2013.

Happy New Year! So we're a few days into 2013 and I hope everyone out there is doing well. I'm back to work after a week and half vacation (although I can't say the same for the rest of the campus....it's like a ghost town around there!)

 

But if you're anything like me, you welcome the new year with open arms. I love this time of year and the freshness of it all. The new opportunities and the chance to refocus on the important things in life! And to me, one of those important things is the ability to help others which is why I am so excited for a new opportunity to serve others!

 

About a month ago, I received a call from Joel, who works for a local community group called Kingdom Causes. I had volunteered with them years ago when I was a part of a church plant in the community and have come to know the director and his wife since then.  Its an amazing group of people who are working toward building a better and stronger community. They work in the areas of youth development, homeless outreach/prevention, community outreach, and job training & development. They currently run a company called Good Soil Industries which trains hard to hire men and helps them work their way out of poverty. It's such a great concept, which you can learn more about here.

 

Anyway, as the success of that program grew, they began to realize they didn't have an avenue for training and helping women who were hard to hire. As they considered how to expand their job development program to fit that need, an incredible opportunity was presented!

They were able to purchase a local coffee shop that will train and employ women who are changing their lives! And the crazy part?? They have asked me (me?!?!) to do the interior design and look of it!! I am so excited!

 I'll be working with another volunteer/designer (who I've yet to meet but who I'm sure is amazing!) We'll be finalizing color schemes, furniture, art pieces, and everything else over the next few weeks in time for the grand opening next month.

I'll be sure to keep everyone in the loop and would love for anyone local to come check it out and support the women who will be working there! I guarantee it'll be a warm, welcoming, and relaxing environment and can't wait to see it all come together.

Happy New Year!!