This month we have been focusing on Project Warm.  We will continue to collect gently used coats for all ages, socks, hats, gloves, scarves and blankets.  Thank you to the creative people who have donated with love hand crocheted beautiful scarves, hats and gloves.  Your gift makes a child feel so special and warm!

We are in awe whenever Tammy shares with us.  "God is talking to me.  I sometimes think I am not enough, but GOD Himself told me. 'I have you where I want you.  Stay on the path my child!!.  Stay close with me and listen. I will lead you and I will send earth angels.  I am the Great I AM!" 

The Barack Community Center held their Thanksgiving event on November 21.  Over 400 people attended and were fed a turkey dinner.  Ann Glover, Barack Help Center coordinator, set out much needed donations of hats, scarves, and skin care products.  In one minute they were all gone.  These people must really be in need.
God's Hygiene helps support the Douglas Community Center Applications for Purpose, Pride and Success (APPS) program.  What is APPS? The mission of the APPS program is to reduce crime and violence by increasing protective factors in the lives of Columbus youth and young adults (ages 14-23) through proven prevention and intervention strategies. The initiative’s prevention strategies include offering safe and constructive alternatives to violence while youth development professionals provide mentorship through enrichment activities at four community recreation centers. "The diligent mentors are able to assess individual and family needs while being an ongoing advocate to insure that a young person and their family are linked to services that meet immediate needs while providing long term support services for future goal attainment, which ultimately produces productive contributing members of society.
Thank you to volunteer Crystal Anderson who has reorganized the shelves of stock at both Douglas and Barack Centers to make it easier to inventory every week what stock has been given out and what is needed.
God's Hygiene also provides items for the W. H. Adams Community Center.  Mario Dovell, Adams Manager, comes himself to the Douglas Center to get need hygiene items for teenagers and seniors in need.  

Did you know that our Columbus police officers drive around their community doing wellness checks on seniors?  We work with a wonderful liaison officer in the Linden area and provide adult diapers and other hygiene products to the Substation on 11th Avenue.  
​We heard about a family in an emergency and great need.  A mother of three is in intensive care.  The father shot the mother in the chest and she is not expected to survive.  There are two girls and a boy who will not have a home, a family and in need of everything.  All their belongings were destroyed  and since no relatives, they have been placed in foster care.  God's Hygiene was able to give them backpacks, their own blankets, hats, gloves, socks, underwear, Purse of Love,  basic hygiene and of course, prayers.
Lola is a 95 year old woman who lives alone in a place off Cleveland Avenue.  When they visited, her toes were sticking out of her socks.  Senior Options had not been out to give her a bath.  God's Hygiene was able to provide her with adult diapers, 3 sweaters, socks and much needed food.
The officer pulled up on a 10 year old girl.  She asked about her grades and found out her family is living in a one room apartment with wall to wall beds.  They received blankets, hats, gloves and put on a special Christmas list.
They drove down Hudson and saw a working girl--she needs to buy formula for her baby so was not arrested.  We gave her a bag pf hygiene, gloves, hat and scarf to keep warm.  
We also gave our officer extra blankets, hats and scarves to give soothers in the community.

On November 7 three kids received coats which were donated to God's Hygiene.  A Purse of Love was given to a working girl on Cleveland Avenue.  Two Blessing Bags were handed out at Planet Fitness on Indianola where Tammy works out.  Mr. and Mrs. Barnes were featured in a video how God's Hygiene has made a difference in their lives the past four years.  They were able to take home the extra food prepared for our lunch that day.   So they dropped off a thank you card to Tammy.  She opened the envelope and exclaimed "Oh no!  There is a bed bug inside!"  Tammy smashed it right away, but fearful that clients coming to  her Howey Road help center for products could unknowingly infest her home.  Tammy cannot afford to have her own home infested with the bugs.  Working with those without basic hygiene can be so sad.  But God lifts them up.  We will contact all our resources to see if we can get them help to treat the bedbugs in their house.  On Sunday, November 24 when the video was shown at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, Mrs. Barnes was in OSU Hospital with a blood infection.  We do not know if that is a result of the bugs.

Tammy and volunteer Crystal Anderson have been attending Alpha on Monday evenings at UALC at Mill Run.  They absolutely love it and are getting a lot of their questions answered.  They plan to encourage everyone to register for the new January 2020 session.  Any questions, see Alan Starr.

Paul wrote, “Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand” (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT).

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
⁠—2 Corinthians 1:3-4
​The police were called to a home on Pontiac to evict a family for nonpayment of rent. A grandmother answered the door--there was no furniture, no utilities, and no food.  Next to the grandmother was her severely disabled teenage granddaughter drinking from a baby bottle.  Our officer liaison immediately contacted Tammy to get them some help.  God's Hygiene reached out to our advisor Jim at Immaculate Conception for a box of food.  Tammy delivered needed hygiene and blankets.  We wish this story had a happy ending but several weeks later she called us to pick up the donated items because they really had to leave.

God's Hygiene Help Center is honored that we are one of three missions chosen by UALC to create a video about how our ministry has made a difference in the life of a client.  That was easy for Tammy--she chose her senior client  Mrs. Diane Barnes and her family.  Grace and Peace Productions put everyone at ease when they came to Tammy's home and interviewed Mrs. Barnes, Kevin who helps Mrs. Barnes, and Tammy.  Since meeting Tammy 4 1/2 years ago, Mrs. Barnes has lost 80 pounds, is able to walk, has made about 500 yarn bracelets to give to the kids at events, and shares assistance resources  with Tammy.

 Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center is a community, faith based, free medical clinic that serves uninsured and underinsured adults whose income is below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.​TB Skin Testing Program: Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm​​ Free Care Program:Thursdays, doors open at 2:00 pm​​ During our Free Care Program, we offer free physician care and free social services care.  We also offer work and/or school physicals during the Free Care Program. Bring the work and/or school physical form that needs to be completed.  Our Free Care Program is walk-in only and our doors open at 2:00 pm to begin sign-ins. We do not have scheduled appointments. Our services are offered on a “first come first served” basis. We accept patients until we reach our capacity. It is recommended that patients arrive when the doors first open.  There is no cost to be seen during the Free Care Program.  We do not serve individuals under age 18.​  OUR LOCATION:  Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center, 5100 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229.  God's Hygiene participated in the 11th annual Bowl to Help fundraiser for this Free Clinic.  We wanted to support both our advisor, Dr. Nancy Gatto Henceforth and the clinic where we are now referring clients.

Afraid and lost, a 21 year old mother came to Tammy's home.  She had 3 young kids and a black eye.  Her boyfriend or babies' daddy is on drugs.  "He beats me and beats the kids.  I don't know where to go.  We have a small dog, too."  Tammy told her all about Choices, how she can keep her kids safe and together with her.  Pets are also now allowed.  God is so good.  Tammy gave her ore resources and hygiene.  She cried and thanked Tammy.  But she couldn't  let her leave without first string about God.  They hugged and Tammy told her about God and how He loves her and the kids.  Just know that GOD is real!  And He is your Father!
There are homeless people on Howey Road, Tammy's street!  Two men and two young women are on drugs.  God's Hygiene gave them a bag of dry food, 2 pillows, 2 sheets, blanket, 4 sets of gloves, toothpaste, toothbrushes and a rain coat big enough for two people.  Great timing and God's mercy because the next day it rained hard all day!
This month we helped 3 senior families with food.  To the schools we delivered 200 deodorants, 250 pads and 50 tampons.
A young woman we have known reached out to Tammy for help 2 days before she is to be evict4ed.   Each day 75 families are evicted in Columbus !  Tammy talked to her on the phone and shared resources--go to the welfare office, contact IMPACT, call Job and Family Services, tell the judge in court about the poor conditions in your one room apartment--the bed bugs, roaches, and holes.  Tammy can only do so much as one person.  People need to learn how to use the resources available.

Tammy saw an old friend who had just been released from federal prison.  His wife of 31 years had left him and pregnant with someone else's baby.  His 18 children (from 5 different mothers) hated him.  He had not met his grandchildren.  He felt alone and of no use. He prepared to kill himself.  
In prison he got clean and found God.   He wasn't going to go back to drugs, but he did not know where to go.  As a former member of the Short North Posse, he didn't know anyone in the outside world who knew God. Tammy and the man talked.   Then he heard and saw how Tammy had turned her life around and was helping the community.  She recruited him to help God's Hygiene and to take God back into his life.  Now he knows he is not alone, is loved, and still useful.  The man is so excited that he is considering attending both Alpha and church this week.  Praise God! 

This month we built baskets for 3 different organizations.  Tammy and Julia Jewell built 3 baskets for Suicide Prevention for an American Legion event.  Thank you to Kathryn Farrar and her grandchildren, who are God's youngest Hygiene Helpers! for creating four baskets  for Kindway/Embark.  We participated in our first fundraiser on September 12 and we donated baskets for the Thrivent Mystery Dinner/Silent Auction.  Tammy packed an OSU Tailgate Basket which included breakfast at Denny's, Late Night Slice pizza, Noodles, OSU ice bucket, and so much more.  Thank you to Board Member Terry Starr for creating a second "Personal Comfort" basket to donate to the Thrivent Silent Auction.  Moo Moo Car Wash donated a third basket on our behalf which received the most bids!
Thank you to our team of supporters and donors who attended and bid on the Silent Auction items.  It was such a fun evening.  Photos have been posted on our Facebook page.
A basket was also given to a woman and her 17 year old son who are starting over.  With God's love and donations we have received, we could help her with blankets, dishes, pan, and towels.    
​Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. Galatians 6:9 Amplified Bible (AMP) 

Terry Starr saw this message:  "Hi UA Friends, I recently became aware of a young Columbus mother who has faced some mighty struggles, and could really use our help. Her name is Biancamya Griffin, and I’ll try to give you a quick synopsis of her story. Bianca moved here from Flint, MI six years ago. She has three young children. On February 16, 2019, Bianca’s (now ex-boyfriend) was watching her youngest, KenKen, who is 4. It is hard to even write this, but the man held this sweet little boy (who has learning delays) down in a bathtub of scalding water. He was critically injured. KenKen has had 6-7 surgeries already and is facing at least two more. The monster who did this is in custody awaiting trial. 
I first became aware of her story as it was told by a wonderful Columbus police officer, who spends his time in some of our city’s worst neighborhoods connecting with kids, while sometimes putting out the call for help. So, Bianca has just moved from the south end to the Milo Grogan neighborhood. Ken was afraid to ever go into the bathroom (at the old house)for obvious reasons, and the area was riddled with crime and drugs. Bianca works hard as a contract employee for Southwest Airlines (they bought Ken’s wheelchair!), but she could really use some help furnishing the new place. I was there this morning, and it is truly a humble home, yet Bianca is thrilled. I have taken care of new kitchen items, but there is more she can use. The living room needs furniture, and she needs a dining table. There is room in the kitchen for a tiny dinette set too. She has beds, but could use dressers or even Rubbermaid type drawer units. While the apt is far from being remodeled, she is living there. Her landlord will adjust her rent if any sweat equity helps complete a project-there is a lot of painting to be done.
If you have it in your heart to help this young family, please let me know. I’m going to post screenshots of her FB page dedicated to her son, and that of Officer Johnson-since this is a closed group. Thank you very much for reading and offering any assistance!”

They have had a lot of responses with help for furniture and other household items. She needs help with hygiene products. Can we please help?
​Of course Tammy said YES and started packing.  When the young mother said she didn't even have a fork, God's Hygiene gave her dishes, cereal bowls, silverware and a new skillet.  When Biancamya came to pick up the basket plus items, she just cried and was so appreciative.  

​“It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others” (Ephesians 2:10 TLB).

God's Hygiene Help Center is so excited and appreciative that we  will be involved with our first fundraiser!

The Thrivent Community- Central Ohio is hosting a Night of Giving and Silent Auction.  Join us for an elegant dinner while participating in a live mystery theatrical event called Killigan's Island.  The proceeds from this event and auction will benefit four local non-profit organizations doing incredible things in our community: the Adaptive Sports Connection, Nellie's Champions for Kids (NC4K), God's Hygiene Help Center and Pedal with Pete.  Each of these organizations is in great need of volunteers and funds to continue their mission in Central Ohio.  The purpose of this evening is to allow our members to interact directly with these groups; learn firsthand who they serve and how; the impact each organization has on our community and of course to raise much needed funds.  
We hope you will come - to be generous with your time, talents and treasures and leave having had a very unique and entertaining evening!  Seating is limited and reservations are required so save your spot as soon as possible!  The cost of this event is $20 per person, due at registration.
To register use the Register Now link below. 
Please RSVP by September 5, 2019.
Dates, Times & Locations
Thursday,  September 12, 2019
06:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m .Ohio State University Fawcett Center
2400 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43210. Join Us! REGISTER NOW - click here to go directly to registration page on Eventbrite.
DONATIONS NEEDED: As well as monetary donations we are seeking donations of items or services to be offered in our Silent Auction.  If you or your business are interested in making a direct donation of funds, goods or services please contact the event coordinator Tonya Rees, at 937-642-6825 or tonya.rees@thrivent.com, for more details.  (All donations will receive a receipt.)

For more INFORMATION ON OUR EVENT PARTNERS, click links below!
Adaptive Sports Connection http://adaptivesportsconnection.org
NC4K (Nellie's Champions for Kids https://www.nc4k.org
God's Hygiene Help Center https://www.godshygiene.org
Pedal with Pete http://www.pedal-with-pete.org

Entertainment provided by Floriano Productions
Hosts: Dave Ritter, Jeff Ritter, Douglas Booth, Adam Ritter and Hans Corban
Thrivent Community-Central Ohio

Proverbs 3:5-7  (NLT) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
    Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

IMPACT Community Action offered student interns for the summer for 20 hours a week.  So God's Hygiene applied for one to assist Tammy and Dana at the Douglas Community Center.   Impact will  pay the participant $10 per hour for their part time position over the summer, and are currently seeking businesses like yours to host more youth. The program serves 16-21 year old youth who are currently involved with the foster care system. Our goal is to provide them with valuable experiences to help shape their futures through cultivating passions, and provide them with a source of income that can help them overcome any barriers they may face.   Since God's Hygiene does not have any paid employees, we have not applied for a Bureau of Workers' Comp number.  It is a requirement to have that to have a student intern.  Tammy had looked forward to mentoring the young person and getting the Help Center organized.
Support the Promise of Community Action

​Numbers 22:26
Then the angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left.
Judges 6:22
Then Gideon perceived that he was the angel of the Lord. And Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord God! For now I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face.”