We’ve faced snow, snow and then more snow this week. For most of us, it means relaxed time at home, once we’ve shoveled our walks and cleaned off our cars. It might mean reading a book, or playing games with those we live with…

But the survivors we work with face a different reality when life grinds to a halt due to weather. They face no work – which means no paid time off when they’re working hourly jobs. It means no buses to take them to the store for groceries or a food pantry. It means loneliness.

Our Mentor Program is a lifeline for them. When their Mentors send texts, asking about their well-being, they know that they’re not forgotten. They remember that someone is willing to listen, to encourage.

And our Wellness Fund helps (selectively) with basic life expenses that are jeopardized when work hours are cut. That same fund keeps survivors warm and off of the street when necessary.

We are grateful that our donors equip us to help in such practical ways. And we pray for discernment to continue to meet these practical needs.

Just how vital are our donors and volunteers? Let us count the ways. In 2023, we sent out 542 Hope Bags – each one containing at least 30 items — to our partners in law enforcement and agencies. They use the bags at the point of recovery with victims. In 2024, we’ve already sent out 1,032 (nearly double the number of Bags) and have requests for another 546. It will take a God-sized miracle for us to fill these requests.

Why did the demand for bags grow so quickly? More folks are stepping up to work with survivors. And that applies to Christmas stockings as well. Last year we provided 270. This year, 541. We need your help to put all this together!

If you are willing to help us with either Hope Bags or Stockings – and I pray that you will — please email me (Sues: sues@reclaiming-hope.org) or Abby at: abby@reclaiming-hope.org. When our donors bring in the physical items needed, we end up with beautifully unique stockings. You can find the Inspiration Lists below. Your financial donations enable us to shop for what’s needed.

Thanks for praying for us, the survivors and agencies we work with, and for helping us to meet their needs.

www.reclaiming-hope.org

We have many reasons to give thanks this Thanksgiving. May you, as well.

Blessings,

Sues Hess, Exec. Dir., and the RHope Team

Donate Items for Christmas Stockings

We ended up receiving over requests for 541 Christmas Stockings. These are for survivors in Colorado. The stockings are a small act of love that we can show survivors who have overcome so much. We are in need of more items than ever, and more $20 gift cards than ever before. Will you help us by bringing in your items and gift cards before November 15th?
Inspiration Lists

Purchase Items for Hope Bags

So far in 2024 we have sent out 1032 Hope Bags. In the last month we have received orders for 546 more! We will need many small donations in order to make these orders happen. Would you with your friend group, Bible study group, or a community you are involved with help us in collecting Hope Bag items? (If you click on the graphic you will open a printable flier for items needed.)
Amazon Shopping List

Joys of the Season Holiday Home Tour

Explore five beautifully decorated homes in Northern El Paso County, each showcasing the creative talents of local interior designers. This festive event is a perfect opportunity to enjoy quality time with family and friends, find inspiration, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. 100% of all proceeds from our fundraising events go directly to our grants program. In May 2024, we awarded $30,000 to 17 different nonprofits and District 38 schools. Our grants have a tangible impact, making a significant difference in the lives of those who benefit from them.
More Info

Colorado Gives Day

Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, December 10 but you can give early starting on November 1. Colorado Gives Day is the biggest 24-hour giving movement in the state and one of the most successful giving days in the nation.
Click here to Give through CO Gives

Prayer

Thank you for being our prayer warriors! Please join us in praying for through our monthly prayer calendars!
November Prayer Calendar

Thank You

Thank you to all who have supported Reclaiming Hope in the past month. A special thank you to all who have provided for Hope Bags and Christmas Stockings by collecting donations.

Human Trafficking in the News

Click the headlines to learn more.

Left Outside: The Vulnerability of Survivors Facing Housing Instability… Allowing the criminalization of homelessness impacts the anti-human-trafficking field and the victims, survivors, and vulnerable groups.

5 Arguments to Legalize/Fully Decriminalize Prostitution – DEBUNKED!… filed a lawsuit against the brothel owners, as well as Nevada government officials for its legalization of prostitution, which allowed the treatment by her bosses to be swept under the rug.

Compassion Fatigue: Business owners voice frustration as mayor unveils new homelessness plan… many in attendance expressed feelings of burnout, frustration, and skepticism about the city’s management of the chronically homeless.

If you would like to host a donation drive to support the Hope Bag program or the Stocking program, please reach out to
info@reclaiming-hope.org or call 719-425- 9405 Tues – Fri : 10am – 4pm.