Dear Friends and Family,
I know each of you from Church, Emmaus or family, and want to impose on that relationship for a moment. With the help of several close friends, I have started a non-profit organization that is set with the mission to help women access the resources in Central Illinois, both sacred and secular for a better quality of life. Our primary audience is women in poverty who are otherwise disenfranchised from social services due to limited funds and no insurance. The help is two fold, referrals to existing agencies and personal contact through counseling and "listening".
This has come about much more quickly than any of us imagined, but God has smoothed the path.
In just the week we have been "open" for consultation, we have started working with a grandmother raising her grandbabies and started a group therapy session for ten women in a trailer park. Our facebook ad has been seen by at least 39 people, with 16 actually clicking through to "like" us. Our website has logged over 200 "hits".
PLEASE consider supporting this needed effort both prayerfully and with time and treasure. No amount is too small, it all adds up. We are currently raising funds to apply for tax-exempt status with the Federal Government, a fee of $750.00. We will also be conducting fund raisers on a regular basis for continuing operating support. Private fund grants will be applied for, but none that will bring regulatory oversight, such as governments or insurance. This is not for anyone to be subjected to more rules, but to get much needed help.
I can see every facet of my life being brought to this endeavor, from days as a payroll clerk, to managing large operations, to writing grants, to organizing 5K runs, to living in a homeless shelter, to designing websites, to working the 12 steps of AA with other women, to loving Christ and wanting to help His people. I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity and invite you to join with me. Please don't ignore this, but instead, please reply with either a NO, (and I won't bother you again) or, hopefully, a YES, I will support you. Again, the need is for 1) prayer, 2) monetary, 3) services offered for free or reduced cost 4) volunteer hours.
http://www.home-is-where-your-story-begins.org/
http://www.facebook.com/homebymary?ref=stream
May God continue to bless all of you, as I have been blessed by your friendship.
Mary J Richardson
Executive Director, HOME, Inc.
(217) 972-0851
P O Box 113
Decatur, IL 62525
Welcome to my blog
- Mary
- I'm a grandmother of four, a full time college student and a part time Child Welfare Helper. God uses everything in my life to teach me lessons that I share freely with you. (Please consider following my blog by submitting your email address. It won't be used for anything else, because I don't know how to!) LOL.
Please check out these pages also!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
OK, here we go!!
Dear Friends and Family,
As you know I have been receiving direction as I have gone through this past two years. Sometimes God's voice has come through others, primarily women; at times through things I've read, and certainly through my studies. I still don't know 100% of the plan, who among us ever does?, but I feel certain it is to work with women in poverty, that has been clear from the outset. Well, tonight is not a manic phase, God let me sleep until 3:15 am, and then woke me up with work to do. First I must have a plan! So over the course of the next couple of paragraphs I will share with you what I know today. Please read thoughtfully and prayerfully, as I will be asking your input from now on, my unofficial Board of Directors. My intention is to be ready to put this in place within the next two years.
This will be a faith based, peer to peer counseling rescue center targeting disenfranchised women. There are wonderful agencies out there that cover all these areas, but sometimes people can get lost in the maze of referrals. We will offer strictly peer counseling, not "book larnin'". We will greet a woman in need at the door with her own Case Manager who will do a thorough history and establish a plan in the following areas: addictions, sexual abuse, financial difficulties and health management. We will have peer Counselors for those cases not referred. We will refer to other agencies as needed for more formal therapy and medications. We will also tie in with the local and state agencies where appropriate. The difference is, we will have a contract with the client that she return weekly for a session with the Case Manager for as long as they both deem necessary to correct the original presenting need.
We will get clients from informational talks at churches and women's groups, mailings to clergy and general practitioners, and brochure swapping with other agencies. The tagline will be something to the effect of "sometimes you need someone to talk to."
The staff will consist of an Executive Director, me to start, an Administrative Assistant, Case Managers and Counselors. (ED at 40 hours per week, AA @ 20, CMx4 @ 20, Cx3 @ 20 = 200 hours per week @ $8.25 = $1650 weekly)
This will not be a lucrative career, but one that will give fulfillment. We will all start at minimum wage and a large dose of satisfaction. The compensation issues after that will be in the hands of the Board of Directors chosen from the community at large. I fully expect that we will benefit from volunteers in both Case Manager and Counselor positions. In time there will probably be a paid fund raiser and media consultant, but that would be a while.
I envision a facility in the Downtown area, possibly a large storefront that could be modified by partitions rather than build-outs, to accommodate the proposed footprint; an entryway, 6 small cubicle style offices, and a large file room and kitchenette area in the back. It will need to be on the bus line and handicapp accessible. (3,600 square feet should rent at the high end at $600 per month.)
As for funding, this will NOT be paid for by insurance or medical cards, that brings way too much red tape with it that would strangle us. I will be looking into grants for women's needs and ministries for the start up. I will also explore United Way, which may also bring too many restrictions. Again, the face to face with the front line clergy and doctors will be a source of clients and hopefully donations. There will be fee for service based on income up to a max of $25 per visit (a standard co-pay for insured folks). I expect very low cash in-flow, given our targeted audience. Cash outflow will be rent, utilities, liability insurance, compensation. There are lots of legalities for me to explore, the 501C3 application, the faith based exemptions. We don't even have a name yet. (I keep hearing something about the Woman at the Well, but it isn't clear.)
What does this mean to you dear reader? Well you will probably hear a lot of the details as the plan gets fleshed out, so fair warning. Also, it means that I am asking for your input, from the name itself to the "don't forget" admonitions that will come to your mind. My hope is that this blog can be one of the many voices leading us to accomplishing this.
As I lay out the plan, I am mindful of the 20+ years I spent in business, supervising large staff, renting multiple offices, remodeling facilities, operating $50 million budgets. I am mindful of the 10+ years in not-for-profits where I have achieved my Fund Raising Management Certificate, and have written many successful grant proposals. Once again I view my life as a tapestry with a red thread running through it, and all of a sudden the red thread takes on prominence and becomes a flower. I think that God is ready for this bud to begin to open. Please continue your prayers for me, this was a lot to put out there tonight, but it was on my heart.
More later....
As you know I have been receiving direction as I have gone through this past two years. Sometimes God's voice has come through others, primarily women; at times through things I've read, and certainly through my studies. I still don't know 100% of the plan, who among us ever does?, but I feel certain it is to work with women in poverty, that has been clear from the outset. Well, tonight is not a manic phase, God let me sleep until 3:15 am, and then woke me up with work to do. First I must have a plan! So over the course of the next couple of paragraphs I will share with you what I know today. Please read thoughtfully and prayerfully, as I will be asking your input from now on, my unofficial Board of Directors. My intention is to be ready to put this in place within the next two years.
This will be a faith based, peer to peer counseling rescue center targeting disenfranchised women. There are wonderful agencies out there that cover all these areas, but sometimes people can get lost in the maze of referrals. We will offer strictly peer counseling, not "book larnin'". We will greet a woman in need at the door with her own Case Manager who will do a thorough history and establish a plan in the following areas: addictions, sexual abuse, financial difficulties and health management. We will have peer Counselors for those cases not referred. We will refer to other agencies as needed for more formal therapy and medications. We will also tie in with the local and state agencies where appropriate. The difference is, we will have a contract with the client that she return weekly for a session with the Case Manager for as long as they both deem necessary to correct the original presenting need.
We will get clients from informational talks at churches and women's groups, mailings to clergy and general practitioners, and brochure swapping with other agencies. The tagline will be something to the effect of "sometimes you need someone to talk to."
The staff will consist of an Executive Director, me to start, an Administrative Assistant, Case Managers and Counselors. (ED at 40 hours per week, AA @ 20, CMx4 @ 20, Cx3 @ 20 = 200 hours per week @ $8.25 = $1650 weekly)
This will not be a lucrative career, but one that will give fulfillment. We will all start at minimum wage and a large dose of satisfaction. The compensation issues after that will be in the hands of the Board of Directors chosen from the community at large. I fully expect that we will benefit from volunteers in both Case Manager and Counselor positions. In time there will probably be a paid fund raiser and media consultant, but that would be a while.
I envision a facility in the Downtown area, possibly a large storefront that could be modified by partitions rather than build-outs, to accommodate the proposed footprint; an entryway, 6 small cubicle style offices, and a large file room and kitchenette area in the back. It will need to be on the bus line and handicapp accessible. (3,600 square feet should rent at the high end at $600 per month.)
As for funding, this will NOT be paid for by insurance or medical cards, that brings way too much red tape with it that would strangle us. I will be looking into grants for women's needs and ministries for the start up. I will also explore United Way, which may also bring too many restrictions. Again, the face to face with the front line clergy and doctors will be a source of clients and hopefully donations. There will be fee for service based on income up to a max of $25 per visit (a standard co-pay for insured folks). I expect very low cash in-flow, given our targeted audience. Cash outflow will be rent, utilities, liability insurance, compensation. There are lots of legalities for me to explore, the 501C3 application, the faith based exemptions. We don't even have a name yet. (I keep hearing something about the Woman at the Well, but it isn't clear.)
What does this mean to you dear reader? Well you will probably hear a lot of the details as the plan gets fleshed out, so fair warning. Also, it means that I am asking for your input, from the name itself to the "don't forget" admonitions that will come to your mind. My hope is that this blog can be one of the many voices leading us to accomplishing this.
As I lay out the plan, I am mindful of the 20+ years I spent in business, supervising large staff, renting multiple offices, remodeling facilities, operating $50 million budgets. I am mindful of the 10+ years in not-for-profits where I have achieved my Fund Raising Management Certificate, and have written many successful grant proposals. Once again I view my life as a tapestry with a red thread running through it, and all of a sudden the red thread takes on prominence and becomes a flower. I think that God is ready for this bud to begin to open. Please continue your prayers for me, this was a lot to put out there tonight, but it was on my heart.
More later....
Monday, July 9, 2012
A new perspective to consider
Hi Friends and Family,
On July 1st at our regularly scheduled church service before the 4th of July, there was a verse that hit me right between the eyes and has stayed with me all week.I couldn't even remember what song, so I asked our Worship Director yesterday. It was the Battle Hymn of the Republic. We have the words up on the screen to sing along, so you don't really see it coming, until you are singing it, and it was like " what did I just say?"
Go ahead and try it, sing the first verse in your head (or car) just to get the melody, and the rythym going, then jump into this last verse....
(From Google.com...An alternate verse was written by Don Moen for release on the Hosanna! Music project "Army of God" in 1988.)
I don't think I am unique in this, but I'm always saying things like "Jesus come now" and "I'm ready". Can you imagine ASKING God to give us more time to save more people for the Kingdom? Shouldn't we feel this way? I know it has hit me right between the eyes as being correct.
Every last minute of every day I am supposed to live my life in such a way that people will wonder where my joy comes from and allow me to share the source. I need all the time that is left in this mortal life to reach all the people I can...God please give me the time to do Your work.
More later....
On July 1st at our regularly scheduled church service before the 4th of July, there was a verse that hit me right between the eyes and has stayed with me all week.I couldn't even remember what song, so I asked our Worship Director yesterday. It was the Battle Hymn of the Republic. We have the words up on the screen to sing along, so you don't really see it coming, until you are singing it, and it was like " what did I just say?"
Go ahead and try it, sing the first verse in your head (or car) just to get the melody, and the rythym going, then jump into this last verse....
- We can almost hear the trumpet sound, the Lord's return is near,
- There are still so many people lost, His message they must hear;
- Father give us one more moment, one more day, just one more year,
- With God, we're marching on.
(From Google.com...An alternate verse was written by Don Moen for release on the Hosanna! Music project "Army of God" in 1988.)
I don't think I am unique in this, but I'm always saying things like "Jesus come now" and "I'm ready". Can you imagine ASKING God to give us more time to save more people for the Kingdom? Shouldn't we feel this way? I know it has hit me right between the eyes as being correct.
Every last minute of every day I am supposed to live my life in such a way that people will wonder where my joy comes from and allow me to share the source. I need all the time that is left in this mortal life to reach all the people I can...God please give me the time to do Your work.
More later....
Saturday, July 7, 2012
A Wandering Mind
Hi Friends and Family,
My "sharp as a tack" mind forgot to put my gas cap lid on yesterday..I didn't realize it until I was sitting in a semi automatic car wash and saw a man run in behind the car and put the lid on and run back out, all while the spray was swirling. I want to be as selfless and thoughtful as that man was to me. He inspired me.
Last night I took a look at Pinterest. After re-pinning some pix, I realized that I was drawn to all the bright colors, usually multi colored, like rainbow shades. Interesting awareness for myself. I remember a friend telling me once that I was beige. I think that was an indication of my "peace at any cost" attitude I took for years, to where I gave up my own identity. I guess I am finding my personal "voice" again.
So to sum it all up, I let my mind wander tonight and Googled some terms and looked at the images and found some that express who I am. I hope you enjoy looking over my shoulder at this self awareness.
This is my life verse, and there is no better direction.
Kneeling isn't practiced enough.
Mother Theresa inspires me.
I marvel at the engineering of birds.
I melt at the love yet independence of cats.
This picture reminds me that God is the strong bulwark in the ever present waves and currents that storm through my life.
Thank you God for all the people, places, things and situations you have woven into my life. I know that everything is to help me towards the purpose You have for me. Help me to keep my wandering mind focused on You and all Your mercies.
More later....
My "sharp as a tack" mind forgot to put my gas cap lid on yesterday..I didn't realize it until I was sitting in a semi automatic car wash and saw a man run in behind the car and put the lid on and run back out, all while the spray was swirling. I want to be as selfless and thoughtful as that man was to me. He inspired me.
Last night I took a look at Pinterest. After re-pinning some pix, I realized that I was drawn to all the bright colors, usually multi colored, like rainbow shades. Interesting awareness for myself. I remember a friend telling me once that I was beige. I think that was an indication of my "peace at any cost" attitude I took for years, to where I gave up my own identity. I guess I am finding my personal "voice" again.
So to sum it all up, I let my mind wander tonight and Googled some terms and looked at the images and found some that express who I am. I hope you enjoy looking over my shoulder at this self awareness.
This is my life verse, and there is no better direction.
Kneeling isn't practiced enough.
Mother Theresa inspires me.
I marvel at the engineering of birds.
I melt at the love yet independence of cats.
This picture reminds me that God is the strong bulwark in the ever present waves and currents that storm through my life.
Thank you God for all the people, places, things and situations you have woven into my life. I know that everything is to help me towards the purpose You have for me. Help me to keep my wandering mind focused on You and all Your mercies.
More later....
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Bridges
Hi Friends and Family,
I am thinking about bridges tonight. I took a drive for work yesterday from Decatur to Quincy and happened upon a pair of bridges (Valley City Eagle Pass) that were just beautiful to me...
I have also been across the Coronado Bay Bridge in San Diego a number of times and found it to be breathtaking...
I can't begin to tell the times I have been across the Poplar Street Bridge into downtown St. Louis...
My brother and his wife and their boys live in Tampa, near the Skyline Bridge, which is spectacular....
One of the most thought provoking statements I have ever heard is this "You never cross the same river twice." That says to me that nothing is ever the same, even from one minute to the next. Everything is changing, including me. I was also taught in school that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But I have learned in real life that God doesn't use straight lines, He takes me on an endurance course with built in hazards and obstacles. My life is a series of moving from point A to point B. Man engineered bridges to master the environment and answer the built in desire to be moving forward all the time. I am continually asking God to keep me moving forward on the path to a life filled with love and understanding of all. I think the true destination for me is to be moving closer to Christ's example of love, and to help others find the bridge to walk their own path forward as well.
I hope you enjoy the pictures, they are of memories from my heart....
More later....
I am thinking about bridges tonight. I took a drive for work yesterday from Decatur to Quincy and happened upon a pair of bridges (Valley City Eagle Pass) that were just beautiful to me...
I have also been across the Coronado Bay Bridge in San Diego a number of times and found it to be breathtaking...
I can't begin to tell the times I have been across the Poplar Street Bridge into downtown St. Louis...
My brother and his wife and their boys live in Tampa, near the Skyline Bridge, which is spectacular....
One of the most thought provoking statements I have ever heard is this "You never cross the same river twice." That says to me that nothing is ever the same, even from one minute to the next. Everything is changing, including me. I was also taught in school that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. But I have learned in real life that God doesn't use straight lines, He takes me on an endurance course with built in hazards and obstacles. My life is a series of moving from point A to point B. Man engineered bridges to master the environment and answer the built in desire to be moving forward all the time. I am continually asking God to keep me moving forward on the path to a life filled with love and understanding of all. I think the true destination for me is to be moving closer to Christ's example of love, and to help others find the bridge to walk their own path forward as well.
I hope you enjoy the pictures, they are of memories from my heart....
More later....
Monday, June 4, 2012
The hurrieder I go....
Dear Friends and Family,
I think this sounds like a Winnie the Pooh era phrase..."the Hurrieder I go, the behinder I get!) I feel that today. You will remember the flat tire on the way to my son's new home that resulted in four new tires? Well, I had just hit a VERY bad bump on I55 southbound and then the tire went flat. I remember thinking the flat was related to the construction, but not much beyond that. Well, I had not driven at highway speeds for a few days, and when I did, it was like a death roll. I at first thought the new tires were "too good" for my out of alignment car. I brought the car into an alignment place and was told that the left wide rims are badly bent. The machine they use to balance the tires said "Replace". I was supposed to work today but was too exhausted to do so a long drive. So I am now sitting here waiting for the replacement wheels, about $250 for two from the salvage yard.
That was scary, I just hit a series of keys to bring the backlight up on my netbook, and instead turned off my computer!!! Thanks for the autosave feature here on blogger.com!!
Anyway, while they had the wheels off, they showed me the problems with the struts, shocks, sway bar and bushings, all about $1000.00!! I am getting more hours this summer while school is out, but don't know how long it will take me to save at minimum wage!!!! Oh well, the hurrieder I go, the behinder I get...
In other news, this weekend was the third time I preached at the nursing home here in Decatur, Keystone Meadows. I was the most comfortable I have been. I plagiarized the bulletin layout from Pastor Mike that he uses at Primrose and it helped the day feel more authentic for me. I think I will try to visit the next three Sundays to meet the others and see if we can standardize anything to help build attendance. I just love these senior saints!
I will get to see my family the weekend of June 23,24 thanks to a deal I have worked out to drive someone to the St. Louis area for a visit. My daughter in law is planning a house warming get together and my mom, step father, sis and her family will all be there. My brother wouldn't be able to make a trip up for such a short visit tho'. My daughter in law just sent me this pic of the family this weekend at the St. Louis Zoo, and I wanted to share it with you all.
I can't wait to see them at the end of the month!!!
God is so good to me. I continue to be amazed at the gifts I have been given in this life. I continue to want to tell people of the wonders of His love and that the grace and mercy are available for anyone who believes. Christians are not perfect people, they/we are sinners who have been forgiven.
Well, he just told me that my little HHR is being test driven with the new wheels, so it is time to wrap this up. Thanks for listening to me.
More later....
I think this sounds like a Winnie the Pooh era phrase..."the Hurrieder I go, the behinder I get!) I feel that today. You will remember the flat tire on the way to my son's new home that resulted in four new tires? Well, I had just hit a VERY bad bump on I55 southbound and then the tire went flat. I remember thinking the flat was related to the construction, but not much beyond that. Well, I had not driven at highway speeds for a few days, and when I did, it was like a death roll. I at first thought the new tires were "too good" for my out of alignment car. I brought the car into an alignment place and was told that the left wide rims are badly bent. The machine they use to balance the tires said "Replace". I was supposed to work today but was too exhausted to do so a long drive. So I am now sitting here waiting for the replacement wheels, about $250 for two from the salvage yard.
That was scary, I just hit a series of keys to bring the backlight up on my netbook, and instead turned off my computer!!! Thanks for the autosave feature here on blogger.com!!
Anyway, while they had the wheels off, they showed me the problems with the struts, shocks, sway bar and bushings, all about $1000.00!! I am getting more hours this summer while school is out, but don't know how long it will take me to save at minimum wage!!!! Oh well, the hurrieder I go, the behinder I get...
In other news, this weekend was the third time I preached at the nursing home here in Decatur, Keystone Meadows. I was the most comfortable I have been. I plagiarized the bulletin layout from Pastor Mike that he uses at Primrose and it helped the day feel more authentic for me. I think I will try to visit the next three Sundays to meet the others and see if we can standardize anything to help build attendance. I just love these senior saints!
I will get to see my family the weekend of June 23,24 thanks to a deal I have worked out to drive someone to the St. Louis area for a visit. My daughter in law is planning a house warming get together and my mom, step father, sis and her family will all be there. My brother wouldn't be able to make a trip up for such a short visit tho'. My daughter in law just sent me this pic of the family this weekend at the St. Louis Zoo, and I wanted to share it with you all.
I can't wait to see them at the end of the month!!!
God is so good to me. I continue to be amazed at the gifts I have been given in this life. I continue to want to tell people of the wonders of His love and that the grace and mercy are available for anyone who believes. Christians are not perfect people, they/we are sinners who have been forgiven.
Well, he just told me that my little HHR is being test driven with the new wheels, so it is time to wrap this up. Thanks for listening to me.
More later....
Sunday, May 27, 2012
A Trip To Wisconsin
Hi Friends and Family,
I have had a wonderful trip this weekend to the Tomah, Wisconsin area. I had expressed an interest in preaching at the Open Door Baptist Church back during the semester, and the earliest date that would work was today. What a friendly, warm, supportive church, I really enjoyed the people. And I also felt very much in tune with the Holy Spirit in guiding my words. I hope I never lose the touch of nervousness before preaching, because it always reminds me to pray for God's help and blessing.
My friend Mary P. and I came up Saturday and are staying with Deb S. This bed contains over 66,000 cranberry plants in about 2 acres.
Deb also has goats, which I just love!!!! I have been drinking goats milk all weekend and it is very tasty and healthier than cow's milk for you.
She also has pigs which I stopped in to visit.
what a classic looking barn she has.
i held bread while the chickens and roosters pecked
I collected eggs from underneath some sitting chickens!
I fed Liddy from my hand but she wouldn't give me time to get more out for her!
just below her thumb you will see a tiny cranberry that will grow up by late September!
here is a beautiful shot of the cranberry blossoms and the red vines filling in an open area in the bed.
Thank you God for a wonderful experience, for a wonderful trip again with my friend Mary P., my new friend Deb, and the opportunity to see more of this beautiful creation of Yours.
More later....
I have had a wonderful trip this weekend to the Tomah, Wisconsin area. I had expressed an interest in preaching at the Open Door Baptist Church back during the semester, and the earliest date that would work was today. What a friendly, warm, supportive church, I really enjoyed the people. And I also felt very much in tune with the Holy Spirit in guiding my words. I hope I never lose the touch of nervousness before preaching, because it always reminds me to pray for God's help and blessing.
Thank you God for a wonderful experience, for a wonderful trip again with my friend Mary P., my new friend Deb, and the opportunity to see more of this beautiful creation of Yours.
More later....
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