Center For H.O.P.E. is expanding their mission to include more services for those who are in need. At present, we have in operation Center For H.O.P.E. Food Pantry that we have supplied over 500 people per month with the necessary food in order to make it through the month and limited job location assistance.
Center For H.O.P.E. is a non-profit organization in the State of Texas, located in Lakehills, Texas and a 501(c)(3) organization, recognized by the I.R.S. The needs of the residents of Bandera and Medina County are great and so few are attempting to do much to help. We want to help people excel. As we help them get their life back on track, they begin to function again as a family and become viable to employers and the community.
Our projected plans are to build at least two multipurpose shops for training purposes and approximately six, two and three bedroom, duplex apartments to assist families that have lost their homes or are in distress beyond their means for a limited time.
We have different volunteer employers, which will train individuals in specific basic job tasks, such as basic auto body repair, basic rough-in carpentry/carpenter’s helper, electrician’s helper, plumber’s helper, kitchen helper, cook and basic restaurant functions and basic computer use. These are job skills that are needed in this area and even outside of this area of Texas, making the clients that complete the training, employable.
Also included in this ministry, we are going to incorporate job location assistance, maintaining a job-training program, drug and alcohol abuse program and financial responsibility training as well as some vocational training in areas of labor that is needed in this area.
In order to facilitate this, we will need about 30-50 acres of real estate to build the duplex apartments and training facilities.
Proposed cost of this project will be approximately $2,500,000. This will cover the cost of the property, drilling the water wells, installation of the septic systems, the completion of the building projects and some of the necessary training equipment and tools, such as yard maintenance equipment, landscape equipment, hand tools and office and restaurant equipment for the facility and for training purposes.
At no time will the clients be charged for these training opportunities. For a limited time, they will not be responsible for the costs of their lodging, their basic food or their utilities. As they become able to excel in basic living skills and begin to make money on a job, then we will help them to grasp the reality and necessity of the financial responsibilities that come with everyday life.
Projected program length is estimated to continue for no more than a two-year period, but client’s abilities and desires may shorten this.
This is a monumental task in a very economical, emotional and spiritually depressed area, saturated with drugs and alcohol, poverty and virtual homelessness. Many of the people that need the assistance have in times past been very active in the community and employed. Due to the severe downturn of the economy and loss of jobs, their only hope has been to attempt to keep a roof over their head with a minimum wage job if they can find one or spot jobs, mowing someone’s lawn if they can get there.
Many resort to Food Stamps, welfare and the helping hand outreaches of local people and churches because of the severe financial stress that plagues their livelihood and this isn’t meeting the needs properly. Some live in mobile homes without electricity and fresh running water. They walk where they are going, because their car is either broken down and can’t afford to fix it, repossessed or out of gas.
If we can reach them in their needs and help them become a viable, contributor to society, then we have done a great service to our community, as well as our, state and country.
Like the boy walking on the beach throwing stranded starfish back into the ocean, if we can make a difference or change the life of just one, it will all be worth it. But if we can change the life of many, it is priceless.
Center For H.O.P.E. would like to appeal to you for assistance in Helping Other People Excel.
I realize that the amount that I ask for is very large, but so are the needs of these people. If you could provide us with a generous gift of any size, we would greatly appreciate it.
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