New Hope Center of Paris, formally known as Models of Makers, is located off the square. It serves two functions: as a three-day emergency shelter, and as a long term transitional shelter. Individuals of our community who have nowhere else to go (because of job loss, illness, loss of spouse among other reasons) turn to this shelter to find help. Individuals are provided with food, basic necessities, necessary health care, job training, counseling, enrichment classes (such as cooking and life-skills classes, as well as mandatory parenting classes), and more, as well as information on how to access available resources until they can get back on their feet.
In return, these individuals are required to give back to the agencies (through volunteer work) that support New Hope. New Hope is truly a community-serving, community-building, community-supported agency.
I’ve been spending 3 days a week since May volunteering at the shelter. I also teach an exercise class at the shelter! These individuals have no access to a gym, or exercise equipment. I teach them how to do bodyweight exercises, light cardio and how to utilize all resources possible (such as using soup cans as weights). While teaching a class a few weeks ago, I noticed everyone was barefoot. This was because no one had proper footwear. I had Mr. Paul Allen send an email asking for shoes, and the response was astounding! Well again, I noticed while doing cardio (jumping jacks, running in place) all the women were turning towards the wall (away from the group) or not at all participating in those exercises. Sure enough, not a single woman possessed a sports bra! For all the women who exercise, you know how crucial these are! So please help me in donating gently used sports bras and workout tops and bottoms (both men and women). I will attach the sizes at the bottom of this email!
New Hope Center currently serves more than 25 individuals and families. However, there is a constant influx of new members the shelter assists. New Hope Center subsists mainly on donations. They are constantly needing new supplies! I ask that if you cannot donate now, please keep this shelter in mind for the future! You can drop donations off at Dylan’s Drivers, or at the shelter yourself! They would love to meet each of you and give thanks personally. In addition, you can contact me at 580-271-1392 or cecilia.drennen@gmail.com and I will meet you to pick up donations!
Below is a list (non-inclusive) of items that the shelter is in need of!
Hygiene Products
· Feminine products (tampons in particular)
· Shampoo, conditioner, lotion
· Razors
· Toothpaste and toothbrushes
· Deodorant
Clothing
· NEW underwear (men, women and children)
· In desperate need of socks (new and gently used) and women's bras in a variety of sizes
Other
· School supplies (pens, spiral notebooks, folders)
· Men’s cologne
Workout Gear
· Sports Bras
o 38C
o Med/34 C
o 4XLs
o 38DD
o 2XL
· Women’s tops and bottoms ranging from Med to 2XL
· Men’s tops and bottoms in Med
Thank you so much! By each of us donating a little, we can have an immense impact on the shelter and the individuals that are living there currently and in the future!! Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or with donations!!
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