The FAITH GATE opens a little more.....

Yesterday, I had the privledge of attending a local community meeting. The group is called Carbon Valley Network- and that is exactly what it is. A group of local people coming together to help eachother with community needs.

At the end of the meeting, I was able to introduce myself and THAT PLACE. (Pretty funny because I had to come right from my morning Zumba class- so my outfit was .... well, a little colorful and sweaty!)

The response I got from the people there was overwhelming! So much so, that I had to sit in my suburban until I could stop shedding tears of joy before I went in to do some grocery shopping after!

A lady from the St. Vrain Valley Education Foundation wanted me to send her an email with as much information as possible as she would be meeting with the school superintendent and wanted to share with him! (YES! I have been trying to get a meeting scheduled with him and our local school board representative!)

A person from the Weld County Food Bank came up and said they would like to provide snacks to the teens after school at THAT PLACE!! (Bonus for us, as I told her we also planning on serving in the community and would love to serve at the food bank!)

A man from the United Way came up and told me that if we have our building by the time Day Of Caring comes in May, United Way can help us with volunteers to help get it cleaned up and ready!

A man from Leadership St. Vrain said he would like me to come and present to them at their next meeting! (From what I understand this group is made up of people from the entire school district- talk about some networking!)

The librarian present said she wanted me to meet their Teen Librarian and that he would have many things we could use like a flat screen TV.....? (Huh? I didn't see that coming!! COOL!)

So, as I sit here and try to patiently wait to see where THAT PLACE will actually BE.....I am overwhelmed by the interest in it from our community already! I cannot wait to see our facility and all the people who come to be a part of it!! I stand at the FAITH GATE!

The FAITH GATE

So, I am on the journey, as I have talked about before.... starting a non-profit business for teens in my area.

The nudge to do it happened over a year ago...I began investigating- could I do it? Where? How? I have always been in positions of service for work- home health aid, residential worker for people will disabilities, nanny, day care provider.... I guess I had some experience managing as a Child Care Director over the years...I manage my home (homeschooled all four of my girls)....but to actually START a business???? WHAT?!





I just had this feeling deep down inside...you know, it is like everything REALLY lined up for the first time in my life. I used to feel like there was something out there I was supposed to do...but I didn't know what. I did a lot of things and I ended up being burnt out. In college, I majored in Social Work- I have always had a heart for helping others... but being an actual "Social Worker" was not something I pursued.

I have a passion for kids- mostly older kids- TEENS. I love sports and fitness- love teaching them, playing them, watching them. I have coached basketball for 11 years-from upward to rec to travel and high school- it is so fun at every age and stage! I had a rough time in my teenage years- made some bad choices, had some bad things happen... and one thing I am very passionate about is trying to help teens know they are cared about- know they have options- know they can pursue their dreams and be successful. I love art! I copy other artists work a lot and from time to time create my own piece....Performing isn't my favorite thing, but I have directed children's musicals and I simply LOVE watching plays and musicals!!

Mentoring? Why yes, I had been a Sunday school teacher- helped write Sunday School Curriculum and have a been a HS small group leader the past couple years. I love getting with kids and talking to them about life- offering guidance- and support. Tutoring? Yes, I have been homeschooling for 13 years....And, I am able to help my two now highschoolers out when they need it- which isn't often. :)

So, all of these things have lined up. The things I love and care about most in the world....And even though I have no real business experience- I knew this was IT. I was going to start a business that put all of these things together in an area I moved to that really didn't have a place for the teens that live there outside of their schools. I didn't know HOW- but I knew .... it was like there was a gate before me and I could see through to the other side of it- but had to have faith that it would open as needed to allow me to get there.

It has become in my mind, THE FAITH GATE. First, a lady who has passion for raising money for such a non-profit group comes into the picture. She has become our Director of  Development- June is sometimes referred to as the "head" as she checks and balances me (the "heart") and thinks of things logically and realistically.She was a vocal major in college. A Founding Member Board with people from various backgrounds- but all with one thing in common- wanting more for these teens-and really caring! Phil is an outstanding artist and creative thinker.He is not a resident of the Tri-towns, but he brings to the table many ideas and much experience in that department. Greg is a business owner and helps to focus us and get us on a project plan with specific goals and time tables, he enjoys the tech world and  hopes to offer computer tutoring at THAT PLACE. He used to be involved in Young Life. Mark is in sales with a background in Chemistry. His plan is to offer tutoring in Chemistry and help with our sports tournaments. He is logical - yet knows how to get and hold the interest of others. He is also so athletic- played every sport in high school, baseball in college and has coached basketball for years! Chris offers much experience with youth. Young Life, a former youth pastor- now he is in the business world and loves to be a geek with all his computer knoweldge.... but he also is artsy- he acts and sings beautfully! Pam is a long time member of our community and she and her family have run our high school basketball feeder program, Gold Crown, for over 10 years! She has help two different government jobs and now works in the business world. He daughter graduates this year from our local high school and they have done a fabulous job raising her!

So- as I stand at the FAITH GATE- it swings open - and into my life enter these incredible people who are willing to step onto the path with me and help get this business up and running! AMAZING!