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?

Cha Ching!

Who would have thought it? The cost of offering a desperately needed, well planned and executed program is staggering!

I decided early on that programs and services through CHLOE, Inc would be offered as we had funds to pay as we go. We plan carefully, acquire the needed resources, and then proceed.

When we began the quest, to establish a self-sufficiency home, we had around $10,000.00 in our CHLOE account. Most of the funds we have available have been donated by individuals. We recently received a gift from a local church for $1200.00 that is being applied to the expenses of our new GED Mentoring program.

In 2009 we determined that we must focus our efforts on programing primary to achieving our mission and not wait passively for the opportunity and funds to purchase and renovate property. The GED Mentoring program quickly rose to the top of the list! It is, after all, our mission to equip young single moms with tools to break their personal cycle of poverty. Few people question that education is a ‘key’ tool. Creative planning and willing volunteers have impacted the cost; we are comfortable with the investment required to see our GED Pilot Project through.
Curriculum and materials $900.00 (consumable goods)
Test fees for 5 students $250.00
Miscellaneous expenses... yet to be determined

Prior to initiating 'direct services' it was imperative for us to consider risk management issues and to purchase appropriate liability insurance.
General Liability Policy...$3,000.00 (covers 1 year/all mentoring/tutoring programs)

While the GED Mentoring pilot gets off the ground, we are looking forward to our next program component, Parenting Classes. As funds are available this program will be offered by late summer of 2010. Our vision to have Chloe’s Place (residential program) within the year has not dimmed.

So what is our plan to raise and maintain funds for the ongoing work and expansion of CHLOE, Inc.? We have often looked to an established self-sufficiency home for guidance and patterns. While our financial dynamics may evolve very differently, their financial report offers insight. Hope House of Colorado disclosed the following information in their 2009 Annual Report:
INCOME
In kind 5%
Individual contributions 30%
Corporate gifts 12%
Events 41%
Grants 10%
Other 3%

Our perspective:

In kind: We are identifying and recruiting professionals willing to donate legal, media presence, administrative and other services
Individual: Through personal contact, Internet opportunities, and printed materials we are raising awareness of the plight of young single moms. We believe there are more than adequate resources in the hands of caring people willing and able to invest in this important work. Our job is to articulate clearly and invite response. With confidence in our vision and in our broad and diverse community, we request support. We steer away from fund-raising strategies that employ manipulation or imposed guilt... I personally shun those tactics and the organizations that use them!
Corporate We benefit from the investment of other organizations, social networks, and businesses and look forward to expanding that support base.
Events are popular and worthwhile for Non Profits. Expect to hear of our first major fund-raising event in the fall!
Grant funds are less available in our current economy. We are anticipating favorable evidence of our work through the GED pilot, to make us eligible to apply those targeting our focus. We are currently preparing a proposal for a $250,000.00 grant to be awarded based on online votes received to support the proposal! Be watching for an invitation to vote and to spread the invitation to your cyber-circle of friends and colleagues.
Other: While several of the funding sources must focus on large sums of money needed for properties, programs, salaries, and insurance costs, etc. we are creating some fun projects intended to raise smaller amounts to cover the cost of specific projects. Our first 'project fund-raiser' is in the works:
We are conducting an Amateur Photography Contest and a Children's Art Contest.
The winning entries in each category will grace the pages of our first CHLOE
Calendars. We are also thrilled that awesome local photographer, Erin Collins will
supply a collection of Amazing Animal Photos for a third calendar. We plan to
begin marketing them in October of 2010.

In conclusion, I am increasingly attentive to fund-raising discussions, promotions, and strategies. I believe that open honest discussion about the plight of young single moms and our cost to equip and release them, empowered to be self-sufficient, is necessary. I believe that transparent and prudent financial planning is required and must be communicated clearly. You are invited to consider our work and to join us in whatever way you are able, we need you.

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.”