May came and went without a posting! Partly due to the fact that Spring was a challenge to me: wondering when will winter ever end! But I was "sprouting" like the rest of nature: taking root, budding new leaves, new flowers. I'm working hard, especially since dad broke his hip, so now I have to take on a lot of his chores: mowing, clearing out the roof drains, driving, etc. I do it with joy, but want him back in full form again (primarily because he loves to work too!) And I've enjoyed being a "gardener" for the first time!
FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS:
The Greater Isthmus Group along with MUM and United way organized an affordable housing tour of both the south side and north east side of Madison. The grim stats 20,000 are at income levels that need affordable housing (this does NOT include middle income groups that still have to spend more than 30% percentage of their income on the housing that is available) and there are only 10,000 units available through private and public ventures through out the city! So affordable housing remains to be a priority!
Madison-area Urban Ministry: I've enjoyed volunteering there every Friday and helping out with the Re-Entry Simulations that show the community how difficult it is to get back into society after prison! Next Wednesday I will do my first Simulation IN a prison, helping the inmates understand all that they need to do when they get out, to make sure they don't end up back where they came from.
Rainbow Project: have enjoyed early discussion with the staff on how to think of volunteers as integral to the vision and mission of the organization that will not only enhance their critical service: counseling services to children and families who have experienced trauma and/or abuse.
The Road Home: as a member of Door Creek I participated in our week to serve with the Road Home, by making Ribs for the families. First time but I started with Famous Dave's BBQ sauce and then of course added everything in my spice rack (and those of you who know me know I have a lot of strange things there) and they tasted fantastic. It was such a joy to hear the families' excited stories of their visit to the Henry Vilas Zoo! It truly is wonderful to have a free Zoo in the heart of the city! While this was self-initiated on the part of the families, I love seeing when there is this kind of "cross-polination" of services throughout the community.
Dane County Time Bank: Last night they had a very important meeting with the politicians, press, and movers and shakers of the city to demonstrate how much the time bank is doing in our community: energy conservation education, youth court (and potentially an adult court), allied drive wellness center, etc. Afterwards there was a small fundraiser event. I helped coordinate the event. Have to say that when you depend on volunteers and donations you never know what's going to show up, but it was a marvelous event, great food, great music, great door prizes, and great people! I enjoyed talking to various people about how to engage organizations more in the time bank. This included speaking with Edgar Cahn, the founder of Time Banking. I'm looking forward to reading his book: "No More Throw Away People: The Co-Production Imperative"
And then there is NEHEMIAH. I have to say I loved this group even before I met them! I believe that because they are a CCDA (Christian Community Development Association) organization that we have a shared vision and purpose, so I just knew ahead of time that we would be of one mind and one spirit! We are still getting to know each other. I have to admit I found it the highest compliment when Lalida said I seem like an "earthy" person! It's good to know that people read you the way you want to be read! Now don't get me wrong! My earthiness is of the Kingdom of Heaven style! I'm just starting a journey with them of toning up their volunteer coordination. It's a critical part of who they are and they do a great job, but as they anticipate doubling their opportunities, some basic pieces need to be established.
I enjoy being a part of all these organizations, and then a few others. But the part that is giving me great joy is mentoring C(13) and D(11). I started mentoring C right when I arrived, since my dad has been the family's volunteer chauffeur for the past 3 years. She is such a delightful young lady: full of confidence, questions, and yet pliable to learn. I try to introduce her to a lot of new things: the farmer's market, gardening, and then last week we went and saw Shalom Sallam (bellie dancing!) in return I tolerate the mall! D is a bit of a challenge. I was introduced to her through MUM's Mentoring Connection with their Children of Incarcerated Parents program. She's been through 3 mentors already, so I'm getting the "test" as only an 11 year old can dish out! But, don't get me wrong, not in a nasty way, that silent treatment! Which is difficult since C. is so talkative! I'm enjoying having two kids to direct my concern towards, now that my own are grown and doing adult life so majestically!
FEATURED HIGHLIGHTS:
The Greater Isthmus Group along with MUM and United way organized an affordable housing tour of both the south side and north east side of Madison. The grim stats 20,000 are at income levels that need affordable housing (this does NOT include middle income groups that still have to spend more than 30% percentage of their income on the housing that is available) and there are only 10,000 units available through private and public ventures through out the city! So affordable housing remains to be a priority!
Madison-area Urban Ministry: I've enjoyed volunteering there every Friday and helping out with the Re-Entry Simulations that show the community how difficult it is to get back into society after prison! Next Wednesday I will do my first Simulation IN a prison, helping the inmates understand all that they need to do when they get out, to make sure they don't end up back where they came from.
Rainbow Project: have enjoyed early discussion with the staff on how to think of volunteers as integral to the vision and mission of the organization that will not only enhance their critical service: counseling services to children and families who have experienced trauma and/or abuse.
The Road Home: as a member of Door Creek I participated in our week to serve with the Road Home, by making Ribs for the families. First time but I started with Famous Dave's BBQ sauce and then of course added everything in my spice rack (and those of you who know me know I have a lot of strange things there) and they tasted fantastic. It was such a joy to hear the families' excited stories of their visit to the Henry Vilas Zoo! It truly is wonderful to have a free Zoo in the heart of the city! While this was self-initiated on the part of the families, I love seeing when there is this kind of "cross-polination" of services throughout the community.
Dane County Time Bank: Last night they had a very important meeting with the politicians, press, and movers and shakers of the city to demonstrate how much the time bank is doing in our community: energy conservation education, youth court (and potentially an adult court), allied drive wellness center, etc. Afterwards there was a small fundraiser event. I helped coordinate the event. Have to say that when you depend on volunteers and donations you never know what's going to show up, but it was a marvelous event, great food, great music, great door prizes, and great people! I enjoyed talking to various people about how to engage organizations more in the time bank. This included speaking with Edgar Cahn, the founder of Time Banking. I'm looking forward to reading his book: "No More Throw Away People: The Co-Production Imperative"
And then there is NEHEMIAH. I have to say I loved this group even before I met them! I believe that because they are a CCDA (Christian Community Development Association) organization that we have a shared vision and purpose, so I just knew ahead of time that we would be of one mind and one spirit! We are still getting to know each other. I have to admit I found it the highest compliment when Lalida said I seem like an "earthy" person! It's good to know that people read you the way you want to be read! Now don't get me wrong! My earthiness is of the Kingdom of Heaven style! I'm just starting a journey with them of toning up their volunteer coordination. It's a critical part of who they are and they do a great job, but as they anticipate doubling their opportunities, some basic pieces need to be established.
I enjoy being a part of all these organizations, and then a few others. But the part that is giving me great joy is mentoring C(13) and D(11). I started mentoring C right when I arrived, since my dad has been the family's volunteer chauffeur for the past 3 years. She is such a delightful young lady: full of confidence, questions, and yet pliable to learn. I try to introduce her to a lot of new things: the farmer's market, gardening, and then last week we went and saw Shalom Sallam (bellie dancing!) in return I tolerate the mall! D is a bit of a challenge. I was introduced to her through MUM's Mentoring Connection with their Children of Incarcerated Parents program. She's been through 3 mentors already, so I'm getting the "test" as only an 11 year old can dish out! But, don't get me wrong, not in a nasty way, that silent treatment! Which is difficult since C. is so talkative! I'm enjoying having two kids to direct my concern towards, now that my own are grown and doing adult life so majestically!
