Bless the Babies

I have been thinking about moms and young babies today. There are at least eight in my circle of friends and family. I’ve been privileged to wait with happy expectation for the arrival of each of these little ones. I’ve shopped for gifts that I hoped would be helpful or entertaining. I have waited as ‘due dates’ approach for the joyful news that they have ‘arrived’, healthy and whole. Some I have cradled in my arms in their early weeks of life. Some I have ‘met’ through animated reports of their perfection by grandparents or parents. Extraordinary and plentiful photo albums traverse cyberspace to be enjoyed by friends far and near. These little ones have well appointed nurseries, drawers bursting with adorable outfits, stashes of diapers, and toys laying in wait for developmental readiness. More striking than the accouterments are their parents; well equipped to care for and nurture their babies. Oh that all infants would be welcomed as these, wee ones, have been welcomed.

I have been thinking about moms and babies today. There were many born just this week and last, and more will come next week … to young single moms. Some have been greeted with great joy and embraced by a caring extended family. Others, too many, have been greeted by just their mom, full of love, but saddled with fear, ignorance, poverty, and isolation. There are no fanciful decorations adorning the cramped quarters they call home. A meager supply of outfits, diapers and formula have been laid back. The father has already skipped out, or is on the move.

I have been thinking about moms and babies today. Some are born into a dazzling array of well equipped families; some are born into poverty that permeates all facets of life. The disparities are breathtaking.

There are multiple unique differences between the parents of the babies in paragraphs A & B. Some of the differences are clearly generational issues; some can be linked to environmental disproportion, while others stem from their capacity for making wise choices. A glaring difference is educational achievement. As we are able to equip young single moms with their GED and encourage them toward college or vocational school, we will begin to help break their cycle of poverty. Not only will this change the life path for each mom, but for her children, and their children… picture the rings around a single pebble tossed in a clear lake… the ‘ripple effect’ in this scenario is a beautiful thing.

Think of a little one in your circle. Think of a little one in the grasp of poverty. We can make a difference, will you help? For more information about our work see www.chloeinc.org

Teamwork

Last week we were invited to set up a display table and meet and greet participants at a networking event… Connection With Intention was an important event within the networking community of Central Ohio. Renee Belbeck,founder/president of National Association of W.O.M.E.N., invited us to be the beneficiary charity of the event. Erin, our Program Director was invited to give a brief speech about Chloe’s Place.

We met some great people! Many were interested in learning more about the work of Chloe’s Place. Quite a few signed up to keep up with our progress. Erin did a great job of introducing Chloe’s Place and making our purpose clear….in a 3 minute presentation!

I learned something about myself. I have known that I am wired pretty close to the introvert end of the spectrum. Being an introvert has often seemed a burden as I hone my leadership skills. Extroverts intrigue me, inspire me and leave my head spinning! As an introvert, having the opportunity to meet and greet 150 people that I do not know, at a place I have never been, in a setting geared for the outgoing entrepreneurs is not exactly in the center of my comfort zone! I learned that being a good team player is a desirable quality for an introvert. Erin’s effervescent, bubbly presence was delightfully inviting to many who came by our table or listened to her presentation. I enjoyed watching her relate to strangers in such a warm and winsome way. My presence was different, but rewarding as well. Among others, I connected with a young woman who was on her way to a movie, and stopped by to see what all the activity was about. As I shared with her, in my way, I learned that she is a young single mom, with goals and aspirations to break the cycle of poverty in her life. She was elated to find out that what she is seeking is what we are offering! This young woman will become our first GED student! How cool is it that our unique qualities and design can work together to make such a positive impact!