December 2023
Tommy and I were engaged mid December, 2023. It wasn’t long after that we began asking questions… We know God had created us each for a purpose, and now we know He has a purpose for our lives, TOGETHER! What might that be?
January 2024
We continued to ask God about His plan for us. We explored a number of ideas and on numerous occasions looked at a map of the US together. We kept returning to the idea of going somewhere to start our lives together and… to Idaho. Boise, in particular. Our desire is to not live for money, but to make a difference, particularly in the lives of those who are homeless and struggling, and ultimately to bring Jesus to them. ♥️
- Tommy has a care for others that runs deep. He notices and cares that individuals have not only their physical needs met, but also that they be well and whole emotionally and spiritually.
- Susanna has been created with a love and skill of connecting with others, networking, and seeing individuals thrive.
- We both know the greatest need people have is for connection with God, Himself.
February 2024
A plan is taking shape…in the shape of a nonprofit! Tommy has been drawn to nonprofits and had a desire to start one for years. Susanna has worked for and in conjunction with nonprofits for 12+ years. We believe we are being led to use our to help others in crisis situations such as homelessness and hopelessness. We believe setting up a nonprofit is the best way to do just that. Susanna has helped set up and manage thrift stores for ministries in the past (Hope Ministries-Hope Ministries Thrift, Johnathon’s House-2nd Chance Thrift Store). It only seems right and natural that the skills she has developed, and the experience and knowledge she has accumulated would be used to set up a thrift store. This thrift store would not only help to support the ministry the nonprofit does, but it would be the location where much of the ministry would happen. People with needs often will come to thrift stores, because they have little money to spend and so are trying to make every dollar count. We know they will have other needs besides little money, so we hope to be equipped to help with other needs as well, or point them to other organizations that may be able to help them with them.
We have begun to work on a budget, to see if this is even feasible. We have begun to do research on the needs in the Boise area. We’ve looked at different organizations already in the area and what they are doing to help those in need. We’ve also looked at different neighborhoods, and where we might be most useful.
March 2024
There sure is a lot to starting a non profit before it becomes a reality! Amber Melanie Smith is a professional who helps people set up nonprofits successfully. Susanna, through scheduled zoom meetings, has gained much helpful and practical insight and knowledge from her. With Amber’s help, we have developed a step-by-step plan to follow to make sure we aren’t missing anything. She has also worked on our budget and fundraising ideas, and the wording of our new mission statement!
Our Mission Statement: “The Hem helps needy, underprivileged, neglected individuals come to wholeness through the love of God, in partnership with other non-profits, businesses, and churches.”
The name of the nonprofit: “The Hem”
Why “The Hem”?
The name comes from the story of a woman in the Bible. This woman had needs that were severe, and of which she had suffered for a long time. One day she touched the hem of Jesus’ robe. Immediately, all she needed came flowing from Him into her. She was healed completely, and she went away whole! We want to be The Hem. We want to be the place where people come into contact with God. A place where they meet Him, their needs are met (whatever they are), and they go away whole.
It is super exciting to have a name and mission statement! There is a lot more work to do, but these pieces in place make the nonprofit and helping people in real ways seem just that much more of a reality! Also… Tommy and I know where we will be living! We have paid the deposit on a house we will be renting in Eagle, Idaho, starting the beginning of April! Eagle is a suburb of Boise, and we will be located 18 minutes North-West of the Boise Rescue Mission main location. The Boise Rescue Mission has been open since 1958 and appears to be the main homeless shelter in the area, housing hundreds of people, and with a strong gospel emphasis. Time will tell, but we have hopes of partnering and working alongside them one day!
April 2024
Tommy is now living in our new place in Eagle! He headed out on the 1st, and while we will miss each other, it seems best in the bigger picture of things to be separated (by location) these last couple of months before we are married. Tommy plans to begin working in his trade as an electrician, which will be necessary in paying bills while the nonprofit is getting up and running. He is beginning to get the lay of the land, and plans to check out and visit local churches and other organizations we may partner with one day.
We now have a website, too! TheHem.org Tommy has been exploring, and learning about designing a website. Susanna, his fiancée, thinks he’s amazing! ♥️