House of Hope York PA

At House of Hope our mission is to change lives … one teen at time!



  • About Us
    • Our History & Goals
    • Our Staff
    • Our Board of Directors
  • Programs
    • Residential Program
    • Outpatient Counseling
  • Blog
  • Partner With Us
  • Admissions
  • Contact Us
  • Give Local York!
You are here: Home / Blog

Give Local York – May 4th!

April 10, 2018 Leave a Comment

Give Local York, presented by the York Federal Fellows Alumni Association, is the first-ever 24-hour Big Give in York County. Make history with us as we shoot for a collective goal of $1 million total for hundreds of York Nonprofits!

We are EXTRA excited because this is happening on our 6th Anniversary!

Give Local York will unite organizations and individuals for 24 hours as part of a deeply engaging celebration of good work and giving back in York County. York County’s largest day of giving, Give Local York, is taking place on Friday, May 4. On this day, thousands of people will come together to support York County nonprofits like ours. Thanks to the Give Local York Stretch Pool, your donation will go even further on Give Day. For example, if we receive 10% of the total donations made on Give Day, we will receive 10% of the Stretch Pool! Additionally, and anonymous donor has committed to matching donations up to $5,000. That means if we raise $5,000 on Give Day, we will receive $10,000 total!

You can also come visit us downtown on Beaver Street from 5pm-9pm on May 4th to meet the girls and plant a flower to take home!

To donate to House of Hope for Give Local York, go to www.givelocalyork.org//designee/house-of-hope-york-pa between midnight and 11:59pm on May 4, 2018!

Filed Under: Donation Campaigns

Boundaries : Part 4

March 22, 2018 Leave a Comment

Part 4: Laws of Boundaries

We have heard of the law of gravity. We can try deny its existence, but does that change anything? We can give all kinds of arguments as to why it doesn’t exist or at least not for you, but what is going to happen the moment you step off that cliff? That law is going to take effect and you are going to quickly meet reality.

We may be able to claim ignorance the law of gravity, especially when we were younger, but does that exempt us from it? It doesn’t any more than a police officer giving us a ticket for driving 45 mph in a 35 mph zone, even if we did not realize that it was only 35 mph. Not knowing is not an excuse.

When considering our relationships, there are some laws that God has set in place concerning boundaries.  We need to be aware of these laws because they are in place whether we realize them or not and there are consequences of not following them. Let’s look at the “Ten Laws of Boundaries” as defined by authors Cloud and Townsend:

  1. The law of sowing and reaping: Our actions have consequences. (Galatians 6:7-8).
  2. The law of responsibility: We are responsible to each other but not for each other. (Philippians 2:12-13, John 15:12).
  3. The law of power: We have power over some things but we are NOT to have power over people. (Romans 7:15-23).
  4. The law of respect: If we want others to respect our boundaries, we must respect theirs.  (Matthew 7:12, 2 Corinthians 3:17).
  5. The law of motivation: The motivation of our heart affects the way we make decisions about boundaries. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
  6. The law of evaluation:  We must evaluate the effects of setting boundaries and be responsible to the other person. (Proverbs 15:5, Hebrews 12:11)
  7. The law of pro-activity: Once we really know who we are, what our life purpose is, and what we believe about others, we are free to be proactive and take the initiative in acting positively rather than passively taking what comes our way and simply reacting to it.  (Romans 4:15, Ephesians 6:4).
  8. The law of envy: Envy keeps us from being satisfied with what we have in life and keeps us at odds with those who have what we want but don’t have.  The Bible says that envy is sin. (Ephesians 6:4)
  9. The law of activity: It is important to move out of passivity and consciously begin setting healthy boundaries. Many times we have a problem with setting boundaries because we lack initiative; often it is simply a matter of being emotionally or physically exhausted.  (Matthew 14:22-33)
  10. The law of exposure: Boundaries need to be able to be seen and understood by others and should be communicated in a clear, concise, consistent and loving way.  (Ephesians 4:25-26)

While it would be hard to do here, we have been taking an in-depth look at each of these laws with the parents and the girls and reflecting how each one has had an impact in their relationships with each other. There are a few, however that I do want to touch on this time and in our next post because there are parts that are often misunderstood.

The first is The Law of Sowing and Reaping, which is our actions have consequences. God has intended for us to learn from the consequence or effects of our decisions. For example, you walk outside on a cold day without a coat, you end up being cold and next time you will hopefully wear a coat. We can also interrupt this law and not allow people to learn from the consequences of their decisions. We reap what they sow.

We let our teen open a checking account to teach financial responsibility, but we bail them out when the overdraw their account because they were not recording everything in the ledger. By not letting them work with the bank, we interfere with the consequences and teach them that we will bail them out when they fail. We are reaping what they have sown and we are reaping what we have sown.

We set out with good intentions thinking that we are supporting them, but we are really harming them by not allowing them to learn and solve problems. Somewhere along the line, many parents began believing their role is to help kids grow up with as few challenges and failures as possible. Parents have become so overprotective that their kids never practice dealing with challenges and failures on their own. This can cause kids to grow up not knowing how to cope with the realities of life. Your support role is to help them learn how to make good decisions, not make the decisions for them or clean up their messes. They may not be happy at that particular moment, but there will not be resentment in the end.

Can you think of a time in your life where you have reaped what you have sown?  Was it a positive or negative consequence?

Can you think of a time when you interrupted the law of sowing and reaping? What were the results?

Filed Under: Parenting Class

Boundaries : Part 3

March 8, 2018 Leave a Comment

Common Myths About Setting Boundaries

If boundaries are important, then why do you think they are often avoided or not maintained?

That is a great question! There are eight common myths as to why people do not set boundaries, identified in Cloud & Townsends’ teachings. Here, we are only going to examine the top three. As you read them, identify any you may be believing.

The first myth we will look at is,
“When I say no or set a limit, I’m being selfish.”

No, you can’t go out with all of your friends. It is a school night and you know the rules. Besides, you still have homework to do.

That’s not fair. You just don’t want me to have any fun. You’re stuck at home, so now you’re making me stay home too.
——-
No, I’m sorry I can’t take you to the airport at 4am because I have a big presentation in the morning that I need to be ready for.

You don’t care about me. You are only concerned about work and yourself.

The Truth is we are not being selfish. Instead we are acting out of our own understanding instead of reacting to someone else’s actions. We are actually being a greater help by not letting outside forces influence us to enter into situations that are bad for us. We can make the argument that we are being self-centered and if we take a look at the positive definition, it means to be independent of outside force or influence. We hold our boundaries despite what others might say because it is best for ourselves.

Galatians 5:1  Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and do not again be held with the yoke of bondage.

If you struggle with maintaining boundaries for fear of being selfish, it is important to examine yourself and find why that is. If there are people in your life that do not respect your boundaries and accuse you of being selfish, it is also important to examine your relationship and talk with them. Have you been selfish in areas; have you been respectful of their boundaries. We discuss this in more detail with the Laws of Boundaries.

The second myth we will look at says,
“If I set limits, I’m going to lose love or be hurt.”

If you give in and follow the crowd just so you can fit in with a group at school, church or even work, do they even know the real you? Is it then possible for them to like the real you if they are not seeing the real you?

The Truth is they are not connecting with the real you, but instead connecting to the you that you want them to see. If you are judging that a person or group will abandon or reject you if you hold to your boundaries, you are allowing that judgment to come back on you. You have, in fact, just abandoned and rejected yourself and committed the act that you were afraid of. If the other person truly loves or respects you, they will understand and respect your boundaries.

Romans 12:2  Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

If this is something you struggle with, it is important to find the root of this fear.

The final myth to discuss here is
“Setting a boundary makes me feel guilty or bad.”

Believing this myth is often identified with the expression, “But they’ve done so much for me. They have always been there to help me.” We overlook our boundaries with the belief that we now owe them.

The Truth is that Love is a free gift without a price tag or I.O.U. If the help given in the past was done out of love, then there are no conditions, real or perceived. If someone is putting conditions based on what they have done for you in the past, then are they really friends? At the same time, if it is a perception that conditions are being placed on you, then why? Basing how you feel about yourself on how others treat you skews our perception and leads us to this feeling. Healthy boundaries help you to base your value off of truth; who you are in Christ.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7  Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail.
——

Do any of these myths ring true in your ears and heart? The challenge is on! As parents, it is important to model and maintain healthy boundaries because our children learn how to create and maintain boundaries by observing us. They watch how you treat yourself and others. If you struggle with boundaries in your relationship with them, they will struggle with boundaries in their relationships with others.

It is never too late to change or set boundaries with the people in your life. You might meet some resistance, especially when you didn’t have them before. They will adjust and appreciate you more in the end because you will be able to respect yourself and respect their boundaries.

Oops…I think I just revealed a topic in our next installment…The Law of Boundaries!

 

 

Filed Under: Parenting Class

House of Hope Has New Board Members

March 7, 2018 Leave a Comment

House of Hope York PA is excited to announce that we have two new board members to help serve in our mission to bring hope, healing and restoration to hurting teens and their families.

Jeremy Wagner, who is a Desktop Support Technician for Lancaster-Lebanon IU 13, has come on board to assist House of Hope with the technology component of our ministry. He has an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology from Thompson Institute and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Kaplan University. Jeremy first came to House of Hope to seek help for his teenage daughter and has remained an active volunteer after his daughter graduated from the program. House of Hope will greatly benefit from his leadership and expertise in technology as we continue to grow and expand our reach in the community.

Ryan Smith first came to House of Hope in search of help for his son. Inspired by what his family experienced at House of Hope, and the growth and change that his family received, Ryan and his wife became volunteers to give back to the ministry that impacted their family. Ryan and his wife have served at House of Hope in various capacities such as house parenting, facilitating parenting classes and also became spiritual parents to one of the girls who was unable to return home after finishing the HOH program. He has worked at Glen Gery Brick Corporation for the last 13 years. For the last 3 years, Ryan has served as Senior Pastor of the Freedom Center.  Ryan has also served at various ministries, in various capacities, since 2001. As someone who has been freed from addiction, he is passionate about helping others find freedom from their bondage. As the new Spiritual Director for the House of Hope board, his dedication to ministry will encourage relationships between the leadership, staff members and families at House of Hope as well as aid in directing plans for the future of the organization.

House of Hope recently opened a new counseling office in Jacobus and launched an Outpatient Program that provides counseling to anyone in need. Additionally, plans are in the works to expand and open a residential home for boys. We’re excited to have new board members to help us accomplish our vision and help more people.

Filed Under: Latest News

Boundaries : Part 2

March 1, 2018 Leave a Comment

Why are personal boundaries so important to us?

Before we talk about why personal boundaries are so important, we should probably give some definition to what are personal boundaries. I know…BORING.

Boundaries are guidelines, rules or limits that a person creates to identify reasonable, safe and permissible ways for other people to behave towards them and how they will respond when someone passes those limits. They are built out of a mix of conclusions, beliefs, opinions, attitudes, past experiences and social learning to give our lives order, peace and a sense of well-being.

Personal boundaries operate in two directions, affecting both the incoming and outgoing interactions between people. These are sometimes referred to as the “protection” and “containment”. In other words they show us the responsibility we have to others and make us aware of the limitations we should place on people in our lives.

When we fail to set healthy, clearly defined boundaries, there is a blur between where one person ends and another begins. This results in an unhealthy entanglement between two persons and will eventually cause great resentment, chaos and hurt in our lives.

Ahab and Jezebel are one of the best examples of unhealthy boundaries that resulted in the destruction of both. 1Ki 21:25  There was no one else who had devoted himself so completely to doing wrong in the LORD’s sight as Ahab—all at the urging of his wife Jezebel. GNB

If boundaries are so important, then why do we have such a rough time setting and keeping them? We will answer that question next time as we look into some common myths about setting boundaries. In the meantime, answer this question…

When I discover or am confronted with a problem in my life, what is the typical way I handle it? Do I blame someone else, make an excuse, avoid it, deny it is real, make little/light of it, rationalize a reason for it, deal with it, or something else?

Filed Under: Parenting Class

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Next Page »

Get In Touch With Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Phone

Office Info

House of Hope | York, PA
3899 Sticks Road
Glen Rock, PA 17327

Phone: 717-235-3198

Office Hours:
9:00 am-4:00 pm Mon-Fri

Recent Posts

  • Give Local York – May 4th!
  • Boundaries : Part 4
  • Boundaries : Part 3
  • House of Hope Has New Board Members

It’s Peanut Butter Egg Time!

>> Order Eggs Today!

Donate

Donate Securely Online with a Credit Card or Check:

Our Recent Newsletters

Volunteering

If you are interested in volunteering with us, please fill out a Volunteer Application, and e-mail it to volunteer_application@houseofhopeyork.org.

Our Mission

House of Hope York PA is a non-profit organization that brings hope, healing and restoration to hurting teens and their families through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Our purpose is to be a model of Christ’s love by providing, counseling, academic education, life skills education and spiritual guidance. This combination of services provides the teens with the capability to re-enter society as God-assured, purpose-driven individuals able to cope with the challenges and pressures of everyday life. House of Hope is a unique program that combines both the teen and the parents in the healing process. Parents are actively involved in counseling programs, parenting classes, and receive spiritual guidance as well. Our on-site school, Hope Academy, is registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and provides our teens a formal education through a self-paced curriculum (ACE) designed to meet their performance levels. Our residential home, office and school are located in Glen Rock, PA

At House of Hope our mission is to change lives … one teen at time!

Our Vision:

Heal, restore, and reconcile hurting teens and their families.

Our Values:

Christ-centered, Christ illuminating, Life generating, Relationship enhancing and Kingdom growing.

Read MORE about our programs –>

 

 

About The National House of Hope

National House of Hope is a national not-for-profit organization established to serve as a catalyst to the development of a network of Houses of Hope across the country.  This work is based upon Biblical principles, proven to provide both workable and successful solutions in restoring troubled teens and their families, resulting in these teens becoming solid citizens and effective, contributing members of society.  National House of Hope provides training, consulting, guidance in resource development and serves as a communications network in the establishment of Houses of Hope. Find out more at www.nationalhouseofhope.org

Copyright © 2018 · House of Hope York PA | 3899 Sticks Road Glen Rock, PA 17327 | 717-235-3198 · Log in