Community Aid - Judy's Hope

Story by: Robyn Woodside

When large life changes happen, you usually aren’t 100% prepared, and, sometimes, you need some support to get to a place where you are. That is where Judy’s Hope comes into play. Judy’s Hope allows “participants…[to] find a safe, Christ-oriented environment that will allow women to live alone with their child(ren) in a tiny house while developing the skills needed to step out on their own.”

The founder of Judy’s Hope Foundation is Karen Powers. Karen is married to Bryce Powers, owner of Providence Builders, LLC; they have wonderful twins, Isaac and Abby. The inspiration for Judy’s Hope came when a friend reminded her that “one person can make a huge difference”, which lit a fire of passion to figure out what the needs of our local community are. Karen prayed and did her research, and was led to the vision of Judy’s Hope Foundation: “it is only by strong support and God’s grace that the vision to open doors to a future and a hope for women and children will come to fruition.” Thus, Judy’s Hope was born in 2021.

Tabitha Tackett is the executive director and was welcomed to Judy’s Hope in September of 2022. Judy’s Hope shared at the beginning of her time with them, “Tabitha has a true heart for our ministry and many great ideas that we look forward to carrying out!”

Judy’s Hope is all about helping women while taking care of their children and finding their footing as their own supporters. Tabitha says, “We endeavor to bring women, children, and families closer to God by showing Christ's love and providing a safe, encouraging environment that also challenges participants to better themselves in order to live independently, while also being productive members of their communities. We have developed a five-phase program that encourages women to heal emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Women participate in support groups, financial classes, Bible studies, gardening, cooking, and more as part of our program.” They have eight tiny homes on their property where women and women with children can stay while completing their six to nine-month program. Their five-phase program includes regrouping, renewing, rebuilding, rejoicing, and reinvesting.

In the regroup phase, “participants will focus on regrouping and refocusing. Our goal in in this phase is to speak into and guide each woman as she endeavors to begin living a healthier, more vibrant life.” In the renewal phase, “participants will continue to work with their mentor and focus on growing spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Each participant will also begin searching for secure employment.” In the rebuild phase, “participants will learn how to continue growing spiritually, mentally, and physically while demonstrating faithfulness with employment.” In the rejoice phase, it is “for celebration and rejoicing! Each participant in this phase will officially graduate from our program and begin living independently.” The final phase is reinvesting: “As part of our holistic approach, participants will be encouraged to continue their connection with Judy’s Hope Foundation, Inc. by reinvesting their time and testimony within our program.”

Making your business’ mission solely focused on helping others to support themselves and their children can come at a financial cost. “Currently our biggest challenge is having a dedicated space for children's activities inside. We are planning an expansion that will incorporate a sensory space, study area, and reading nook. This space will need to be multipurpose so it can be used for art activities, homework, and tutoring, as well as allow the children to play games. This additional space will allow the mothers in our program to be able to focus on their Biblical studies, skills training, and other activities,” Tabitha adds.

If you are interested in supporting Judy’s Hope and the support they provide in our community, there are many ways you can donate and show your support. They recently held their second annual fundraiser, which included trivia and a great silent auction, and it was a very successful event thanks to the sponsors and supporters. Monetary donations can be made via PayPal, mail, or by donating items from their Amazon wishlist. You can also provide an “in-kind donation” by sharing your time or talents in support of these amazing women. Volunteers can help with community dinners, assist with the pantry, lead arts and crafts activities, bake goodies, help in the garden and so much more. You can volunteer daily, weekly, or monthly. They are also in need of mentors for our program participants. Also, any prayers you can provide to the families using their services, as well as the people running Judy’s Hope is always appreciated and welcomed.

You can learn more about Judy's Hope by visiting their website judyshope.org, by following on Facebook at Judy's Hope, or by emailing the office at judyshopefoundoffice@gmail.com