February 5th 2010
Posted under Uncategorized
- Congressional leaders take on recidivism & correctional spending: http://www.justicereinvestment.org/ #fb #
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October 26th 2009
Posted under children & ex-offenders & partners
The Council of State Governments just released an interesting publication that recommends significant changes in policy that affect children of prisoners, such as taking a child’s location into account when sentencing a parent and other measures that promote visitation.
“When parents are incarcerated, the impact on their children can be devastating,” said advisory board co-chair and Michigan State Senator Alan Cropsey. “There is so much we can do—from arrest to reentry—that can reduce the trauma for children and help ensure that their needs, and those of their caregivers, are being met. At last, that information is captured in this plan.”
We believe strongly that policy changes are needed to reduce the negative impact that crime has on these children. We have participated with the CSG and have been featured in their publications in the past.
The press release is available for download here (PDF document) and the full document here (also a PDF document).
Tags: Children, publications
October 13th 2009
Posted under Uncategorized
Dear Friends,
Everything is coming together in preparation for the upcoming auction of Grandma’s House. The house is not only beautiful, but it is a record of the lives of little children who have been touched by love in action. Please accept my heartfelt thanks. Your reward is coming!
We invite you to the auction event this Friday, October 16th. The bidding will begin at 1:00 p.m.
Grandma’s House Auction Brochure (Download PDF)
We are selling the property in order to liquidate our only asset. This will allow us to continue services at Gracious Promise Foundation beyond the current economic climate. Our incoming financial donations have declined over the past two years. When we free up these funds, we will be able to retain the remaining staff and keep up with budget items such as utilities, taxes, insurance, etc.
In a time where our services are needed even more, we also need your continued prayer and financial support. Thank you to those who have given sacrificially so that we can offer hope of housing, employment, medical assistance, education, clothing and food. Last week Jerod, a Boy Scout designated his Eagle Scout project efforts toward the homeless offenders recently released. We are proud to say that he collected and organized volunteers in packing 152 large bags of hygiene items.
Thank you for extending your hands and love to Jesus. He sees your efforts and compassionately states “I was in prison and you came to visit me!” - – Matthew 25:36
Touching Through Him,
Shirley A. Miller
Executive Director
August 28th 2009
Posted under Uncategorized
- The Kansas City Star on Michael Vick, ex-offender re-entry and public safety, what's it worth? http://bit.ly/13XGac #
- Prison cutbacks in Kansas threaten public safety: http://bit.ly/sft5p (via http://bit.ly/pmDKR ) #
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August 14th 2009
Posted under Uncategorized
- Our summer newsletter went out on Friday and should hit your mailbox soon. It's also available for the curious on http://graciouspromise.org #
- A new publication- Kinship Care When Parents are Incarcerated – was just put online by the Annie E. Casey Foundation http://bit.ly/3pduLO #
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August 10th 2009
Posted under newsletters
These days many people will tell you that we live in uncertain times. In the last few months we have seen many of our donors and volunteers deeply affected by the current recession. Our prayer for them has been divine protection, encouragement, and that God would return to them even more than what seems to have been lost. But have their efforts to assist Gracious Promise Foundation build the Kingdom of God been lost? Pondering that thought, I was reminded that every detail, every minute, every penny that has been given has been invested in results that are “Eternal.” We see many whose lives have been forever changed by their decision to follow Christ. I wish you could see firsthand the changes that we see every day. Everyday the words of Paul are outwardly visible: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Many don’t believe those we work with can change – - we are sure they can! Take a few minutes to look through our “Investment Earnings Report.” We hope that what you read brings true glory to God as you praise Him for the work He has done through the obedience of the donors, volunteers and staff.
Your Prayers and Networking Connections Needed
Like many other ministries throughout the nation, our funding during the past year has been desperately low. We have reduced staff, utilities, expenses to the minimum amount possible. We do not receive any governmental funding, so our funding streams consist of donations and grants through businesses, individuals and churches. After months of prayer, we have made the decision to sell our Grandma’s House property, and restructure the program to work outside of a residential program. The continuation of Gracious Promise Foundation depends on the quick sale of Grandma’s House. Please pass the word on for us to those who might be interested in purchasing the home.
We know you are receiving many requests for financial assistance this year in view of the economic recession. We are no exception and ask for your prayerful consideration of a generous gift at this time to support us until we complete the sale of Grandma’s House. The results of your investments cited within this letter indicate rich returns on such investments.
“And he that received the five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: lo, I have gained other five talents. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. And he also that received the two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: lo, I have gained other two talents. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:20-23
The Faces Behind the Numbers
Mr. Jeff Travis*, a client who performed community service while on parole for DUI offenses has successfully completed his parole obligations and is currently employed as a Property Maintenance person for a local apartment complex. While at GPF, Mr. Travis proved himself to be a hard worker and was often looked upon as a “Site Supervisor” by showing other clients how to perform their assigned tasks. Good Luck Mr. Travis.
§
Sherry Pascal*, was able to move into her new apartment during the month of July. Ms. Pascal had been evicted from public housing previously and her criminal history appeared to be a barrier, however with the assistance of Case Manager Anita Mackrel and Housing Representative Mark Marcano, Ms. Pascal and her children are now residing in their new home.
§
Chris Eynick* is a prime example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination. He has been assisted by our Case Management, Court Advocacy and Employment Department. Since this past March – Chris has fully complied with all court and supervision requirements, with GPF’s intercession in helping him obtain partial credit for Trustee hours earned while incarcerated combined with his community service work at GPF Mr. Eynick has reduced his CS hours down from 350+ to less than 40. Chris has also secured two jobs – one full time at Tyson and one part time at Aramark. Mr. Eynick is now caring and providing for his two young daughters. He is a spiritual person and he and his case managers have had several heartwarming conversations regarding the importance of Jesus and the Word in his life. He speaks of how he has changed… how he now has patience and the willpower to hold his tongue or walk away when he feels he’s been slighted. Chris has been a terrific individual to work with and I feel he’s also been a role model for others who have worked beside him performing Community Service.
* Client names have been changed to maintain their confidentiality
Here’s a copy of the print version of our newsletter, for those who would like to view it: newsAug2009
August 7th 2009
Posted under Uncategorized
- A camp in Northern California serves children of offenders: http://rfly.me/62 #childrenofprisoners #
- By the way, if you're interested in more about Camp Avary, you can find them here: http://projectavary.org #
- New proposed bill in Congress suggests a housing tax credit for ex-offenders: http://rfly.me/6M #
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April 16th 2009
Posted under Uncategorized
On May 21st, 2009, GPF will be hosting our annual Golf Tournament at the Deer Creek Golf Course. Entrance fees are $100 per player and will include green fees, cart and lunch. Last year we had a great time and received a positive response from all who attended. We have set a goal of 100 players for this year’s event.
Check-in will be at 12:30 and the Shot-gun Tee-off will be at 1:30. We’ve set up a a Paypal checkout for those of you who would like to pay online (no paypal account required). You can simply select your team size and click “Buy Now”. (This doesn’t charge anything to your card, later on it’ll ask you for information and you can confirm everything before buying) The “Buy Now” button will take you to Paypal and there will be a line directly below “Golf Tournament Admission” that says, “Please list your player’s names below:”. If you click on that, it will allow you to enter the names of your teammates. We’d appreciate that information. If that part of the form won’t work for you, please just email billy@graciouspromise.org and I’ll associate the payment with you or your team.
*Edit* – We had a great time at the Golf Event last week. Thanks to all that attended. We will be working to get a date scheduled for next year as soon as possible, because we know your calendars fill quickly. Thanks again to all who made the Tournament a success.
March 12th 2009
Posted under Uncategorized
There’s a lot happening at the Dream LOUD Clubhouse in Lansing, and now you can see photos and hear about things happening week by week at the Dream LOUD website. Dana and the Dream LOUD volunteers are starting their fourth year working with children whose fathers are currently at Lansing Correctional Facility.
You can get there from our Programs section or click the following link: http://dreamloud.graciouspromise.org
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