Spring is the time of plans and projects – Leo Tolstoy
The promise of spring's arrival is enough to get anyone through the bitter winter– Jen Selinsky
A promise. How far can a promise go? I recently was talking to one of my resident moms. She asked me why I make promises to the kids. I explained that a promise is something you live up to and excel above and beyond.
I then realized her question was much deeper. This mom lived in a car with her kids for a year. In that situation, promises were one of two things: more than likely not on her radar or stated knowing they would be broken. I asked her to start thinking about what she could promise her kids that she could deliver on now that she had stability in her life.
Here’s what she came up with. Her promise was profound. She promised her kids a bright future starting with her education. She promised them she would be a positive example and help out the other families at the house.
My promise to her was to give her a safe place to live and learn, help her whenever possible, listen, guide and give her all the tools to achieve her promise.
Some things you don't have to promise. You just do. – Rick Yancey, The 5th Wave
I am so blessed to be the Executive Director of Gilead House! My promise to you whether you are a donor and help us financially or with food or things, help us physically with tasks or mentally support us with your prayers and energy; I promise I will ensure these families are well cared for, loved, fed, given every opportunity to succeed and advocated for every step of the way.
I promise to lead Gilead House to the next level and I promise to steer these women and children to be the best versions of themselves.
Thank you so much for everything you do to help me help them! Your generosity and support mean more than you know. It truly does.
Happy start to spring!
Carrie Scrimshire
Executive Director, Gilead House
Meet Kim.
Kim is the mother of four beautiful girls and is a kind woman with a helping heart. When Kim decided to reach out to Gilead House for help, she had seen and heard of the powerful success stories of moms that had gone before her. Their stories inspired her to work hard to get a degree and ultimately become a strong and positive role model for her daughters.
“When I first interviewed for the program at Gilead House, I instantly felt loved. I felt like this was the place I could set my life back on track.”
Kim has the exciting goal of becoming a Medical Assistant through the program at College of Marin and has proved she will do whatever it takes to achieve this goal, including enlisting the help of a volunteer tutor. It is because of her desire to help people that she will make a great Medical Assistant. It was that same helping spirit that led to Kim being chosen as a “buddy” to a new resident mom. In this role, she acts as a responsible role model and is available to lend advice in parenting and everyday situations so that the younger mom can learn and gain independence for her own family.
“I was a young mom once; it is my honor to pass along my parenting skills to other moms.”
Gilead House is honored to provide a second chance and helping hand to a strong woman that is going to turn around and help many others that cross her path. Great job, Kim!
HELP US REACH MORE MOMS LIKE KIM!
Thank you for your generous heart and making a tangible and lasting difference for families in unsafe relationships.
Honors Achievement
We want to give special recognition to Carlos for receiving his 1st 4.0 GPA for last Fall’s semester! It’s hard enough earning a 4.0 but Carlos did it in his second language during his first semester in the United States. Way to go Carlos!!
The Gilead House Staff, his teachers and most importantly his mom, Mayerling are tremendously proud of his determination, work ethic and diligence. Keep up the amazing work!
Gilead House moms win Live Your Dream scholarship
This year, Soroptimist International of Novato recognized and presented monetary awards to eight women for the “Live Your Dream” award. Gilead House is grateful for the kindness & generosity of Soroptimist International of Novato. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.
This year two Gilead House moms won this award: Tamekka Cockerham and Elizabeth Martinez. Thank you Soroptimists International of Novato!
Both moms will use these funds to help move forward to their dreams of getting their degrees, becoming entrepreneurs, helping people, and providing stability for their families.
Thank you, Soroptomists!
We are currently looking for auction items.
Would you consider donating:
A stay at your time-share
A gift card to your favorite restaurant
A tasting at your wine club
A good or service
A unique experience
If you would like to donate an auction item, please email carly@gileadhouse.org.
This Mother's Day, Sunday May 8th, give a special donation in her honor to help a mother in need.
In return, Gilead House will send a beautiful card on your behalf to recognize your gift.
Encouragement from God's Word
We would like to introduce you to our new friends Don McCardell and his wife Donna. Don became connected to Gilead House during the holidays when he prepared an incredible Thanksgiving Dinner for our families. When he delivered the food, he mentioned to our staff that he would like to return to encourage the Gilead House Women with God’s Word.
When Don returned, he shared his testimony of growing up in Oakland, being homeless, feeling helpless, hopeless, and scared, and ultimately crying out to the Lord and asking Him to be his Rescuer.
“I learned that being homeless is very challenging. When I acknowledged Jesus, I instantly felt His presence. When I spoke to Him I felt His love and protection in many dangerous situations. While being homeless, Jesus was always there. Just me and Him. I felt secure. I felt a calmness and comfort”
As Don shared his story, our moms were on the edge of their seats. They felt so seen and understood. He related to them in a way that very few can, and that meant the world to them. This was his encouragement for them, and perhaps all of us:
“He is a God of second chances, His mercies are brand new each day. He is a God of hope, peace, love, protection and purpose and He has plans to prosper you and not harm you. When you go through the fire, it will not consume you and when you go through the rivers of difficulty, it will not overtake you. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”
We are so grateful to Don and Donna for coming to Gilead House and being an encouragement to our moms. They are still buzzing about how special this was for them and how it has left a lasting impact. This is how lives are changed and moms are empowered.
_____________________________________________________________
Next Project Serve is next Saturday, April 2nd from 10am -12pm! If you are interested in attending, please sign up online.
Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1) Click the link to see our schedule. 2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like. 3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.com.
Thank you for supporting Gilead House with your time and efforts. We will keep you posted as more volunteer opportunities become available!
Gilead House is a large house that is home to many people, and like your home it has the same basic needs to keep it clean, organized, and running smoothly.
There are many needs to be continually met and we have listed those needs on Amazon. If you would like to help in this way, you can view the lists by clicking the button below to see our current needs.
THANK YOU for caring about our women and children and this ministry.
Did you know that we have a list of all our current needs on our website as well as items that we can and cannot accept? Click here to view our items needed.
Every dollar you give helps provide a safe shelter and the chance to start a new life for homeless moms and kids
Because of you, they’ll experience God’s love and healing.
