SERVING OTHERS

The Almond Tree, Community Resource & Training Center's mission is to provide transitional housing and job skills training and placement for individuals desiring to become self sufficient.

We provide American Red Cross CPR/First Aid and AED classe for lay resonders and Professional Rescuers; training in farming and marketing; English as a Second Language; FDIC Money Smart Training; and First Time Homebuyer Education

We also provide a food and clothing bank along with showers for displaced individuals and families.

Contributions

Divine Right Ministries (dba) The Almond Tree, wishes to thank all of its partners, contributors and volunteers for a successful year- 2008. Without your contributions we could not exist. A big "Thank You!!" to our volunteers. May the Lord continue to richly bless you.

Our Plans for this Year
The Corporation for National & Community Services awarded the Almond Tree with an AmeriCorp VISTA grant.
Consequently, we have hired 10 AmeriCorp VISTA volunteers in the following areas:
Transitional Housing,
Job Skills Training & Placement
Computer Technology
Agriculture - Farming & Marketing
Carpentry for the Elderly & Disabled
Fundraising/Grant Writing
Community Outreach
Bilingual/Ethnic Community Outreach
Child Care and After School Programs
Disaster Preparedness & Response

OUT REACH MINISTRIES

Since I was a child there have been 3 specific places on earth I most desired to visit. They are: Africa, Israel and Washington D.C.

I have been blessed to visit all three destinations. I visited Africa in 1998, Israel in 2006 and Washington D.C. in 2009.

After many years, my heart's desires have been met by the grace of God. Though these places are very different from each other, they all feel like home to me. Why? I'm so glad you asked.

First, Africa has been in my heart since I was 6 years of age because I want to assist children who have experienced being orphaned. Secondly, Israel feels like my home because it is my future home. Lastly, Washington D.C. feels like home because it portrays and reflects all the history that created the land of my birth - America.

You've heard the old saying, "Home is where the heart is," well, I belive this to be true. Each of these beautiful places hold my heart and each feel like home to me.

Donations are welcomed. Donations of time, money and in-kind (items other than money) are received every day at our offices at 213 Canada Street in Jacksonville, Texas. Our MAILING ADDRESS is 2202 CR 1905; Jacksonville, TX 75766. All money donations are tax deductable because we are a non profit, 501(c)3 tax exempt organization. Thank you for helping us assist individuals and families to become self sufficient.

AmeriCorp VISTA Program

The AmeriCorp VISTA program provides Program Developers that will implement and expand services for the Almond Tree. These Program Developers are thinkers who will first conduct a needs analysis and then consequently, present their recommendations to our board of the community programs for which they found critical need. Exciting times are ahead!

OUR HEART'S FOCUS:

THE ALMOND TREE

The Almond Tree is a transitional housing project. Many individuals find emergency shelter (1 night-90 days), however, after their stay is expended, where do they go? This project offers a many methods for persons to "get back on their feet" through attending basic banking (FDIC - Money Smart) and literacy (classes,English as a Second Language), GED Preparation, On-the-Job training in cafeteria, laundry, child care, and others including First Time Homebuyers Education.

Ideally, after an individual resides in our transitional shelter he/she will have obtained the necessary skills to find employment and also permanent housing.

The SHEPHERD'S STAFF

Another FOCUS of DRM is The Shepherd's Staff Disaster Relief project. Our disaster team respond to disasters by clearing mud and debris, and by providing CPR/First Aid/Automated External Defibrillator - American Red Cross certification, maintaining a Food Bank, distributing disaster kits and giving presentations to the public on Planning for a Disaster, among other community services.

American Red Cross - CPR,FA,AED Training:

AMERICAN RED CROSS - ADULT/CHILD/INFANT CPR; STANDARD FIRST AID; & AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) TRAINING IS NOW BEING CONDUCTED AT OUR LOCATION: 213 Canada Street, JACKSONVILLE, TX 75766 -- CALL 903-284-6202 OR 903-279-7825 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Be Prepared to save a life!:

You are welcome to come and volunteer your time to address East Texas area needs. We'd love to partner with you!

It is the goal of the Almond Tree to assist others to become self sufficient. One method we use to accomplish this is by training interested individuals in farming and marketing.

If you love nature and the out of doors, you will enjoy participating in this project. We would enjoy working alongside you in the harvest field!

If you are interested in becoming involved in any of DRM's outreach ministries, please contact us at the e-mail below. We would love to hear from you.

Assisting individuals and families to become self sufficient!

Don't forget the children!

Children are a heritage of the Lord. Let's remember the millions of children in America and other countries where their main objective is to find something to eat or a place to sleep. Many children are raising their brothers and sisters due to having no parents because of HIV Aids; tribal wars, terrorism, etc.

The children who have experienced natural disasters such as tornados, floods, hurricanes, house fires, etc., have a great need for someone to reach out and assist with food, shelter, clothing. We accept items for children such as school supplies and toys to be distributed at the appropriate time of year. Thank you for caring for others.

If you or someone you know is hungry
Please, call The Almond Tree at (903)284-6202 or (903)279-7825 and we will providefree groceries and toiletries.

DIVINE RIGHT MINISTRIES

The Almond Tree, Community Resource & Training Center's
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Chairman, Jerry Seeton Vice Chairman, Peggy Higginbotham Secretary, Jan Heidbreder Treasurer, Karen Ray

DIRECTORS:

Jerry Seeton, Texas State Forestry, TX Peggy Higginbotham, Health & Safety Instructor Jan Heidbreder, Educator/Speech & Hearing Therapist in Rusk, Texas ISD Karen Ray, Educator and former Bank Investigator James Crane, Shop Manager, Sign Co. Ramona Gillen, Educator Addie Helms, PastorMarket Hellen Slider, Child Care Rev. Michael Gillen, Pastor

OUR PRESIDENT

Rev. Dianna Claiborne has served as an American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Worker, Ex. Dir. for a Red Cross Chapter, and for a homeless shelter.