It’s not only the holidays that are tough these days for families and students here in Lake County. For many, simple household supplies and furnishings are tough enough to afford when it takes everything they have just to provide a warm meal. That’s why we are so blessed to be able to assist these families through our store, 2econd Life Resale. Manager, Carla Terrell, has been working with Lake County School’s Parent Resource Center and the Migrant Education Program of Lake County Schools(MEP) by offering assistance through the store. This past Christmas, one young boy in the MEP’s wish was for a twin mattress. Through 2econd Life Resale his wish was granted by donation along with other household items for the family!

Throughout the year 2econd Life has donated items to LCSS where a designated room in local schools are set up and kids can come in and shop for free! They are able to pick-up clothing, uniforms, toiletries, etc. Recently, a letter was received by the store and it reads:

Dear Ms. Terrell,

On behalf of the Parent Resource Center and the Migrant Education Program of Lake County Schools, we would like to thank you for your recent donations to our families. Your prompt response to assist our Title I staff in meeting this need is to be admired. Many of our families have minimal resources and are unable to provide for their children during the holidays. It is through individuals and organizations like yours that we are able to assist and ensure our students succeed.

We appreciate your generosity and the ongoing efforts to help South Lake County Schools. Once again, thank you for your willingness to help our families.

Sincerely,

LCSS
Family School Liaison
Parent Resource Center

Through your generous donations to our store, we are able to continue helping these children and their families here in our area. If you would like to learn more about donations and volunteering, please contact us!

New Beginnings Office
352-404-6946
info@newbeginningslake.org

2econd Life Resale
352-241-8500
www.2econdliferesale.net

Dear Men of Prayer…

I write this during the masculine hour of Saturday night football. And I also write this on the heels of another Saturday at Helping Hands Outreach… It always takes a bit of time to process what one experiences on Saturdays at HHO. I know other volunteers have also told me that they can’t help but
think of Saturday guests after an HHO day. What often humbles me most is
when a man cries… And it happens every Saturday. Tonight on my heart and mind is a man who cried … He symbolizes the great pain and fallout of the recession still yet being experienced all around us.

As an intercessor, I am asking that you each join me and please include this week in your prayers the men of Lake County who are hurting and yearning for hope, healing and REAL LIFE change and transcendence of tough times during this still great recession that is not over.

- Beth Knight, volunteer of New Beginnings

New Beginnings of Lake County in combined support with local businesses and individuals united this year to make Christmas joyous for many local families.  Throughout the month of December a number of toys, food and other items were donated to the organization ultimately serving hundreds of families in need this holiday season.  Many dedicated volunteers joined New Beginnings at their weekly outreach program on Christmas Eve to help distribute the donations to children and families in the area. With the economy still struggling, there were more families seeking added support this holiday season.

 

New Beginnings is proud to offer it’s thanks to many generous contributors including: Chick fil A, Great Clips Clermont, Koinonia Church, Hilton Grand Vacations, WOAMTEC, Emerald Lakes, First United Methodist Church, Church at South Lake, Mosaic Church, Family Christian Center, Holy Land Experience, Toys For Tots, Family Matters, Lisa Sawyer & Family, Dr. Brockman, Dr. Paez, Susan Firkel, Cathy Holeman & Family and many others.

 

Since its inception in 2007, New Beginnings offers programs that provide food, clothing and transitional housing, along with job and life skill training.  Recently, New Beginnings began a Mentor Program to help families who have been deemed “at risk” of homelessness.  This new program will prepare volunteers to mentor families and help provide them with resources and encouragement.  For more information, please contact New Beginnings at (352) 404-6946 or visit their website at www.NewBeginningsLake.org.

A couple of weeks ago, a local church, referred a young woman through to our Community Advocate Program.  Feeling that she had hit rock bottom having struggled to find a job and pay her rent, she felt suicidal.  While on the phone with our Community Advocate, through her sobs of despair, she was asked to come into the office to see how we could help.  After arriving, still in tears, she expressed how wonderfully generous and patient her landlord had been and how his kindness made her feel guilt.  Continuing their conversation she mentioned that she had applied for jobs, but never followed up with any.  She was encouraged to touch base with those jobs to which she had applied for and within a few days received great news!  During that time our Community Advocate spoke to and eventually met with her landlord late one night.  The young lady was right, he was a generous man.  He offered to help in any way and dropped her rent from $1200 to $300 until she could get back on her feet.  Now, it’s just a matter of days before she starts her new job and life perspective!

The landlord was captivated how this young ladies life was turned around so quickly and how through the grace of God, her life was saved.  We will be meeting with him this week to discuss other properties that he owns and how they can be used by helping others through this program.

It is simply amazing how God works!  Bringing this woman’s life around (literally) full circle through the caring support of others.  GOD IS GOOD!

About New Beginnings

New Beginnings - We Transform Lives - Helping homeless learn how to live a better life by making good choices and to recover from their hurts, habits & hang ups.

"If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you TEACH a man to fish, you feed him for life."



Hard Times Generation: Families living in cars

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