Times are financially tough for Hope Harbor as it is for everyone. Donations have been on the decline and the expenses continue to climb. BUT, a window of opportunity has opened! An opportunity to create revenue that potentially can make up lost contributions and counter the rising expenses. Please take a few minutes to carefully read about this window the Lord has opened to us. It truly is a rags for riches opportunity.

In March of 2011, with the help of generous donors, we opened our thrift store, “Thrift Harbor,” in downtown Claremore. After the initial donations of clothes and other thrift items we quickly realized the potential revenue stream that was developing. Since the clothes and items were in such great shape and were being sold at a very affordable price, word was quickly spreading and sales are higher than we expected. We are actually projecting Thrift Harbor’s income above expenses for 2012 to exceed $50,000. Still, that is only a portion of the annual deficit that befalls us.

Our experience though has revealed that this window, as wide open as it appeared to be, is not fully opened. The thrift store donations are coming in from just a handful of churches and individuals, and there is customer demand for more. We need more clothing and thrift items donated, so we are building collection boxes and asking churches and businesses to place them on their property. Initially, we are establishing routes within a 100 mile radius of Hope Harbor that will insure the boxes are emptied approximately every two weeks. Provisions are also being made to make sure the box always remains a source of income for Hope Harbor. Will you consider hosting a collection box? Before you make a decision, consider the following key points:

• Collection boxes are 4’x4’x6’, blue, made of wood, painted nicely, with clear signs showing donations are for Hope Harbor Children’s Home.
• The boxes will be emptied approximately every 2 weeks or as needed so that nothing builds up outside the box.
• Separate collection days can also be arranged by calling the phone number on the box.
• A key to the box will be provided to the office or an identified member.
• This benefits Hope Harbor AND the members of your congregation.
• This is a ministry requiring minimal effort but making a huge difference!

Maybe you (church, business or individual) would rather donate $400 toward building a box? Bear in mind, funds are available from a couple generous donors which will match your contribution dollar for dollar. Your donation will essentially build two boxes!

Most importantly, we ask that you pray for our efforts to properly and efficiently utilize this window the Lord has opened for us.

To learn more about how you can host a donation bin. Call Shane McClaugherty at (918-855-1389) or (918-343-0003, ext. 226).

Hope Harbor has set an ambitious target of serving 2,000 people a year by 2015.  We’re well on our way to meeting, and hopefully exceeding that target.  Along the way, opportunities to provide a low-cost thrift store in Claremore, one that serves the needs of the community while still raising funds to support Hope Harbor’s efforts, has unfolded at a surprisingly rapid pace.  As so many individuals and families struggle with economic hardship, Thrift Harbor has given us one more way of restoring hope.

• Adding a cottage, hiring additional house parents, and admitting more children.
• Expand the foster care program to not only care for kids who have completed our program and have no family to return to, but care for kids too young for our residential program.

I love his focus on the children and his desire to ensure the best quality care for the children. But in addition to his focus, he also understands the need to prepare for the future. How?

• Establish an endowment.

Like most Executive Directors, Dr. Richardson feels establishing an endowment for Hope Harbor is essential in ensuring the future of Hope Harbor. An endowment would provide lasting monies to ensure continued quality care for years and decades to come.

There seem to be more children than ever needing the services Hope Harbor provides. Our hands are tied though. Just today, another child had to be denied services because we have no room. We have the expertise and the programs to serve more children. We just need more cottages, foster homes, staff, and well… money.

It’s not unheard of for Hope Harbor to receive money because a donor remembers them in their will. We are grateful for those who did remember and we are grateful for those who will remember us, whether it’s millions or just hundreds of dollars.

Hope Harbor’s annual Change Campaign generally launches in April, but this year’s Teen Challenge got an early start. Area youth groups are already competing to see who can raise the most change (totals are actually divided by the number of members in the youth group to keep the competition fair) toward Hope Harbor’s efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect through parent education and early intervention with Christian counseling.

To launch the first Teen Challenge, teens were asked to consider the sheer number of children throughout the United States who face abuse and neglect each year. This year, a different approach was used – teens were asked to consider the story of one single child. One child who would be abused. One child whose life would eventually be lost. And they were asked to consider, if they could change the story for that one child, whether they would. We all hear terrifying facts and staggering numbers. The problems of others become almost abstract when we know there are so many. But if we can think of changing one life, one story, the question becomes more challenging; Will we help?

I have given this much thought and I have decided to establish a “New Year’s Goal.” My wife and I want to increase our weekly contribution. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us to give as we purpose in our hearts and 2 Corinthians 1:22 refers to God putting the Holy Spirit in our hearts as a down payment of His promise. I find it troubling that my heart is the very avenue by which I have physical and spiritual life, yet I have always struggled in my giving.

For the longest time we have only given about 2-3% of our gross income and we want to increase that amount to at least 10% before the end of the year. When we consider our giving is in response to what God has blessed us with, we felt 10% was the least we should give. While the Old Testament is no longer binding, it did set a standard under an old covenant. The old covenant was then replaced by a better covenant through which we have the hope of eternal life. It just seems logical to give more because of a better covenant. – Chris Brill

One Sunday, I was preparing to make a presentation to a congregation about the need to support children in their affliction. As I was meeting people, I noticed a little girl patiently waiting. Beside her appeared to be her mother, who seemed eager to speak to me. As soon as I could I gave her my attention. Excited and full of pride she proceeded to tell me her daughter had been saving something special. I knelt down and greeted the young lady. I do not remember her name, as I probably should, but she held out her hand to greet mine and then handed over a wrapped container. Her mother told me she saved a little over $8 in change, originally planned for her birthday and, on her own, she decided it was more useful to the children than for her birthday.

Without a single word, the little girl spoke volumes. When she selflessly handed over something of great value to her, for the purpose of helping others, it caused me to examine myself. Over time, as I pondered this encounter, I have come to realize that I am selfish and I need to have the attitude of this little girl.

Jesus tells us in Mark 10:15, Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” (NASB)

There are many things we can learn from a child, including our attitude of giving.