Dear Sustaining Partner,
“It’s time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I’d much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure.” -Ernie Harwell
How is it I merely blinked and here I am writing my final monthly letter to those who have become my beloved friends? Twenty-six years since I was initially introduced to this ministry, 17 years ago I went through my initial volunteer training and then nearly 15 years ago I was blessed to come on board as an excited executive director. I knew this was the adventure for which God had been preparing me since the day I was born. I could see His work from my childhood adoption all through my growing up years and into adulthood. If nothing else in life caused me to believe in God’s personal orchestration and sovereignty in the lives of His children, serving as executive director has doubt-proofed my faith. Though I get sidetracked when my focus shifts off Him and onto my circumstances, there is no question there has always, only been “one set of footprints” as He carried me along His path every step of the way. Never two sets of prints. Never!
These past weeks I’ve been training Kathleen Jones to step into this position of great responsibility as I sort through years of books, articles, cards and letters. The final few weeks of this journey are an emotional roller coaster as I’m anxious to continue the path forward, while at the same time longing for a little more time to reconcile feelings, faith and future.
Regardless the decision is made, and our transition plan is underway. I am honestly very, very excited to watch the continued growth of Pregnancy & Family Resource Center under Kathleen’s leadership. She brings a whole new skill set and fresh ideas to the table. Once she finds her feet, her energy and focus on serving our community well will lead in many directions including a growth in our outreach to men along with extended hours to include weekends. I see only growth and program development in the future of Pregnancy & Family Resource Center. A part of me cannot reconcile not being a part of everything we’ve got going on down here—There’s always people coming in and out, clients who have become our “kids,” events to plan, letters to write and…well, the list is endless. However, I’m thinking about sleeping past 5:30 AM with a slow morning enjoying coffee on the patio before a round of golf with my husband of just a year!
But I’ve still got a little time, and I will make the most of it helping to prepare for change while we plan events. First, I’ll see our ladies at the annual tea (“Getting to Know You”) on Saturday, August 10 from 11 AM to 2 PM at the Colton Women’s Club facility on “F” and 7th Streets in Colton. Tickets are $25 each and available now in our office, event committee members and online through our website—use the regular “Donate” button, and designate tea tickets. Print your receipt and bring it with you to check in. Seating is limited, so get your tickets early. This will be my final speaking engagement with the ministry, and you’ll have a chance to get acquainted with Kathleen. In addition to our regular program and some delicious food, Emma Aguirre will present her program, “A History of Hats.” Emma’s Vintage Paris will also have a merchandise table. Our silent auction will feature some premium items including a portrait session, and many themed gift baskets. Please keep in mind the silent auction isn’t so much an opportunity to get something for as little as possible as it to raise much-needed funds for the ministry. Especially in the summer, funding is down. We set the value and the lowest bid, then trust guests to be generous and in the bargain take home some wonderful things. Bring your check, cash or charge and be prepared to enjoy a little competitive shopping.
Don’t forget the most important event of the year—our fall fundraiser, “Por la Vida” on Friday, October 25. Information will be out in early September, but what you’ll want to know right now is this will be a more informal event—business casual with Mike G Williams as our keynote. Mike an internationally known Christian comedian will share his story.
Come with your invited guests to enjoy this evening while understanding this event is a major and necessary fundraiser. Please let your guests know this in advance and suggest they be prepared to partner with this ministry. We don’t charge for this event, but the cost for the organization is approximately $70 per person. A few dollars stuffed in an envelope or a $20 check will not cover the cost of the meal. In faith we plan the very best program we can, and we trust our guests to be generous with their support of this faith based, privately funded non-profit, pro-life ministry.
And finally, I’d like to invite you to an open house/reception we’ve planned as an opportunity to allow me to say goodbye to all those associated with the ministry, and for the community to meet my successor, Kathleen Jones. We’re planning a light meal. I do hope you will stop in between 4 PM and 7 PM on Thursday, July 25. It’s been a wonderful, wild ride. Come down as together we celebrate nearly 15 years of ministry. I look forward to seeing you there.
“God be with you till we meet again; by His counsels guide, uphold you, with His sheep securely fold you. God be with you till we meet again. Till we meet, till we meet, till we meet at Jesus’ feet. God be with you till we meet again.”
Always, For Life!