WWW.familyshelter.org 503-492-3046 My Father’s House PO Box 1147, Gresham, OR 97030

Helping Families, Transforming Lives

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MEMESSENGERPO Box 1147Gresham, OR 97030

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As told to Jacki Washington“The most important part of my life is my family. My

kids are everything to me. I praise God every day forAustin and Faith. So when I found myself so miserable,broke, and defeated by my own poor choices, I knew I hadto do something to change our direction and lifestyle.”

Steve admits that making that first move was verydifficult even though he knew he was doing the right andnecessary thing. Arriving at MFH, Steve took a deepbreath and jumped into the program. Soon he discoveredthe skills and support he needed to succeed. He steppedout of his dysfunctional comfort zone into a new way ofliving and thinking. “I did it for my children and myspiritual survival,” Steve admits.

Steve remembers calling the intake line that first day.“Taking the risk to commit to the program at My Father’sHouse is like flipping a nickel in the air and God sendingdown a million nickels, that’s what the lady on the phonesaid,” Steve chuckles. “My family definitely got ournickel’s worth! The opportunity to clear my head and heart

through the case management, the classes, and thechurch services was part of those nickels rainingdown. Understanding God’s plan of submitting toright living caused a primary change in mypersonal growth. I saw it in action all aroundme...yes, more nickels.

Raining Nickels

Saturday, August 27th

175TH AND SE POWELL IN GRESHAMADMISSION: FREEWILL DONATION

FOOD ITEMS $1 EACH

Games, Lunch, and Bill Trafton’s Volkswagen Gatheringfrom noon to 4 p.m.

then Live Bands from 4 - 8 p.m. presented by

t Leonard Latint Abba Do Say

t Real Age Bandt Dan Springert Repent

DOSAY STUDIOincluding

The 120-day TransformationAs told to Jacki Washington

22-year-old single mom Jessica and her son Zack, 2, arrived at My Father’sHouse determined and motivated to get a job, an apartment, and OUT of theshelter as quickly as possible. “Like, in a month,” said Jessica, “but then Irealized it was tougher than I thought it would be. So I took the resume classand the Rent Well along with the required classes and found out I didn’t knowas much as I thought I did!”

Jessica appreciated the emphasis on family. The Parenting Class was great, andthe child care provided for those classes, for time in the computer lab, and jobsearch time. “I was able to focus on finding a job and housing while Zack wassafe and having fun. I am extremely pleased with how much Zack advanced

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with all the educational activities and lots of social time with other kids. I was free to do my thing.” Jessicabubbles over with enthusiasm, sharing her huge, beautiful smile. “I got off Entry Program early too,” she brags.

Family Fun Fest & Concert on the LawnT O B E N E F I T M Y F A T H E R ’ S H O U S E

Family Fun Fest & Concert on the Lawn

My Father’s House PO Box 1147, Gresham, OR 97030WWW.familyshelter.org 503-492-3046

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~CatheCathe Wiese, Executive Director

One of the most effectiveclasses we provide at MyFather’s House is the GenesisProcess. Basically, GenesisProcess is for those who havestruggled with painfulpersonal problems or self-destructive behaviors such as

CAMPERS SAY THANKS! Thank you to everyonewho helped our kids go to camp! Special thanks toCamp Collins, the Gresham Rotary Club, Bess Willsand Bob Avila of Gresham Ford. Thank you CampEagle Fern for the scholarships and Boeing of Portlandfor our van! Also thank you Southwest Airlinesemployees for the sleeping bags, and to the manyindividuals who gave sleeping bags and shoes andclothes for our 30 kids who went to camp this year!

homeless families we serve, MFH is going to hosta Genesis Process Personal Healing and ChangeSeminar with author Michael Dye on Fridayevening and Saturday, September 23-24. We haveroom for just 400 participants and it’s only $59(includes snacks and lunch). This seminar is forall of us who are helping in ministries and arelooking for effective tools to help families andindividuals. It’s for those who want to help othersfeel safe. The Genesis Process principles arepractical, biblically sound tools for helping thosewho want to change, be able to change.

We would love for you to join us for thisamazing seminar. For more information, see theregistration form inside this newsletter or callJacki at 503-492-3046 x231. You can also tell Jackiif you’d like to sponsor an individual to attend.

My Father’s House is all about helping familiestransform their lives. The Genesis Process is justone of the tools we use to do this.

drugs, alcohol, sex, food, work, relationships,anxiety, etc. MFH staff and volunteers also havebenefited from the class. Each time it has beentaught, we have had overwhelming testimonieslike, ”I wasn’t sure about all this ‘sharing’ thatthey wanted me to do, but after the first coupleof weeks, I was telling my story and findinghealing in learning there’s a reason I do what Ido, and then learning how I can change,” from afather of five. A single mother of two shares, “Iwas blessed to be at the shelter long enough totake Genesis two times. I can’t think of anythingmore life-changing than that class!”

Because of the impact the Genesis Process hashad on our own lives as well as the lives of the

from theDirector’s ChairC

“I did my homework and chores. I looked for work. I was in all myclasses. And guess what!? I got a job! A job I love as a Radio Cabdispatcher! So I arranged for my relative to babysit while I worked crazyhours. Everyone at MFH was so supportive and helpful.” Jessica wavesher arms. “I couldn’t have done it without all this.”

The Financial Freedom Class with Dave Ramsey was Jessica’s favoriteclass. “It opened my eyes, showing me how to organize my money. I hada revelation about how I used to spend my money. Now I go by myneeds, not my wants.” Jessica continues, “Just like my money eyes wereopened, my emotional and spiritual eyes were opened by GenesisProcess. I did what I could to right wrongs from my past. When my momcame to Easter Service with me, I just couldn’t quit bawling and smiling!”

When her housing went through, she knew the program’s Family Fund(her regular deposits) would be there for rent and deposit. “I did it! I didthe whole program and did it in four months!” Jessica beams proudly.

“I want to thank everyone for everything. The Adopt-A-Room seemedto know what I liked and it’s been so comfy and homey. Thank you for allthe items I get to take with me. Thank you for clothing for my son. Andthose diapers! I don’t think I could have afforded them. Most of all I thankthe staff and volunteers for believing in me. That means soooo much! Ilove MFH! You have helped me when there was no one else. Thank you!”

“My children were safe and had funin the MFH Day Care program. Theymade friends, went on field trips andto camp. This whole experience hasbeen such a time of growing in Godand relationships… yep, morenickels.”

Steve found employment after aperiod of job search. He is a managerat Majestic Building Supplies andgreatly enjoys his job. While at MFH,Steve also paid into the Family Fund,faithfully attended classes and church,completed his homework for everyclass, met with his case manager, andgraduated from all program expec-tations in about five months’ time.

Steve applied to Stepping StonesApartments and was approved. “Iknew I needed the stability, that is, theclean and safe environment, the rent

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http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Fathers-House-A-Community-Shelter-Inc

control and the continued support theprogram provides.” More nickels.

“Our lives are so full of healthyactivities and healthy fun. Our focusis on us as God’s children living outHis will and plan for our lives.”Austin, 12, adds, “I made friends atMFH and my life moved up.” Faith,10, comments, “I made a lot of friendstoo, and MFH gave us all we neededto start our good life. We learned tosave money too.”

“I actually like the accountability,said Steve. “It gives me integrity inrelationships. I no longer run frombeing hurt. I am happy living in the‘light’, open and transparent.”

One day Steve walked into theintake office, flipped the intake lady anickel and said, “You were right aboutthose nickels! Thank you!”

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A GREAT BIG THANK YOU goes from all of us at MyFather’s House to our wonderful volunteers for yourquick responses in meeting practical needs. You’vebought new refrigerators and much-needed paperproducts, provided lawn care and childcare, worked inthe computer lab and the donation center. You are theprayer team, the fundraising team, the drivers,receptionist, tutors, and teachers. May God richly blessyou as you give so freely of your time and talents!

Rent Well: “I didn’t know Ihad responsibilities, not justrights, as a renter!” “I got myhousing right away because Itook this class.”Love and Respect: “Mightsave my marriage.”“We like it a lot. It’s helping uscommunicate.”

The judges of “Classy Awards”have selected My Father’s Houseas a Top 25 Finalist in MostInnovative Use of Social Media.Out of hundreds of qualifiers, thejudges determined that our achievement – ourawesome summer kids’ programs, funded inpart by money donated for Facebook “likes” –stood out as one of the most inspiring and

Get Out the Vote for My Father’s Houseimpactful.

As a Finalist, our story will befeatured on the Voting Page untilAug. 26. During that time, anyonecan visit www.classyawards.org

and vote once in each category.The Top 10 Finalists will be selected by

popular vote, so the more people we can get tovote, the better our chances of winning will be!

What Residents are Saying About MFH ClassesParenting Class: “I realized Iwant to have a relationshipwith my kids into my old age.”“Kids have goals when theymisbehave. Imagine that!”Financial Freedom: “Amazingchanges in how I view money.”Genesis Process: “I discoveredthat anger is not my real issue.

Fear is.” “It’s helpedme forgive... showed me I amnot in control.”Ballet Class: “It’s helping mydaughter learn poise andgracefulness.” “My daughter isso happy when she isdancing!” “My girls love theteacher, Chivan.”

TTTTTHANHANHANHANHANKSSSSS!

A x

Don’t judge each day by the harvest that you reap, but by theDon’t judge each day by the harvest that you reap, but by theDon’t judge each day by the harvest that you reap, but by theDon’t judge each day by the harvest that you reap, but by theDon’t judge each day by the harvest that you reap, but by theseeds that you plant. ~Robert Louis Stevensonseeds that you plant. ~Robert Louis Stevensonseeds that you plant. ~Robert Louis Stevensonseeds that you plant. ~Robert Louis Stevensonseeds that you plant. ~Robert Louis Stevenson