HOPE Cottage...Where Families Come to Heal

Because it is extremely effective, couples from all over Florida and the U.S. travel to Bradenton, FL to participate in our Marriage HOPE Weekends.  As you can imagine, this can be expensive when you consider travel costs, lodging, childcare and food.  We have long dreamed of providing families with a peaceful place to stay (free of charge) while the parents are participating in our Marriage HOPE Weekend.  Our vision is to help the children to heal of the pain marital strife brings to a household.

We've dreamed of a home that is a refuge from the "stress" of life and encourages families to reconnect, by intentionally not having tv or internet.

This dream is now becoming a reality.  BLOOMINGS LANDSCAPE in Sarasota, FL has donated a house to us for this purpose.  It will be called HOPE Cottage, where families can find a peaceful refuge while seeking healing and restoration through our services.

The house is in Bradenton, just a few blocks from our facilities.  The house is sound, but needs some updating in order to become the lovely cottage we hope for.  We are asking the community to join with us in the restoration to create HOPE Cottage.

We are thankful for the businesses who have already committed to help with the house:  BLOOMINGS LANDSCAPE; Len's Roofing, OLIVE BRANCH ENTERPRISES; KEY CARPENTRY; MACY'S TERMITE AND PEST CONTROL; LEN'S ROOFING; DANIEL CREEL and others.

We are still in need of many things including:  Large Appliances; Small Appliances; white vinyl fencing, furniture and much more. 


To learn more or find our how you can help, please call Sandy James at 941-827-0500.

Photo of HOPE Cottage (as is now, before updates are made):




 

THE RESTORATION BEGINS!
We are keeping a log of the work on HOPE Cottage, so that you can follow the progress!  Our project manager is Jason Cappon, owner of Key Carpentry (941-256-6287).  We are so thankful to Jason for volunteering his time, expertise and skill to manage the HOPE Cottage project for us!  Thanks to Jason's wife, Heather, for her help, too!

Jason Cappon, owner of Key Carpentry (941) 256-6287

On January 27,  Macy's Termite & Pest Control owner, Dean Burnside came to inspect and treat HOPE Cottage.  Dean was joined by staff member, Bob.
No termites--thank the Lord!

      



Next, due to the generosity of Sprayright Exterior Cleaning (Daniel Creel) the house was pressure washed for us at no charge.  Thanks to Daniel and Sprayright Exterior Cleaning!

FEBRUARY 20TH:  The team from Macy's Termite and Pest Control was back!  This time, armed with paint brushes and ready for lots of hard work!  Many other volunteers came to help on that workday also, including Jason & Heather (from Key Carpentry) and Joe (from The Diaamonds You Are).  We accomplished a lot, including ripping out all of the old carpet, painting all of the bedrooms, living and dining room!

Volunteers from the community who read about Hope Cottage in the newspaper!




Jason Cappon, from Key Carpentry, our Project Manager for HOPE Cottage.  Thanks Jason! 









MARCH 15, 2010--Since we discovered that the roof needed repairs at HOPE Cottage, we've been really thankful for Len & April Dacas, of Len's Roofing.  They hit the streets to find materials and businesses to contribute to restoring the roof.  The Shingles were donated by GAF/ELK Manufacture and the Territory Manager is Corey McGinty. The underlayment, eve drip, nails, and all needed accessories were donated by Sunniland Roofing Supplies and the Bradenton Manager is Josh Brown. The Labor was being donated by Len of Len's Roofing, Inc.  Thank you to everyone at Len's Roofing for getting up there and doing the work! www.LensRoofing.com

www.LensRoofing.com   (941) 201-2458



Saturday April 3, 2010--our project manager, carpenter, Jason Cappon, will begin building the wheelchair ramp for the side entrance.  We felt it important to make sure the house is accessible for all families, especially those dealing with the stress of physical challenges.  Pictures coming soon!





COUPLE FACED EXPENSES TO RESTORE MARRIAGE

In 2009, Gary and Andrea Keener, of Ohio, faced a nightmare...the crumbling of their marriage.  "Life got in the way...we were trying to be everything to everyone and lost touch with our marriage, with each other," said Gary.

Infidelity occurred.

Gary and Andrea, who have 3 children, were at a crossroads.  Would they divorce or strive to reconcile and restore their marriage?  Could the infidelity be forgiven?

Gary and Andrea realized that the pain and anguish of divorce would be far worse than the healing process of reconciliation.  So, they began a journey to heal their marriage and restore their family to wholeness.  "A friend recommended that we fly to Bradenton, FL and attend the Marriage HOPE Weekend at Marriage & Family Works," said Gary.

Though Marriage & Family Works offers services at low cost to families in need, the costs of travel, childcare, lodging and food really add up.

In the future, HOPE Cottage will accommodate families like the Keener's at no charge for lodging, food and childcare.

"HOPE Weekend was a turning point in or marriage.  We learned how to communicate with each other.  It taught me how to love my wife and children the way Christ loves us," said Gary "We were greeted with love and respect and left there with new hope for a better future."