View of Hope

NEWSLETTER

August 2026

DIRECTOR'S VIEW

Our revised Mission Statement declares we “Serve our neighbors in Christian love, giving hope and assistance with basic human needs”. As we seek to be diligent in fulfilling this Mission over the past year, several things have become increasingly clear to me:

(1) We all have a responsibility to be good stewards of what God has given us individually as well as an organization.

(2) An understanding of basic financial principles and money management is foreign to most of the neighbors we encounter.

(3) Current lifestyles have created a greater crisis in understanding what basic human needs versus society-declared wants are, making priorities and boundaries harder to accept.

(4) Biblically based decision-making is the only way to navigate life-impacting times of crisis.

In January, Troy Waugh of MDI Missions Development International led our Board of Directors and volunteers in a ½-day evaluation of our Mission, Values, and Vision. This led us to begin seeking God’s leadership to reposition and grow our ministry over the next five years. We are seeking ways to better present “who” we are, “why” we do what we do, and “how” others can be encouraged to join us as partners. This includes our name, logo, Mission Statement, Vision, and media presence.



And finally, as always, I want to THANK YOU on behalf of the View CRC to all who have supported us this past year. As God may lead you, we ask for your continued support for this ministry through volunteering, prayer, and financial donations.

To God be the Glory

Wayne Smith

Executive Director



COMMUNITY UPDATES

A Hand Up - Not a Handout

Through our Care Program, we are currently supporting 25 residents with urgent needs like rent and utilities—helping families stay in their homes and keep the lights on. Every step we take is grounded in compassion, community, and our faith in the Lord. It's about offering stability and hope when it's needed most.

So far in this fiscal year, beginning in October 2025 through June 2026, we have assisted 34 neighbors with 52 requests, providing ~$40,000 in financial assistance primarily in rental assistance and automobile assistance (repairs and financing). We have also met with individuals providing an understanding of individual budgets and tools to assist them to live on what they have available. We closed 33 budget coaching sessions this year and are currently active with 22 more.

We’re also deeply grateful to our community partners—especially First Baptist Church and One Church Home whose ongoing support has made a difference in the lives of many residents we serve. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community.

TESTIMONALS

As financial coaches, our goal is to assist and encourage neighbors in becoming financially independent, as we help them build a budget and share wise spending and saving habits. We do this because God has used others to guide us in the past; therefore, we want to pass along the blessings of knowledge that we have received. We also encourage others to be generous when they become financially stable, giving to their church, along with paying forward the gifts they have received while in need.

It is always a joy to walk with them as they desire to learn more about God and His Word. The View exists because we have all experienced God’s goodness, and we want to share His Love with others. Therefore, we give The Gospel Story to each neighbor, sharing the plan of salvation, along with the devotional, Our Daily Bread. We are also ready to provide a Bible to help them grow deeper.In addition to assisting the neighbors with becoming independent with their budget and finances, it is always a joy to walk with them as they desire to learn more about the Word. We are always ready to provide a Bible so that they can grow deeper."

Jeff & Debbie

(The View Budget Coaching Volunteers)

"I am a widow of twelve years with two sons ages 23 and 18. The past few years have been challenging with financial hardships due to life circumstances. The View organization and its' representatives, Mr. Wayne, Ms. Debbie and her husband have not only assisted me with certain financial needs, but also spiritually. I am blessed to have them assisting me with long term financial guidance and not merely specific financial support. Their one on one assistance is helping me to become financially stable. I appreciate the fact that they have never had a condescending attitude when dealing with me; they have always been uplifting, supportive and understanding that I have been and am doing the best of my abilities to gain financial stability and not looking for a handout. Every time I interact with Ms. Debbie she makes my heart smile. The View organization is a respectable organization with a Godly spirited mission filled with good christians doing God's will. I am forever grateful for the View and those involved."

In Him,

Marita

"I just want to say The View has helped me and my family numerous times. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be where I am today. I'm truly blessed to be a part of their family and grateful for the many blessings I have received from them. I want to thank The View from me and my family. God Bless!."

Lavita

It is with a heavy heart to share that we have heard that a neighbor of The View, Greg Moore, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 41. The View had the opportunity to help Greg acquire dental care for dentures. The new dentures not only removed serious dental issues, but they also changed his response to people he met. He could smile again! Several of us were able to attend his memorial service and were blessed by the number of people who were there to honor his life and his memory. We are thankful for the opportunity we had to help him, but more importantly, to call him our friend.

The View CRC has received a generous gift from the Gary C. Darnell Memorial Fund of $6,026 to be used to continue the ministry of compassion Gary began when he founded the View. We will continue to honor the legacy he gave us with this donation.

FUNDRAISING

The 4th Annual Fish Fry was held on Saturday, April 25th, at First Baptist Church in Fairview. It was a wonderful evening filled with great food, warm fellowship, and a spacious yet cozy atmosphere where friends and neighbors could gather, visit, and enjoy one another’s company.

Guests were treated to a delicious meal of catfish, white beans, fries, slaw, hushpuppies, and a variety of catered desserts. The food was truly superb, and the fellowship was just as delightful.

We raised $4,255 after expenses and had the opportunity to share with many of our Fairview neighbors our Mission and information on how we have served our Neighbors over the past year.

VOLUNTEERS

We're Entering a Busy Season—And We Need You!

As we head into the fall and winter months, things are picking up at The View CRC, and we could use your help! This season is full of opportunities to get involved, from budget coaching meetings to serving up banana pudding! Whether you have an hour or a whole day, your time can make a meaningful difference.

We also rely on generous donations to continue this important work. Every dollar goes directly toward helping families in crisis—keeping the heat on, preventing evictions, and offering a fresh start to those who need it most.

Want to get involved?

• Volunteer with us: Share your time and heart.
• Donate: Help us meet critical needs in our neighborhood.
• Partner with us: If you're part of a local business, church, or organization, let's work together.

BOARD MEMBERS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS

2025-2026 Board Members



Chairman – Lyle Ihde

Secretary – Debbie Earnest

Treasurer – Bud Odell

Directors – Dan Bohl, Josh Cherry, Jeff Earnest, Roland Peavy, Wayne Smith

2024-2025 Financial Statements

Statement of Financial Position

                 Assets – Cash $33,268

                 Liabilities – None

Statement of Activities

                 Revenue - $55,665

                 Program Service Expenses - $51,884

                 Management & General Expenses – 9,170

2025 – 2026 Budget

                 Revenue - $85,000

                 Program Service Expenses - $58,750

                 Management & General Expenses - $26,250

2025-2026 Actual May YTD

                 Revenue – 47,798

                 Program Service Expenses – $38,747

                 Management & General Expenses - $7,567

Our commitment is to continue to strengthen our partnerships with supporters to meet the crisis needs of our neighbors, and to increase our impact on these neighbors to understand their accountability to God to prudently manage their financial resources.