…While walking down the street in broad daylight, two men assaulted him with a hammer and stabbed him in the back. He looked like a mess but said he was alright and asked us if he could get another shirt to replace the one that was covered in blood. Somewhat shaken, our homeless client also asked for advice because he was confused as to who would provide medical help without insurance.

We provided for these simple needs, securing transportation to medical care as we prayed and hoped that there would be no complications. A week later we saw him again and he thanked us for “saving [his] life.” When he reached the emergency room he was rushed into emergency surgery where they removed a six and a half inch knife blade from his back. The doctors said it was a miracle that he had survived. In the midst of this crisis he had the chance to see his daughter for the first time in six years. As a result, he said that he could no longer deny God a place in his life. Over the past two months he has begun group counseling with his family, found permanent housing and secured a job.

Children and families we see every day are shocked by the sudden experience of having a parent incarcerated. Whether the household provider is an IT professional or a nurse, a single act can have devastating effects on a family. The pain and confusion that they experience, if not addressed, is often fatal to the future of the family. If this pain is treated and the confusion replaced with knowledge, there is a path to restoration. Thank you for giving them a place to come and seek it.

You’re Invited to the Gracious Promise Gala 2011

More information on the Gala and Sponsorships is available at: graciouspromisegala2011.com

Thank You for Your Support

We are so thankful for each and every one of you who are interested and involved with Gracious Promise. From our in-prison ministries to our Dream LOUD children’s program, we couldn’t do it without your volunteerism, financial support and prayer. Because of the expenses of summer time with increased client services, we are asking that you consider giving to our organization. If you feel that our work is valuable, please consider a one-time gift or a monthly pledge. We want to move forward, and, with your help, we will. If you would like to give, please feel free to mail your donation/pledge to us at 1021 Pacific Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66102 or you can use the Paypal button. Options for either one-time donations or monthly subscriptions/pledges are available.

To see the print version of our brochure, click here: July2011News

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.

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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.

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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