Spellings are all the youths.
ADULT LETTER
Dear Ms. Lakeside-Scott
I read about your charitable organization in Sew News and applaud your effort. I have accumulated many dolls – especially Barbies – and thought you may be able to use the new ones. I also have new children’s clothing (tags attached). I would be happy to send them, as well. I will continue to check your website to learn of new needs. The Portland area will always seem like home as I grew up in Vancouver, WA. Needs are everywhere in the country, but helping in the old home seems right.
Please send a receipt to the above address so I know the things arrived safely.
Sincerely,
Judy
ADULT LETTER FROM A YOUNG ADULT WHO NEEDED CLOTHES BECAUSE SHE WAS TOO LOW-INCOME TO GET THEM (SHE TOLD ME HER HUSBAND HAD CUT HER’S ALL UP AND SHE HAS MOVED OUT BUT STARTING OVER IS NOT EASY)
To everyone at Hope Dolls,
Thank-you. When I started my job at ACS, I did not have enough clothes or money to buy them. My HR Rep. Sent me to Dress for Success, but they couldn’t help me. I have a job. They are only for women unemployed. When I cam to Hope Dolls, I was treated nicely and enjoyed my visit. I picked out a few items of clothing and knew right away that I would return as soon as I had some spending money. I left with a smile, less stress and some nice clothes.
Thank you,
Brenda
ADULT LETTER
Dear Hope Dolls
I appreciate the items I received. I will be starting my new job on next Tuesday 05/11/04 and I finally will be off of welfare. I will look good and feel good about myself knowing I have something nice to wear. Thanks to you.
Treu
ADULT LETTER
Dear Hope Dolls,
I greatly appreciate the help you’ve given me. The clothes I received from you today will help reflect whether or not I get employed. I have been unemployed for a year, and have had a serious problem in getting employed. I have not been able to afford to buy clothes due to my lack of money. My unemployment check has run out, and I have used all the monies available to cover the priority bills such as: PGE, Phone (so that I can be contacted), and Health Insurance. New clothes will enable me to be more professional looking, Which I hope will impress prospective employers. I feel more confident walking down the street and approaching people. I thank you for helping me to have more pride and confidence in myself.
Thank You
Sincerely,
Cynthia
ADULT LETTER
Dear Ladies at Hope Dolls,
I read about your project in the Oregonian and immediately started looking through some of my storage boxes for whatever might help with your wonderful project. I accumulated until we moved from the coast to a much smaller house at Marian Estates. We had a big sale, and I gave away a lot of the accumulation of years.
I loved dolls right from the beginning, and that love eventually evolved into a doll collection of mostly truly antique dolls. I even wrote a book about this collection, “The Dolls At My House” which was sold all over the country a number of years ago. It might even be in some smaller libraries yet. IT was a rewarding hobby, mostly in bringing me many new friends. Doll lovers enjoy sharing their finds or looking at other collections. My brother and his wife became interested, and they began repairing and making dolls, and since we lived close, it was an interesting time of life. I dressed my antique dolls and also dressed and fixed up many for our local Grandma Santa Clause, whom I believe is still keeping up the good work in Lincoln County. Dolls also re-hapilitated an extended family who had almost lost hope when the father became ill with industrial emphysema. My brother taught them doll repair and they prospered until they moved away.
There always comes a time when we realize we have to begin to slow up, and when my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it was time to sell our accumulations and move closer to our daughters. My house is big enough for a few dolls, enough to keep things interesting, and now that I am nearing 78, I know I won’t be doing much more sewing. I do hope you can use some of these odds and ends, and I only wish I could send more, as I believe this is a very worthwhile project. I have always regretted that there are some little girls who never have a doll to cuddle, and I notice when I visit my husband in the nursing home, some of the dear older patients still love to cuddle a doll, no doubt an inborn trait.
I wish you all the success in your endeavors and know that what seems a trivial thing to some people can bring a lot of pleasure, in the doing and in the receiving. Bless you all.
Sincerely,
ADULT LETTER
Dear Lea,
I want to thank-you kindly and with deep gratitude for helping me acquire some better-quality clothing. After nearly 2 years of homelessness and near-hopelessness, my wardrobe had dwindled to very thread bare and mismatched items. Your donation will help get me started, as I have virtually no disposable income, even after 1 yr of steady employment.
Thank-you so very much for your help….it has lifted my spirits a lot. May God bless your organization greatly.
Yours sincerely,
Mary
P.S. This is the best birthday present I have received. Hope someday I can give back to you, to assist other unfortunate ones.
ADULT LETTER
Hello Lea!!
I am back on line now. I enjoyed the letter you forwarded from the boys. Than you.
Yes, the luncheon was very nice. I enjoyed meeting the Soroptomists and the other recipients.
Thank you and Hope Dolls from the bottom of my heart for recommending m the Womens Opportunity Award and for writing such a compelling reference letter. It feels wonderful to have worked so hard for so long and to have the support of these two programs. I received a scholarship for $1250. I paid a lit of my daycare with it and ut the rest on my student loan. My monthly payments start in June and they be small enough now that I can easily pay them.
The classes I have taken have enabled me to secure a good job. I am making twice as much money as I was at this same time last year and I have medica dental and vision insurance for myself and my four children. Education is the way out of a bad situation. Thank you again for being such a strong supporte abused children and their families. The work you do is immeasurable. The sesu of you labor touches not only the individual but also everyone that those peo come into contact with. The kindness and hard work of people like Hope Doll speaks of love lessons that will last a life time and be passed onto many peop am deeply touched by your kindness and consideration.
I have lost so much, including a 15 month old baby to domestic violence, but somehow, someway with help from a lot of people I have managed to make good, safe life and home for myself and my four children.
Thank you, Lea LakeSide-Scott!
Very truly yours
Laura
PS
Please keep me in mind for help with your program. Speaking, writing, whate you might think of that you need an extra pair of hands or voice. I am working a CPA firm right now 6 days a week till tax season is over, but that will be over soon and I will have some time.
ADULT LETTER
Lea – My kid is acting out. He’s in a rock band and in football in high school. Told you about him. Adam is doing o.k. now. Now it’s my he has a lot of suppressed anger due to the situation we are in. Don’t know what to do nor how to comfort him. I know what he’s going thr. I’ve been there but can be done. He blames me and his father, but are trying to do the best with what we have and you know that’s not much. Other that, I turned whistle-blower in these apartments and winded up los my nest egg – a classic Chevy, $10,000 (the only thing I had left of my dad) and other stuff. We may live in a democracy (or demo-crazy) but in these apartments it’s a little fascist dictatorship and everyone is afraid to speak up. It’s a pressure cooker and I know that Tito is absorbing it all this stress. Getting to the point where I feel I’m a living-dead; going through the motions. I mean how do I convince my own kid that are trying our best, but best is not enough. He keeps saying – It’s already I’ll get it. And it breaks my heart. Don’t know what to do. You have experience with helping children – any advise? Vickie
ADULT LETTER
My name is Debbie, I was recently divorced after 7 years of marrige. I left because my husband had become verbally and physically abusive. After I left him and was able to collect some of my personal belongings I came to notice he had cut up all of my clothes. I was unable to take anything with me because I left in the middle of the night. So had nothing to put on my back. But thanks to a few friends who helped me with everyday clothes and Hope Dolls to help me get back into the workforce I can get out there and feel good about looking for a job.
Thank you Hope Dolls for making my search for a new beginning easier.
Debbie
ADULT THANK YOU – TROOP #2007
Dear Caroline,
Thanks so much for helping us to make yarn dolls!! What a great afternoon was had by all.
Nancy Klus
Troop #2007
ADULT THANK YOU LETTER – DIANE M. LINN, MULTNOMAH COUNTY CHAIR
Dear Lea:
I want to express my deep appreciation to you for volunteering to share your story at our Eighth Annual county-city Cultural Diversity Conference.
I know it is sometimes difficult to share personal experiences and stories, but I appreciate your willingness and grace in doing so. You contributed to a very successful conference that was appreciated by staff. Your story enriched our staff’s understanding of diversity and took the conference to a more personal level.
Thank you for your valuable contributions toward helping us become more culturally competent.
Sincerely,
Diane M. Linn, Chair
ADULT THANK YOU LETTER
Dear Hope Dolls,
I just wanted to take a few moments to express my sincere gratitude for the clothes I received. As a single mother struggling to recover my self-esteem after enduring an abusive marriage for over three years, your generosity is deeply touching. Beyond the gesture itself, there was also a genuine need, as I have received no child support for over a year and a half. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to again feel both proud of my appearance and competitive within the job market.
Sincerely,
Joy
ADULT THANK YOU LETTER AND DONATION
Lea,
This check is in memory of Ashley & Mirande. It would seem that your place could be a safety net for girls like Ashley & Mirande who are so vulnerable & don’t get the support that they need from the normal sources.
Thanks for what you are doing to lessen the tragedies we’ve seen, this past year in particular.
Aloha, Cleo
ADULT THANK YOU LETTER
Dear Hope Dolls,
I would like to thank-you for allowing Marshall Students to volunteer at your agency. The service they have been doing there has allowed them to feel like valuable members of the community. For some of these students it may have been the first time that they have felt that their work counts. For others the good experience at your agency may lead them to a life of volunteering and service to others. You have shown them that every person can make a difference.
Your flexibility in working with teenagers is admirable. They tell me it is their favorite place to come. I look forward to working with you again in the future.
Deidra
Reconnecting Youth Program
Safe Schools
ADULT THANK YOU LETTER
Hello Lea,
Thank you for the email from the girls. That was very nice. It has been hard for me the last couple of days. I am not sure why. Just saying good things is very hard and I’ve been confused lately. But, I’m doing a little better now. I’m coming to Portland around the fourth of july. So, let me know the dates in July when the de paul girls are coming. Or anything else that’s happening. Thanks.
Emily
AGENCY LETTER – NEW HORIZONS -
To Whom It May Concern:
I’d like to take the time to write and describe just what the Hope Dolls Organization mean to the New Horizons Club.
When we started discussing amongst ourselves how we could serve to help everything Hope Dolls represents, we were unsure how we could make a difference. The only thing we knew for sure was the Hope Dolls needed some help and New Horizons Club wanted to get involved.
What we failed to see was the amount of help New Horizons Club would receive from Lea Scott, her awesome volunteer staff and the entire HOPE DOLLS Organization. In the building of a “Circle of Hope” we found that by working closely with Lea, we would be the recipients of far greater rewards than that which we could provide. By being a part of Hope Dolls family we became part of a much greater picture.
Lea has provided the direction and leadership while the New Horizons Club has benefited by having an opportunity to make a positive difference. The New Horizons Club consists of incarcerated men who now spend their time constructively working to give something back to the local communities. Lea has provided the men with a chance to help kids that have suffered at the hands of abuse, and there just isn’t a way to put a price on something like self worth. Being involved with Hope Dolls creates a feeling of being accepted, a feeling of belonging, a feeling of importance and necessity. It’s an organization that promotes character building with values and integrity. Its something we are proud and honored to be a part of.
On top of everything else, Lea has shown a consistent attitude that has truly made a difference for us. She sincerely believes in the children, she believes in us and she continues to give us encouragement and hope. She volunteers her time to listen and facilitate a mutual understanding between this group of inmates and the respective work they do with the communities they are involved with. She has gone out of her way often at her own expense to ease the burdens of confinement by supporting the inmates programs. One such program, which benefits the children and families of inmates, is knows as New Horizons stuffed animal program. Lea donates stuffed animals to the inmates who in turn are given an opportunity to purchase them for their families and children.
Lea has provided an opportunity for inmates to sell and display, as well as donated their crafts. Hope Dolls has provided for and assisted in the educational needs of incarcerated men who wanted to learn Grant Writing. Lea and the Hope Dolls Organization are not only helping the children to today and tomorrow, but they are helping the children of yesterday.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
David Lahnale, NH President
ADULT THANK YOU LETTER
Thank you, Thank you!
Lea~
I’m so happy that I was apart of giving presents to the DePaul youth. It made my Christmas so much better knowing that I could help. I just hope that some of my friends can go back & play games & talk to them again. And I’m so ready to help you again after the holidays. Let me know what I can do. God bless you many times over.
See you soon!
Emily Peterson
ADULT VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION CEREMONY – DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY JUSTICE
Six Department of Community Justice volunteers will be recognized by the Board of County commissioners at the 14th Annual county-Wide volunteer Recognition Ceremony, and your very own HOPE DOLLS PROJECT VOLUNTEERS, LEA LAKESIDE-SCOTT AND CAROLYN KOTSOVOS, are included!
You are all invited to attend, so put this date on your calendar and join in congratulating Lea and Carolyn at this special event.
When: Friday, April 27, 2001
Time: 4:30pm (reception will follow at 6:00 P.M.)
Where: Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne, 1st Floor Board Room
The Hope Dolls project began as a vision of Lea Lakeside-Scott, a systems specialist at the juvenile facility, and became a reality in April of 2000. Refurbishing dolls, making baby blankets and other craft items and writing thank you notes, offers the young women inmates in Custody Services an opportunity to do something productive, creative and altruistic. Detained youth have learned to work cooperatively, to relate to both peers and adults in new and constructive ways, and to challenge themselves to have a positive impact on their community. The adult volunteers offer insight, understanding and a sympathetic ear and provide an environment where teens feel valued and valuable.
Hope has exploded into the Hope Dolls/ Planes/ Trains Project with a mission to create a support network that reaches out to children of abuse and poverty and to girls and women in correctional facilities. Plans are underway to open a thrift store and crafts center. This will not only provide financial support for the program but will offer teens released from detention a place to continue their work and help them break the cycle that has held them in negative behaviors.
Carolyn Kotsovos spends each Saturday working with her sister-in-law, Lea Lakeside-Scott, and the young women inmates in Custody Services refurbishing dolls. They wash the dolls, shampoo their hair, redress them and do whatever they can to make them as good as new. Before donating them to abuse shelters and other homes, each of the inmates chooses one special doll to keep.
Both Lea and Carolyn are committed to taking something that’s ugly, beaten and broken and making it beautiful – and they apply that commitment to more than just the dolls.
Autumn Ray
Volunteer Coordinator
Department of Community Justice
Multnomah County, 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214
503-988-5634
AGENCY DONATIONS – HUMAN SOLUTIONS
Dear Friend,
Thank you so much for your donation to The Closet. As the recession continues to impact the families seeking services from Human Solutions, The Closet is a very important safety net for our community. Families know that there will always be clothes available for their children and themselves.
In addition, Human Solutions appreciates all the professional clothes that are donated to our Professional Closet. Please let your friends and family know that we need donations of clothes suitable for people looking for work.
Thanks again for you donation and support of Human Solutions.
AGENCY AWARD LETTER – SOROPTIMIST INT’L
Re: VRA Award 2003
Lea, I’m sorry for the delay in sending you this well-deserved award. We certainly enjoyed your inspiring talk at the WOA/VRA banquet and hope this award will help carry on your great work.
Sincerely,
Cheri D. Wonsley
AGENCY DONATIONS – CLOTHES FOR THE NEEDY
We continue to collect various items in our Collection Center in the Parish Hall—for many and varied projects. After hearing Lea Lakeside-Scott speak about Hope Dolls, Planes, and Trains at the WELCA meeting in the November, we are adding additional boxes for collection of items for this program. Lea Lakeside-Scott’s program is designed to help abused and troubled youth and others in need. We will collect fabrics, buttons, and trims for doll clothes in one box; toys dolls, games, and stuffed toys in another box; and items they could sell at their Thrift Shop in another box. Please help us support this program. Representatives from First Lutheran will be delivering these items to Hope Dolls, Planes, and Trains in Portland early in 2003. They need out help. Receipts for tax purposes can be provided if you wish. Questions can be directed to Jean LeMont.
AGENCY LETTER
To Whom It May Concern:
I have worked with lea Lakeside-Scott for the last year at Business Computer Training Institute. She is the founder of Hope Dolls, an organization that helps victims of domestic violence and troubled teens.
While working with Lea I have seen her go above and beyond on numerous occasions to help out our student body. BCTI works with a diverse population of adults trying to get a new start by learning computer skills in a professional business environment. Lea has assisted many of our students with clothing, food and even a huge Christmas party that gave food and gifts to our student’s families, who may have not had a Christmas otherwise.
Our students are in constant need of good professional clothing so they can go to interviews and get jobs using their newly acquires skills. I know that any assistance or donations you can give will be of great benefit to Lea’s organization and in turn need people in our community. I thank you for taking the time to read this letter. Please call me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Darcie
Professional Applications Instructor
AGENCY LETTER
To Whom It May Concern:
Lea Lakeside-Scott, founder of Hope Dolls has been actively involved with our student body. The Hope Dolls organization, whose primary concern is helping domestic violence children and troubled teens also helps young adults who are trying to improve their lives. Our student body are often families with issues such as her organization addresses.
During the Christmas season, Hope Dolls gave a tremendous party for the children of our adults and boy were they happy. Hope Dolls helps with food, clothing, and many other necessary daily living items that our student body is often without.
Most importantly to us as a Business Computer Training Institution is to help our adults in obtaining QUALITY CLOTHING to help in their job search needs. We are hoping that this letter will help you, your organization, or any other group decide to:
- HOLD A CLOTHES DRIVE
- DONATE EXCESS INVENTORY OF ANY TYPE
- OR ANY OTHER CONTRIBUTION that would help this
wonderful small organization that is helping so many.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to call me at any time.
Sincerely,
David
Director of Instruction
AGENCY LETTER
Dear Lea,
On behalf of De Paul Youth Center I would like to thank you fro the contributions Hope Dolls has made throughout the year. The volunteer experiences provided by your agency allow the youth to learn how to help others in need and develop positive relationships within their surrounding community. The impact of this for the individuals involved is life changing: I know some of the youth continue to volunteer and be part of the hope Dolls Community even after they complete treatment. Also, by being able to supply the youth with the basics such as clothing, Hope Dolls allows these individuals to get to the heart of treatment and your agency ultimately becomes part of the team that creates freedom from drug and alcohol addiction. And lastly, thank you for creating and collaborating with De Paul Youth Center to provide quality outings such as our last event-a prom like event complete with prom dresses, gifts and dinner out at a local restaurant. All in all Hope dolls allows De Paul Youth Center to provide a well-rounded treatment approach to our youth throughout the greater Portland metro Area. Thanks for being part of our team!
AGENCY THANK YOU LETTER – 2001 DIVERSITY CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE
Dear Lea,
I want to thank you personally for your interest in participating in the Cultural Diversity conference. Even though it did not work out for you to make an actual presentation, I did read your story during the afternoon panel discussion “Stories for the trenches….”. I did share the information about the Hope Dolls and Toys project and the audience was interested. I told people how to contact you.
The text of your presentation demonstrated the amount of sensitivity and depth of thought that we public employees have to offer. It was very effective in showing how childhood experiences shape us as adults. I am confident that the message was well received by the audience.
Thank you for helping our vision of sharing stories and dreams become a reality. It really turned out the way I had hoped it would. My wish is that we can continue this process.
Sincerely,
Priscilla Paulin, RN, MN
Community Health Nurse
2001 Diversity Conference Planning Committee
AGENCY THANK YOU LETTER – BCTI
Thank you Lea for being such a good friend and teacher. We hope you will come and visit us every once in a while. We wish you the best in the future so take care.
May the rains fall softly on your fields, the wind be always at your back, the sun shine warmly on your face and may god hold you in the palm of his hand.
AGENCY THANK YOU LETTER – BEAVERTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Dear Lea,
The fifth grade team is still talking about your visit to our school on December 4th. We were so moved and impressed with your presence and message to the fifth grade students. Unbelievable that this was your first presentation at a school. You knew exactly how to deliver your message to fifth graders. Your message of compassion to others certainly was heard by the students.
The students are excited to be helping other kids through bringing in toys they no longer need. Some have been moved to buy a new toy for someone else also. They have set up a box in the main hallway for toys to be dropped off year round. They even decided to donate $30.00 from their student store profits to Hope Dolls.
The students look forward to your next visit to give you more toys and also to chat with you. We wish you much luck in your work to make a difference in our world. We are happy to be a part of the circle of hope.
Best Wishes,
Beth Krambule Kathy Ross Anna-Jo Campbell Pat Webb
AGENCY THANK YOU LETTER – FIRST TONGAN FELLOWSHIP OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Lea Lakeside-Scott,
On behalf of our Youth Group and their parents, I would like to thank you very very much for all the donations that you have made through Moses & Lavinia. However, it helps by making an extremely difference upon our children this x-mas season. I know in my heart that they’re so happy and grateful; their s-mas this year shines even brighter. Their joy ness brings out the spirit of s-mas even more and that’s what it’s all about. Not only that they’re so grateful, but they also enjoy by selling the items during the basement sale. It was a great experience for them and exciting at the same time.
Therefore, I thank you once again from the bottom of my heart. Also I thank your family and everyone at “Hope” dolls, planes, trains. We would also be looking forward on working with you again and to stay in touch with each other.
We wish you a happy holiday
”May God Bless you”
Sincere,
Sufiasi Laulaupea’afu
(youth director)
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARD RECIPIENT – MULTNOMAH COUNTY OREGON
Dear Lea:
RE: EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARD RECIPIENT
The Employee Recognition Committee would like to invite you to attend the 9th Annual Employee Recognition Ceremony, as you will be receiving an award recognizing your contributions to the Department of Community Justice.
The ceremony will be held Thursday, April 5, 2001, from 1:30pm to 4:00pm at the Memorial Coliseum, Georgia Pacific Room, 1401 N Wheeler Ave., Portland. If you need driving directions, the best way is to access Mapquest at the following Internet site http://mapquest.com. Parking is free. Heavy appetizers and beverages will be served.
We hope you will attend and participate in the festivities. We welcome you to bring one outside guest to the ceremony.
Congratulations! We hope to see you there.
Sincerely,
Roberta I. Berg
Employee Recognition Committee
Rosa
THANK YOU LETTER – FISH NEIGHBOR HELPING NEIGHBOR
Dear Friends of Fish:
Thank you for your gift of 16lbs of household goods and 288lbsof clothing on October 22, 2002.
Rustling leaves in autumn breezes, overcoats and football games welcome in the fall. There in the Northwest, we enjoy all four seasons, each unique, each year changing, yet remaining the same.
Hunger in Oregon seems, at times, unchanging. We all do our part to stop it, but people still come in our doors every day. Fortunately, there are rays of sunshine like you.
And because of people like you, we are able to continue to feed hungry people here in Portland. Thank you so much for your generous donation.
Gratefully,
Jim Arnold
Inventory Manager
THANK YOU LETTER -- THE SALVATION ARMY
Dear Ms. Lakeside-Scott:
Thank you so very much for the gift of dolls from the Hope Doll Project. They have been distributed according to your wishes and made many a little (and bigger) face light up. Even two adolescent sisters who try to always look “cool” got very excited with their dolls.
What a wonderful idea you had to create this project. We appreciate benefiting from it and we also appreciate the very special spirit you must have to have thought of the project. Blessings on you indeed.
I have enclosed a brochure about our program for you. Thanks again!
Best Wishes,
Patricia Mohr
Program Director
Treasurer
With Warm Regards,
Vynette Arnell
Community Relations Director
Because we are a 501©(3) organization, your contribution is fully tax-deductible. We provide no goods or services to you in return for your contribution. Our tax ID number is 93-0977166. Please use this letter as a receipt for tax purposes.|
YOUTH LETTER – ERROL HASSELL
Dear Leigha Rachel,
I promise to help people and not make fun of them. Some times I help people and they thank me and I thank you for taking time to tell us your very sad story.
Sincerely,
Michelle
YOUTH LETTER FROM A YOUTH THAT WAS A PRIOR METH ADDICT
This gal was just asked to join Phi Theta Kappa (because she got straight A’s) and she has joined the youth group at City Bible Church. We are so excited to see such wonderful things happening with this young lady. Her mother is an addict and her father and uncle molested her and she is frightened of men but she is working hard to overcome what has been dealt her and she is one gorgeous young lady.
Dear Lea,
I have been thinking about you and I want to come hang out at your shop soon, like maybe this weekend. I was at DePaul the other day and I saw Rebe. She said you told her you saw me. She was excited that I am doing so good out of DePaul and that I am keeping in touch with them and you. I am so busy with college that I haven’t been able to stop by. Sometimes I get discouraged because it seems that all the people I meet that are my age think it is cool to drink and smoke. And sometimes I get lonely, but it is so reassuring to know that I can always come to Hope Dolls and just hang out somewhere else other than school and home. The best thing is that I really feel safe at Hope Dolls, it is such a relaxing environment. Oh ya, I was wondering if you could write me a letter of recommendation so I can give it in with my application at Peet’s Coffee. That would be such a great help. Well, I will talk to you soon and I miss hanging out every week. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I’ll see you soon. Tiffiney
YOUTH LETTER FROM A YOUTH WHILE VISITING HOPE DOLLS;
Hi I’m here at hopedolls and I like it here. I feel safe and there’s people here who care about you. There’s a lot of communication and understanding her and Lea – she’s great. She really knows how to make us feel at home. I like this place. (no signature)
YOUTH LETTER FROM DEPAUL
Here is the note from the graduate DePaul girl who was a meth addict and is now getting straight A's, belongs to phi theta kappa and belongs and participates extensively in a big christian church.
Dearest Lea,
I miss ya!! I haven't talked to you since before you went on vacation. I drove by your store the other day and I saw a for rent sign. So did you find a new place for your shop? If there's anything I can do to help your move, I would be happy to help. Just let me know. I would love to be of service to you, especially considering all you've done to help me and so many others. You more than deserve help with your shop. I would also love to spend some time with faith soon. Emily emailed me saying she wanted to get together with faith too. Friday's are best for me, I usually have the whole day. Hopefully we can set something up soon. Love you tons!! Miss ya and hope to hear from you soon Grandma. Tiff
I was so shocked when she called me Grandma. The biggest compliment I could ever get.
YOUTH LETTER
Dear hope Dolls,
The first girl I ever fell in love with is my current girls friend. Brigitte is like so much more than a friend to me she like my other half, I can’t live without her. When I see her my heart beats faster than every my body so weightless, so motionless till I get her touch on my lips and feel wanted loved and cared for. When I’m with her I can be anything I want to be, say anything I want to say. If I ever lost her I wouldn’t know what I would do. She’s such a special girl to me. Im currently in treatment for drug abuse and my cutting. Brigitte is such a great supporter. Shes there with me 100% and hopefully will always be there. I love her. I fell in love with her 2 years ago and have been going out with her every since. Im so glad that I Always have a sholder to lean on when Im down and a girl I can hug when Im happy.
YOUTH LETTER
Dear hope Dolls,
The first girl I ever fell in love with is my current girls friend. Brigitte is like so much more than a friend to me she like my other half, I can’t live without her. When I see her my heart beats faster than every my body so weightless, so motionless till I get her touch on my lips and feel wanted loved and cared for. When I’m with her I can be anything I want to be, say anything I want to say. If I ever lost her I wouldn’t know what I would do. She’s such a special girl to me. Im currently in treatment for drug abuse and my cutting. Brigitte is such a great supporter. Shes there with me 100% and hopefully will always be there. I love her. I fell in love with her 2 years ago and have been going out with her every since. Im so glad that I Always have a sholder to lean on when Im down and a girl I can hug when Im happy.
YOUTH LETTER
Dear Hope Dolls/Lea
Thank-you very much for all the help you gave me while I was in need. I really appreciated it, and so did my family, especially my little sister who needed clothes very badly. I hope that more kids find out about your organization that are in need of help. Currently I’m finally out of my bad home situation, and with my aunt in Washington, but without your help before I don’t know how my little sister and I would have gotten clothes. I know so many people who are in need of clothing, and food. If you could you should put an ad in a community papper like the Portland Tribune, or on a community board, you could reach so many more needy children & families. Thank-you for all your help, I hope I can come and see you again soon.
Always, Jessica
P.S. My little sister is doing good, and my mom & dad have split, but it’s for the better. I’ll try to come see you, but it’s really hard because I have a lot going on in my life now. Thanks again Lea.
That did my heard good. One soul touched. That’s all I ever wanted.
Thanks everyone and talk to you soon.
YOUTH LETTER
Dear HopeDolls
thank you for your encouragement of staying clean. I’ve gone through. A lot. Starting out by saying I have used drugs before and im not now. Im in a tx program where I can get my life together. I think about using but its not realistic to me. I have support and a sponsor. And people who care. I can responsildy go places and do things that might have triggered me a while ago. But now that I’ve been going to hopedolls for community work Ive noticed a big change.
YOUTH LETTER
Dear hopedolls,
I really have a hard time talking about my drug addiction. Well just all of my problems in general im a avid cutter which means that I cut myself to relieve pain and the struggle of my every day life. I don’t get along with any of my family except for my sister and older brother. Everyone in my family can’t relate to me there not very open minded especially coming from a Mexican background. They’re not open to gay and lesbian relationships, the punk scence or anything I believe in. I hope someday they understand……
YOUTH LETTER
Dear Lea
Thank you for the stocking and the gifts. They made my Christmas more happier, and a special thank for the gloves they kept my hands warm when we play in the snow.
Thank you
Sean
YOUTH LETTER
Dear Lea
Thank you for your time and effort. Your fits were great and wonderful and the pant’s that you gave us were great.
Thank you for letting me come to your store get more clothes
Thank you
Anthony
YOUTH LETTER
Dear lea,
Thank you very much for the wonderful gifts that you gave us. It is a great thing that you are doing for people. I have had a lot of fun playing with the b-ball you gave me. I hope you had a wonderful holiday because you helped mine be a little better.
Sincerely Justin Hill
YOUTH LETTER
Dear Lea,
Think you for the gifts you gave us. I felt special and cared for. I also felt like someone was looking out for me. I had a great Christmas and I hope you did too. I would like to say think you and lots of care too you.
Love Chris
YOUTH LETTER
Dear Leah
I like the toys I play with them a lot thank you.
Cole & Ben
YOUTH LETTER
Drug’s
I tried like meth / weed/ shrum’s/ beer/ and asid got hocked on meth and week & smoking when I was nine my brothers got me smoking evry thng and them I starting to still and run away and finlly got cought and went to Juvie for 5 day’s and got out and the some ol stuff stilling mony home teacher’s and you thing that’s bad the just the beganing
Boy’s
Thay try to play game and thay really can do some dameg to you head’s and rrrrrelastion ship heart it’s never easy I fell in love when I was 13 with the only love of my life Steven and now I is been with him for two years
thank for listioning
YOUTH LETTER
Hi im here @ hopedolls and I like it here. I Feel safe and there’s people here who care about you. There’s a lot of communication and understanding here + LeaH-She’s great. |She really knows how to make us Feel at home.
I like this place.
Sittin
here
eyes wide shut
if I close my
eyes
I won’t see
the wise
I like it here
I think ill
leave
good bye
YOUTH LETTER
Hi Lea
I had fun working with you, too, Lea. You are an inspiration.
Sassy
YOUTH LETTER
I am 18 years old and expecting my car is messed up and I am behind on all of my bills. I still have got to get baby clothes and accessories. So please let me know how to get a grant.
YOUTH LETTER
I grew up in a small town. When I was a and nieve I loved the town and my life. As I got older I started to realize that a lot of the things that had happened and were happening were wrong and wasn’t suppose to be happening. My mom with her boyfriends in and out of my life it was confusing and depressing. Whenever my mom had a new boyfriend I didn’t exist. All the men in her lifes were always the same person with a different face. They were evil and had evil ways.
When I was very young I was exposed to sex. And now that I look back my life was grounded in sexual abuse. I was molested by a stepbrother and stepfather then I was date raped at age 14. Then in my freshman year I started smoking pot regularly and drinking heavily my life started to spin out of control. I quit all the sports I normaly did including football (on the guys team) basketball, vollyball and track. I started getting high and drunk at school and skipping classes to go get loaded. When I started to realize what was happening I thought if I moved I could get clean and get my life back on track that didn’t happen after moving I started using more and partying more and skipping class more. I started using harder drugs and life got worse.
YOUTH LETTER
I had a very bad week last week, because its hard to deal with my mom relapsing, and I am stuck in a treatment center for drugs and alcohol. When she dose this I am very hurt inside, because I expect her to be a big part of my support. Sometimes I say to myself why can she be out there doing drugs and why am I sitting here in a treatment center? I went with a friend to take my mom to a detox center. We did that last week end. When this happens I ask myself why am I still sitting here when I could be getting high, but seeing my mom like that makes me think about never doing dope again, but I well never be able to tell myself I well never do it again because you never know what going to happen tomorrow or the day after. I think if you say you are never going to do it again you are setting your self up for failure.
YOUTH LETTER
I tried meth for the first time when I was 16. I remember my friend had talked me into buying a $40 of crack and that night I went to Portland and went to the Zclub, that night I also did cocaine and drank alchol. I started out just snorting but it was a lot 2 weeks befor someone got me to try smoking crank for the 1st time. After that I was hooked. At 1st I just started buying it on the weekends then it was every paycheck then after about 2 months it was on a regular basis after about 5 monts of using I quit my job and then I started using crystal meth during this time I also dropped out of school. Anyways about 1 ½ into my addiction I began shooting meth and once I started that and I tried that exsperience I found myself riping off and everyone I could to get my fix. I was 18 and a junkie. I couldn’t beleive what had become of me. I didn’t ever think in all my days of living that I could become a junkie. Anyways while in my shooting days I fell in love and I got him into shooting too. Befor I knew it were both heavy junkies. Then we both had been in trouble with the law we both were on probation and he went to jail and they revoked his probation and he got 6 months in yamhill county jail. I soon after came to depaul youth and Im almost 19 years old and I just thank god for my second chance at life both for me and my finance. The quick life of..........
YOUTH LETTER
I’ve been in group homes throughout my life. About 4 times all together. Just his forth time I’ve come to realize that I need to make some changes concerning my issues and it feels good to do that. However it hurts really bad. My drug of choice is weed it’s the source of all my issues now. That’s why Im in a treatment centers now. It’s a process that takes a while to sort and see there orgin. Im slowly learning sobriety after 3yrs of daily smokeing. It doesn’t feel natural without, but it’s a journey we all gotta make it. I promise you it wont be easy to smile, but easier to cccry. However dry your eyes. In the end it will be alright. I’be been clean for a week & some days. It’s not long, but a start and I can’t wait 4 it to be years.
YOUTH LETTER
It was the summer of first grade, mom was at work. She worked at Safeway at night. Leaving my stepdad with us. I had a friend over, she lived across the street next to the church. I usually stayed the night at her house but this night she was staying at my house. I was making this thing for my mom out of yarn, I was spiraling it into this rug like circles. I needed the nail, glue out of my mom’s room. I went to knock on the door. He unlocked the door and told me to come in, after I said that it was me. I opened the door and he was naked leaning up against the end of his water bed playing with himself. There was a porn video on and he had the box of his toys out on the bed. I told him I needed my mom’s nail glue. He pointed me in the direction on top of his dresser. I couldn’t find it. So he stood all the way up, still naked and came over next to me to help me find it. I took it and went back into my room where my friend was waiting. We finished glueing the ones we had already made. Then I told her I needed to go give it back. She wanted to come with me but I told her that my stepdad was cleaning out his closet. I went back and this time she asked “What took you so long.” I said that he needed my help for a second. Then a few months later I was crying one night when my mom came to tuck me in and she asked what was wrong. I just kept crying and the second thing she guessed was “has Scott been touching you?” I said yes and she made me go confront him about it. I told her about the glue thing and she found the ones that we had made after I gave the glue back so she said that they weren’t glued. I couldn’t remember where I hid the other ones but the next day I found them. She said, “I don’t know what to believe.” And that’s been her conclusion ever since I was in first grade and it didn’t stop until I was fifteen and she kicked me out. I think it was because of jelousy. I love her so much and I just want her to hold me and tell me everything will be alright. But she even said she chooses him over me. This is even though I never tried to make her decide. I wish she would just get off drugs and love me back, the right way!
YOUTH LETTER
lea
thank you for giving us at De paul a x mas. I was very happy with want you gave us. Ihope I can come and help you out some more I hope you had a Merry x mas. I will see you around
Randy
YOUTH LETTER
Lea,
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You went out of your way to give us a jolly merry x-max. My holiday was excellent but it is the thought that counts. I hope the future to volunteer for you and help others in the way you helped us. I enjoyed meeting you and chatting, so happy New Year, god Bless, be safe. Find continue your generosity.
Sincerely My Thanx
Marshall J.P.
YOUTH LETTER
Lea,
Thanks for giving clients at De Pual Youth Christmas presents. We all greatly aprishiated them. You made me have a better Cristmas at De Pual then at my own home. Thanks again for the presents. I admire your generosity and hope that you will let us repay the favor by doing volentear work at Hope Dolls.
Thanks
Josh
YOUTH LETTER
Lea,
Thanks so much for letting me come and help out at your shop. It helped me, and made me ralize helping isn’t as bad as it seems.
Jessica Crompton
YOUTH LETTER
to Lea thank you so much for the gifts. I came to Depaul thinking I wasn’t going to have Christmas But. I was surprised by the wonderful present’s that where sent by hope dolls. I hope your holiday was good also thanks to you and everybody their mione was wonderful.
YOUTH LETTER
To Lea,
We all hope you get well soon. We will see you soon.
Bonnie
YOUTH LETTER
When I think about my father’s scary blue bloodshot eyes from drinking my body cringes. He would scream and hit until we could no longer cry. Me and my sisters would try to hide from him but he always seemed to find us. Then we got a bigger punishment from hiding. We would try to call my mom and beg for her to come home. When she would come home I would be so hurt from my father that I would sneak out and drink till I didn’t know my name. I would smoke as much as I could. I would sleep with anybody just to get my hands on my drugs. I never talked to my mom and soon I was never home. Her and my dad separated off and on weekly. We would move in, then move out. When I loved with my mom and three sisters I would party everytime my mom left. I would be so spun off dope I cared about nothing. I was 15 years old. I still am. I’m not even able to drive and I slept with more men then my age. Older men would often take advantage of me but I didn’t care. Now about three months later I am so different. I have a reason to live. I used to cut on my wrists but now the cuts have finally healed. I can now breath. But soon I am moving back in with my dad. Then what?
YOUTH POEM
”Sarah”
My name is Sarah
I am but three,
My eyes are swollen
I cannot see,
I must be stupid
I must be bad,
What else could have made
My daddy so mad?
I wish I were better
I wish I weren’t ugly,
then maybe my mommy
Would still want to hug me.
I can’t speak at all
I can’t do a wrong
Or else I’m locked up
All the day long.
When I awake I’m all alone
the house is dark
My folds aren’t home
When my mommy does come
I’ll try and be nice,
So maybe I’ll get just
One whipping tonight.
Don’t make a sound!
I just heard a car
My daddy is back
From Charlie’s Bar.
I hear him curse
My name he calls
I press myself
Against the wall
I try and hide
From his evil eyes
I’m so afraid now
I’m starting to cry
He finds me weeping
He shouts ugly words,
He says its my fault
That he suffers at work.
He slaps me and hits me
And yells at me more,
I finally get free
And I run for the door.
He’s already locked it
And I started to bawl,
He takes me and throws me
Against the hard wall.
I fall to the floor
With my bones nearly broken,
And my daddy continues
With more bad words spoken.
”I’m sorry!”, I scream
But its now much too late
His face has been twisted
Into unimaginable hate
The hurt and the pain
Again and again
Oh please God, have mercy!
Oh please let it end!
And he finally stops
And heads for the door,
While I lay there motionless
Sprawled on the floor
My name is Sarah
And I am but three,
Tonight my daddy
Murdered me.
There are thousands of kids out there just like Sarah. And you can help.
Please pass this poem on because as crazy as it might sound, it might just indirectly change a life. Hey, you NEVER know.
Please forward if YOU are against Child Abuse.
YOUTH POEM
One of the DePaul girls came to one of my volunteers and said, “Please make sure Lea gets this.”
And the following was what was on the paper:
A Poem 11-18-03—She is 15 years old.
Drugs of Choice
pot
coke
crystal meth
hurt
pain
my own death
acid
mushrooms
a special mix of pills
ex
crack
I can’t seem to overcome these hills
puking
sick
all alcohol induce
cutting
slicing
all these drugs I’ve use
boys
friends
I pray this will all end
love
hate
my scare will never ment
rage
confusion
stuck in this never-ending hell
poverty
abuse
all these drugs I had to sell
safety
security
these things I did lack
sex
rock & roll
I was addicted to smack
parents
teachers
ending it all, oh so quick
crying
dying
In my words this salty tongue did lick
done
suicide
not finding a way out
sadness
madness
doing it without a doubt
annoymous
age 15
YOUTH THANK YOU LETTER
My name is Janiceand I volunteer for a non-profit organization called Hope Dolls/Planes/Trains.
More and more kids are being incarcerated each year and in adult prisons because so many states are adopting laws to treat them as adult offenders. Experts say if kids are not diverted from a life of crime at an early age it costs society ½ million dollars per child to jail them and try to rehabilitate them later.
These kids don’t need to go to adult prisons. They need a second chance involving them in educational experiences with one-on-one mentors that make learning fun in community-based programs that are close to home and cost only a fraction of what incarcerating them does and that makes them productive members of society for a lifetime.
This why I volunteer for Lea Lakeside-Scott, founder of this organization. She came from a domestic violence home and is trying to help others not end up incarcerated or in prison. She lost all her siblings as a result of that abuse and her life’s goal and dream is stop pain for some child, some teen, or anyone.
When I first started volunteering, I was just cleaning and organizing the store and helping them with odd jobs and such. I helped customers, I stocked clothes after I separated the big tubs of clothes, and I also put together some shelves.
Then after about three months or so, I started doing Ebay. Currently they have given me the opportunity to sell clothes on Ebay and earn half the commissions. They have not only allowed me to learn new computer skills, retail skills, people skills, but have given me an opportunity to earn some extra cash.
It has been a very fun and exciting learning experience for me. I started doing volunteer work here because I could not find a job. I applied for many jobs and I didn’t get hired. My night school program requires that I get 16 hours a week volunteer work. However, I have come t love coming here and seeing all the people helped by this program. Then ironically, I found out my Grandma was old friends with the founder and now my Grandma volunteers too.
I am really glad I do volunteer work. It makes me feel very good about myself, to know that I am helping other people in our community and especially other teens.
Please consider helping this wonderful organization and me at the same time. They deserve it and I hope that I do also.
Sincerely,
Janice
