Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Monday, December 29, 2008

Understanding Poverty

During our last Foundation Building Team meeting we worked to refine a succinct statement that conveys our organization's reason for being. Defining the Mission Statement is time consuming, but well worth the effort. We will measure each programmatic decision against the statement, as well as communicate our reason for being to others.

Our Mission Statement:
"Chloe's Place, a Christ-centered ministry, empowers young, single moms to become self sufficient, resilient and adaptable, breaking the cycle of poverty".

Breaking the cycle of poverty is paramount to our work! To gain a better understanding of poverty and how to bring about change, I am reading an incredible book by Ruby Payne, PhD. A Framework for Understanding Poverty. There is a wealth of information and insightful revelations in this book. Here is an excerpt from the book:
" Typically, poverty is thought of in terms of financial resources only. However, the reality is that financial resources, while extremely important, do not explain the differences in the success with which individuals leave poverty nor the reasons that many stay in poverty. The ability to leave poverty is more dependent upon other resources than it is upon financial resources. Each of these re sources plays a vital role in the success of an individual.
Emotional resources provide the stamina to withstand difficult and uncomfortable emotional situations and feelings...
Mental resources are simply being able to process information and use it in daily living...
Spiritual resources are the belief that help can be obtained from a higher power, that there is a purpose for living and that worth and love are gifts from God...
Physical resources are having a body that works, that is capable and mobile...
Support systems are resources.
Relationships/role models are resources. All individuals have role models...
Knowledge of hidden rules is crucial to whatever class in which the individual wishes to live. Hidden rules exist in poverty, in middle class, and in wealth, as well as in ethnic groups and other units of people..."

"The culture of poverty has some universal characteristics which transcend regional, rural-urban, and even national differences... There are remarkable similarities in family structure, interpersonal relations, time orientations, value systems, spending patterns, and the sense of community in lower-class settlements in London, Glasgow, Paris, Harlem, and Mexico City."
Oscar Lewis, Four Horsemen

When I read important book I highlight what I may want to refer to in the future. This book is very colorful now... with an abundance of yellow highlights. I beleive this will be an excellent resource to use in staff and volunteer orientation.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Thinking of Moms

I am especially aware of teen moms... I notice them in the hubbub of holiday shopping. I watch their stories on TV programs like TLC's "The Baby Story". I take note of comments they make and comments made about them. I understand that teen moms love their babies and want to be great parents!

I listen to twenty and thirty-something moms talk about parenting and the weariness they experience; even those with supportive husbands and extended families. It makes me wonder about the stress that teen moms must endure. Many have no one to help out and long for a safe haven for themselves and their babies.

I remember when my first baby was born; I was 22, married, an RN and had family close by. I wondered if I would be a good mom; I wanted to be the best mom in the world! I had so many questions! I remember laying awake at night, counting the babies respirations! I have heard a lot of stories from peers; sharing the challenges of bringing their babies home from the hospital, feeling ill-prepared and uncertain. Some of the stories are funny as told now, but I am certain it wasn't funny at the time!

I pray throughout each day that God will bless the work we have begun to establish Chloe's Place. I pray that we will be welcoming teen mom's and their little ones to a safe and nurturing home during 2009. The task that lies ahead is daunting. We will need volunteers, donors, advisers, and friends to share in the work. I hope as you check in on our progress from time to time that you will notice your heart growing increasingly tender toward teen moms. I hope you are already thinking about ways you will become involved.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Team Meeting

Our Chloe's Place Foundation Building Team met tonight. It is always exciting to come together and get caught up with the information our members have gathered. Tonight's meeting was special in that we welcomed a new member to our team. Dee brings a wealth of knowledge in Early Childhood Education. We look forward to learning from her, especially as we consider curriculum and programing for the children we will serve.

We worked on our Mission Statement... it is amazingly difficult to come up with a succinct statement that fully describes the vision! We are getting close. It will be a trimmed down version of the one that is at the bottom of the posts.

A new challenge to consider. What ages can we serve? We have felt confident in planning toward serving teens on the younger end of the spectrum, but will have to weigh that against possible legal and financial barriers. We have some research and surveys to complete to get a full picture of the state of teen parents in our community. We have to make sure of legalities that impact residential programs specifically. I hope we can have all the data we need by our January meeting. Each decision builds on another... so I small delay can set us back a bit!

We are making progress.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Wordless Wednesday


My friend Jill inspired me to post a weekly "Wordless Wednesday". I hope the photos will guide your thoughts to the precious moms and tykes that Chloe's Place will serve. They deserve our best, don't you agree?