Updates from Pat . . .
I ask that you “pray continually” with me for the survival of the Julie’s House Ministry. I will “be joyful always” for the many lives that have been changed since we began in 2004 and “give thanks” for “all circumstances” that led me to serve the helpless – homeless children and their mothers.
When I am discouraged, I remember those who have so greatly benefited because our ministry exists. I am reminded of a lady and her two children that I wrote about in my April 2008 newsletter and would like to share this story again and give you an update on this little family.
It was Thursday morning and it was winter. I received a call from a motel. I have paid for many nights of lodging for our clients at this motel so the desk clerk knows me well. She called me in desperation. She said, “Ms. Bourke, I have a big problem. A man, his wife, and their children have been staying here for several weeks. The man left yesterday and the lady has no money to pay for the room. I just could not put her and the little children out in the cold last night so I let them stay. I am going to be fired if someone doesn’t pay”. I called all of the local shelters. There were no beds available for a woman with children so I called shelters in other towns. I finally located one that could take them. I drove to the motel, paid for the lodging, and arranged for their transportation to the shelter. “Gifts” paid for the lodging and transportation. Thank you for “giving”!
The children were nine and three years of age when I met them so they are now thirteen and seven. Their mother home-schooled them and their father had never allowed them to be with other children. The last time that I talked with the mother she said, "my children are so happy and I have graduated from college with a degree in nursing”. She had her GED when I met her and she is now a registered nurse. The cost to Julie House was a few nights of lodging in a motel and a tank of gas. To God be the glory!
George Champion, our delivery driver, continues to recuperate from injuries from his accident. Please pray for George and his family and for his complete recovery.
We opened the doors for business at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center November 28, 2008 – “Black Friday”. We began with 900-sq. ft. of showroom space and in eighteen months grew to 6,000-sq. ft. Please join us to celebrate our 4th Anniversary. On November 23 – “Black Friday” – we will have a huge yard sale complete with door prizes and bar-b-que sandwiches. Mot’s Bar-b-Que Restaurant is donating the bar-b-que. Thank you, Mot’s Bar-b-Que Restaurant! Tickets for lunch are available at our thrift store. The cost for a combo is $2.50 in advance and $3.00 the day of the event. Join us for fun, fellowship, and great bargains!
Our wonderful and faithful volunteers and staff have made it possible for us to keep the doors open at Julie’s House. All profits from our thrift store support our facility. Virginia Summerall donates the supplies, stamps the envelopes, and delivers our newsletters to the printer and the mailing service. InkBoy prints them for free. This is a huge savings and big help! Also, I am blessed with a dedicated and awesome board of directors. Thank you and God bless you, Virginia, volunteers, staff, and board of directors for a job well done!
I am very pleased to announce that Virginia Summerall has been elected to serve on our board of directors. Thank you, Virginia!
Our volunteers/staff/board Christmas party will be Thursday, December 6, at 7:00 P.M. at Harbor Inn Restaurant, 3404 Wrightsboro Road. Please RSVP 706-836-2781. Hope you can attend.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Pat Bourke
COOKBOOK - FABULOUS CHRISTMAS GIFT
- PRICE: $15.00 - 400 Delicious recipes!
- Purchase at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center
- 3850 Washington Road – Martinez, Georgia – La Petite Plaza
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Volunteers/staff/board Christmas party – Harbor Inn Restaurant – 3404 Wrightsboro Road – Thursday, December 6, 2012, 7:00 P.M. RSVP 706-836-2781
- Support group meeting – Christmas party – December 13, 2012. There will be no meeting in November. Fun and fellowship for ladies who are survivors of domestic violence and Julie’s House supporters. Please call 706-836-2781 for reservations. We serve dinner.
Isaac C. Askew, III, Vice-President Virginia W. Summerall, Board Member
Annette S. Dumais, Treasurer
Patricia B. Bourke, Executive Director