[update: the name "Hope Springs" was changed to "Hope's Journey Int'l" shortly after the posting of this newsletter]

I want to share with you a dream that is coming to life.  For many years I, Charity Freeland, have dreamt of opening a  facility that would allow burned and disabled children to come and recuperate from their injuries.  This place would help them to transition from the safety of the hospital to the uncertainties of society.  It would provide a safe retreat where the individuals could adjust to their new bodies, learn coping skills, and discover their value while still receiving their therapy and necessary care.

 

This has been on my heart since 1995, when my family moved to Colorado.  I have spent the last six years working with Solid Rock Foundation Ministries, a youth and family focused organization.  SRFM has been supportive and encouraging of my dream.  My time with them has trained me in leadership skills,  to handle the administrative duties of running a ministry, as well as working with all ages from various cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs.


We recently came across a property that is located in Ouray, Colorado.  The home has 10 bedrooms, is handicap accessible, and is on two beautiful acres with a creek running through its property.  This used to be an assisted living home and has been well maintained.  It is ready to receive clients.  In the past I imagined that we would need several hundred acres and a house such as this to begin Hope Springs.  Now I recognize that a property of that size, in the start up phases, would run the staff ragged.  This place is ideal for a small start-up staff that could begin helping children right away. 


Next door to this property is an established horse ranch.  BLM (government land) access is a short walk away.  This property is located just off of a main highway, giving it year-round access.  Ouray has four seasons which provides mild summers and a wide variety of outdoor activities.


We are scheduled to close on this property September 29, 2008.  Our first obstacle is to apply for a zoning variance and a special use permit in Ouray County.  Once those are approved we will then be moving full speed ahead making sure that state licensing and regulation requirements are being met, all while fundraising for this endeavor.


Solid Rock Foundation Ministries is partnering with Hope Springs.  Hope Springs will operate under SRFM’s 501(c)3 status.  This allows contributions towards Hope Springs to be tax-deductible.  Hope Springs will also benefit from the expertise of SRFM’s board and staff members as well as having the care and support of those involved with SRFM.


This has never been a project that I could accomplish on my own.  I believe that helping injured children grow into confident, successful individuals is not just a desire of my heart, but a desire of God’s heart, too.  I trust that He will provide for Hope Springs. He will provide through the compassion and generosity of others. 


Currently, we need $25,000 earnest money by June 27th.   We also have start-up costs, overhead expenses, and the purchase price of the property.  It is our goal to raise as much of the $1,250,000 that we need for this building as soon as possible in order to keep our overhead costs at a minimum and to make this service affordable to our future clients. 


Thank you for allowing me to share with you the exciting progressions of my life.  If you would like more information about Hope Springs, if you have questions, or you would just like to catch up, please feel free to call me at (970) 209-6855, or e-mail me:  srfm [insert at sign] solidrockfoundationministries.com.  For more information about SRFM, check out the website.

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