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!

The 'To Do' List

My intent for this blog is to provide insight into the behind the scenes thoughts, tasks, and processes involved in structuring a comprehensive self-sufficiency program. This particular pursuit began in November of 2008 (16 months ago); the eight months prior to that I spent researching how to best help break the cycle of poverty, in the lives of young single moms. It was then I determined a self-sufficiency home (model) best satisfied the quest.

I am elated to hold the vision for what Chloe’s Place will become and to be making steady progress toward the goal. We are first initiating our GED Mentoring Project, to be launched soon

Take a peek inside our ‘To Do’ list that has guided our recent work:

♥ Research the need for the proposed project
♥ Research current standards for providing GED tutoring
♥ Review curriculum options
♥ Determine barriers common to young women desiring to earn a GED
♥ Establish a plan to reduce barriers for potential students
♥ Establish time-lines for decisions, plans, promotion, and implementation
♥ Recruit a capable Program Director (willing to volunteer her services)
♥ Determine the best format for tutoring sessions
♥ Secure a location for tutoring sessions
♥ Establish program budget guidelines
♥ Recruit volunteer Mentors
♥ Present and get approval from Board of Directors for funding GED pilot
project
♥ Communicate with multiple community agencies; seeking student referrals
♥ Establish guidelines and policy for volunteers involved in the project
♥ Establish guidelines and policy for students involved in the project
♥ Establish desired ‘outcomes’ to measure success of the project.
♥ Design an ‘outcome’ measurement tool
♥ Work with Insurance Broker to secure General Liability coverage as well as
insurance to address student transportation issues.
♥ Promote project through website and monthly E-Note… to gain community support
(This required a new website design)
♥ Communicate with other programs offering GED programs to learn from their
experience
♥ Address potential safety issues for students and staff

We are now ready to recruit and engage students!

You are probably not surprised to learn that none of these tasks are simple or have quick resolve. Several issues have been addressed then found to be impractical, too costly, or not to the standard we desire… back to the drawing board, we’ve gone. I am most grateful to have the support and encouragement of our Leadership Team and especially indebted to Erin Whinnery, our awesome Program Director!

What an incredible learning experience for me! I’ve even learned a little about myself, especially my expectations! I’ve grown in to a new level of contentment with the rate of our progress. I am confident that it is the steady constant driving toward the goal, not the speed that makes our success sure.

Being right...

Ever since the arrest of the church group from Idaho, caught taking children illegally from Haiti, the question of doing what’s ‘right’ has been discussed through a vast array of perceptions. Even if I assume, and I do, ( simply because I want to) that the zealous Americans thought they were ‘saving’ the children, doing the ‘right’ thing by providing a better life for them,they were still dead wrong! This does not appear to be Civil Disobedience for a higher cause, but failure to respect and adhere to law and practice, in place to protect the rights of children. That kind of ill-equipped fervor almost always ends badly. Their folly makes it more difficult for others to make a positive impact.

As the founder and exec. director of CHLOE, Inc/Chloe’s Place the responsibility to act wisely, within the boundaries of law and best practice, weighs heavy on me. It has pushed me to spend hours scrolling through legal mandates and wade through research that I must stretch to understand. I have read books on topics I had never considered before this work began. My quest continues; one new insight spurs me on to investigate another… and so it goes.

I am always surprised and a bit perplexed when I hear of new not- for- profits launching programs, soliciting support, and celebrating success while the ink is still wet on their business plan. “Do they have a business plan,” I wonder? It is not that I don’t wish them success, I just wonder how they do it! I hope their haste does not precipitate new laws that make serving vulnerable people even harder than it is now! Or... discourage generous people from supporting other worthwhile efforts.

In all things there is need for balance. My folly may be that ‘doing it right’ gets in the way of ‘doing it’. I hope not. Each brick we have laid in the foundation of our organization is intended to make it strong and sustainable for the long haul… long after I have a say in the matter!

Next month, we will start our GED pilot project. To the best of my knowledge and ability we have a good foundation laid for a successful outcome. If not, I am pretty sure someone will bring it to my attention!

Introducing Erin!

I am delighted to introduce you to our Chloe's Place... Program Director!

Erin Whinnery has spent her life as an observer of people, patterns and possibilities. Her strengths lie in research and development and problem solving; specifically through the application of principles. Her passion is truth. Her vision is to encourage individuals to embrace the pain necessary to fulfill their destinies. She engages the world with intentionality, convinced that every human being has the making of greatness.

Erin believes that success comes when one embraces the reality of rights through personal responsibility. She understands that relationships are the conduit for achievement. And while remaining single-focused, she continually strives to never be narrow-minded.

“I chose Chloe’s Place for my efforts because of a desire to give out of what I’ve received. I was raised with a strong, solid and blessed foundation. I believe one should build off of such a foundation, not just admire it.

“Chloe’s Place is committed to equipping and releasing young moms so they in turn can equip and release their children. Isn’t that beautiful?

“Chloe’s Place isn’t another welfare system. It’s an equipping station; providing women with the resources they need to break free of the bondage of poverty in all its facets—physical, social, emotional and spiritual.

“Chloe’s Place provides me with an opportunity to put my beliefs in action and contribute to the prosperity of future generations. I know of no greater calling after the equipping of my own children.”

Just You...Right?

I have been thinking of a comment a colleague made, a few years back. She said, " I hear you talk a lot about CHLOE, but it is really 'just you' right?" I've wondered over time just how many people share that opinion. There are actually quite a few people who have made integral investments in leadership, service and expertise to get us to this apex. I did a tally in my head and thought of 40 in a quick count. Some have been on board from the start. Some signed on for a single project or service. One group joined us specifically to learn from us, then launched their own project. Some have tested the waters then jumped ship without warning; leaving me in a quandary. Every non-profit program director I've met with shares the anguish of the wax and wane of volunteer rosters. I am learning that i simply can't take it personally when people abandon the cause...but it is difficult.

We are starting the New Year with a great group of committed volunteers! During 2010 I expect to see a multi-fold increase in people who join forces to help break the cycle of poverty for young single moms and their children. Our friends at Hope House of Colorado keep 250 volunteers busy... another great example of their excellent leadership!

So how many people do we need to make our GED pilot project successful? We need 5- motivated students, 2-facilitators, 5-mentors, child care providers, transporters, and lunch preparers/servers. Potentially we will offer 36 class sessions for 5 young women (including child care, transportation, and lunch). While this pilot project is our current focus we continue to need volunteers to help with other aspects of business, promotion, and technology.

At this point in our journey we are not adequately funded to pay even our professional staff, but that day will come! I am exceedingly grateful for those who are willing to get on board at this juncture.

Merry Christmas!

My all time favorite Christmas song...

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby would give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

Oh, Mary did you know....
Mark Lowery