“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.”  Psalm 107:21

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest.’”  Luke 2:13-14

Julie’s House, Inc., purchased a ten-room house January 8, 2008, and opened Making Ends Meet Bargain Center November 28, 2008, to financially support our ministry.   We “give thanks to the Lord” for blessing us with many Christian friends who give their time and resources so that we are able to serve homeless women. 

August 22nd a ladies group from Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church gave their Saturday to help at our thrift store.  Cheryl Wilson was their spokesperson.  Thank you, ladies, for a job well done!  We appreciate you supporting our ministry!

GRU held their annual “Day of Service” at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center September 12th. Twenty members of their student body, faculty, and staff volunteered at our thrift store. Marlena Smith, Research Operations Coordinator at GRU, was our contact person.  They accomplished a lot and were a great help!  Thank you, GRU and Marlena Smith, for your service!  The name of GRU has been changed since that time.

November 27th, “Black Friday”, we are celebrating the 7th Anniversary of the opening of Making Ends Meet Bargain Center.   We are having our “Annual Sale” and invite you to join us and get some great bargains.  Bar-b-que sandwiches, coleslaw, potato chips, and drinks will be available.  Tickets are $5.00 for the combo and are available at our thrift store.  Perry Foster’s Bar-B-Que is donating the bar-b-que and coleslaw.  Thank you, Mr. Foster!  Desserts prepared by Anne Foster will be available.  Thank you, Ms. Foster!

We need volunteers to work at our thrift store and Sunday school classes and civic organizations to help sell our cookbooks.  This would be a great project.  They are a wonderful Christmas gift.  We, also, need love offerings from Sunday school classes.  Please be our advocate with your churches and civic organizations and help “spread the word” that we have a wonderfully unique little thrift store.

Our Board of Directors/staff/volunteers Christmas party will be Thursday, December 3rd, at Harbor Inn Seafood Restaurant, 3404 Wrightsboro Road.   Join us for fun and fellowship. Please RSVP by Monday, November 27th – 706-836-2781.

“Homeless children lack stability in their lives with 97% having moved at least once on an annual basis which leads to disruptions in schooling and negatively impacts academic achievement.  Schooling for homeless children is often interrupted and delayed with homeless children twice as likely to have a learning disability, repeat a grade, or to be suspended from school.” (American Psychological Association)

As you celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with friends and family, please remember and pray for homeless children.

“Glory to God in the highest” for the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Pat Bourke

COOKBOOKS FOR SALE! A WONDERFUL 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

• November 27th – Making Ends Meet Bargain Center 7th Anniversary Sale
  
• December 3rd  – Board of Directors/staff/volunteers Christmas party – 7:00 P.M. – Harbor Inn Seafood Restaurant – 3404 Wrightsboro Road – Please RSVP by November 27th 

Visit us at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

• La Petite Plaza –Off of Washington Road between CSRA Camperland and Bojangle’s
  
• 7th Anniversary Sale – Lots of Bargains 
  
• “Black Friday” – November 27, 2015 – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
  
• Bar-B-Que Sandwich Combo - $5.00 – Served 11:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

Julie’s House, Inc., is incorporated as a nonprofit organization, is registered with the Georgia
Secretary of State, and has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.  All contributions are tax deductible.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”  James 1:12

Julie’s House has “stood the test” for eleven years.  Many times it seemed that there would not be sufficient funds to continue our mission to provide shelter for homeless women and their children. At one point, our bank balance was so low we could not “pay the bills”.  Just in time, there was a check in our post office box for $4,000.00 from a local foundation. This was totally unexpected.  We have persevered and the Lord has met our financial obligations month-by-month.  We have never been late paying our mortgage or other expenses.

Our organization decided from the beginning that we would not solicit or accept government funding.  We depend entirely on proceeds from our thrift store and the generosity of our community to offer shelter and services to our clients.  We were fortunate this past year to receive several grants but those individuals that faithfully send a check every month “keep the lights on.”  Thank you!

We ask that you please consider participating in our “Power of Ten Campaign” – give $10.00 a month and ask ten others to give $10.00 a month.  We need the support of the entire community.  The population of homeless women with children is larger than we are able to help with our limited funds. 

WRDW - Channel 12 News is sponsoring their annual “Family Fair” Saturday, May 9, from 11:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. at Augusta Common.  Julie’s House will be participating.  Thank you, Channel 12 News and Amanda Aragon, for the invitation.  There will be food vendors, games, and entertainment.  Admission is FREE!  Bring your family and join the fun! 
 
It is hard to believe that another year has passed and it is once again time for our “Independence Day Celebration & Sale” at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center.  The date is Saturday, June 27, and the time is 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.  Hot dogs with all the trimmings, drinks, and chips will be available from 11:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.  Tickets for a combo are $3.50 in advance and $4.00 the day of the event.  We will have “super bargains” and door prizes.  Mark your calendar.  Don’t miss this!

We very much need volunteers at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center to sort and price donations, keep the store neat, and operate the cash register.  If you have four or five hours a week that you are able to give to assist us, please contact me at 706-836-2781. 

Julie’s House offers shelter to homeless women and their children and not just victims of domestic violence; however; statistics say that 57% of women and their children who are homeless it is due to domestic violence. 

IMPACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN

When children witness repeated acts of violence they are:

• 6 times more likely to commit suicide
• 24 times more likely to commit sexual assaults
• 60 times more likely to commit delinquent behavior
• 100 times more likely to become abusive in relationships

Source: DeKalb County Solicitor General’s Office

Please support Julie’s House with your time and resources!

Pat Bourke

Upcoming Events
Saturday, May 9 – 11:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. – WRDW - Channel 12 News “Family Fair” at Augusta Common - food vendors, games, and entertainment – admission is FREE! 

Saturday, June 27 – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. – Independence Day Celebration & Sale – Making Ends Meet Bargain Center – door prizes – hot dog combo $3.50 in advance and $4.00 the day of the event
 

Making Ends Meet Bargain Center
La Petite Plaza – Suites 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, & 1F
Off of Washington Road between CSRA Camperland and Bojangle’s
Clothes, books, & stuffed animals (without batteries) 
$8.00 for a plastic grocery bag full
Hours: 
Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM                           

“The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”  1 John 2:17

My resolution for 2015 is to do my best to do “the will of God” and to fulfill my purpose in life.  I pray for wisdom, courage, and endurance and give God the praise and the glory for the Julie’s House ministry!

Our 6th Anniversary Celebration and Sale at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center was a tremendous success.    Sales broke all records and we made $400.00 from our food concession.  Shane’s Rib Shack in Evans donated bar-b-que and Helen Uzarski, one of our faithful volunteers, donated bread. Thank you, Shane’s Rib Shack, Helen, board members, volunteers, and staff for your help and support!

The Priory of St. Vincent held a convention at the Augusta Marriott Hotel October 17, 18, & 19.  They asked their attendees for monetary donations to give to a charity.  Julie’s House was chosen as the charity and we received a check for $2,000.00.  Jim Jordan, a member of the organization, and April Baggett, Mr. Jordan’s co-worker, were instrumental in our receiving this wonderful gift.  Thank you, members of the Priory of St. Vincent, Mr. Jordan, and Ms. Baggett!

LifeWay Christian Store on Robert C. Daniel, Jr., Parkway gave us many boxes of Bibles and inspirational books and CD’s that were donated by their customers.  Hal Perdue is the store manager.  Thank you, Mr. Perdue and LifeWay Christian Store staff and customers, for this very thoughtful gesture! 

We are very thankful and grateful that we received a grant in the amount of $15,000.00 from The Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area.  The Masters Golf Tournament funds this grant.  R. Lee Smith, Jr., is President/CEO of the foundation.  Mike Armstrong, our board president, and I represented Julie’s House at the awards ceremony December 12 at the Enterprise Mill Events Center. Thank you, Masters Golf Tournament, The Community Foundation, and Mr. Smith! Thank you, Mike, for attending and making the speech!

The Border Bash Foundation awarded grants to twenty-three nonprofit organizations January 13 at a press conference at the offices of the Beasley Broadcasting Group.  Julie’s House was among the twenty-three organizations selected.  Tom Sorrell, our past board president and faithful supporter, accepted the check on our behalf and made a presentation. Thank you, Tom!  Joel Simmons is president of the Border Bash Foundation and Tommy Rogers is a member of their board of directors and a faithful supporter of Julie’s House.  Mike Armstrong is a graduate of UGA and he assists with their event each year.  Thank you, Border Bash sponsors, Mr. Simmons, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Armstrong!

I really enjoyed the fun and fellowship at our annual board/staff/volunteer Christmas Party.  Thank you, Virginia Summerall, for making the reservations at T-Bonz Steakhouse and for the beautiful gift bags filled with delicious candy!

The Augusta Bar Association sponsored a charity golf tournament September 25 at Jones Creek Country Club.  They selected Julie’s House to receive all of the proceeds.  Omeeka Loggins, a member of the association, recommended our organization for this grant.  Mike Armstrong and I attended their banquet January 29 at the Augusta Country Club.  Julie’s House received $10,885.00.  Mike accepted the check. Thank you, Mike!  Thank you, members of the Augusta Bar Association and Ms. Loggins! 

We are now advertising Making Ends Meet Bargain Center on the radio.  Tune into WGAC 95.1 FM and 580 AM, KICKS 99.5 FM, and WAFJ 88.3 FM. 

I wish for you and yours a wonderful 2015!

Pat

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

Making Ends Meet Bargain Center
Can you give a few hours a week to help at our thrift store?
Contact Pat Bourke at 706-836-2781 for more information.

Making Ends Meet Bargain Center
La Petite Plaza – Suites 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, & 1F
Off of Washington Road between CSRA Camperland and Bojangle’s
Clothes, books, & stuffed animals (without batteries) 
$8.00 for a plastic grocery bag full
Hours – Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Saturday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”  Hebrews 4:13  NIV

God knows our thoughts, deeds, desires, and motives.  

To help us pay the bills for our shelter and expand our ministry, I ask that you please consider participating in our “Power of Ten Campaign” - give $10.00 a month and ask ten friends to give the same.  A huge “thank you” to those who so faithfully send a check each and every month!   God bless you!!  We receive sizeable contributions and grants occasionally but the checks that we can count on month-after-month keep us financially afloat.  

Old Union Baptist Church Senior Sunday School Class took up a special offering for us and presented us with a bag full of money.  Thank you, Senior Sunday School Class of Old Union Baptist Church!  Rev. Rodney Bodiford is the pastor.  The church gives us a monthly contribution.

We enjoyed participating in the annual “Family Fair” May 10th at Augusta Common sponsored by WRDW-TV News 12.   Mike Armstrong, Rose Anne Moore, Brenda Smith, and Mike Askew set up and took down our booth and did a fantastic job with our craft project for the children. Virginia Summerall furnished the craft materials.  Thank you, WRDW-TV News 12, Mike, Rose Anne, Brenda, Mike, and Virginia!

June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th youth groups from Warren Baptist Church gave their time to assist at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center.  Working with these fine Christian young people was a joy and a privilege.  They did a beautiful job.  Grant Janik is student pastor for the church.  Thank you, young people, Grant, and Warren Baptist Church!

We received a check for $2,000.00 from the Augusta National Employee Giving Program. Thank you, Augusta National Golf Club and employees, for selecting Julie’s House to receive these funds!

We set a new sales record at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center at our Celebration & Sale June 28th and made more than $400.00 from hot dog sales.  The success was due to all of the help and support.  Mike Armstrong, Rose Anne Moore, Virginia Summerall, Milton Summerall, and Brenda Smith did a super job with our concession.  Jiffy Lube, Stevi B’s Pizza, Red Lobster, Top Notch Car Wash, Tooty Fruity Salon & Spa, and Judi Pitts donated door prizes.  Sandy McKinney donated hot dogs, Helen Uzarski donated hot dog buns, and Pepsi Cola donated drinks.  Our faithful volunteers, Judi Pitts, Ginny Terry, and Helen Uzarski, provided excellent service to our many customers.  Thank you, one and all!  I certainly hope that I have not missed someone!

Our next event and sale will be November 28th – “Black Friday” and our 6th Anniversary.  

The Columbia County Merchants Association was formed in 1977 by several business men in Martinez and continued until it was dissolved in 1988.  During those years the association participated in community activities and donated to charities in the area with proceeds from the weekly Bingo Nights, the fair, turkey shoots, and many other activities.  They dispensed the funds left in their account to nonprofit organizations in our area and Julie’s House is the recipient of $4,605.83.  Earl Aldridge, Buddy West, and Wolfgang Melchoir presented us with the check at our event June 28th.  What a delightful surprise!  Thank you, gentlemen!

The Child Development Associate class from AGC Training Center held a work party at our thrift store July 12th.  Members of this class work in childcare settings either in daycare centers or in-home centers.  Darlene Adams is president of the class and she is their spokesperson.  Thank you, ladies, for all of the help and support!  You certainly accomplished a lot!

God knows the truth and “we must give account.”

Pat Bourke


WISH LIST

1. Volunteers at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center
2. Household products – toilet tissue, paper towels, garbage bags, laundry detergent, etc.
3. Floor tiles – purchase at Lowe’s - $26.40 + tax per box of 30 tiles
4. Gas gift cards
   
5. Someone to do minor plumbing and carpentry work at our shelter
   
6. Someone to clean the roof and gutters at our shelter
   

Upcoming Events

• Our next event and sale will be November 28th – “Black Friday” and our 6th Anniversary.  
  

Making Ends Meet Bargain Center 

• 3850 Washington Road, Martinez, Georgia – La Petite Plaza, Suites 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, & 1F, located off of Washington Road between CSRA Camperland and Bojangle’s
• July - September Special: Clothes, books, & stuffed animals (without batteries) are $8.00 for a plastic grocery bag full

Hours

• Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 
• Saturday – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M .

COOKBOOK FOR SALE - Makes a great gift! 

• PRICE:  $15.00
  
• 400 Delicious recipes!  Great gift idea!
  
• Purchase at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

                                                                     
Julie’s House, Inc., is incorporated as a nonprofit organization and is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, and has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.  All contributions are tax deductible.

“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples”.  Psalms 77:14

Julie’s House is proof that God “performs miracles”.  From humble beginnings in 2004, we acquired a 10-room shelter in Columbia County and opened a thrift store/resource center with 6,000 sq. ft. of showroom space.  We thank God for the many miracles that He has “performed” to fulfill our desire to help homeless women and their children.  We give Him the praise and the glory!

Thank you, WRDW-TV News 12, for featuring our ministry as your “Time to Care” organization for January.  Many of our citizens “cleaned house” and brought an abundance of donations for our thrift store.  Amanda Aragon is Creative Services Coordinator for Channel 12.  Thank you, Amanda and Channel12, for all that you do for us!

Also, WRDW-TV News 12 invited us to participate in their annual “Family Fair” May 10th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Augusta Commons.  There will be games, crafts, food vendors, entertainment, and inflatables.  Admission is FREE. Please join the fun!  Thank you, again, WRDW-TV News 12 and Amanda!  If you would like to assist at our booth, contact me at 706-836-2781.  

January 21st Tina Oppelt gave a presentation to the Columbia County West Rotary Club on behalf of Julie House.  I was told that she did an excellent job.  This club meets at Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church.  Dave Iverson, a member of the club and Executive Director of Columbia County Cares, extended the invitation.  Thank you, Dave, Tina, and Columbia County West Rotary Club! 

Tina Oppelt, my wonderful and capable assistant, and her husband, A.J., have relocated with the Navy.  I truly miss her.  Thank you, Tina, for being “my right hand”!

March 26th I gave a presentation at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church at their Wednesday night dinner.  Dave and Anne Iverson are members of the church and invited me.  I enjoyed the delicious meal and warm reception.  Thank you, Dave, Anne, and St. Andrew Presbyterian Church!

I attended a meeting of the Share Committee at Kiokee Baptist Church March 30th.  Kiokee Baptist Church and, also, Kiokee Baptist Church WMU financially support our ministry.  Thank you, Becky May and Share Committee, for inviting me!

The City of Augusta Human Resources Department donated Valentine gifts for the children and their mothers at Julie’s House.  Tanika Bryant, Human Resources Director; Michelle Elam, Compensation & Benefits Manager; Andraea Herrin, Employment Manager; and  Cindy Holland, Employee Relations and Training Manager, brought beautiful gift bags full of goodies.  They wrote, “The Human Resources Department desires to make a difference in our community.  We chose the women and children of Julie’s House to bless on Valentine’s Day so they will know they’re special”.

Eight members of the Junior League of Augusta gave their time on a Saturday to help at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center.  Thank you, ladies, for your support and for “a job well done”!

I am truly elated that the Augusta Bar Association has selected Julie’s House to be the sole recipient of the proceeds from their golf tournament to be held in September. Omeeka Loggins, submitted our ministry for consideration for these funds. Omeeka is with the Office of the Public Defender and also was my contact with the Junior League of Augusta.  Omeeka, thank you for your efforts on behalf of Julie’s House! 

Thank you, God, for the many miracles you have performed for Julie’s House!

Pat Bourke

Upcoming Events

• May 10th – “Family Fair” sponsored by WRDW-TV News 12 – 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Augusta Commons – games – crafts – food vendors – entertainment – inflatables – ADMISSION IS FREE 
  

Making Ends Meet Bargain Center 

• 3850 Washington Road, Martinez, Georgia – La Petite Plaza, Suites 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, & 1F, located off of Washington Road between CSRA Camperland and Bojangle’s
• May - July Special: Clothes, books, & stuffed animals (without batteries) are $6.00 for a plastic grocery bag full

Hours

• Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 
• Saturday – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M .

COOKBOOK FOR SALE - Makes a great gift! 

• PRICE:  $15.00
  
• 400 Delicious recipes!  Great gift idea!
  
• Purchase at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

                                                                     
Julie’s House, Inc., is incorporated as a nonprofit organization and is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, and has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.  All contributions are tax deductible.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45

Updates from Pat . . .
The goal of the Julie’s House ministry is to “serve” those in our community that need a “hand up” and   to teach and encourage them to “serve” others in the name of Jesus Christ.  We strive to make their stay at   Julie’s House a life-changing experience.

I am pleased to announce that we received a $3,000.00 grant from the Border Bash Foundation.  Mike Armstrong, our board president, accepted the check December 10th at a press conference held at the Beasley Broadcasting Group offices.  Tommy Rogers, a member of the Border Bash Foundation board, is a wonderful advocate for us and Mike Armstrong is a graduate of UGA, a volunteer for the Border Bash event, and also a wonderful advocate. Thank you, Border Bash Foundation, Tommy, and Mike!

The Grovetown Lions Club sponsored a “Turkey Shoot” the day before Thanksgiving and gave Julie’s House $500.00 of the proceeds.  Tina Oppelt, my wonderful assistant, and her husband, A.J., represented us at the event and accepted the check.  Gary Quinn, a member of the club and an avid Julie’s House supporter, was responsible for our receiving this gift.  Thank you, Grovetown Lions Club, Gary, Tina, and A.J!

Woodmen of the World Lodge #1571, for the fifth year, sponsored a Christmas party at their lodge for the children at Julie’s House.  We enjoyed a delicious lunch and everyone received a gift from the “jolly man in the red suit”.  Peggy Ryder, a member of the lodge and a dear friend, gave many hours of her time to organize this event.  Peggy, the party was absolutely fantastic!  Thank you, Woodmen of the World Lodge #1571 and Peggy!

Fifteen of our volunteers, staff, and board members enjoyed good food, fun, and fellowship at our annual Christmas party at Harbor Inn Restaurant.  A very special “thank you” to all of you for your loyal support!
 
A Sunday school class from Abilene Baptist Church made two children at Julie’s House very happy on Christmas morning.  Santa Claus brought many, many wonderful surprises thanks to the generosity of these wonderful Christians.  Sheryl Hall and Sandra Johnson spearheaded the project, collected the items, and delivered them to us.  Thank you, Abilene Baptist Church Sunday school class, Sheryl, and Sandra!

Jan Scarbary, Columbia County Board of Education social worker, and Donna Lee, director of the Columbia County Foundation for Children, were Santa’s helpers for the children at our facility.  Thank you, Jan and Donna, for all of the many things that you do for us!

We participated in the Time of Service Program for Westminster Schools of Augusta.  Eight senior students and their chaperone volunteered at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center January 8th.  It is amazing how much they accomplished.  Our thrift store looks beautiful and it was such a joy to work with these wonderful young people.  Thank you, Westminster Schools of Augusta, chaperone, and students!

We are the recipients of a $1,500.00 grant from the Junior League of Augusta.  Tom Sorrells and I attended their meeting at the Legends Club January 7th.  Tom accepted the check on behalf of Julie’s House.  Thank you, Junior League of Augusta and Tom!

We now have a LED sign on Washington Road to advertise Making Ends Meet Bargain Center.  Look for it when you travel Washington Road.  Buddy Taylor, owner of Augusta Signs.Net, gave us a very reasonable price and excellent service.  Thank you, Mr. Taylor!  We are so very proud of this beautiful sign!

WRDW-TV has chosen our ministry to feature on their “Time to Care”.  They have aired a promotion for us for several weeks and ask the community to “clean house” and bring donations to our thrift store Thursday, January 16th, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Thank you, WRDW-TV Channel 12, for spreading our message to the entire CSRA.  

Pat Bourke

  
Upcoming Events

• Thursday, January 16th – WRDW-TV Channel 12 “Time to Care” “Clean House” – 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Making Ends Meet Bargain Center 

• Christmas items 50% off January, February, and March! 

Hours

• Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 
• Saturday – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M .

COOKBOOK FOR SALE - Makes a great gift! 

• PRICE:  $15.00
  
• 400 Delicious recipes!  Great gift idea!
  
• Purchase at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

                                                                     
Julie’s House, Inc., is incorporated as a nonprofit organization, is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, and has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.  All contributions are tax deductible.

“So we, Your  people and sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever.” - Psalms 79:13

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” - Luke 2:11

Updates from Pat . . .
As we celebrate the 6th anniversary of the purchase of our shelter and the 5th anniversary of the opening of Making Ends Meet Bargain Center, I am in awe of the many generous Christians that have made this possible.  God, I “will give You thanks forever” for the women that have benefited from our ministry and were grateful for the opportunity to change their lives.  I pray for those that were not willing to give up their “old way of life” for a “new way of life” and pray for God’s protection for their children. 

I gave a presentation on behalf of Julie’s House at the September meeting of NAIFA – Augusta (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors). The organization is collecting household supplies for our shelter each month and they filled my vehicle with donations.  James Balchin is president of the group. Pat Campbell, a member, extended the invitation.  Thank you, Mr. Balchin, Ms. Campbell, and members of NAIFA – Augusta, for the opportunity to share the story of our ministry, the delicious lunch, the warm hospitality, and your kindness and generosity!

Julie’s House and Making Ends Meet Bargain Center are featured on the cover of the November issue of the Verge magazine and a picture of three of our wonderful volunteers and the “Julie’s House Story” are on page 8.  Please pick up a free copy at your grocery store and read about us.  Also, Beasley Broadcasting Group is airing a public service announcement featuring Harley Drew for us on their stations. All of this thanks to Neil Gordon and Buzz-on-Biz.  Thank you, Mr. Gordon, Mr. Drew, and Beasley Broadcasting Group!

Girl Scout Troop #20048 brought paper supplies for our shelter and Troop #20711 brought us numerous boxes of Girl Scout cookies.  Thank you, young ladies and leaders, for sharing!

Wells Fargo awarded Julie’s House a $1,000.00 grant at their “Day of Giving Breakfast” in October.  Each branch selected a charity to receive this grant and the branch at 2835 Washington Road chose our ministry.  Shalonda Roca, service manager, was instrumental in our receiving this gift.  Linda Crosby is branch manager.  Tom Sorrells, our long-time faithful supporter, accepted the check for us and shared our message.  Thank you, Shalonda, Linda, Tom, and Wells Fargo for your kindness and support!

Please support Julie’s House and shop at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center “Black Friday” November 29, 2013.  We will celebrate our 5th anniversary with a huge sale, fun, and fellowship.   There will be lots of bargains.  We will have hot dog combos with the trimmings for $3.50 or you may purchase a ticket for $3.00 prior to the event. 

Beginning January 2014, we will publish this newsletter quarterly.

I wish for you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas! 

I am thankful for “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”.

Pat Bourke
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS


Volunteers and Board of Directors Christmas Party

• Thursday, December 5, 2013, 7:00 P.M.
• Harbor Inn Restaurant – 3404 Wrightsboro Road
• Please RSVP by November 20th – 706-836-2781

Making Ends Meet Bargain Center Hours

• Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 
  
• Saturday – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M .

COOKBOOK FOR SALE - Great Christmas Gift!

• PRICE:  $15.00
  
• 400 Delicious recipes!  Great gift idea!
  
• Purchase at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

                                                                     
Julie’s House, Inc., is incorporated as a nonprofit organization, is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, and has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.  All contributions are tax deductible.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”    James 1:22

“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.”    Proverbs 28:27

Updates from Pat . . .
Julie’s House offers you the opportunity to help poor children and “not merely listen to the word” but to “do what it says”.  With the high rate of unemployment and the state of the economy in our country, we have had a steady increase in those amongst us who are living in poverty and are homeless.  I receive an average of five calls a day from women seeking shelter and the problem is getting worse.  When a mother is homeless and desperate, her children are homeless and desperate.  Please help!  Join our “Power of Ten Campaign” – give $10.00 a month and ask ten others to give.

We received a check for $1,500.00 from the Augusta National Golf Club Employee Giving Program. Three employees selected Julie’s House to be the recipient of this wonderful gift. Thank you, Augusta National Golf Club and employees!

A very generous person responded to our plea for a vehicle for one of the ladies at Julie’s House.  Reliable transportation is vital to one’s becoming independent and self-sufficient.  Our client is now able to drive to her job, to the grocery store, to school activities, and to all of the many places necessary to raise five children.  The donor has requested to remain anonymous. Thank you, donor!  This vehicle is such a blessing!

September 14th a large delegation of staff, faculty, students, and their family members from Georgia Regents University held a “Day of Service” at our Making Ends Meet Bargain Center. They did all the things necessary to make our store look wonderful for our customers.  Thank you, Georgia Regents University staff, faculty, students, and family members, for your kindness and support! 

We have an ad for our thrift store in the September issue of the Verge publication.  This paper is available, free of charge, at most of the local grocery stores.  Be sure to pick one up and read about us.  Thank you, Neil Gordon and staff of Buzz on Biz, for doing a superb job on the ad!

A Sunday school class from Abilene Baptist Church donated household supplies for our shelter.  Thank you, Sunday school class and Abilene Baptist Church, for your kind support! 

We feel that a LED sign on Washington Road advertising Making Ends Meet Bargain Center would greatly increase our sales.  If you know someone that could help us with this project, please call me at 706-836-2781.

Tina Oppelt, one of our excellent and devoted volunteers, has written several grants for us.  Please pray that we are selected to receive these grants.  Thank you, Tina, for giving us your time and expertise!  Tina’s husband, A.J., is in the United States Navy and is stationed at Ft. Gordon.

We purchased our shelter January 8, 2008, and opened our thrift store November 28, 2008.  We have “weathered many storms” throughout the years but, by the grace of God and many prayers and miracles, we have survived. Many lives have been changed because Julie’s House exists.  Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to serve you and “do what it says”.

Pat Bourke

ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

BAG DAY SALES at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

• $6.00 per bag. Includes clothes, books, and stuffed animals only.
• 3850 Washington Road – Martinez, Georgia – La Petite Plaza  
• Every business day in September, October, and November

Regular Making Ends Meet Bargain Center Hours

• Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 
  
• Saturday – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M .

COOKBOOK FOR SALE - Great Christmas Gift!

• PRICE:  $15.00
  
• 400 Delicious recipes!  Great gift idea!
  
• Purchase at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

                                                                     
Julie’s House, Inc., is incorporated as a nonprofit organization, is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, and has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.  All contributions are tax deductible.