Blog | Hand in Hand Ministries

Auxier activities: something for everyone

February 22, 2012

Filed under: Auxier — Tags: Appalachia, Auxier, classes, community, dinners, donation, Kentucky, volunteer, workshops — hhministries @ 10:06 am

Diners enjoy a meal at the Auxier Center

Our Auxier Center serves an important function in this Appalachian community. It provides a place for people to meet, a food pantry, community meals and a library. We’re proud of the Center and how it operates. We’re posting a list here of all of the activities scheduled for the next few months to give our supporters and friends an idea of all of the things we do there. If you’d like to support the work we do in Auxier, you can donate to us online through our web site: http://www.myhandinhand.org/donate-now.html. There are also immersion trips to Auxier, and you can find dates for those trips here: http://www.myhandinhand.org/Immersion-Trip-Dates.html

Community Dinner
Third Tuesday each month, 6 p.m., FREE. Join us for a delicious meal, dessert and friendship.

Chess Class
Thursdays beginning April 5, 6:30 p.m., FREE. Adults and youth age 12 and older, beginners or advanced.

Family Fun Friday
Third Friday of each month, FREE. Each month something different and lots of fun for the whole family.

Spring & Summer 2012 Classes and Workshops
For the following events and classes, you MUST pre-register at least ONE WEEK in advance. Classes with no one registered will be cancelled. Call (606) 886-0709 for more information.

Second Saturday Kids Camps
Saturdays, 1-3 P.M. Fee: $1
A fun Saturday afternoon for kids, each month a different activity and project.

Choices for Women
Wednesday, March 21, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., FREE
A wonderful workshop from the New Opportunity School for Women focusing on opportunities for women. All attendees receive a goody bag.

FAST TRACK to your own business
Workshop for the budding entrepreneur.
Held 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 13 to April 12; five week session; FREE

Coupon Clippers
Held March 8, 5:30 p.m., FREE
Bring your scissors your coupons and we’ll talk about how to save.

Chat’n & Cookin’
Second Tuesday every month beginning in May. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; FREE
Join us for easy recipes, samples and fun!

Managing in Tough Times
Held Wednesdays in April, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; also Wednesdays in June, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Learn how to budget, save and plan when you’re pinching pennies.

Basic Computer Class
Held Thursdays beginning March 8, 5 to 7 p.m. (8 sessions)
Fee: $30
Participants who meet income guidelines will receive a computer upon class completion.

Intermediate Computer Class
Thursdays beginning March 8, 5 to 7 p.m. (8 sessions)
Fee: $30

Advanced Computer Class
Saturdays beginning March 10, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (8 sessions)
Fee: $30

Beginning Quilting Classes
March 17 to April 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (4 Sessions)
Fee: $35.00, most materials provided

Intermediate/Advanced Quilting Classes
Tuesdays beginning March 6
Two sessions: 1 to 4 p.m. or 5 to 8 p.m.

Basic Crochet Class
Saturday, April 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fee: $5
Make your own scarf. Materials provided

Land the Job
Mondays in March (4 Sessions); Sessions 1 to 3 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m.
Fee: $5
Learn how to make a resume, fill out an application, interview skills and other secrets to land the job you want.
Goody bag and prizes for all who complete workshop.

Auxier Center Community Library
Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by request

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Watch a house go up in 60 seconds

February 20, 2012

Filed under: Belize — Tags: Belize, Rush University, video — hhministries @ 2:11 pm

The Rush University group that went to Belize in 2011 gave us lots of great photos and thoughts about their trip that we’ve shared with you on this blog, our Facebook page and on Twitter. We were able to follow their trip from start to finish, and show you the results when they got home.

Today, Laurie Catherine, who went on the trip, posted a terrific video on our Facebook wall that shows a house being built from the ground up by her team. She used photos by James Muschamp of our Belize staff to create the video. Thank you, Laurie Catherine, for the video, and thanks to James for snapping the photos.

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Hand in Hand is moving forward

February 17, 2012

Filed under: Uncategorized, leadership — Tags: leadership, Libbey Smith, Marla Cautilli, Wayne Fowler — hhministries @ 9:37 am

Editor’s note: We are fortunate to have a committed staff at Hand in Hand that is dedicated to the cause of serving others. As Co-Founder Wayne Fowler continues to focus on his health (as we posted about previously), two others have stepped forward in our organization to take on leadership roles. We wanted to introduce you to them here.

Libbey Smith, left, in Belize

The Board of Directors of Hand in Hand would like to welcome Marla Cautilli and Libbey Smith in their new roles within our organization.

Marla, who served as our Development Director for the past three years has been promoted to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Libbey, who has served as Associate Director for ten years, has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer.

Marla Cautilli, right, on a trip to Belize

They both share a tremendous passion for the work of Hand in Hand and welcome the opportunity to move our organization forward. It is with the utmost confidence and excitement that these appointments have been made. Marla and Libbey have excelled in their roles at Hand in Hand. Their dedication to our mission, along with their ability to inspire others, is well established. We are so very fortunate to have such capable, compassionate and enthusiastic people at the helm as we continue to grow as an effective, powerful organization.

Fully supporting this transition and looking forward to continued growth for Hand in Hand, founder Wayne Fowler will continue to be an important resource. We all wish Wayne and his family much love, support and encouragement as he focuses on the health issues he is now facing.

Thank you for your interest and continued support in Hand in Hand.

Board Co-Chairs
Harry Borders
Fr. Joe Fowler

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A message from Co-Founder Wayne Fowler

February 9, 2012

Filed under: leadership — Tags: leadership, Wayne Fowler — hhministries @ 11:42 am

Editor’s note: In January, we sent this letter to our donors, friends and trip participants to explain the shift in daily leadership of Hand in Hand. We post this letter with our most sincere wishes for Wayne to get well, and fast. We know he has big dreams for Hand in Hand, and we hope that he is around to see them all come to fruition.

Wayne Fowler

In September of last year, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 renal cell cancer. Some of you may remember that in July of 2010, I had my right kidney and adrenal gland removed, both of which were
malignant.

I thought I had dodged a bullet, but on September 1, I was told that a 3 cm mass had reoccurred where my adrenal gland had been. After the mass was removed, I was subsequently found to have a second mass and several nodules in my lungs.

I am currently in a clinical study that is being conducted by the M. D. Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston, Texas. Every two months, I return to Houston for tests and treatment. In between, I am being treated locally. I feel confident in those who are helping me, and I’ve been told that my prognosis is good. However, my illness has precipitated a change in my ability to work.

I have turned the daily responsibilities for running Hand in Hand over to my longtime assistant Libbey Smith and our development director, Marla Cautilli. I will still be intimately involved in the workings of HHM but at a more strategic level. Hand in Hand has been my life for the past 14 years, and I cannot imagine living without my work and my passion for service.While I am not happy about my circumstances, I have the utmost confidence in Libbey and Marla, and we will continue to be the Hand in Hand that you have known and supported with your generosity.

One thing that will definitely not change is our need for your financial support.We are coming to the end of a three-year grant that helps support our HIV/AIDS work in Belize. In order to maintain the same level of service, we need to make up $55,000 of that grant in 2012 and the same amount in 2013.We are raising money in Belize, but that money will only cover a small part of the amount needed.We need your help in sustaining our services not only in Belize, but in Nicaragua and Appalachia also.

With your support, I am confident that Hand in Hand will continue to thrive.

Peace,

Wayne Fowler

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Watch WAVE-3 on Sunday at 7:25 a.m.

January 27, 2012

Filed under: Nicaragua, media appearances — Tags: Dr. Grimaldi, Marla Cautilli, media, news, Nicaragua, WAVE 3 — hhministries @ 4:24 pm

WAVE-3 will have our very own Marla Cautilli on Sunday morning, January 29 at 7:25 a.m. We’re thrilled to have Marla representing us, and to have the chance to share our story on WAVE-3. She’ll be appearing with Dr. Manolo Grimaldi and Suzanne McGee, who journeyed with a team from the Greater Louisville Medical Society Foundation and Hand in Hand to Nicaragua. Dr. Grimaldi and Susanne will discuss what the team did in Nicaragua, and Marla will help tell the story of Hand in Hand’s work overall, emphasizing upcoming trips.

WAVE 3 also came to the airport to see our team off, and they had Board Chair Harry Borders on in the fall to discuss the Legacy Breakfast. We’re extremely grateful for their help.

Thanks, WAVE 3!

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Belize trip teaches, stretches students

January 25, 2012

Filed under: Belize — Tags: Belize, Boston College, Building for Change, Grace Regan, photos — hhministries @ 3:40 pm

By Grace Regan
Executive Director and Provincial Assistant for Advancement
New England Province of Jesuits

Editor’s note: Grace Regan traveled with the Boston College group to Belize in January. She shared with us wonderful photos of the trip, and those from people on her team. The photos with this blog post were taken by Ben, who was one of the Boston College students on the trip. Grace counted among her travel companions her co-mentor Kara Connally, student leaders Chris Mario and Christiana Weller and 10 Boston College students, all participants in the college’s Arrupe program, an International immersion program.

As Grace recounts in her remarks below, the team was building a home for Miss Alice, but she was hospitalized during their trip and passed away after the group returned to Boston. Miss Alice had hoped to have the home for herself and for children that were in her care. Often, when we build a home, it helps several generations of people who need adequate shelter. That was certainly the case here. This shelter will be a legacy for Miss Alice and will be a lasting tribute of her love for the next generation. We only wish she could have lived in it herself. Rest in peace, Miss Alice.

The Boston College Arrupe Students and Leaders returned from Belize on Monday after an incredibly powerful week.

BC worked with the Building for Change Program and the team at Hand in Hand to build the 173rd house, which was for Miss Alice and her family. Miss Alice was with us for two days and sadly ended up in the Belize Hospital where she remained in the Intensive Care Unit. Our group arrived on site on Wednesday to hear the news from her son Leslie. The group was devastated but made a decision to power on and make Miss Alice’s dream of having a home for her family a reality.

Leslie and his son Ezekiel were a part of our experience as much as Miss Alice and it was beautiful to see the sum of all parts come together with the BC team, Hand in Hand, the past recipients and Miss Alice’s family; her legacy will live on through Leslie, Ezekiel and the work of Hand in Hand.

One of the most amazing moments of the week was when James took our BC team to the hospital to pray over Miss Alice. It was a very emotional moment but one that will remain in our hearts as we recall our experience in Belize. Miss Alice went home to God this past Tuesday and the students will honor her by sending Leslie a card and a bible in her memory.

There were so many grace moments that occurred during our experiences. One of the student leaders Chris Mario and I had been a part of the Building for Change program in Belize and built for other recipients and we were blessed to visit both of our families. The power in those visits was really beyond me until I witnessed Chris hugging his family and the tears of joy that dripped from them and from every member of our group. Those visits really made the significance of the Building for Change program come alive for the students.

We were also blessed to have Fr. Brian Christopher, SJ bless the house. His presence and the presence of the Hand in Hand Team (James Muschamp, HHM immersion trip coordinator, Mr. P, Christin, Alfonzo and Beto) and the past recipients helped us to celebrate the grace of Miss Alice, the house and the amazing work being done in Belize. The students sang a song, read a poem and presented the family with some supplies and clothing and then presented Leslie with a hand carved Y Cross from Mr. Lizama’s wood shop. James’ mother made a lovely cake and we celebrated Miss Alice and the blessing together as a community.

We are grateful to Hand in Hand for the gift they are for the people of Belize. We also had the opportunity to visit the Outreach Center and the students were thrilled to deliver supplies they had collected and spend time with the children. We came home blessed and will continue to pray for the people of Belize and those who support the work of Hand in hand.

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Medical volunteers in Nicaragua

January 20, 2012

Filed under: Nicaragua — Tags: medical, Nicaragua, trips, volunteers — hhministries @ 1:49 pm

Hand in Hand Ministries and the Greater Louisville Medical Society Foundation have a team of physicians and medical workers in Nicaragua right now. We were delighted to receive a batch of photos from the group this week. As expected, they’re digging deep into the work and meeting with local families and residents to learn more about Nicaragua.

Those going on the trip include several physicians as well as a medical technician, a psychiatrist and a dietician.The doctors group are working at Berta Calderon Maternity hospital most mornings and at the San Francisco Clinic in the afternoons. At the clinic, they see the children and members of their families of our Pathway to Change families. We have a Family Practitioner (Nanine Henderson), OB/GYN (Cynthia Rigby), and Internist resident (Nathan Whitmore) and medical student (Suzanne McGee) working at the clinic alongside Manuel Grimaldi, Sarah Cowherd and Terry Todd. Neurologist Dr. Timir Banerjee is working at Lenin Fonseca hospital in the neurology department and bio-medical technician Courtney Nanney and Hunter Harpool are working to repair medical equipment at various hospitals.

Psychiatrist Sarah Acland and Nutritionist Sue Wulf are meeting with families at the Children’s Center to discuss family health issues.

They will have time to visit our families in their homes, take the children swimming and visit the schools where HHM sends the children through our scholarship program.

List of participants

A total of 12 people are on the trip. Eleven of the 12 are from the Louisville area. They were joined by one person from the Boston area.

Those on the trip are:

Dr. Sarah Acland, Louisville
Dr. Timir Banerjee, Louisville
Sarah Cowherd, Brookline, Mass.
Dr. Manolo Grimaldi, Louisville
Hunter Harpool, Elizabeth, Ind.
Nanine Henderson, Floyds Knobs, Ind.
Suzanne McGee, Louisville
Courtney Nanney, Prospect
Dr. Cynthia Rigby, Prospect
Terry Todd, Louisville
Nathan Whitmore, Louisville
Sue Ann Neal Wulf, Louisville

Details

The families in the Hand in Hand Ministries’ Pathway to Change Program will benefit from the opportunity to see the doctors and dentists to help Hand in Hand support their medical needs as well as their educational and family needs. This year’s trip is the sixth trip made in collaboration with Foundation.

The goal of these annual trips is to address the medical needs of the families served by the Hand in Hand Pathway to Change Program. Hand in Hand also wants to develop an ongoing relationship with the local medical community in Nicaragua in order to help by offering needed medical care and supplies that can be provided through volunteers associated with the Greater Louisville Medical Society Foundation.

In addition to offering medical service, immersion trip participants educate themselves as they learn the story of the work that Hand in Hand Ministries is doing with our “Pathways to Change” program. By visiting the homes of families in the program and meeting with other personnel who serve the poor in Managua, Nicaragua, participants come to understand the conditions that impact the lives of the poorest of the poor.

: Working with children

: Talking to patients at a clinic

: Helping out

: Talking to local residents

: Listening to her heart

: Finding the heartbeat, and a smile

: Helping children

: A smiling child, grateful for care

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Auxier food pantry gets boost

January 18, 2012

Filed under: Uncategorized — hhministries @ 10:29 am

Our newly reorganized food pantry

One of the most valuable services we provide in Auxier, Ky., which is in the heart of Appalachia, is a food pantry. We serve an average of 60 families a month in the pantry.

The pantry is open twice each month for regular service and we do emergency services on an as needed basis. While we are recipients of food from God’s Pantry and the Feeding America program, the majority of our food and hygiene products come from donations, mainly our immersion trip volunteers.

We also make our community library available to food pantry participants when they come in for food assistance.

Kentucky Colonels logo

We are increasing our food assistance services to provide a bigger variety of nutritious fresh and/or frozen items each month. We applied for a grant from Kentucky Colonels to purchase an upright freezer to increase our usable floor space and to increase our frozen food storage. The photo shows our new freezer, thanks to the Colonels and the recent renovations that include more shelving and more available space.

We’re extremely grateful to the Kentucky Colonels for the grant funding to help us meet this need and to our many volunteers and donors who donate food. Thank you to all of you for your work.

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Bologna for Belize surpasses goal

January 11, 2012

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: Belize, Bologna for Belize, Fundraisers, volunteers — hhministries @ 2:33 pm

We are thrilled and honored to announce that our Bologna for Belize fundraiser has far exceeded our expectations. So far, we have raised more than $6,000 for a trip to Belize that begins next week. The goal was $4,000. These generous gifts will allow us to build an even better house for our next family, which is really exciting.

The actual event was Saturday evening, with 50 in attendance, which was great all on its own. What’s really topped it are the incredibly generous donations from the friends and family of the fundraisers. We’re accepting donations through the end of January, and you can donate safely online on our web site here: donate.

Kevin and Kristy Greenwood, who are leaving for Belize on Sunday, started with a small idea. Working with their friends, Rich and Natalie Tinsley, they watched as their friends enthusiasm grew with their own. They held the party Saturday evening at the Tinsley’s and everyone had a great time. Our deep thanks to the Greenwoods and Tinsleys for going above and beyond to not only go on the trip to Belize but to raise the funds for the house as well. We are inspired and honored!

The Greenwoods will be building house #174 for Hadiya Bevans. She is 34 and a single mother of eight children. Her elderly mother also lives with her. The house they’re presently in leaks terribly and is near collapse. She is living on the equivalent of $25 per week and her oldest daughter is helping when she can. Hand in Hand’s selection committee chose Hadiya because of the urgent need to get her and family into a safe environment. Hand in Hand’s Building for Change program also provides life’s skills classes which will help her in her personal development.

The Bologna for Belize fundraiser has raised more than $6,000 to date. This additional amount will allow plumbing and more to be added to the home. These funds also help support Hand in Hand Ministries other programs in Belize including the Scholarship program, Lunch Program and Outreach Center for children afflicted with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

To all of you who have donated, THANK YOU. We are thrilled!

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An update from Boston College

January 9, 2012

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: Belize, Boston College, building, home build, volunteer — hhministries @ 8:09 pm

A team from Boston College left for Belize on Sunday. We were delighted to see this update from Grace Regan on their team today, and look forward to more updates as they go forward. Thanks for letting us know!

Boston College arrived on Sunday and joined the community at St. Martin de Porres for Mass. We had an amazing tour with James from Hand in Hand Ministries and began our work this morning with prayer building a house for Miss Alice. Miss Alice and her son, Lesley, met us with Beto and Alfonso from Hand in Hand. We prayed together as we began the building project and worked together to complete the foundation and floor. We have a great team and we feel honored to work with Hand in Hand. Mr. Panton and Christin from Hand in Hand joined us with Dalila a house recipient from Hand in Hand whose New Year’s resolution is to give back and volunteer with the little she has! An amazing lesson and day! We are tired but look forward to tomorrow.

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