Posted on 04/18/2008 8:35:56 AM PDT by Between the Lines
STUART — In an effort to bring in more donations, longtime Martin County charity Jesus House of Hope decided to drop the word Jesus from its name.
Patrick Slattery, executive director of the 24-year-old nonprofit, said the change will help the organization fulfill what Jesus commanded in the Gospel of Matthew: Help the needy.
Slattery said many private foundations could not donate to the charity because it includes Jesus in the name, and people are often reluctant to give to what appears to be a house of worship if they already donate to their own church. So the organization’s board of directors voted last month to finalize the change.
“We’re really not religious organization,” Slattery said. “There’s no church. There were never any ministers, never any priests. It’s really kind of a misnomer.”
The modification came as the charity’s resources are stretched thin by increasing requests for food and emergency financial assistance.
“We decided we were going to have to bite the bullet and begin doing business as House of Hope,” Slattery said.¶
House of Hope made a similar move last year, when the board voted to redesign the group’s logo with greater influence on the word “hope” than “Jesus.”
Slattery said that change might have led to an increase in donations the nonprofit received last year. Emergency financial assistance donations increased by 31 percent and food donations increased by 35 percent.
Last year, House of Hope served more people than ever and made $120,000 in bill payments for those who were desperate to make ends meet.
The group uses money made from four House of Hope thrift stores in Martin County to meet 30 percent of its $825,000 budget. The remainder of the organization’s budget comes from donations by churches, private grants, individuals and special event fundraisers.
“We’re still only able to help 42 percent (of assistance requests). Is that good enough?” Slattery said.
Marc Baldinger, president of the House of Hope board of directors, said the name change will help increase outreach in the midst of cost of living increases for both area residents and the nonprofit.
The group worked with a consultant who advised that a name change would be the proper course for increasing donations.
The nonprofit plans to keep the legal name of Jesus House of Hope Inc. while maintaining a public presence as House of Hope.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services spokesman Terence McElroy said it is “very typical” for charitable organizations to do business using a name different than their legal name.
Baldinger said he’s aware some people might not be pleased to see the name modified. Two volunteers have resigned over the issue.
“I’m sure it’s going to be upsetting to some people... but we hope they realize the purpose of this — that we need to help people,” he said.
Slattery said he feels Jesus would be OK with the decision.
“He really doesn’t care what we call it,” he said. “It’s what we do.”
Someone needs to read the Bible.
Prophet Muhammad's House of Pancakes sounds much better...
How about: “AntiChrist 666 House of Hope.”
Agreed, I thought the Bible said something about those ashamed of Christ... But then again, they say they’re not really a “religious” organization anyway, so they apparently don’t care what the Bible has to say.
Would that be the United Way by any chance?
Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Acts 3:16
By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.
John 20:31
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 4:30
Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
Ephesians 5:20
always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus also said if you are ashamed of him before men then he will be ashamed of you before the Father. I suggest Mr. Slattery be very careful.
Don't you start with me, now.
Sigh... my home town. Sad to say, it has come this far. BNorn in Martin County Hospital a LLLOOOOONNNNGGGG time ago. Things have changed since it was a one stoplight town.
Probably think it's a organization that supports illegal immigrants
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