“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”  Hebrews 4:13  NIV

God knows our thoughts, deeds, desires, and motives.  

To help us pay the bills for our shelter and expand our ministry, I ask that you please consider participating in our “Power of Ten Campaign” - give $10.00 a month and ask ten friends to give the same.  A huge “thank you” to those who so faithfully send a check each and every month!   God bless you!!  We receive sizeable contributions and grants occasionally but the checks that we can count on month-after-month keep us financially afloat.  

Old Union Baptist Church Senior Sunday School Class took up a special offering for us and presented us with a bag full of money.  Thank you, Senior Sunday School Class of Old Union Baptist Church!  Rev. Rodney Bodiford is the pastor.  The church gives us a monthly contribution.

We enjoyed participating in the annual “Family Fair” May 10th at Augusta Common sponsored by WRDW-TV News 12.   Mike Armstrong, Rose Anne Moore, Brenda Smith, and Mike Askew set up and took down our booth and did a fantastic job with our craft project for the children. Virginia Summerall furnished the craft materials.  Thank you, WRDW-TV News 12, Mike, Rose Anne, Brenda, Mike, and Virginia!

June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th youth groups from Warren Baptist Church gave their time to assist at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center.  Working with these fine Christian young people was a joy and a privilege.  They did a beautiful job.  Grant Janik is student pastor for the church.  Thank you, young people, Grant, and Warren Baptist Church!

We received a check for $2,000.00 from the Augusta National Employee Giving Program. Thank you, Augusta National Golf Club and employees, for selecting Julie’s House to receive these funds!

We set a new sales record at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center at our Celebration & Sale June 28th and made more than $400.00 from hot dog sales.  The success was due to all of the help and support.  Mike Armstrong, Rose Anne Moore, Virginia Summerall, Milton Summerall, and Brenda Smith did a super job with our concession.  Jiffy Lube, Stevi B’s Pizza, Red Lobster, Top Notch Car Wash, Tooty Fruity Salon & Spa, and Judi Pitts donated door prizes.  Sandy McKinney donated hot dogs, Helen Uzarski donated hot dog buns, and Pepsi Cola donated drinks.  Our faithful volunteers, Judi Pitts, Ginny Terry, and Helen Uzarski, provided excellent service to our many customers.  Thank you, one and all!  I certainly hope that I have not missed someone!

Our next event and sale will be November 28th – “Black Friday” and our 6th Anniversary.  

The Columbia County Merchants Association was formed in 1977 by several business men in Martinez and continued until it was dissolved in 1988.  During those years the association participated in community activities and donated to charities in the area with proceeds from the weekly Bingo Nights, the fair, turkey shoots, and many other activities.  They dispensed the funds left in their account to nonprofit organizations in our area and Julie’s House is the recipient of $4,605.83.  Earl Aldridge, Buddy West, and Wolfgang Melchoir presented us with the check at our event June 28th.  What a delightful surprise!  Thank you, gentlemen!

The Child Development Associate class from AGC Training Center held a work party at our thrift store July 12th.  Members of this class work in childcare settings either in daycare centers or in-home centers.  Darlene Adams is president of the class and she is their spokesperson.  Thank you, ladies, for all of the help and support!  You certainly accomplished a lot!

God knows the truth and “we must give account.”

Pat Bourke


WISH LIST

1. Volunteers at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center
2. Household products – toilet tissue, paper towels, garbage bags, laundry detergent, etc.
3. Floor tiles – purchase at Lowe’s - $26.40 + tax per box of 30 tiles
4. Gas gift cards
   
5. Someone to do minor plumbing and carpentry work at our shelter
   
6. Someone to clean the roof and gutters at our shelter
   

Upcoming Events

• Our next event and sale will be November 28th – “Black Friday” and our 6th Anniversary.  
  

Making Ends Meet Bargain Center 

• 3850 Washington Road, Martinez, Georgia – La Petite Plaza, Suites 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, & 1F, located off of Washington Road between CSRA Camperland and Bojangle’s
• July - September Special: Clothes, books, & stuffed animals (without batteries) are $8.00 for a plastic grocery bag full

Hours

• Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 
• Saturday – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M .

COOKBOOK FOR SALE - Makes a great gift! 

• PRICE:  $15.00
  
• 400 Delicious recipes!  Great gift idea!
  
• Purchase at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

                                                                     
Julie’s House, Inc., is incorporated as a nonprofit organization and is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, and has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.  All contributions are tax deductible.

“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples”.  Psalms 77:14

Julie’s House is proof that God “performs miracles”.  From humble beginnings in 2004, we acquired a 10-room shelter in Columbia County and opened a thrift store/resource center with 6,000 sq. ft. of showroom space.  We thank God for the many miracles that He has “performed” to fulfill our desire to help homeless women and their children.  We give Him the praise and the glory!

Thank you, WRDW-TV News 12, for featuring our ministry as your “Time to Care” organization for January.  Many of our citizens “cleaned house” and brought an abundance of donations for our thrift store.  Amanda Aragon is Creative Services Coordinator for Channel 12.  Thank you, Amanda and Channel12, for all that you do for us!

Also, WRDW-TV News 12 invited us to participate in their annual “Family Fair” May 10th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Augusta Commons.  There will be games, crafts, food vendors, entertainment, and inflatables.  Admission is FREE. Please join the fun!  Thank you, again, WRDW-TV News 12 and Amanda!  If you would like to assist at our booth, contact me at 706-836-2781.  

January 21st Tina Oppelt gave a presentation to the Columbia County West Rotary Club on behalf of Julie House.  I was told that she did an excellent job.  This club meets at Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church.  Dave Iverson, a member of the club and Executive Director of Columbia County Cares, extended the invitation.  Thank you, Dave, Tina, and Columbia County West Rotary Club! 

Tina Oppelt, my wonderful and capable assistant, and her husband, A.J., have relocated with the Navy.  I truly miss her.  Thank you, Tina, for being “my right hand”!

March 26th I gave a presentation at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church at their Wednesday night dinner.  Dave and Anne Iverson are members of the church and invited me.  I enjoyed the delicious meal and warm reception.  Thank you, Dave, Anne, and St. Andrew Presbyterian Church!

I attended a meeting of the Share Committee at Kiokee Baptist Church March 30th.  Kiokee Baptist Church and, also, Kiokee Baptist Church WMU financially support our ministry.  Thank you, Becky May and Share Committee, for inviting me!

The City of Augusta Human Resources Department donated Valentine gifts for the children and their mothers at Julie’s House.  Tanika Bryant, Human Resources Director; Michelle Elam, Compensation & Benefits Manager; Andraea Herrin, Employment Manager; and  Cindy Holland, Employee Relations and Training Manager, brought beautiful gift bags full of goodies.  They wrote, “The Human Resources Department desires to make a difference in our community.  We chose the women and children of Julie’s House to bless on Valentine’s Day so they will know they’re special”.

Eight members of the Junior League of Augusta gave their time on a Saturday to help at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center.  Thank you, ladies, for your support and for “a job well done”!

I am truly elated that the Augusta Bar Association has selected Julie’s House to be the sole recipient of the proceeds from their golf tournament to be held in September. Omeeka Loggins, submitted our ministry for consideration for these funds. Omeeka is with the Office of the Public Defender and also was my contact with the Junior League of Augusta.  Omeeka, thank you for your efforts on behalf of Julie’s House! 

Thank you, God, for the many miracles you have performed for Julie’s House!

Pat Bourke

Upcoming Events

• May 10th – “Family Fair” sponsored by WRDW-TV News 12 – 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Augusta Commons – games – crafts – food vendors – entertainment – inflatables – ADMISSION IS FREE 
  

Making Ends Meet Bargain Center 

• 3850 Washington Road, Martinez, Georgia – La Petite Plaza, Suites 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, & 1F, located off of Washington Road between CSRA Camperland and Bojangle’s
• May - July Special: Clothes, books, & stuffed animals (without batteries) are $6.00 for a plastic grocery bag full

Hours

• Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 
• Saturday – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M .

COOKBOOK FOR SALE - Makes a great gift! 

• PRICE:  $15.00
  
• 400 Delicious recipes!  Great gift idea!
  
• Purchase at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

                                                                     
Julie’s House, Inc., is incorporated as a nonprofit organization and is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, and has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.  All contributions are tax deductible.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  Mark 10:45

Updates from Pat . . .
The goal of the Julie’s House ministry is to “serve” those in our community that need a “hand up” and   to teach and encourage them to “serve” others in the name of Jesus Christ.  We strive to make their stay at   Julie’s House a life-changing experience.

I am pleased to announce that we received a $3,000.00 grant from the Border Bash Foundation.  Mike Armstrong, our board president, accepted the check December 10th at a press conference held at the Beasley Broadcasting Group offices.  Tommy Rogers, a member of the Border Bash Foundation board, is a wonderful advocate for us and Mike Armstrong is a graduate of UGA, a volunteer for the Border Bash event, and also a wonderful advocate. Thank you, Border Bash Foundation, Tommy, and Mike!

The Grovetown Lions Club sponsored a “Turkey Shoot” the day before Thanksgiving and gave Julie’s House $500.00 of the proceeds.  Tina Oppelt, my wonderful assistant, and her husband, A.J., represented us at the event and accepted the check.  Gary Quinn, a member of the club and an avid Julie’s House supporter, was responsible for our receiving this gift.  Thank you, Grovetown Lions Club, Gary, Tina, and A.J!

Woodmen of the World Lodge #1571, for the fifth year, sponsored a Christmas party at their lodge for the children at Julie’s House.  We enjoyed a delicious lunch and everyone received a gift from the “jolly man in the red suit”.  Peggy Ryder, a member of the lodge and a dear friend, gave many hours of her time to organize this event.  Peggy, the party was absolutely fantastic!  Thank you, Woodmen of the World Lodge #1571 and Peggy!

Fifteen of our volunteers, staff, and board members enjoyed good food, fun, and fellowship at our annual Christmas party at Harbor Inn Restaurant.  A very special “thank you” to all of you for your loyal support!
 
A Sunday school class from Abilene Baptist Church made two children at Julie’s House very happy on Christmas morning.  Santa Claus brought many, many wonderful surprises thanks to the generosity of these wonderful Christians.  Sheryl Hall and Sandra Johnson spearheaded the project, collected the items, and delivered them to us.  Thank you, Abilene Baptist Church Sunday school class, Sheryl, and Sandra!

Jan Scarbary, Columbia County Board of Education social worker, and Donna Lee, director of the Columbia County Foundation for Children, were Santa’s helpers for the children at our facility.  Thank you, Jan and Donna, for all of the many things that you do for us!

We participated in the Time of Service Program for Westminster Schools of Augusta.  Eight senior students and their chaperone volunteered at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center January 8th.  It is amazing how much they accomplished.  Our thrift store looks beautiful and it was such a joy to work with these wonderful young people.  Thank you, Westminster Schools of Augusta, chaperone, and students!

We are the recipients of a $1,500.00 grant from the Junior League of Augusta.  Tom Sorrells and I attended their meeting at the Legends Club January 7th.  Tom accepted the check on behalf of Julie’s House.  Thank you, Junior League of Augusta and Tom!

We now have a LED sign on Washington Road to advertise Making Ends Meet Bargain Center.  Look for it when you travel Washington Road.  Buddy Taylor, owner of Augusta Signs.Net, gave us a very reasonable price and excellent service.  Thank you, Mr. Taylor!  We are so very proud of this beautiful sign!

WRDW-TV has chosen our ministry to feature on their “Time to Care”.  They have aired a promotion for us for several weeks and ask the community to “clean house” and bring donations to our thrift store Thursday, January 16th, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  Thank you, WRDW-TV Channel 12, for spreading our message to the entire CSRA.  

Pat Bourke

  
Upcoming Events

• Thursday, January 16th – WRDW-TV Channel 12 “Time to Care” “Clean House” – 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Making Ends Meet Bargain Center 

• Christmas items 50% off January, February, and March! 

Hours

• Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 
• Saturday – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M .

COOKBOOK FOR SALE - Makes a great gift! 

• PRICE:  $15.00
  
• 400 Delicious recipes!  Great gift idea!
  
• Purchase at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

                                                                     
Julie’s House, Inc., is incorporated as a nonprofit organization, is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, and has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.  All contributions are tax deductible.

“So we, Your  people and sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever.” - Psalms 79:13

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” - Luke 2:11

Updates from Pat . . .
As we celebrate the 6th anniversary of the purchase of our shelter and the 5th anniversary of the opening of Making Ends Meet Bargain Center, I am in awe of the many generous Christians that have made this possible.  God, I “will give You thanks forever” for the women that have benefited from our ministry and were grateful for the opportunity to change their lives.  I pray for those that were not willing to give up their “old way of life” for a “new way of life” and pray for God’s protection for their children. 

I gave a presentation on behalf of Julie’s House at the September meeting of NAIFA – Augusta (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors). The organization is collecting household supplies for our shelter each month and they filled my vehicle with donations.  James Balchin is president of the group. Pat Campbell, a member, extended the invitation.  Thank you, Mr. Balchin, Ms. Campbell, and members of NAIFA – Augusta, for the opportunity to share the story of our ministry, the delicious lunch, the warm hospitality, and your kindness and generosity!

Julie’s House and Making Ends Meet Bargain Center are featured on the cover of the November issue of the Verge magazine and a picture of three of our wonderful volunteers and the “Julie’s House Story” are on page 8.  Please pick up a free copy at your grocery store and read about us.  Also, Beasley Broadcasting Group is airing a public service announcement featuring Harley Drew for us on their stations. All of this thanks to Neil Gordon and Buzz-on-Biz.  Thank you, Mr. Gordon, Mr. Drew, and Beasley Broadcasting Group!

Girl Scout Troop #20048 brought paper supplies for our shelter and Troop #20711 brought us numerous boxes of Girl Scout cookies.  Thank you, young ladies and leaders, for sharing!

Wells Fargo awarded Julie’s House a $1,000.00 grant at their “Day of Giving Breakfast” in October.  Each branch selected a charity to receive this grant and the branch at 2835 Washington Road chose our ministry.  Shalonda Roca, service manager, was instrumental in our receiving this gift.  Linda Crosby is branch manager.  Tom Sorrells, our long-time faithful supporter, accepted the check for us and shared our message.  Thank you, Shalonda, Linda, Tom, and Wells Fargo for your kindness and support!

Please support Julie’s House and shop at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center “Black Friday” November 29, 2013.  We will celebrate our 5th anniversary with a huge sale, fun, and fellowship.   There will be lots of bargains.  We will have hot dog combos with the trimmings for $3.50 or you may purchase a ticket for $3.00 prior to the event. 

Beginning January 2014, we will publish this newsletter quarterly.

I wish for you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas! 

I am thankful for “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”.

Pat Bourke
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS


Volunteers and Board of Directors Christmas Party

• Thursday, December 5, 2013, 7:00 P.M.
• Harbor Inn Restaurant – 3404 Wrightsboro Road
• Please RSVP by November 20th – 706-836-2781

Making Ends Meet Bargain Center Hours

• Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 
  
• Saturday – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M .

COOKBOOK FOR SALE - Great Christmas Gift!

• PRICE:  $15.00
  
• 400 Delicious recipes!  Great gift idea!
  
• Purchase at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

                                                                     
Julie’s House, Inc., is incorporated as a nonprofit organization, is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, and has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.  All contributions are tax deductible.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”    James 1:22

“He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.”    Proverbs 28:27

Updates from Pat . . .
Julie’s House offers you the opportunity to help poor children and “not merely listen to the word” but to “do what it says”.  With the high rate of unemployment and the state of the economy in our country, we have had a steady increase in those amongst us who are living in poverty and are homeless.  I receive an average of five calls a day from women seeking shelter and the problem is getting worse.  When a mother is homeless and desperate, her children are homeless and desperate.  Please help!  Join our “Power of Ten Campaign” – give $10.00 a month and ask ten others to give.

We received a check for $1,500.00 from the Augusta National Golf Club Employee Giving Program. Three employees selected Julie’s House to be the recipient of this wonderful gift. Thank you, Augusta National Golf Club and employees!

A very generous person responded to our plea for a vehicle for one of the ladies at Julie’s House.  Reliable transportation is vital to one’s becoming independent and self-sufficient.  Our client is now able to drive to her job, to the grocery store, to school activities, and to all of the many places necessary to raise five children.  The donor has requested to remain anonymous. Thank you, donor!  This vehicle is such a blessing!

September 14th a large delegation of staff, faculty, students, and their family members from Georgia Regents University held a “Day of Service” at our Making Ends Meet Bargain Center. They did all the things necessary to make our store look wonderful for our customers.  Thank you, Georgia Regents University staff, faculty, students, and family members, for your kindness and support! 

We have an ad for our thrift store in the September issue of the Verge publication.  This paper is available, free of charge, at most of the local grocery stores.  Be sure to pick one up and read about us.  Thank you, Neil Gordon and staff of Buzz on Biz, for doing a superb job on the ad!

A Sunday school class from Abilene Baptist Church donated household supplies for our shelter.  Thank you, Sunday school class and Abilene Baptist Church, for your kind support! 

We feel that a LED sign on Washington Road advertising Making Ends Meet Bargain Center would greatly increase our sales.  If you know someone that could help us with this project, please call me at 706-836-2781.

Tina Oppelt, one of our excellent and devoted volunteers, has written several grants for us.  Please pray that we are selected to receive these grants.  Thank you, Tina, for giving us your time and expertise!  Tina’s husband, A.J., is in the United States Navy and is stationed at Ft. Gordon.

We purchased our shelter January 8, 2008, and opened our thrift store November 28, 2008.  We have “weathered many storms” throughout the years but, by the grace of God and many prayers and miracles, we have survived. Many lives have been changed because Julie’s House exists.  Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to serve you and “do what it says”.

Pat Bourke

ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

BAG DAY SALES at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

• $6.00 per bag. Includes clothes, books, and stuffed animals only.
• 3850 Washington Road – Martinez, Georgia – La Petite Plaza  
• Every business day in September, October, and November

Regular Making Ends Meet Bargain Center Hours

• Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 
  
• Saturday – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M .

COOKBOOK FOR SALE - Great Christmas Gift!

• PRICE:  $15.00
  
• 400 Delicious recipes!  Great gift idea!
  
• Purchase at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

                                                                     
Julie’s House, Inc., is incorporated as a nonprofit organization, is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, and has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.  All contributions are tax deductible.

“Jesus wept.”  John 11:35

 Updates from Pat . . .
I have “wept” for innocent children who are homeless and I have “wept” when I have had to say “we have no room”.  I receive several calls every day from hospital emergency room social workers, school social workers, church pastors, and/or DFCS social workers seeking shelter for their clients. Case workers from other shelters call when their facilities are at capacity or their clients have reached their thirty-day limit.  Julie’s House is able to offer shelter to only ten individuals at one time - usually two or three families. 

My dream is to build a complex with small efficiency apartments, an on-site childcare facility, administrative offices, a playground, and a room for GED classes.  A town, much smaller than our own and less than one-hundred miles away, has such a complex with sixteen efficiency apartments.  I have visited this facility and have sent several clients there. The ladies and their children are allowed to remain in the facility for up to twenty-four months and they go to school, acquire job skills, and find employment.

This project would require four acres of land and cost several million dollars to build and staff. Our income in 2012 was less than $75,000.00.  Many dollars are spent for motel rooms, food stamps, public housing, and welfare. These dollars do not help or teach the recipients to become self-sufficient and poverty and homelessness go on-and-on from generation-to-generation.  I believe that I have proven the need and that this community is “up to the task” and able to provide the funds to make my dream a reality.

Making Ends Meet Bargain Center had a “July 4th Celebration and Sale”.  We had lots of customers, sold lots of merchandise, and enjoyed wonderful fellowship.  Thank you, Brenda Smith and Emily and Mike Askew, for your help!  Paula Blalock and Helen Uzarski, faithful volunteers, worked extra hours to assist our customers and operate our cash register.  Thank you, Paula and Helen!  Fresh Market gave us cakes, pastries, and pies for our concession and we sold hot dogs with the trimmings.  Thank you, Fresh Market!  Thank you, Stevi B’s Pizza, Red Lobster, Krispy Kreme, and Little Big Town Barbershop & Salon for donating door prices.  Also, thank you, Honey Baked Ham, for donating a ham for a raffle!

Mr. Larry Flanagan donated a ceiling fan and installed it at Julie’s House.  Mr. Flanagan is a member of John S. Davidson Masonic Lodge #677.  Thank you, Mr. Flanagan!

June 3rd, 4th, and 5th three groups of young people from Warren Baptist Church held work parties at our thrift store.  They did an excellent job sorting donations and making our store look wonderful.  Grant Janik is student pastor for the church.  Thank you, Warren Baptist Church young people and Grant, for your help and support! 

We now have two ladies and eight children at Julie’s House.  Seven of our children are looking forward to beginning a new school year very soon and our two year-old baby girl goes to daycare while her mommy works.  One of our ladies desperately needs a minivan or SUV for her family.  She has a valid driver’s license.  If you have a vehicle that you would like to donate or can help us to acquire one, please call me at 706-836-2781.  The fair market value of the vehicle is tax deductible.

We need household supplies and would appreciate donations of paper products, laundry detergent, automatic dishwashing detergent, hand dishwashing detergent, 13 gallon garbage bags, and size 3T pull-up diapers.  You may bring these items to Making Ends Meet Bargain Center during our business hours.

Pat Bourke

ANNOUNCEMENTS & EVENTS

BAG DAY SALES at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

• $6.00 per bag. Includes clothes, books, and stuffed animals only.
• 3850 Washington Road – Martinez, Georgia – La Petite Plaza  
• Every business day in July, August, and September 

Regular Making Ends Meet Bargain Center Hours

• Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 
  
• Saturday – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M .

COOKBOOK FOR SALE

• PRICE:  $15.00
  
• 400 Delicious recipes!  Great gift idea!
  
• Purchase at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

                                                                     
Julie’s House, Inc., is incorporated as a nonprofit organization, is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, and has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.  All contributions are tax deductible.

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”  Proverbs  22:6

Updates from Pat . . .

“Train” children in environments of poverty and domestic violence and they “will not turn from it”.  If someone does not intervene, they become our next generation of welfare and food stamps recipients, victims of domestic violence, batterers, homeless single moms, and “deadbeat” dads. They fill our jails and homeless shelters.  The cycle goes on-and-on and this segment of our population is steadily growing.  Christian friends, please help us to save the children!

The Hale Sunday school class from West Acres Baptist Church held a work party at Julie’s House and they did some much needed repairs.  They made a list of projects and will continue to assist us in keeping our facility maintained.  Kenny Giet heads the committee and he also, personally, donated a kitchen stove.  Thank you, Kenny, Hale Sunday school class, and West Acres Baptist Church!

Members of The Sanctuary of Augusta donated two van loads of paper products to our shelter and gave us a monetary donation to cover the cost of a new computer when ours “crashed”.    Thank you, The Sanctuary of Augusta, for so generously supporting our ministry!

Warren Baptist Church invited Julie’s House to participate in their Sharing Hope Missions Celebration March 10th.  Thank you, Warren Baptist Church, for giving us the opportunity to share our message!

WRDW-TV Channel 12 continues to give us public service announcements to promote Making Ends Meet Bargain Center and our ministry.  Mark Hodges, Marketing/Promotions Manager for the station, asked me to do a taped testimonial as to how our ministry has benefited from their help and promotions.  They are hoping to receive Gabby Awards from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters and will use this in their presentation.  Thank you, WRDW-TV Channel 12! You very much deserve a Gabby Award in every category!

The following is a reprint from our June 2008 newsletter:

She had been the “bread winner” for the family for a long time and her husband was now ill.  They were from another city.  She quit her job and she and her daughter came to Augusta to be near the hospital where her husband was a patient.  They had lost everything but their car, their clothes, and a few personal belongings—only what she could pack into the car.  A caseworker at the hospital asked me to help her find shelter.  After a brief conversation with the lady, I discovered that her husband was abusive to her and to their daughter.  She said “he hasn’t hit me since 2003 but he is mean to me and our daughter.”  I made arrangements for them to go to a domestic violence shelter outside of Augusta and a wonderful “friend of Julie’s House” bought food for them and gas for the trip.  I have talked with this client several times since she entered the shelter.  She said,”Ms. Bourke, I have a good job now and my daughter and I are so happy.  Thank you!”

I have not been in contact with this lady for several years but I feel confident that she and her daughter are still doing well.  The daughter is now a young lady and graduates from high school this year.  She escaped from the cycle of violence and poverty and has been “trained in the way she should go”.  Julie’s House made the difference in the life of a child with only a phone call and a referral.

God bless you!  Happy Easter!
Pat Bourke


Making Ends Meet Bargain Center 

• Hours – Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. – Saturday – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
• 3850 Washington Road – Martinez, Georgia – La Petite Plaza
  
• La Petite Plaza – Suites 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, & 1F
• Off of Washington Road between CSRA Camperland and Bojangle’s
• $6.00 bag sale every business day in March & April
• Includes clothes, shoes, books, and stuffed animals

COOKBOOK FOR SALE

• PRICE:  $15.00
  
• 400 Delicious recipes!  Great gift idea!
• Purchase at: Making Ends Meet Bargain Center
• 3850 Washington Road – Martinez, Georgia – La Petite Plaza

LEADERSHIP

• Michael J. Armstrong, President                                                              
• Brenda J. Smith, Board Member
• Isaac C. Askew, III, Vice-President                                                       
• Annette S. Dumais, Board Member
• Virginia W. Summerall, Treasurer
• Patricia B. Bourke, Executive Director                                             

MAKE A DONATION
Julie’s House, Inc., is incorporated as a nonprofit organization, is registered with the Georgia Secretary of State, and has 501(c)(3) status with the IRS.  All contributions are tax deductible.

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”  Romans 15:4

Updates from Pat . . .

The last chapter of 2012 has been written.  It was a challenging year but it “was written to teach us”.

Christmas at Julie’s House was great in every way.  The Woodmen of the World Lodge #1571 hosted their annual Christmas party for our Julie’s House residents.  Santa Claus gave gifts to everyone and the pizza and desserts were delicious.  Thank you, Peggy and John Ryder and Woodmen of the World Lodge #1571!  We had a wonderful time as we do every year!  Thank you, youth of Old Union Baptist Church, for the cookies, hand-made blankets, and other gifts that you brought to our children.  Also, thank you, Donna Lee, for being Santa’s helper!  The children loved the many presents that Santa left under our tree.  Donna is director of the Columbia County Foundation for Children. The ladies at Julie’s House prepared Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.  Thank you, Broad Street Ministry Center, for the Thanksgiving food and,  Jimmy and Linda Allen, for the gift of a turkey for our Christmas dinner.

I am so pleased to announce that Julie’s House received a $12,000.00 grant from The Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area.  The Master’s Golf Tournament is the primary benefactor of this grant.  Mr. R. Lee Smith, Jr., is President/CEO of The Community Foundation.  Thank you, Master’s Golf Tournament and Mr. Smith, for so generously supporting our community. Tom Sorrells made a presentation for us at the press conference at the Enterprise Mill Events Center December 7th.  Thank you, Tom, for your continuous encouragement and help.

There is more fabulous news.  We received a $3,000.00 grant from the Border Bash Foundation.  Mike Armstrong, our board president, accepted the check and made a presentation at the press conference at the offices of Beasley Broadcasting Group December 14th.  Mike is a UGA alumni and member of the Georgia Bulldogs Club.  Mike has served on our board since 2005.  Tommy Rogers is a member of the Border Bash Foundation Committee and we can always count on his support for our cause.  Thank you Mike, Tommy, and Border Bash Foundation! 

Our 4th Anniversary Yard Sale was a huge success.  We had record sales at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center. Thank you, Mott’s Bar-B-Que Restaurant, for donating the bar-b-que for our concession.

We appreciate so very much all of the wonderful publicity that WRDW-TV Channel 12 has given us.  Their “Time to Care” promotions and public service announcements have brought us many donations for our thrift store and lots of new customers and supporters.  Thank you: WRDW-TV; Fran Lane, Account Executive; Mark Hodges, Marketing/Promotions Manager; Bryce Craps, Station & Community Events Manager; and citizens of the CSRA; for taking the “Time to Care”.  Also, a huge thanks to Jim Wiggins, property manager at La Petite Plaza, for helping us to accept and store the donations.

The Devore and Hale Sunday school classes at West Acres Baptist Church have adopted our ministry as their mission project for 2013. Jeff Kertscher is Community and Missions Pastor for the church.  Thank you, Jeff, West Acres Baptist Church, and Sunday school classes.

The baby boy at Julie’s House is now four months old and his mommy is ready to go to work.  She desperately needs transportation to make this possible.  In fact, we have another lady that also needs transportation.  If you have a vehicle that you would like to donate, please call me at 706-836-2781.  Fair market value of the donation is tax deductible.

I have said “thank you” many times in this newsletter.  Thank you,  Jesus, for all of the devoted Christians that lovingly help our homeless families.  Happy New Year!  We “have hope”!

Pat Bourke
 
WISH LIST

1. Vehicles for two of the residents at Julie’s House
2. Volunteers at our thrift store
3. “Power of Ten” commitments – give $10.00 a month and ask ten others to do the same
4. Household paper products and sizes 2 and 3 baby diapers
5. Kitchen stove – freestanding – 30 in. wide
6. Two double-pane windows – openings 31-1/2 x 51 and 32 x 52-1/2
7. Churches to include Julie’s House in their annual budgets

Making Ends Meet Bargain Center

• Weekday Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. 
• Saturday Hours: 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
  
• La Petite Plaza – Suites 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, & 1F
• Off of Washington Road between CSRA Camperland and Bojangle’s
• $6.00 bag sale every business day in January and February
• Bags can include clothes, shoes, handbags, and stuffed animals

Upcoming Events: Support Group Meeting

• February 28th – 5:30 P.M. 
• Support for victims of domestic violence and survivors, single women raising children alone, and ladies who support our ministry. 
• RSVP 706-836-2781  
• We serve dinner

“A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor.”  Proverbs 22:9

People often ask me, “what do the ladies and children at Julie’s House need?”  The answer is always the same.  They need a roof over their heads, a bed to sleep in, a place where they feel safe and secure, food, clothing, and transportation.  The Julie’s House organization needs money to pay the mortgage, utilities, insurance, garbage disposal, and pest control; to purchase vehicles; and to hire staff so that we are able to provide these necessities.  We especially need additional staff.  I “wear many hats” and the burden is becoming too heavy.

We do not solicit or accept government funding.  It is my opinion that it is not the responsibility of our government to provide for the poor.  I believe that it is the responsibility of Christians.  It seems that when the government is involved, there are layers of bureaucracy, waste, and fraud and not enough accountability on the part of the recipients.   The goal of Julie’s House is to provide the opportunity and tools for our clients to become productive, tax-paying citizens, to rescue the children from the cycle of poverty, and to teach and show them the love of Jesus Christ.  We expect and require their cooperation.  We need money to accomplish this!

With our country’s economy as it is, homelessness is epidemic - especially among single women with children.   Many homeless children and their mothers in the CSRA are living with friends or relatives, moving from house-to-house, living crowded together in motel rooms, and, worst yet, sleeping in their cars (if they are fortunate enough to have a car).  I had a call from a church this week.  A lady and her child came to the church for help.  They had slept in their car for three nights.  As a matter of fact, I was just interrupted by a phone call.  A lady and her two children, ages 11 years and 8 years, slept in their car last night.  Julie’s House is full as well as all of the other shelters in our area.  This is real, this is local, and this is serious! 

We are at the crossroads.  We need the financial support of those that believe in our mission or it will be difficult to continue.  The proceeds from our thrift store, contributions, and grants are not meeting our financial needs.  I am asking that you join our “Power of Ten Campaign” - make a commitment of $10.00 a month - or as much as you are able to give - and ask ten friends, family members, or co-workers to do the same.  We need churches to include Julie’s House in their annual budgets, Sunday school classes to give love offerings, help to sell our cookbook, advocates with civic organization, and groups to sponsor fundraisers on our behalf.  We need many, many Christians sharing this tremendous task.  “A generous man will himself be blessed . . .”

George Champion, our delivery driver, had an accident in our pick-up truck and at this writing is in the hospital recovering from his injuries.  Mark Thompson was a passenger in the vehicle and he is recuperating at home.  He was hospitalized for a short time for tests.  Please pray with me for George, Mark, and their families during this difficult time.

We are now without a vehicle to pick up and deliver donated items for our thrift store.  We are depending on donors to bring them to us during our business hours.  

A ladies prayer group at Warren Baptist Church provided backpacks and school supplies for all of the school-aged children at Julie’s House.  LeeAnne Redfern coordinated the effort, collected the supplies, and delivered them to our children.  Thank you, LeeAnne and ladies!  We appreciate your kindness and generosity!

The drama club at Grovetown High School held a work party at our thrift store August 18.  Rashad Dunn is their teacher and Bailey Hammett, a member of the club, recommended Julie’s House as a worthy project. Thank you, Rashad, Bailey, and drama club members, for doing a great job for us!

VOTE NOVEMBER 6TH!!

Pat Bourke
 
COOKBOOK FOR SALE

• PRICE:  $15.00  
• 400 Delicious recipes!  
• Great gift idea!
• Purchase at Making Ends Meet Bargain Center - 3850 Washington Road – Martinez, Georgia – La Petite Plaza

Making Ends Meet Bargain Center Bag Days

• October 3, 4, 5, & 6
  
• October 31 & November 1, 2, & 3
• $6.00 for a bag of clothes, shoes, purses, and/or stuffed animals
• La Petite Plaza – Suites 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, & 1F - Off of Washington Road between CSRA Camperland and Bojangle’s
• Hours – Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday – 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. – Saturday – 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.  

Support Group Meetings 

• September 20
  
• October 18
  
• Fun and fellowship for ladies who are survivors of domestic violence and Julie’s House supporters.  
  
• Please call 706-836-2781 for reservations.  
  
• We serve dinner.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Updates from Pat . . .

I fill each issue of this newsletter with many positives about the Julie’s House organization. I can also give many reasons that I should “throw in the towel”, “give up”, “quit”—I have already retired from one job, I do not have the proper formal education for the task, this ministry is too time consuming, we do not have enough financial support to accomplish our goals, some of our clients have disappointed me . . . This list can go on and on. I know that God “will be with me”, I will “not be discouraged”, and I will not quit. We have helped many children and many more need help. Please support our ministry!

June was a month that the temptation to “quit” was almost overwhelming. After we paid the bills, we had no financial “cushion” and many of our volunteers were on vacation. As He always does and always will, God came through for us. We received the usual monthly contributions from our faithful supporters and some unexpected contributions. Sales at our thrift store are good and we are managing to keep it “up and running” with a smaller staff. To God be the glory!

This month we received a check for $3,500.00 from the Augusta National Golf Club Employee Giving Program. Five employees selected Julie’s House to be the recipient of this wonderful gift. Thank you, Augusta National Golf Club and employees!

The Children’s Ministry at Abilene Baptist Church collected $2,184.00 for our ministry at their Vacation Bible School. Ginger Custer is Director of The Children’s Ministry for the church. Thank you, Ginger, children, and Abilene Baptist Church, for this awesome gesture!

Barry Paschal, Publisher of ­The Columbia County News-Times, wrote a beautiful column in his newspaper about our ministry. The title is “Mission of Julie’s House is a lot to talk about” and it appeared in the June 10, 2012, edition. Barry’s wife, Michelle, is the principal at Stevens Creek Elementary School and several of the children at Julie’s House have attended her school. That is how they became acquainted with our ministry. They brought us truckloads of donations and many toiletry items collected by the Hope Soap organization. Thank you so very much, Barry and Michelle, for your support! The donations and sales at our thrift store have increased because of the article in your newspaper and the donations are fabulous. It will be a very long time before the ladies and children at Julie’s House are out of shampoo, toothpaste, and soap!

One of the residents at Julie’s House needs a vehicle. Her SUV needs repairs and the estimated cost far exceeds its value. She depends on a co-worker for transportation to and from work and to run errands. Can you imagine depending on public transportation or friends to get to work and the grocery store? If you have a vehicle that you would like to donate, please call me at 706-836-2781. The fair market value is tax deductible.

At this time, our income is not sufficient to provide our ladies with legal counsel for divorces and child custody. Please help me to “spread the word” that this is a huge need and pray that attorneys in our community will step forward and donate their services for a very good cause. Each one giving a little will not be a big burden on anyone.

Thank you, volunteers and churches that have held work parties at our thrift store. We always need more help. Just drop by the store and sign up to volunteer.

“God will be with you wherever you go”.

Pat Bourke

Cookbook for Sale
PRICE: $15.00
400 Delicious recipes! Great gift idea!