Second chance family shelter

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mamabearxx

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Hello, I have decided to start a second chance family shelter. The reason I am going to do this and just not want to do this is due to the fact I have seen so many families that are not allowed in a family shelter together, because one person in the family has a small thing in their background. We will not allow repeated offenders on some things and it also depends how bad the crime is, but we will allow people with things in their background who just need another chance in life and want to turn it around. This way families can be brought together and be encouraged to grow with one another.
 
That's great. I know of only 1 family shelter in my area. Good luck and God bless you!
 
mamabearxx said:
Hello, I have decided to start a second chance family shelter. The reason I am going to do this and just not want to do this is due to the fact I have seen so many families that are not allowed in a family shelter together, because one person in the family has a small thing in their background. We will not allow repeated offenders on some things and it also depends how bad the crime is, but we will allow people with things in their background who just need another chance in life and want to turn it around. This way families can be brought together and be encouraged to grow with one another.
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Its really wonderful that you have a heart for those in such difficult situations...but it may be difficult to have such a shelter? certainly here in the UK public funding would be very hard to source due to the whole area of safety around children living in the facility and vulnerable adults. This would also apply to insurance. I wish you well with this but there are very sound reasons learnt over the years by those working in this field, why, in most facilities, men and then women & children are separated. It is always a temporary solution, one would hope the family separation would not be for long....God Bless you, <><
 
mamabearxx said:
Thank you, any advice on getting it started???
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Starting anything like this takes a lot of ground work and straight off, prayer. Accept it can take a few years from the vision to the fruition of the vision :) Also, its good to have 1 or 2 others who also have a heart for such an endeavour so you can meet together, pray about it, pray some more...and support one another and plan. :) Have you any training or experience in social work, child care, drug and alcohol work? if not, seek those who have, they may join you. Having such qualifications do matter in the 'secular' world and people with such experience can save you a lot of time as you navigate forward through the laws and regulations. Sound research is the key. I would suggest you need to find out the laws in your state regarding such a hostel. Check out the different ways to set up, as a non profit, as a charity etc. Visit facilities that are already running in your area, even if they are not exactly what you envisage, its all gathering information at this stage. Find out how they were set up, who started them, where they get there funding? Staffing etc Paid or volunteers or both? That would be a start. Are you going to be doing this through church? or, are you doing this independently? Also, starting off small with a drop in, can then lead on to a developing org, built up slowly on a stronger foundation. There are more than one way to get such an org started. God Bless, feel free to ask away!! delighted to help. <><
 
Your response was very knowledgeable and I thank you for it. I do not have that kind of experience, just the desire for this because I know what it's like to be a part of a family in that situation. The shelter will have it depend on the severity of the crime and if their was any re-offense. I will do any research needed on finding those people. If you have any suggestions on doing so I would love to hear. God told me to do this shelter, for a while it was just an idea and i did not know what he wanted but then he told me i should and conformed it. But when doing God's work, it does not need to be alone and sometimes can't be done alone. My husband is very supportive of me in this because he want's God to lead and encourage me in us following him. I know some facilities in this area and will give them a visit. =]
 
mamabearxx said:
Your response was very knowledgeable and I thank you for it. I do not have that kind of experience, just the desire for this because I know what it's like to be a part of a family in that situation. The shelter will have it depend on the severity of the crime and if their was any re-offense. I will do any research needed on finding those people. If you have any suggestions on doing so I would love to hear. God told me to do this shelter, for a while it was just an idea and i did not know what he wanted but then he told me i should and conformed it. But when doing God's work, it does not need to be alone and sometimes can't be done alone. My husband is very supportive of me in this because he want's God to lead and encourage me in us following him. I know some facilities in this area and will give them a visit. =]
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Thats a great start :) if you think you may gain some support through your church? then you could organise an open meeting for all those interested to attend. Maybe on 2 or 3 will turn up...but thats actually a good thing. Perhaps it will be you and your husband that will build this...God will lead you but take it slowly! I know how exciting it can be and you want to get it going now :) but its easier to correct errors early in the planning, rather than when things are up and running. Also, make sure those who do come on board share your vision. that will prevent disharmony later. So make sure you really know what your vision is :) At the start its better to have few people involved then its easier to get together and share out what needs to be done. To begin with, as I said in previous post, it really is gathering as much information as you can. Visit facilities, arrange to speak with the manager, find out how they organise themselves, fund it etc. God Bless <><
 
I would think that fund raising will be a major obstacle. You need to start building a fund network from the very beginning. Start with your church and community. I have no idea what type of grants may be available for this, but beware: with grants may come certain requirements that you may not be willing to accept. God bless you and bless your endeavor!
 
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