Makeovers for Mercy

New Blog for Makeovers for Mercy

2010-03-26T22:16:00.000-05:00

We have moved our blog to:

http://makeovers4mercy.posterous.com

Blessings,

Jan

Event October 1, 2009 at "The Head to Toe Woman", Franklin, TN

2009-10-04T21:00:00.002-05:00

Repost from Teresa Bennett, Oct 1, 2009: "Makeovers for Mercy" event photo with Whitney Nall, Mercy Ministries Community Relations Manager and Ashley, graduate of Mercy Ministries Nashville. What an awesome time celebrating "Makeovers for Mercy" at Dawn Totty's Studio "The Head to Toe Woman" in Franklin.

Back to Basics

2009-05-19T13:57:00.000-05:00

I listened to a podcast this morning on morningcoach.com. It was about getting back to the basics.

As I started thinking about how this applies to my life, Mercy Ministries came to mind...the girls are at Mercy to learn in many instances..."how" to get back to the basics.

I, on the other hand, am trying to get my business, along with my mindset "back to the basics" so that it will grow.

Some take-aways from the podcast:

* during stressful situations - no matter the cause - get back to the basics and just breathe. A couple of good, deep cleansing and calming breaths will work wonders. Breathing IS getting back to the basics.
* having worries? Write down WHY you are worried. What about a given situation is worrisome? Once you identify the true root of the worry - next identify what you can do about it. And then start taking the steps, one at a time.

In stressful situations it's important to continue with forward momentum. When you see progress, it's easier to stay on the path.

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

Amazon Associates Link

2009-05-18T09:22:00.000-05:00

Just leaned that Amazon.com has an Associates membership. If you click through from any links provided in this blog and make a purchase...money will be donated to Makeovers for Mercy. 100% of the funds generated from this arena will be used to benefit the graduates of Mercy Ministries!

Here is the book my staff and I are going to read and work through this month:

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

Update from Nancy Alcorn

2009-05-15T10:45:00.000-05:00

I recently received an email update from Nancy Alcorn on current needs of Mercy Ministries.

I felt the need to communicate with you via email today to make you aware of our current needs. So many of our friends and supporters have told me time and time again that I should let them know when we need help and how exactly they can help. We are in a challenging time financially in the ministry and need your help.
The truth is that during challenging times like these, we get more requests than ever for our services. The increase in calls from struggling young women only makes us even more thankful that we are able to continue to offer our services free of charge - just as God led me over 26 years ago. We are also working toward opening 40 more beds in our California home to respond to the demand and the ever increasing cries for help so that 40 girls can leave our waiting list and find healing through our ministry.
Unfortunately, we receive heart-breaking news from time to time of girls dying while on our waiting list. Just last week, we received a funeral program from the mother of a beautiful young woman who died at age 23 from an eating disorder while in the process of applying to Mercy Ministries. It is no exaggeration for me to say your giving means the difference between life and death for these struggling young women.
We realize that the country is going through difficult economic times, and we have seen a shortfall in giving as many of our own families and supporters are struggling, yet we are grateful for even the smallest donation. For those of you who are blessed financially, we ask that you help make up the loss of those who have been unable to give.
I thought an email would be the best way to communicate so that if you are in a position where you can give right now, then you can simply respond by giving online to provide us with immediate help. Click here to go to our website and give.
Lives are being transformed, but the problem is not solved. In the month of April, we graduated 25 girls from our U.S. homes. As we celebrated their changed lives and their restored hope for their futures, we also made room for 25 new girls to come into the program off of our waiting list. We are at a point where we are reaching more girls than we have ever reached before, but this is also putting more pressure than ever before on our finances.
So, I want to give you an opportunity to help. If you are able and feel led, please help by giving a gift today. If you know someone else who might want to help us, please send this email to a friend and know that regardless of the amount of your gift, it is greatly appreciated. Together we can make a great difference!

Thank you,
Nancy Alcorn
Founder and President

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

M4M Facebook Group

2009-04-09T22:10:00.002-05:00

Makeovers for Mercy facebook group just created! Please join and follow us!

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

Even $5 makes a difference!

2009-04-08T13:56:00.001-05:00

I'm launching a contest today through the end of April in the KW Green Hills office.

For every $5 donation made, the agent will be entered in a drawing for a basket of UNWIND Aromotherapy products. The drawing will made during the first week of May. The basket includes:

Body/Linen Mist
Massage Oil
Bath Salts
Body Lotion
Bath & Shower Gel
Shower Pouf

Aromatherapy is an ancient art and the sense of smell is strongly tied to memory. The products in the basket will not only promote relaxation, they will help the receiver remember YOU and your kindness!

Baskets are also available for sale for $130.00. $36.00 of each full price purchase goes directly to purchase products for the graduates at Mercy Ministries.

Interested in purchasing a basket or making a donation? Please call or email me! We have 12 girls graduating this month at the Nashville Mercy Ministries home...we depend on you to help us provide for them!

Blessings,

Jan
jan.orga@mac.com
janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

Who do you know?

2009-03-17T23:14:00.002-05:00

Yikes! Teresa and I were just notified that 18 girls will be in our next Makeovers for Mercy class - which means 18 girls are close to graduating!

This is GREAT news for all involved; however, we NEED to replenish our 'giving' closet.

Who do you know with a heart for Mercy and might be willing to host an event to help us raise much needed funds?

Call or email me!

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

February Graduates

2009-02-26T23:00:00.003-06:00

Please add the following girls to your prayers for support and discernment to walk through the beginnings of their new lives as they graduate from Mercy Ministries.

Kendyl, Laura, Sandra, Ashley, Joy and Carrie

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

Right Company, Right Time

2009-01-18T19:38:00.003-06:00

We ARE affiliated with the Right Company at the Right Time.

Join us tonight on our "United Nation's Training Call" to learn more.

January 18, 2009 8:30 pm CST

Dial-In Number: (402) 237-2020
Alternate: (402) 426-6963

Access Code: 370610#

Calls are recorded if you can't listen live. Questions? Call or email me!!

Ask me how YOU can help benefit Makeovers for Mercy and the girls at Mercy Ministries!

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

Recession Proof Your Income

2009-01-15T22:18:00.003-06:00

Check out this article and video on News Channel 13 in NY.

Arbonne is the company Makeovers for Mercy is affiliated with to raise money in order to provide products for the girls at Mercy Ministries.

Direct Marketing...Flourishes Despite Economy

We are always looking for opportunities to increase our network. Please call me if you'd like an additional revenue stream or would like to support our Makeovers for Mercy effort.

Pure-Safe-Beneficial AND Recession Proof!

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

Reach for the Stars

2009-01-07T00:15:00.004-06:00

I'm taking this goal setting thing quite seriously for 2009...and beyond!

2008 was such a complex year for me and quite emotional...mostly great and fabulous...yet as I realized I was entering into yet another season of my life and that the previous season was gone and never to be again...it was also humbling, scary, somewhat depressing, lonely and in a weird way freeing. Can you see the mix of emotions I was dealing with?

I have declared 2009 to be "my" year. I intend to focus on me and learn who I am and do the things that make me happy.

I've spent a couple of hours this evening writing, erasing, writing more and finally documenting 10 year, 5 year and 1 year goals. I've also written a 55 point strong "Bucket List"...a laundry list of things I want to do, build, share, accomplish, experience, etc.

My intentions with working for Mercy Ministries via "Makeovers for Mercy" was overwhelmingly confirmed during this process! I had no doubt I was on the right path here...amazing to see it reveal itself yet again through my searching process this evening.

I have a vision and a GOAL to build teams working for "Makeovers for Mercy" in each city where there is a Mercy House.

We are doing good work. We are doing important work. It has been affirmed over and over.

I intend to do 1 thing every day that scares me towards achieving this goal. It is the only way I know to hold myself accountable.

My specific goal is to have 3 "Makeovers for Mercy" teams in place by Jan. 1, 2010. That's one year.

1 year
3 teams
Priceless!!

If you'd like to read more about the specifics of my goal setting process check out my other blog: Celebrate Abundance

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

Goals

2009-01-05T23:30:00.003-06:00

I listened to a very interesting online training by Dani Johnson tonight. It was titled "Keys to Setting and Achieving your Goals in 2009".

Dani said something that really resonated with me - she said, "Nothing becomes dynamic before it becomes specific."

In reflecting upon this, it's clear to me that I MUST put my goals in WRITING and I must do it SOON. By soon - I mean this week. I have been saying to business partners and friends, that my goals are to grow our Makeovers for Mercy effort by....and then I list a few things I'd like to see happen. This is simply NOT good enough!

I am stating publicly here - that I am going to get specific with my goals and I will publish them here by Friday, January 9th. How's that for specific?

Stay tuned....

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T22:40:00.002-06:00

2008 is when I was introduced to Mercy Ministries and the wonderful works they do every single day. Teresa and I were blessed to push forward with Makeovers for Mercy and in turn in a small way bless the graduates.

My plan for 2009 is to improve and expand our Makeovers for Mercy effort. There is no time like the present!

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

Graduation Day, A Cause for Celebration!

2008-12-09T22:05:00.006-06:00

I love starting my day with a Mercy graduation. It is very grounding and centering for me.

The praise and worship, testimonies of past pain and the healing that has begun at Mercy Ministries, prayers and words of encouragement from the staff, the after-care plans and then the wonderful opportunity of presenting the gifts to the graduates that so many people have helped to provide.

Today gifts were given to these special young women:

~Megan

~Katie

~Stephanie

~Tamara

~Ashley

~Jen

Please pray for them often as they continue their journeys and begin this next exciting phase of their lives!

Nancy mentioned verse Jeremiah 29:11 during the ceremony. She referred to God's words "these are the plans I have for you." She was putting together pieces of several of the girl's journeys and how it was apparent that God knows the plans He has for us. We only need to trust and listen.

This stimulated me to come home and look up the verse. The Bible I am using for study has prayer and study helps by Stormie Omartian. I don't think she'll mind if I paraphrase from her "Going Deeper" section in Jeremiah.

'For I know the plans I have for you, 'declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'. Jeremiah 29.11

God's plans for us can sometimes take a long time to show themselves. It's easy to lose heart and become discouraged during these waiting times. I am far too familiar with waiting! It's important for us to stay plugged in to God during these times.

We need to seek God and pray about our future. We then must be diligent and obey God. Every step of obedience will bring us closer to the future God has planned for us. We must listen to God's voice - he will lead us. God promises that we have a good future and reason to have hope. Trust Him in both! He will deliver!

Ok - a quick plea for Makeovers for Mercy. Today we gave away $1,500.00 worth of product. We are honored to be able to bless these girls and thankful for all the people that have helped to provide.

We need your help to continue to grow this effort. Please contact me to find out how you can help. It's fun and very fulfilling!

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

Follow-up to It's All About the Planning

2008-12-08T22:49:00.003-06:00

It's pretty clear to me that whether you plan events over a long period or identify an opportunity and "throw" the event together quickly, the important thing to do is HAVE events! (Teresa will be ever so happy to hear me admit this! )

The GOOD news is that over the last several weeks both Keller Williams Murfreesboro and Keller Williams Green Hills have hosted events supporting 'Makeovers for Mercy'.

I've just added the orders together and figured the money raised. Both events were quickly put together and a total of approximately $300 was raised for our Mercy effort! How AWESOME is that!!

THANK YOU Keller Williams!!

The challenge to me is to continue to grow this thing. I've had some interest expressed by Team Leaders of several other local Nashville KW offices to explore events. Like we teach our agents - it's all about the Lead Generation. The responsibility turns to me to find other open doors.

I intend to have a belief that the ocean of prospects is so huge for me that no matter how many calls I make or customers that I get that I can't even make a dent in the supply.

This "Intent for the Week" is taken from Selling from the Heart: Weekly Visualizations, Inspiration and Strength for those that Sell by Michael J. Durkin.

'Makeovers for Mercy' can take many forms. Call me for ideas!

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

It's All About the Planning

2008-12-02T23:59:00.000-06:00

It's all about the planning and isn't it? Well you can take a long time to plan or you can take action and plan quickly!

I'm always trying to identify opportunities to raise money for Makeovers for Mercy (M4M). Holding one on one makeovers or small makeover events is just NOT cutting it! I've got to broaden my base. The more people I can get to try our products, the more money I can raise for M4M.

In the office last week, I ran across a catalog that one of our agents had out, with a note on it saying - "let me know if you'd like to order something"....

I called the agent and suggested that at some point we co-host an event - in effect, broaden both of our bases. I could invite my database, she could invite hers...sounds like teamwork to me!

Bottom line - we decided to host the event on the day she had planned, but changed the location to our Keller Williams Green Hills office instead of her home. I threw together an email invitation, started talking it up in the halls, now we'll see what happens!

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com

The Lotus Flower

2008-11-30T22:13:00.005-06:00

I've spent the day working on this blog. First I wanted a template that "matched" my intentions for the blog. I hope you like what I've come up with. It is a work in progress, much like the girls at Mercy Ministries.

I've chosen the LOTUS flower to represent this blog because of it's symbolism and how it reminds me of the journey the Mercy girls experience. Lotus blossoms represent BEAUTY and SUCCESS!

Lotus flowers start off as a seed in the bottom of a pond, in the smelly MUCK and the MUD. Yet they grow. As they grow, they eventually make their way OUT of the mucky, smelly bottom of the pond, through the water and to the TOP where they become a BEAUTIFUL, SUCCESSFUL flower.

This metaphor struck me.

You can be born into the worst possible situation, much like the lotus, but with considerable growth and determination, you can get to the top of the "pond" and become something more than what you were born into.

YOU can become the BEAUTIFUL, SUCCESSFUL "flower" at the top of the pond!

When I attend Mercy graduations, I see "beautiful flowers" that have grown while at Mercy, with great spirit, determination, purpose and empowered by their relationship with Jesus Christ.

...Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire...they saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. Daniel 3:25-27
Thank you, Jesus, that when the heat is on in our lives, You get in the fire with us and are faithful to those who are faithful to You.

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

2008-11-24T21:40:00.005-06:00

It's Thanksgiving week and I cannot believe how this month has flown by! I am so thankful for the relationship I have developed with Mercy Ministries via my business partner, Teresa Bennett.

Mercy has helped me to think "outside" of myself; I hope that my involvement will leave the world a little bit of a better place. I am personally blessed each and every class and graduation that I attend at Mercy. The "Mercy Girls" work so hard at moving forward, day by day, into their new lives. I admire their strength.

Some of our activities for November have included:

November 6th: 5 graduates BLESSED with gifts from Makeovers for Mercy. Please pray for Lauren, Jama, Abbey, Tabitha and Hannah as they begin this new phase of their lives.

November 14th: Teresa hosted a fabulous "Styles of the Season" party attended by 40+ wonderfully supportive women! We were treated to fashion and makeup tips for the upcoming holiday season by Dawn D. Totty, owner of "The Head to Toe Woman"; we also were blessed with the musical offerings of Michelle Gold. It was a fabulous evening, great networking, visiting with old and new friends, awareness and money raised for the Mercy girls to boot!

November 18th: Mickie Howell of Keller Williams Realty - Murfreesboro hosted a "Beach Party". We spent several hours pampering the women of the M'boro office with foot spa treatments, facials, paraffin hand treatments and a wonderful beach themed visualization exercise. All designed to pamper and relieve stress. The additional benefit? Money raised to purchase products for future graduates of Mercy Ministries.

I've just received word that the next graduation is set for December 9th; 6 girls are scheduled to graduate. The gifts we are able to Bless the girls with, thanks to ALL of your generosity, are valued at $250.00. The need is great to continue to raise funds.

Special thanks this month to Teresa Bennett, Mickie Howell, KW Murfreesboro, Dawn D. Totty and Michelle Gold.

Makeovers for Mercy Events are FUN and can be tailored to your group!

Please let me know if you'd like to help...in addition to fundraising, we need your prayers for our mission, for the girls at Mercy, for the staff of Mercy and the work they are doing.

May you have a blessed Thanksgiving wherever you may be.

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com

jan.orga@mac.com
615-400-3019

Six Graduates Celebrate New Life

2008-10-18T22:20:00.002-05:00

This week the Nashville Home is celebrating the freedom of six young women who just graduated from Mercy Ministries in Nashville and Monroe! These girls have experienced the true freedom and joy that comes from having a relationship with Christ.

Check out the stories on the Nashville website

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

Graduation Day!

2008-09-24T21:55:00.005-05:00

Another Fabulous Graduation Day at Mercy Ministries!

What an experience to witness the testimonies of and blessings bestowed upon the graduates by Nancy Alcorn and the staff of Mercy Ministries. I always come away from the graduations feeling a mixture of emotions: humbled, grateful, honored, blessed, tearful, spiritual, happy, joyful, enlightened and uplifted, just to mention a 'few'.

I was particularly touched today by a mother quoting from Isaiah 61, vs 1, 3...

He has sent me...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

Receiving beauty for ashes! I don't think it can be explained any clearer what Mercy is doing for these girls.

Congratulations to Caitlin, Kris and Jordan. May God continue to bless you with wisdom and knowledge so that you may see His truth in every situation.

Many thanks to our supporters for allowing us to BLESS these girls with gifts provided by Makeovers for Mercy. Teresa and I would like to thank the agents of Keller Williams Realty - Nashville and our other clients for their support making this all possible. We need continued support - please contact us to find out how YOU can help!

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
janorga@myarbonne.com

Mercy Ministries Video Blog

2008-09-18T08:21:00.000-05:00

Check this out!!

http://mercyministriesvlog.blogspot.com/

Watch Nancy as she provides updates on Mercy Ministries!

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019

Prayer Partner Update

2008-09-17T21:39:00.012-05:00

Received via email from Nancy Alcorn a few days ago:

I am traveling to St. Louis this weekend for several speaking engagements. I will be speaking to a group in the community on Saturday night (September 13). I will also be doing the three Sunday morning services at Faith Family Church in Shiloh, IL (St. Louis area) - at 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, and 11:00 AM. Then I will be speaking to a large group for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Sunday night at 5:00 PM. Please pray for favor and for God to move and touch peoples lives during each of the times we share, and that He would continue to divinely connect us with people for His purposes.

I will be traveling to Los Angeles next weekend to speak at a womens conference called God Chicks. Please pray that will be a very powerful and effective time of ministry as well.

Please continue to pray for the girls in the program. We want to also update you with the names of our current residents because weve had quite a few girls graduate. (Check out some of our graduate stories on our website). For your convenience, I have attached a new list of names so that you can print it out and put it in your Bible.

Please continue to pray for our finances. This continues to be a challenging situation. Pray for God to touch the peoples hearts who are able to give extra at this time. Pray also for our monthly partners to be blessed so that they can keep their monthly commitments.

I was pretty shaken this morning as I got off the phone with a pastor from Louisiana who is very close to our ministry. He shared with me that he has an 11 year-old girl in his congregation that is pregnant. Her mother took her to get an abortion yesterday, but she couldnt go through with it, so she ended up calling this pastor for help and he called me this morning. Even though our age limit begins at 13, we will probably make an exception for this girl because she has no one and no where else to turn. The first thing we are recommending is that she be taken to the doctor to get a good physical and to find out how far along she is. Please pray for this young girl this is obviously a very devastating situation, and very indicative of the state of our nation.

Trinity - Kris - Joyia - Tara
Briany - Samantha - Jackie - Amanda
Emily - Tabitha - Jennife - Maddy
Brittany - Megan - Jama - Jennifer
Elizabeth - Caitlin - Tamara - Hannah
Deanna - Laura - Leisha - Sylvia
Heidi - Ashley - Haley - Kristin
Emily - Jackie - Chelsea - Sarah
Taylor - Georgianna - Stephanie - Stephanie
Hailey - Cindy - Jordan - Kimberly
Katrina - Britin - Kendyl - Lindsay
Ruth Ann - Morgan - Emily -Jennifer
Esther - Susan - Ashley - Cami
Ruby - Katie - Andrea - Erin
Jennifer - Amy - Carla - Brittany
Kelley - Chrystal - Sarah - Kelly
Kerry - Sandra - Chelsea - Kristi
Bonnie - Ashley - Rachel - Kelsey
Jessica - Carrie - Nichole - Ally
Ashley - Ashleigh - Chelsea - Kalie
Hannah - Charlice - Laura - Danielle
Abby - Jessica - Lauren
Hannah - Abby - Jill
We appreciate each of you so much,

Nancy

Nancy Alcorn
Founder and President

15328 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37211
phone: 615.831.6987 fax: 615.760.1113
http://www.mercyministries.com

Please join me in supporting these young women and MM in prayer!

Blessings,

Jan
www.jan.orga@myarbonne.com

What are "Makeovers for Mercy"?

2008-09-17T21:39:00.010-05:00

"Makeovers for Mercy" is the brainchild of Teresa Bennett, my "upline" in Arbonne and partner in this effort. Without her I would not have been introduced to Mercy Ministries (MM) and would therefore, not have experienced the MIRACLES and TRANSFORMATIONS that are occurring daily at MM! I will remain forever grateful to Teresa for this introduction.

"Makeovers for Mercy" are makeovers for clients AND makeovers for residents and graduates of Mercy Ministries. The makeovers for our clients and monetary gifts from sponsors generate the funds necessary for us to provide 1) makeovers for MM residents and 2) FREE Arbonne product gifts for the girls at graduation!

Fifteen residents of Mercy Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee participated in the first “Makeover for Mercy” event on February 27, 2008!

The “Makeovers for Mercy” class began by discussing God’s order in nature and how that translates into skin tone, hair and eye color. Yes, there is a correlation! Each girl was given a worksheet and analyzed their skin tone and best complimentary colors.

In preparation for make-up application, the girls washed and moisturized their faces with Arbonne Intelligence Cleanser and Day and Night Moisturizer. Foundation colors were determined using the f.y.i. arbonne line for young women. Instruction for make-up application techniques were given using the Impact Your Image program developed by celebrity make-up artist Krista Embry. This is the exact program used with clients for the “Makeovers for Mercy” fundraising events. Visit Impact Your Image.

As our class time came to a close, each girl received a f.y.i. arbonne magazine with health and beauty tips and information. It was so exciting to surprise them with the news that money had been raised for each of them to receive gifts of skin care and make-up!

Be a part of “Makeovers for Mercy”!

Here’s how:

• Sponsor makeovers/products for residents
• Ask your employer to sponsor
• Sponsor as a Business Owner
• Tell others about the opportunity!

Blessings,

Jan
www.janorga.myarbonne.com
615-400-3019