumstances build as a result of abuse and neglect from parents who were supposed to be teaching them how to love and be a child.

Angelheart Children’s Shelter is the turning point for many kids each year. When they arrive at Angelheart they are greeted with our special team of direct care counselors, and for the first time learn what it is to be cared for in many circumstances.

I remember the first time I met one of our 17 year old intakes. She was tough and she intimidated me in many ways. Her first day there, she had taken some powdered kool aid and put in her mouth and was trying to convince me that she was bleeding internally. Of course, Sheila our executive director instructed me to check the bathroom trash can for an empty kool-aid packet, which was there. That was one of my first initiations into the attention the kids so badly seek.

After we got her enrolled in school her teacher gave her an assignment. She was to write a report about the history of fashion. I offered to help her with research since computer access is limited at the shelter. I printed off several articles and brought them to her to read and highlight data for her report. I was able to help in teaching her about what content appeals to her and how to organize her thoughts about the information into a term paper with an outline. She developed a desire to know more and even started asking question about other possible content as a result of her reading. She finished the paper, stating that no one had ever helped her like that before and was proud of what she had accomplished. The following week she came back to the shelter with her report in hand with a big red A+ written on the front page. My heart melted at the joy on her face and at the understanding that she had experienced success as the result of her on desire to learn.

The staff and volunteers and Sheila Falco our executive director at Angelheart work hard guiding the kids that come into their care to be who they were intended to be rather than settling for what has been dealt to them by parents with bad judgement..

Angelheart’s Heart Project has been very instrumental in helping our kids see their potential for the first time in years in many cases. The kids are learning to cook, make crafts, and develop healthy relationships, communicate and they are learning to achieve.

I am honored to be a part of the team of supporters and volunteers that are helping to get these kids on the road to thriving.

Mary Ann Gay

This is a Letter Seleta recieved from one of the kids at the Shelter.