This has been one of those amazing weeks that I don't want to see come to an end (although I probably won't have energy to have it go on much longer :).
There are two parts to LifeLine CDC: 1. Coach and equip others in Asset Based Community Development 2. Practice and model the work.
Sunday: In Atwater with a church that wants to be more community oriented. Working on a partnership of coaching, volunteering and growing together.
Monday: Phone conversation about next week's trip to Texas to create a strategic plan with a team to develop community development training for rural areas. Meeting with a volunteer who will help with tax preparation.
Winton: Bus Boutique is at the Community Center. Ernie makes arrangement for 140+ gallons of milk to be given to local people. David sets up appointments for free tax assistance (VITA). A large group of volunteers distribute USDA commodities through the community center. People helping each other. Volunteers are getting the center organized.
Merced: Tunde is finishing up his official time as AmeriCorps member but is committed to the community and continues to run the programs in the Meadows with the help of many many volunteers.
Tuesday: Meeting in Ripon with pastors who care deeply about church and community. Coaching a young pastor who wants to start a church in Stockton that is open 24 hours, because hurts don't keep office hours.
Worked with Delhi partner to get grant for tools for community beautification project.
Winton: Computer stations are being painted, ESL class is conducted, community members are connecting with each other.
Wednesday: Meeting with United Way for a brief video interview to describe how the UW grant is helping young people in Winton get their GED and life skill training. Meeting with a wonderful community organizer. Writing a grant for financial sustainability.
Homework night in the Meadows - thanks to the help of UC students.
Thursday: In Fresno visiting friends who have an amazing thrift store to learn with partners how they can start one in their area. Meeting with professor from FPU to talk briefly about entrepreneurial business. In Merced with United Way and their partners to learn about the next grants. In a meeting with a person who cares deeply about aged out Foster Care Youth.
Friday: Personal coaching call to equip Monika. Grant and report writing, e-mails, planning, organizing. Getting ready for Austin, TX trip and a sermon next Sunday on "When helping hurts" in Sacramento. Game night in the Meadows. Community center open in Winton.
Just a glimpse into a week at LifeLine CDC where everyone no matter how rich has a need and everyone no matter how poor has a gift and where we together build and celebrate community. A week where about 90 people used their gifts and passion to help each other.
A week where I met many people who are developing a passion for Asset Based Community Development.
This was a week where we got to do it all and enjoy it!