Thursday, September 2, 2010

How I Spent My Summer....

I can't believe how long it has been since I have posted an update! ... So sorry to keep you in the dark on the progress of CHLOE, Inc and Chloe's Place. I have been contentedly busy over the past several months.

Late in the Spring we had a bit of a set back due to the departure of one of our key leaders. That happens from time to time. I've learned to embrace and enjoy each contribution of time and talent for how ever long someone has to invest in our work!

Over the summer I've enjoyed working with two women who have come on board to help move us to the 'next step'. They, like everyone else, are busy, busy, busy people! I so appreciate their investment of time and value their unique and valuable skills!

One highlight for me has been to start looking at houses for Chloe's Place. I realize that we do not have funds in place, but it is important to have an idea of the style, neighborhood, and price to be able to make wise plans and apply for funding. We have made some decisions that will direct our focus when the time is right!

I feel confident that we are on track for accomplishing what needs to be done as we continue to dream of getting Chloe's Place up and running. The program pieces and policies are intact. The next step is to advance the work by securing funds for operational expenses and the house. We are looking at grants and refining our approach to fund raising. This is not in-expensive work! So far all of us are volunteering our time. It will be such a delight to be able to pay salaries one day!

We are working out the details,(and submitting a grant proposal for funding) for a really exciting Outreach program. We are calling it "Moms Connections". We will enroll 12 young single moms willing to commit to meeting twice a month for 1 year. Once a month we will host a Parenting Class and once a month a Life Skill class. We will provide child care, help with transportation and serve a light meal at each meeting. Each participant will have a Mentor that will spend time with her regularly. I am really excited about the potential for this program. We will need to enlist and train Mentors, get donations of food and other materials, and find just the right place to hold the classes (preferably on the bus line). I'm interviewing women to co-teach the classes with me. Receiving the grant fund, or not, will impact the plan, so not all decisions can be made just yet. If you live in the NE Columbus,OH area and have connections with a great location we could use for the classes... give me a call!

When I began unfolding the vision of establishing a self-sufficiency home for young single moms I knew it was a significant undertaking... I didn't understand all it would require! I expected things pop up left and right and the work to begin at record speed. It is now 2 years in to the venture. I realize what an incredible blessing the slow and steady pace has been. I have been challenged on every front with decisions and considerations that were new to me. I have learned the value of patience and gained confidence in trusting beyond my own abilities. I'm not sure when the awesome day of celebrating the opening of Chloe's Place will happen. I am sure that when that day comes I will not regret the months spent seeking the best plan and design.

There is a new energy present in the work, a steady stream of people affirming the plan and looking for their place to be involved. I'm ready to take the Next Step... will you join me?