March Wrap-Up

March Wrap-Up

Welcome to our new monthly newsletter! Here we will be sharing the highlights of the month within our organization, for our residents, and for the community. We will also be sharing what we will be looking forward to in the upcoming month.

Anniversaries:

Join us in congratulating our staff members who celebrated their work anniversaries this month!

Jennifer Figueroa, Marketing Coordinator

2nd Anniversary

Ryleigh Schroeder, Case Manager

1st Anniversary

Jodie Veeder, Lead Case Manager

7th Anniversary

Resident Highlight:

Join us in also congratulating our former resident, Kathie! Kathie came to Hope Harbor to change her life and get on track to a life of self sufficiency. Kathie was able to receive a vehicle through Chariots 4 Hope, get stable employment, and safe housing! Check out Kathie’s journey with Hope Harbor below.

Before Hope Harbor, I was in prison. Before prison, I was on the run due to warrants and life was just chaotic. It wasn’t really a life at all. I had nowhere to call a home. When I left prison, I had nothing.

I learned how to be respectful from my case manager here at Hope Harbor. I learned about a lot of resources and ways to do things. A lot of life skills. From my peers I learned that we aren’t so different. We all struggle and need to have resilience and patience. Not everyone is the same and we all have a story of why we are the way we are. You just have to take people for where they are. Everybody is the way they are because of what they have been through. From Hope Harbor I learned that there is light. That there is hope.. Hope Harbor. There is hope and resources out there that can help and you don’t feel so alone.

I would recommend Hope Harbor to anybody in need. You guys have the resources to help others. I would recommend Hope Harbor because you guys are great! It was hard at times being here, like not being able to have my children here. But that all worked out. Communal living isn’t easy either. The easiest part is you get food right there, you get a cooked meal, everything is accessible. It’s easy, you have chores, but it’s simple for all the benefits you get. I’ve lived in communal living before and other places have been extremely hard. Hope Harbor is a good program because it’s not too much, but it’s also not nothing at all. I also liked the Parenting class. I never heard of that approach before, the circle of security. I got to watch it after learning it with my own children and in my own life with my mom.

I’d tell new residents to just stay! Don’t leave. There are going to be tough days, but there are tough days everywhere. People might piss you off, but just stay. Don’t let that get in the way. What’s the alternative? Being homeless and looking for a ride or somewhere to go? Just do what you’re supposed to do and stay.

I will miss my roommate the most from Hope Harbor. I’ll also miss my “family” here. Like the children who I grew close to. The comfort of never being alone, like relying on the staff member. I won’t miss the little rules like checking in and checking out or curfew. It’ll be nice to not worry about it. If I could change anything about my experience here, I wouldn’t. The most important thing I learned and will take away is gratitude. I’m so grateful and blessed. At times I don’t feel deserving of it. I got so much out of here. In one word, Hope Harbor is a blessing. In the future I can see myself living life to the fullest. Just being a member of the community and living life. In the future I’d like to volunteer at Hope Harbor or even work here as well. I know what it’s like to be in this position so I could help others. That’s how I would love to give back. I want to give others hope…

Kathie receiving her vehicle.

Kathie and her children at the Resident Christmas party.

What’s Up Next?

April has a lot in store! Our annual scavenger hunt fundraiser is at the end of the month! For more information or to register, go to the link below!

http://www.hopeharborgi.org/huntingforhope

Hope Harbor Blog 2/18/22

Announcements:

📢 We're Hiring! Join our team and apply today at www.hopeharborgi.org/employment-job-opening.

Crossroads Mission Avenue is providing daily lunch and dinner for FREE!

Applications are now open for the Nebraska Homeowner Assistance Fund through NIFAHousing Pandemic-impacted homeowners with limited income may be eligible for assistance. View qualifications and apply at NebraskaHAF.com

WISHLIST:

🚨 Help! 🚨

The food pantries in our Shelter and Service Center are running extremely low!

Please consider donating:

Non-perishable foods -

  • Cereal

  • Pasta

  • Canned fruits

  • Canned veggies

  • Canned meat

  • Other non-perishable foods

Perishable foods -

  • Bread

  • Eggs

  • Milk

We are also in need of:

  • Paper towels

  • Toilet paper

  • Facial tissues

  • Paper plates & bowls

  • First Aid Kit supplies/kit refills

  • Over the counter medicine: Pepto bismol, pain relievers, kids medicine, tums

  • Chapstick

  • Pill organizers

Ice breakers

This week, residents were asked: “If you could switch lives with anyone else (celebrity or not) for three days, who would you switch lives with?”

RESIDENTS:

  • Oprah

  • Mick Jagger

  • The father of my children

  • God

  • My mom

  • Stevie Nicks

  • A baby

  • Kim Kardashian

  • Anyone famous

  • Katie Cassidy

  • Joe Biden 

Hope Harbor Blog 2/11/22

Announcements:

It is with extreme gratitude that we mention the work, donations, and support received from the community for our tenth annual "Serving Up Hope: Toasting 10 Years" fundraising event. Not only were we able to meet our goal, we surpassed it!

Thank you for your continued support of families and individuals experiencing homelessness.

📢 We're Hiring! Join our team and apply today at www.hopeharborgi.org/employment-job-opening.

Applications are now open for the Nebraska Homeowner Assistance Fund through NIFAHousing Pandemic-impacted homeowners with limited income may be eligible for assistance. View qualifications and apply at NebraskaHAF.com

CONGRATULATIONS:

Join us in congratulating Peachis Amadou on celebrating her fifth anniversary of working at Hope Harbor!

Peachis, we appreciate the energy you bring, the patience and empathy you show our clients, and how you create a welcoming atmosphere to all. Hope Harbor is happy to have you on the team! Congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉

Thank you:

We're so thankful that JBS Grand Island Beef has donated 120lbs of beef once again! The continued support and generosity is greatly appreciated by our residents. 💙

We'd like to shout out Grand Island Senior High FBLA chapter for volunteering at Hope Harbor today! Our donation room has never looked better! 🤩 Thank you!

WISHLIST:

🚨 Help! 🚨

The food pantries in our Shelter and Service Center are running extremely low!

Please consider donating:

Non-perishable foods -

  • Cereal

  • Pasta

  • Canned fruits

  • Canned veggies

  • Canned meat

  • Other non-perishable foods

Perishable foods -

  • Bread

  • Eggs

  • Milk

We are also in need of:

  • Paper towels

  • Toilet paper

  • Facial tissues

  • Paper plates & bowls

  • First Aid Kit supplies/kit refills

  • Over the counter medicine: Pepto bismol, pain relievers, kids medicine, tums

  • Chapstick

  • Pill organizers

Ice breakers

This week, residents were asked: “If you could learn one new personal skill, what would it be?”

RESIDENTS:

  • Better communication.

  • Better memory and time management.

  • Sew blankets and quilts.

  • I’m not sure, I’ve already learned so much at Hope Harbor.

  • Computer coding.

  • Photography.

  • How to do piercings.

  • How to be a chef in a fancy restaurant.

  • Drawing or painting.

Hope Harbor Blog 1/7/22

Announcements:

Serving Up Hope is SOLD OUT! 🎟

Don't fret if you weren't able to snag a ticket! You can still bid on silent auction items online starting January 19!

Keep an eye out for further details.

📢 We're Hiring! Join our team and apply today at www.hopeharborgi.org/employment-job-opening.

Congratulations:

Join us in congratulating Molly Clark and Michelle Callahan on celebrating their first year anniversary of working at Hope Harbor!

Molly, we appreciate the thoughtful way you approach working with clients, support our team, and encourage others.

Michelle, we appreciate all that you do for clients, your fresh ideas, and your ability to go with the flow.

Hope Harbor is happy to have you both on the team! Congratulations! 🎉🎉🎉

Thank you:

We'd like to thank Bosselman's for donating items from our donation wishlist! Thank you for your continuous support and generosity! 💙

We'd like to thank Zion Lutheran Church in Hampton, NE for gathering towel sets for our residents, a much needed shelter item! Thank you for thinking of us! 💙

Ice breakers

This week, residents were asked: “When you have a bad day at work or in general, what’s the first thing you do when you get home?”

RESIDENTS:

  • “Take off my shoes and turn on music.”

  • “Put in my headphones.”

  • “Debrief to my roommate.”

  • “Talk to someone and clean.”

  • “Read or write.”

  • “Take a hot bubble bath.”

  • “Go for a walk and listen to music.”

  • “Take deep breaths.”

  • “I smoke a cigarette and vent to my spouse.”

  • “Clean and play with my daughter.”

  • “Play with my daughter.”

  • “Rest.”

Hope Harbor Blog 12/31/21

Announcements:

Thank you:

We'd like to thank Shopko Optical for holding a coat drive and donating the coats to our residents! Just in time for this weather! 🥶 Thank you!

We'd like to shout out Sunheat for continuing to provide our residents with a Christmas Eve dinner. Thank you so much for always thinking of our residents during the holidays! 🎄❤️🤗

Ice breakers

This week, residents were asked: “What is your New Year’s resolution(s)?”

RESIDENTS:

  • “To have my kids home.”

  • “To be a better mom for my daughter.”

  • “To not procrastinate so much.”

  • “To have a good time.”

  • “To be more present.”

  • “To get my son home and to get my high school diploma.”

  • “To try harder.”

  • “To get my GED.”

  • “To live in the moment.”

  • “To not procrastinate.”

  • “My recovery.”

  • “To get to see my other children.”

Quote of the Week:

Hope Harbor Blog 12/24/21

Announcements:

📢 We're Hiring! Join our team and apply today at www.hopeharborgi.org/employment-job-opening.

Thank you:

We'd like to thank The Early Development Network for dropping off sweet snacks with an even sweeter note! 💙 Thank you!

It's the best time of the season when we see such generous hearts in our community! Thank you Northwestern Mutual Financial Advisors for the thoughtful donations for our residents! 💙

We'd like to thank Family Eyecare Center for the thoughtful donation of much needed items at our Service Center and Shelter! Thank you for the continued support! 💙

We'd like to give Nebraska Heart Institute a huge shout out for donating a TON of food pantry item donations! They literally gathered 2,000 pounds of donations... in a week! THANK YOU! 👏👏👏

Thank you Integrated Life Choices for the generous donation! Our pantries will be fully stocked for our residents and community! 💙

Ice breakers

This week, residents were asked: “What was your favorite gift you received from the Christmas party?”

RESIDENTS:

  • “Journal.”

  • “Color pens and a phone card.”

  • “Being with kids.”

  • “Dog bed.”

  • “Blocks for my kiddo and the overall party.”

  • “All of the gifts.”

  • “Variety of lotions.”

  • “Fuzzy blanket and socks.”

  • “Fuzzy body pillow, blanket, and art set.”

  • “Survival materials.”

  • “Boots and gift card.”

  • “Boots.”

Hope Harbor Blog 12/17/21

Announcements:

Sip sip hooray!

Our Serving Up Hope 2022's ingredient is... WINE! 🍾🍷🍇

We're feeling really grape and excited to have you join us on Saturday, January 29th to toast to 10 years of Serving Up Hope! Serving Up Hope is our annual fundraising gala that helps us to continue serving our community and those experiencing homelessness.

Buy your tickets by clicking the button below!

📢 We're Hiring! Join our team and apply today at www.hopeharborgi.org/employment-job-opening.

Thank you:

Thank you Hamilton Telecommunications for the kind gesture of dropping off popcorn for our office! 🍿😋

We would like to thank Nebraska Cancer Specialists in Grand Island and Hastings for holding a two-week diaper drive among employees! All together, they were able to donate 1,462 diapers/pull-ups!

Thank you for choosing Hope Harbor and helping us help others! 💙

Our office has been feeling the love lately! We'd like to thank a very sweet couple who dropped off some homemade and store-bought goodies as well as donations for our food pantry! Thank you! 🤗💙

We'd like to thank St. Leo's Catholic Church for always donating and working with us. We're extremely grateful for the recent donation of hygiene items, diapers, and gift cards! 💙

We'd like to thank the head of a motorcycle club and his members for their generous donation of toys, beauty products, and more. Each year, they hold a donation drive and donate items to be gifted to our residents for Christmas.🎄🎅

Thank you for always thinking of our residents during the holidays! 💙

Join us in thanking Greater Grand Island Community Foundation for the Christmas Cheer donation of $2,000! 💚🎄❤️🎉

We'd like to shout out Northwest's FBLA chapter for holding a toy donation drive for our residents! Thank you for your holiday cheer!🎄 👏

We'd like to thank a certain group of Kelly Supply Co. employees for gathering donation items to donate to Hope Harbor! We are so touched to have thoughtful community members who give to local organizations in need. 💙

Thank you CHI Health for holding a donation drive open to the public and your employees for Hope Harbor! We are excited to receive a generous amount of much needed goods! 💙

Ice breakers

This week, residents were asked: “If you could have any Christmas goodie this year, what would it be?”

RESIDENTS:

  • “Homemade eggnog.”

  • “Cherry cheesecake.”

  • “Divinity.”

  • “Crab dip.”

  • “Cheese balls and crackers.”

  • “Oyster stew.”

  • “Fudge.”

  • “Strawberry rhubarb pie.”

  • “Turducken.”

  • “Red pozole.”

  • “Mole.”

  • “Pan con pollo, a Salvadoran dish of a chicken sandwich.”

Quote of the Week:

Hope Harbor Blog 12/10/21

Announcements:

Sip sip hooray!

Our Serving Up Hope 2022's ingredient is... WINE! 🍾🍷🍇

We're feeling really grape and excited to have you join us on Saturday, January 29th to toast to 10 years of Serving Up Hope! Serving Up Hope is our annual fundraising gala that helps us to continue serving our community and those experiencing homelessness.

Buy your tickets by clicking the button below!

📢 We're Hiring! Join our team and apply today at www.hopeharborgi.org/employment-job-opening.

Thank you:

A huge thank you to Orphan Grain Train, Inc. for once again donating turkeys to Hope Harbor! 💙🦃

Thank you!

Thank you Nebraska Realty for hosting a diaper drive for Hope Harbor and other organizations! 💙

Our Community Assistance program is essential for families in need and donations like this help us continue providing help.

Thank you Active Family Chiropractic & Acupuncture for the sweet gesture of dropping off hot cocoa kits and candy canes for our office! 🎄🎅☕

Thank you Heartland AG Systems for donating canned goods and raising funds for Hope Harbor! 💙

We appreciate donations like these, especially around the holiday season!

Let's give a shout out to Grand Island Northwest FCCLA for donating hygiene kits that included a much needed item, bath towels! Thank you!

Your generosity and kindness is always greatly appreciated at Hope Harbor! 💙

We'd like to thank Best Buy employees for gathering donations all month to donate to Hope Harbor!

Thank you for being thoughtful and spreading kindness this holiday season! 💙

Ice breakers

This week, residents were asked: “If you could donate a million dollars to any charity, what cause would you choose?”

RESIDENTS:

  • “St. Jude’s”

  • “ASPCA”

  • “Cancer Research”

  • “Autism Awareness”

  • “Dual-Diagnosis Treatment Center”

  • “Hope Harbor”

  • “Toys for Tots & Conner’s Cure”

  • “Habitat for Humanity”

  • “Texas Hospital”

  • “Alzheimer’s”

  • “Deaf & Blind Children”

This week, staff was asked: “What gives your life meaning?”

Staff:

  • “Working at a non-profit with a mission of helping others become independent gives my life meaning. I am fortunate enough to be passionate about my job. I use the skills I learned in school and got to pair that passion with having a purposeful job. They say you don’t work a day in your life if you love what you do. I think getting to do what I like and help others gives my life meaning.”

  • “Coffee!”

  • “My family and friends.”

  • “My family, friends, and my career! I love the job I do!”

Quote of the Week:

Hope Harbor Blog 12/3/21

Announcements:

Sip sip hooray!

Our Serving Up Hope 2022's ingredient is... WINE! 🍾🍷🍇

We're feeling really grape and excited to have you join us on Saturday, January 29th to toast to 10 years of Serving Up Hope! Serving Up Hope is our annual fundraising gala that helps us to continue serving our community and those experiencing homelessness.

Buy your tickets by clicking the button below!

⚠️ We are in the middle of a COVID-19 surge!⚠️

Hospitals are at or near full capacity, let's do our part to keep others and ourselves safe. Continue to socially distance, wear masks, and get vaccinated/boosters. Thank you!

The Nebraska Homeowner Assistance Fund may be able to financially help you! For more information, visit https://haf.nifa.org.

Thank you:

We would like to thank a couple of thoughtful community members who applied for grants to use towards Hope Harbor! Together, they were able to refill our food pantries with very much needed perishable and non-perishable food items and community assistance items. Thank you.

We would like to thank April Sundberg and Rooted in Relationships for donating 50 books and bears for the children in our shelter. Rooted in Relationships aims to enhance the social-emotional development of Nebraska's young children. Thank you. 📚🧸

We would like to thank Five Points Bank for holding their annual Grand Island Golden Club Holiday Luncheon! We received an enormous amount of pantry items that will stock up our Shelter and Service Center food pantries! We are grateful for this donation that will help us continue to help others through our Community Assistance food boxes. 🥫 Thank you! 💙

When we make an ask or voice a need, our community always comes through for us! 💙 Thank you to the thoughtful and generous community members who gathered up food pantry items in their neighborhood. Hope Harbor continues to help those in need because of people like you! 👏

Ice breakers

This week, residents were asked: “If you were remembered for making one major achievement, what would it be?”

RESIDENTS:

  • “World peace.”

  • “For making my daughter happy.”

  • “That I didn’t give up and overcame.”

  • “That I have worked hard on my recovery.”

  • “For having strength and hope.”

  • “Becoming a singer and getting a platinum record.”

  • “For being kind and caring.”

  • “Getting sober for my daughters and being stubborn.”

  • “For being a domestic violence survivor.”

  • '“For never giving up.”

  • “For always believing in God no matter how hard it got.”

Hope Harbor Blog 11/26/21

Announcements:

The Nebraska Homeowner Assistance Fund may be able to financially help you! For more information, visit https://haf.nifa.org.

Nebraska Realty is asking others to join them in helping impact four organizations across Nebraska. Now through November 30th, you can donate and deliver diapers through Nebraska Realty’s Amazon registry links to The Friendship House of Lincoln, the Omaha Lydia House, The Bridge in Hastings, and Hope Harbor.

Click the button to donate!

ABC Seamless is donating a portion of their November proceeds to local homeless shelters in Nebraska including Hope Harbor!

They are also offering all customers who sign a contract a chance to win Thanksgiving dinner on them! They will draw a winner on November 22nd.

Donations help us fund our programs like our Community Assistance program where we can assist the community with food boxes, hygiene items, diapers, and more.

Thank you:

As we enter the time to give thanks season, we'd like to thank Poss Chiropractic and Wilderness Ridge Chiropractic for the costumes they gathered and donated to our children residents this past spooky season! It was a joy to see them in their costumes! 🎃💙

We would like to thank very generous donors Clark Rasmussen (left) and Mike Wardyn (right) for donating turkeys for our residents and Community Assistance program food boxes (limited supply) this holiday season! 🦃

Thank you for your kindness and for thinking of others during this time! 💙👏

Wishlist:

🚨 Help! 🚨

The food pantries in our Shelter and Service Center are running extremely low!

Please consider donating:

Non-perishable foods -

  • Cereal

  • Pasta

  • Canned fruits

  • Canned veggies

  • Canned meat

  • Other non-perishable foods

Perishable foods -

  • Bread

  • Eggs

  • Milk

We are also in need of:

  • Men’s winter gloves

  • Bath towels

  • Wash cloths

  • Women’s deodorant

  • Masks

Hope Harbor Blog 11/19/21

Announcements:

Nebraska Realty is asking others to join them in helping impact four organizations across Nebraska. Now through November 30th, you can donate and deliver diapers through Nebraska Realty’s Amazon registry links to The Friendship House of Lincoln, the Omaha Lydia House, The Bridge in Hastings, and Hope Harbor.

Click the button to donate!

ABC Seamless is donating a portion of their November proceeds to local homeless shelters in Nebraska including Hope Harbor!

They are also offering all customers who sign a contract a chance to win Thanksgiving dinner on them! They will draw a winner on November 22nd.

Donations help us fund our programs like our Community Assistance program where we can assist the community with food boxes, hygiene items, diapers, and more.

Thank you:

We'd like to thank United Methodist Church - Aurora, NE Middle School Youth Group for collecting socks for Socktober to donate to Hope Harbor and other organizations!

Wishlist:

🚨 Help! 🚨

The food pantries in our Shelter and Service Center are running extremely low!

Please consider donating:

Non-perishable foods -

  • Cereal

  • Pasta

  • Canned fruits

  • Canned veggies

  • Canned meat

  • Other non-perishable foods

Perishable foods -

  • Bread

  • Eggs

  • Milk

We are also in need of:

  • Men’s winter gloves

  • Bath towels

  • Wash cloths

  • Women’s deodorant

  • Masks

Resident Quote:

How do residents at Hope Harbor's shelter see each other? Ask current or past residents and you'll most likely hear the word "Family." 💙

Hope Harbor Blog 11/12/21

Announcements:

Below is CDHD's schedule for the week. The flu shot, COVID-19 vaccination, or booster shot are available. Visit www.cdhd.ne.gov or call at (308) 385-5175 for more information.

ABC Seamless is donating a portion of their November proceeds to local homeless shelters in Nebraska including Hope Harbor!

They are also offering all customers who sign a contract a chance to win Thanksgiving dinner on them! They will draw a winner on November 22nd.

Donations help us fund our programs like our Community Assistance program where we can assist the community with food boxes, hygiene items, diapers, and more.

Thank you:

Thank you to members of Class 36 of Leadership Tomorrow for donating items of Hope Harbor’s immediate needs such as bath towels, wipes, and food pantry items. Donations like these help us help others in our community and in our shelter.

Thank you to Destiny Church for donating a generous amount of much needed diapers for our Community Assistance program and our residents. Donations like these help us continue assisting the community and our residents.

Wishlist:

🚨 Help! 🚨

The food pantries in our Shelter and Service Center are running extremely low!

Please consider donating:

Non-perishable foods -

  • Cereal

  • Pasta

  • Canned fruits

  • Canned veggies

  • Canned meat

  • Other non-perishable foods

Perishable foods -

  • Bread

  • Eggs

  • Milk

We are also in need of:

  • Men’s winter gloves

  • Bath towels

  • Wash cloths

  • Women’s deodorant

  • Masks

Resident Quote:

This week, we were able to assist a former resident with our Community Assistance program. They let us know the impact Hope Harbor had on their children. We are happy to hear that we provided a safe home and created a positive memory during their stay.

Ice breakers:

This week, residents were asked: “What is your favorite fall activity?”

Residents:

  • “I like to curl up on the couch with a comfy blanket and cup of coffee.”

  • “I rake leaves and then play in them.”

  • “Anything to do with pumpkins.”

  • “I put up Christmas decorations.”

  • “I like going home to see my family.”

  • “I like the chilly weather and playing with my son outside.”

  • “I bake with my kids.”

  • “I like playing baseball.”

  • “I like to curl up in front of the fireplace after eating the Thanksgiving meal.”

  • “I like to spend time with my family, even though they aren’t here, Hope Harbor is my family now.”

  • “I like watching movies with my daughter.”

  • “I like watching the leaves change colors.”

This week, staff was asked: “What are you most looking forward to in the next 10 years?”

Staff:

  • “My birthday!”

  • “In the next 10 years, I’m looking forward to being debt free and hopefully owning my own home!”

  • “I am most looking forward to seeing where my grandkids are with their lives and seeing how far my husband and I’d decisions on our farm and other investments have come!”

  • “Shoot, being a grown up I guess! No, I look forward to watching my nephew continue to grow up and make more memories with him. (And getting more nieces and nephews too.)”

Hope Harbor Blog 11/5/21

Announcements:

Below is CDHD's schedule for the week. The flu shot, COVID-19 vaccination, or booster shot are available. Visit www.cdhd.ne.gov or call at (308) 385-5175 for more information.

ABC Seamless is donating a portion of their November proceeds to local homeless shelters in Nebraska including Hope Harbor!

They are also offering all customers who sign a contract a chance to win Thanksgiving dinner on them! They will draw a winner on November 22nd.

Donations help us fund our programs like our Community Assistance program where we can assist the community with food boxes, hygiene items, diapers, and more.

Thank you:

Thank you Third City Christian Church for bringing and serving lunch to our staff Thursday!

Wishlist:

🚨 Help! 🚨

The food pantries in our Shelter and Service Center are running extremely low!

Please consider donating:

Non-perishable foods -

  • Cereal

  • Pasta

  • Canned fruits

  • Canned veggies

  • Canned meat

  • Other non-perishable foods

Perishable foods -

  • Bread

  • Eggs

  • Milk

We are also in need of:

  • Men’s winter gloves

  • Bath towels

  • Wash cloths

  • Women’s deodorant

  • Masks

Quote of the week:

Ice breakers:

This week, residents were asked: “If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?”

Residents:

  • “I would live in cabin in the mountains.”

  • “I would live in Hawaii.”

  • “I would live in Switzerland.”

  • “I would live in Europe.”

  • “I would live in South Carolina.”

  • “I would live in Phoenix.”

  • “I wold live in Germany.”

  • “I would live anywhere where it is 75 degrees year round.”

  • “I would live in Fiji.”

  • “I would live in Amsterdam.”

This week, staff was asked: “What is/are your motivation song(s)? What gets you up and going, cleaning, working out, focused, etc.?”

Staff:

  • “Here are my go-to motivator songs: Maneater - Nelly Furtado, Work Bi*** - Britney Spears, I Hate Myself for Loving You - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, I Love Rock 'N Roll - Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Walk This Way - Aerosmith, Play That Funky Music - Wild Cherry, Ain't Sh** - Doja Cat, Truth Hurts - Lizzo, Misery Business - Paramore, and Shake It - Metro Station... all depends on my mood, but these are some of my go-tos!”

  • “I love the workout playlists from Spotify.”

  • “Now you are speaking my language! Right there with you on Shake It - Metro Station!! All I want - A Day to Remember, My House - Flo Rida, Thnks fr th Mmrs - Fall Out Boy, Ocean Avenue - Yellowcard, Youngblood - 5 Seconds of Summer, Float On - Modest Mouse, and pretty much anything All American Rejects and Blink182.”

  • “I've been jamming out to the Ted Lasso season 2 sound track! This gets me motivated and moving!”

Hope Harbor Blog 10/29/21

Announcements:

We are hiring! Join our team as our Children’s Program Coordinator! For more information or to apply, click here.

Project Connect was a success! This past Thursday, Service Providers and Volunteers were able to get together and offer services and assistance to those in need in the community.

We would like to thank the following Service Providers:

  • Aetna

  • Boys Town

  • CCC Dental

  • CDHD Vaccines

  • CDHD Health Ed

  • CaptionCall

  • Central NE Comm Action

  • CHI Cancer Screenings

  • Choice Family Health Care

  • Civic Nebraska

  • Cobler Chiropractic

  • CRANE Public Transit

  • Crisis Center

  • Department of Veterans Affairs

  • Department of VA Lincoln

  • Early Development Network

  • Haircuts

  • Hall County Housing Authority

  • Head Start

  • Food Bank of the Heartland

  • DHHS Economic Assistance

  • DHHS Medicaid

  • Goodwill Services

  • Healthy Beginnings

  • Healthy Blue of NE

  • Heartland Health Center

  • Heartland United Way

  • Hope Harbor - ID Vouchers

  • Hope Harbor - Housing

  • Independence Rising

  • Legal Aid of NE

  • Lenscrafters - Vision

  • Loaves & Fishes

  • McCain Foods

  • Mid Plains Behavioral Health

  • Multicultural Coalition

  • NE Cptr Suicide Prevention

  • NE Department of Labor

  • NE Extension - Nutrition

  • NE Methodist Diabetes Ctr

  • Nebraska Total CAre

  • Oil Changes

  • Red Cross

  • Region 3 Behavioral Health

  • Resurrection Church Footcare

  • Salvation Army

  • Third City Community Clinic

  • United Healthcare

  • Vet Center/VA

Thank you:

We'd like to thank Pizza Hut for donating and delivering seven pizzas! The donation couldn’t have come at a better time! Our residents were extremely grateful.

Wishlist:

🚨 Help! 🚨

The food pantries in our Shelter and Service Center are running extremely low!

Please consider donating:

Non-perishable foods -

  • Cereal

  • Pasta

  • Canned fruits

  • Canned veggies

  • Canned meat

  • Other non-perishable foods

Perishable foods -

  • Bread

  • Eggs

  • Milk

Hope Harbor Blog 10/22/21

Announcements:

We are hiring! Join our team as our Children’s Program Coordinator! For more information or to apply, click here.

📢 Project Connect is next week!

  • REMEMBER: We are at a new location this year!

  • Transportation will be available at Salvation Army and Centennial Towers.

  • Volunteer opportunities are still available! Click here for more information.

Thank you:

We'd like to thank Tradehome Shoes for donating socks to local organizations such as the Crisis Center, Inc. (Grand Island), The Salvation Army-Grand Island, Nebraska, and Hope Harbor through their "Trade at Home, Give at Home" program. Congratulations on 100 years of business!

Wishlist:

🚨 Help! 🚨

The food pantries in our Shelter and Service Center are running extremely low!

Please consider donating:

Non-perishable foods -

  • Cereal

  • Pasta

  • Canned fruits

  • Canned veggies

  • Canned meat

  • Other non-perishable foods

Perishable foods -

  • Bread

  • Eggs

  • Milk

Icebreakers:

This week, staff was asked: “What are some small things that make your day better?”

Staff:

  • “My coffee freshly brewed and ready when I wake up!”

  • “Getting texts from friends and family, when my favorite Youtube podcasts upload an episode, when my favorite tv show drops a new episode, seeing my puppy when I get home, and feeling productive after checking items off of a to-do list.”

  • “I woke up! My body does not ache, hot water, all my dogs still in my yard, all family members safe and accounted for, I’m sober, and that I have a safe home.”

  • “Getting a ‘have a good day hug’ and ‘I love you’ from my husband, ‘Good mornings’ from my co-workers, and friendly smiles from others.”

  • “Seeing my husband daily, joking around with my daughter, being around people, talking with people, laughter, seeing the beautiful fall colors in the trees and seeing the leaves fall, seeing how excited Milo is to see me when I get home, and listening to the church bells at St. Mary’s.”

  • “Lunch at the park on a nice day.”

Hope Harbor Blog 10/15/21

Announcements:

We are hiring! Join our team as our Children’s Program Coordinator! For more information or to apply, click here.

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Week Without Violence starts next week! Week Without Violence is part of a global movement with YWCAs across the country and around the world to end violence against women and girls. YWCA recognizes that not all violence is acknowledged or responded to equally and that some victims go unrecognized altogether. That's why, for more than 20 years, YWCA has set aside one week in October as a Week Without Violence.

Join us from October 18-23 at our gallery walk, as we share information and stories, advocate, and more with a common goal in mind: Together we can end gender-based violence.

Our gallery walk will display artwork from artists of various skills all with the same message - Beyond Resilience: From Surviving to Thriving.

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📢 Volunteers needed! Are you interested in giving back to your community? Sign up to help on such an important day, Project Connect! Scan the QR code or visit the link https://signup.com/go/ntagXUE for more details about the open positions.

National Boss’s Day is this Saturday, October 16th! We celebrated our boss and leader, Liz Mayfield, today. We ordered a couple taco boxes and gifted her a mason jar we filled with notes from all our staff members. We wrote notes of appreciation, inside jokes, compliments, and more.

Liz, we are extremely grateful to work with and for you! Thank you for guiding us every day! Happy Boss’s Day!

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Shout out/Thank you

Shoutout to Aksarben Stock Show and Nebraska State Fair for donating 50 chickens to Hope Harbor this past Friday. Our shelter will be well stocked for our residents! Thank you!

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Icebreakers:

This week, residents were asked: “If you were a ghost, what mischief would you get into?”

Residents:

  • “Poltergeist activity by knocking stuff over, opening cabinets, and tripping people.”

  • “Mess with my ex.”

  • “Haunt people.”

  • “Mess with my mom or my son.”

  • “Walk around with a sheet on.”

  • “Observe people’s funny conversations.”

  • “Knock on doors.”

  • “Tap people on their shoulders.”

  • “Be a fly on the wall.”

This week, staff was asked “What was something that made you smile recently?”

Staff:

  • “My dog’s little face! Every morning, every time we have dinner, every time we have a staring contest, whenever I see his little face, but big eyes always makes me smile. It also made me smile when a resident asked about me when I was absent from House Meeting. I don’t get to interact with residents regularly, so I’m happy I am starting to make relationships with them!”

  • “A puppy playing in a pile of leaves. A father and his son dressed in Star Wars costumes having a lightsaber battle in their front yard.”

  • “My granddaughter’s smile and little wave.”

  • “Noodles on Tik Tok - Does he have bones or no bones???”

  • “My dog and cat both looking out the sliding glass door as I got home from work.”

  • “My daughter and our dog snuggled on the couch watching Halloween cartoons.”

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Hope Harbor Blog 10/8/21

Announcements:

Our Service Center will be closed Monday, October 11th, in observance of Indigenous Peoples' Day. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, October 12th.

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📢 Volunteers needed! Are you interested in giving back to your community? Sign up to help on such an important day, Project Connect! Scan the QR code or visit the link https://signup.com/go/ntagXUE for more details about the open positions.

The YWCA of Grand Island is offering parents a infant and toddler pantry while supplies last! Call Marissa at 308-384-9922 for more information.

Wishlist:

We're low on bath towels for our shelter! Bath towels are important to keep our residents clean, dry, and ready for the day. You can help provide a much needed basic item by donating new bath towels. Will you help and donate some today? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1S3H2WZY5TBKX?ref_=wl_share

Our shelter is running low on essential hygiene items for our residents such as deodorant! Feeling clean has been found to have positive effects on our mental health. It helps us gain a sense of control, calm our mind, improve mood, and provide us with a sense of satisfaction. You can help residents feel this way by simply donating new deodorant. Will you help and donate some today? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1S3H2WZY5TBKX?ref_=wl_share

Celebrations/Positives:

This week, residents were asked if they could learn how to play a musical instrument, what would it be:

Residents:

  • “I would learn to play the flute.”

  • “I would learn to play the piano.”

  • “I would learn to play the drums.”

  • “I would learn to play the guitar.”

This week, staff was asked what advice they would give their teenage self:

Staff:

  • “The advice I’d give my teenage self would be that confidence in what you do or want to do is crucial. You can do anything you put your mind to. The only thing that can get in your way is yourself. You deserve what you put out, so don’t settle for less. The mistakes you make in life are lessons to make you better and do better. Those mistakes will not hold you back in life.”

  • “Be a leader not a follower… and listen to your mom!”

  • “Live and let live! The first “live” is for yourself… live your life an to thine own self be true. The second “live” is for everyone else… let them live their own lives… keep on your path and let others walk theirs… if their train is going to wreck get the heck outta the way! And always be kind no matter what!”

  • “ I would tell myself to embrace more experiences and not be afraid to try new things.”

  • “Travel more.”

  • “Don’t try to grow up so fast, don’t ignore that red flag, follow your gut instinct, explore, travel, lead, ask questions, vote, stay in touch with family explore your roots, and be kind.”

  • “I’d tell my younger self to care less about what others think of feel. Learn who you are and embrace it!”

To Joe

To Joe:

Joe-square.jpeg

Today our Service Center was closed so our staff could mourn our former Shelter Manger, Joe Bales.

We held a small memorial for staff to grieve and remember Joe. We lit a candle, read his obituary with Dan Naranjo, shared memories, and shared the lessons we learned with Joe.

We feel that the poem below that Dan Naranjo shared with us, truly is a message from Joe.

“When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long, and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared. Miss me, but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take and each must go alone. It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, a step on the road home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, go to friends we know and bury your sorrow in doing good deeds. Miss me, but let me go.”

Joe, we will miss you dearly, but we know you’re where you loved to be most, up in the sky.

Hope Harbor Blog 9/17/21

Announcements:

📢 Volunteers needed! Are you interested in giving back to your community? Sign up to help on such an important day, Project Connect! Scan the QR code or visit the link https://signup.com/go/ntagXUE for more details about the open positions.

The YWCA of Grand Island is offering parents a infant and toddler pantry while supplies last! Call Marissa at 308-384-9922 for more information.

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Our Homelessness Prevention Program was designed to keep you housed. If you have received an eviction notice and need assistance paying for your rental housing, we may be able to help. Fill out our eligibility screener here or visit our Service Center.

FREE food boxes! Our Community Assistance pantry is fully stocked for those in need in our community. Stop by Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at our Service Center at 615 W 1st Street.

Wishlist:

We're low on bath towels for our shelter! Bath towels are important to keep our residents clean, dry, and ready for the day. You can help provide a much needed basic item by donating new bath towels. Will you help and donate some today? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1S3H2WZY5TBKX?ref_=wl_share

Our shelter is running low on essential hygiene items for our residents such as deodorant! Feeling clean has been found to have positive effects on our mental health. It helps us gain a sense of control, calm our mind, improve mood, and provide us with a sense of satisfaction. You can help residents feel this way by simply donating new deodorant. Will you help and donate some today? https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1S3H2WZY5TBKX?ref_=wl_share

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Celebrations/Positives:

This week, residents were asked if they could jump into a pool filled with an item of their choice, what would they want to jump in.

  • “I’d skydive into the ocean.”

  • “Money! And I get to keep it after!”

  • “I’d jump into coins, silver dollars and what not.”

  • “I’d jump into water and money.”

  • “I’d just jump into water.”

  • “Chocolate pudding!”

  • “I’d jump into whip cream!”

Celebrations:Positives.jpg

Hope Harbor Blog 9/3/21

Announcements:

Our Service Center will be closed Monday, September 6th in observance of Labor Day. We will resume to our regular business hours on Tuesday, September 7th at 8:00am.

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Our Homelessness Prevention Program was designed to keep you housed. If you have received an eviction notice and need assistance paying for your rental housing, we may be able to help. Fill out our eligibility screener here or visit our Service Center.

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We are OUT of our diaper packages.... BUT our Community Assistance program can assist families in need with a small pack of diapers once a month. Stop by today at our Service Center at 615 W 1st Street from Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:00pm.

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FREE food boxes! Our Community Assistance pantry is fully stocked for those in need in our community. Stop by Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at our Service Center at 615 W 1st Street.

Wishlist:

🙋‍♀️ Donation Ask! We are low on bath towels for our shelter. We would appreciate new or gently used bath towels. Please visit our Amazon Link to donate or drop off donations to our Service Center, Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Thank you!

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Exit interview:

Residents: Danny, Sandy, and their two children.

  1. What was your life like before Hope Harbor?

    “Well, I had a pretty good life. I had a nice home with my kids. We lived in our home for 15 years, but then we got it taken away by the owner. We had put a lot of money towards the house. Our life was nice. We both had jobs, but then we both lost them when we lost the house. During COVID-19, it was hard because I couldn’t find a job and I was pregnant. No one would hire me. I used to work for the schools and since I worked through the schools, I couldn’t get unemployment.”

  2. What did you learn from your case manager?

    “Sometimes life throws rocks on your road, but there is always a light to come through. You can always achieve what you want.”

  3. What did you learn from your peers?

    “They are helpful. Some may keep to themselves, some share more than necessary, but they were friendly, nice to our children. I’ve exchanged numbers with some. They say that whenever I need them to call. I’ve learned that people have hard lives, but we can change our ways, who we used to be, everybody can change and nobody is perfect.”

  4. What did you learn from Hope Harbor as a whole?

    “I learned that you guys help a lot in the community. You help with parenting. You help people get established into a home. You help with tips on life, what they can do, or help them achieve what they need.”

  5. What was the most important thing you learned about yourself?

    “I need to take care of myself. It’s hard sometimes. I need to have a job. I’ve always worked and it’s hard for me not to work, but I have to take care of myself.”

  6. Would you recommend Hope Harbor? Why or why not?

    “Yes. I would recommend Hope Harbor to anybody because you guys are not against anybody. Anybody can come, besides single men, but that’s why there is Salvation Army. I would recommend Hope Harbor because you help out with food, hygiene items, get into a home, and refer people to different resources such as therapy or WIC.”

  7. What was the hardest part about your stay here?

    “It was hard because I’ve never been through something like this. It was scary too because of my children. I know some residents may be coming out of addictions or out of jail. That was scary and hard. I was always watching my kids. It was also hard because when Danny was here, he could watch the kids while I did my chore. When he wasn’t, it was hard to do both.”

  8. What was the easiest part about your stay here?

    “As I said before, I don’t think there really was an easy part. I was constantly trying to watch my kids. And one is at the age where she is very active. It was hard to keep my eyes on them all the time while also doing my chores.”

  9. What life skills class was your favorite?

    “I like the Parenting class.”

  10. If you could give a new resident some advice, what would you say?

    “I would tell them, ‘You can do this and keep your head up. Things will work out for you.’”

  11. What will you miss most about Hope Harbor? The least?

    “I would miss the residents the most. I got to know a lot of them. They were nice and helpful. It’s like a family to me. It was sad, that’s why I left so early in the morning. I knew I was going to be bawling, so I just let them know I was leaving and went to my room. It’s hard because you get so close to them. I will miss doing my chore the least.”

  12. If you could change something about your experience here, what would it be?

    “I wish I knew what to expect. I didn’t know what was going to happen. It would be nice to know the extent of the requirements. It might be nice to have someone coach residents. I’d see some stay for a couple days and then just leave. Maybe one on one coaching or advice will be helpful. I know Case Managers are helpful, but maybe someone in between can be beneficial. One of the new Direct Care Staff members is really good. She’s helpful to all the residents. She takes time to sit down and talk to residents who feel down. I was scared to go outside at night alone, but she would always offer to go outside with me.”

  13. What is the most important takeaway from your experience here?

    “You need to be prepared for anything. Life can throw anything at you.

  14. What was the main goal you had? Did you accomplish it?

    “My main goal was to get out of Hope Harbor and into a home. I’ve accomplished it! We’re moving out to the apartment that we wanted!”

  15. If you could only describe Hope Harbor in one word or one sentence, what would you say?

    “I would describe Hope Harbor exactly as that, Hope Harbor. It’s a hope for someone to begin and you guys help them get through it.”

  16. Where do you see yourself in the future?

    “I see myself in a home, a good paying job, and my children having great careers.”

  17. If you are able to in the future, will you give back to Hope Harbor? In what way?

    “Yes, I would. I would donate money if I’m able to. I would like to be able to provide water and food to everyone who needs it. If I had the money, I would donate that to those in need.”

A shelter from the storm.