By Cyndi Bloise | Pastor and Project Leader
Hello Donors!
This is probably my last report through Global Giving as the challenge ends tomorrow (the 22nd) and it looks unlikely that we have met the challenge to earn a permanent fundraising spot on their site.
However, I am still feeling very grateful. Together we have raised nearly $2,000, which is a wonderful accomplishment and makes a significant contribution to the health of this project.
These funds have been generated just in time, because we are getting ready to recruit for our next class of "Getting Ahead in a Just-Getting-By World" participants which will meet weekly from February through May or early June. Meanwhile, we will also be starting the new phase of the Circles project - working with those people who have already completed "Getting Ahead" and have been casually working toward their goals on their own while waiting for this phase. They will be assigned "Allies" who will form intentional relationships of support for at least the next 18 months as they work toward self-sufficiency.
In addition to making a difference in the lives of those two groups of people, we are now in a place where these folks are empowered enough that they want to give back and make a difference in the community. Through Circles, a forum is provided for gathering community support and moving into action together. There is no time to be lost! Even last night, there was a shooting about a block from the church. If we are to reclaim the community, the time is NOW! Our big vision for the community is to transform it into a place where people can come when they need help and healing; where resources and caring people are present throughout the community to help make the transition to a more stable life. When you hear about the changes for the good in Pitcairn over the next few years, please know that you have helped to make it happen!
Since we will likely not be on the Global Giving site after tomorrow, you may receive project reports from me by sending me an email at revbloise@gmail.com or looking me up on facebook. When I get the time, I am also planning to make a facebook page just for our Circles project where success stories will be posted.
Thanks again for helping to make hopeless poverty a thing of the past in Pitcairn.
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