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Over the years, certain people in this community, and the organizations they represent have provided instrumental support and instruction that brought us to where we are today. I am also aware of the interconnection between the support and instruction that we've received, and that which we've given to families. It forms a beautiful continuum in which we all become stronger, and able to see ourselves in context of the larger community and the roles we have in it. Personally, I have been fortunate to receive the wise and kindly counsel of Pat Cressy, who truly represents the best of what leadership is all about.

Another important stepping stone on our journey occurred in 1997-98 when we went to Junior League and requested their help to get this "best kept secret" out to the public. With the energy and commitment that typifies their work, they enthusiastically supported us in this leg of the journey, and we have established a stronger presence in the community thanks to them. Our public relations materials are beautiful, and our manuals are redesigned with a professional look.

Leadership South Bend / Mishawaka awarded their first scholarship to me in '92 for class X1X. There I learned how leaders who understand the value of teamwork can accomplish great things that working alone could never do. Leadership's goal of expecting its graduates to assume greater responsibility in the community has always kept me looking at what HMR (and I) can do to make our community a better place to live.

Every once in a while, a relationship that is truly unique evolves. That has happened between us and Memorial Health System. Since 1998, we have looked at how two organizations as different as we are, one very large, and one comparatively small, with similar missions of service, can work in powerful ways together. It is an interesting and invigorating journey. In the process, Memorial has supported us in numerous ways and truly helped us to see more clearly what our potential is. Through them, we have come to appreciate the dynamic "can do" attitude which makes them innovators of change in our community.

In 2001, we had to move. The YMCA was a perfect location, but needed renovation and redesign. Vern Casteel, owner of Casteel Construction, pulled together contractors to help us prepare the space for the move. The results have been wonderful. Vern, and other contractors like him understand why it's so important to team with not for profits for the sake of the community. Many thanks to Vern and the others.

Although these have been highlighted areas in our growth, the real underpinnings and the glue that have held it together has been our long-time donors who have supported us through the years. Without your support, we wouldn't have made it to these other places on our journey. In 1998 we established our Sustaining Partners program, and because of it, we can plan for each year's growth, knowing better what our financial resources will be.

Fifteen years has come so quickly. It has been rich through our relationships with all of you. Working together, we will move confidently through this year and next, anxious to carry the mission of HMR to more families than ever before.

St. Joseph county is a family community. It is a great place to live! It has all the amenities for a healthy community. The diversity of our community makes it rich in culture and traditions that should be embraced. The YMCA's vision for the future is for strong kids, strong families and strong community. We are committed along with Home Management Resources to join with the Healthy Community Initiatives to make this the healthiest community in the country. Collaborations and partnerships such as we have with Memorial Hospital, Bethel College and Home Management Resources and many others, will insure this work continues.

When I first learned about Home Management Resources, I was so intrigued with the program, I took the Family Life Seminar. After seeing the positive changes in the lives of the students, as well as the dedication of the counselors, I made the commitment to become a counselor myself. I also served as a member of the Fund Development committee. This was a great fit for me as I had a background in finance. My husband and I lived in California for 15-years where I was employed as Vice-President Branch Manager with Union Bank. My responsibilities with the bank included business development with major corporations and individuals.

Since our family relocated to South Bend in 1996, I devoted much of my time to the work at Home Management Resources. In December of 2001, I was offered the staff position of Fund Development Director.

As the Fund Development Director my goal is to raise the public awareness of this organization by networking and partnering with other local community agencies.

I will also work to increase the financial support of the organization. As with all nonprofit organizations, there is a never-ending need for a solid financial base. For the past 15-years our Sustaining Partners and local businesses have believed and generously invested in Home Management Resources' vision. Financial contributions and in-kind services have given us the ability to further expand our programs to the community. As Fund Development Director, I will work to increase our network of caring supporters who will continue to be our partners as we move into the next stage of our community outreach. With everyone's help, we can assist many more families in need. I am truly excited and proud to be a part of this endeavor.

If you're a Teachers Credit Union member, your contribution to Home Management Resources will be matched (doubled!) by the TCU Foundation through their Matching Gift Program up to $250.00 through February 28, 2002. Don't miss this opportunity to automatically increase your giving potential!

In 1986, I was a counselor in the first class offered by Home Management Resources. It was a slow beginning. It took a while before word got around that something very good was being offered to the families in our community.

In the 15-years since then I have continued as an active counselor teaching in the foundational class, the "Family Life Seminar" as well as many of the 'Specialized Training Workshops". I have helped with childcare so those parents were able to attend the seminars offered. I worked with clients individually on a follow-up basis, and in home-bases projects such as "bail-outs". I am frequently asked to perform in the Paper Organization Skit as the "harried housewife". I have loved every minute of it!

I've been humbled and inspired by the determination it takes to make positive changes and the dedication necessary to improve the quality of life. I think of the woman who by herself dragged a soaking wet rug up from her basement to prepare for the bail-out that would help her get control and put order in her home.

What our graduates frequently state as the most helpful aspect of the program is the respect and love they've found at Home Management Resources. It is a value expressed and lived by all those who are a part of Home Management Resources.

Associating with Home Management Resources has fostered my hope, improved my life management skills and fulfilled my commission to bring good news to those in need.

I have always thought of myself as being a very organized individual, both at work and at home. In looking back over the past year, I find that the practical concepts and information I learned in the Counselor training class at Home Management Resources have further enhanced my organizational skills.

'The Daily Plan' and the 'Weekly Schedule' have taught me to take a better look at the available hours within the week where I can get tasks completed in an efficient way. These two tools have enabled me to better manage my work and personal life.

Two other concepts that I have incorporated into my daily live are the 'Five-Degree Course Correction' and the Home Management system of de-cluttering. The 'Five-Degree Course Correction' concept is so simple and basic, yet allows you to see that it is possible to accomplish anything, if, done in small increments. I have put this concept to use personally and have passed it on to co-workers, as well as the families that I work with.

The de-clutter method has been so helpful to me, both in the workplace and at home. I have gotten rid of much of the excess in my life using this method and my life is more manageable.

Many thanks to Home Management Resources for making these valuable concepts so easy to learn and apply to my life. Your program makes a dramatic and positive difference.

The focus of this class is discovery. Learn to be effective as a parent, and have a loving relationship with your child. Instruction covers communication, effective discipline, and helping children develop independent living skills.

A dedicated team of counselors will help you identify and achieve meaningful goals and set up a family living plan that will work for you!

"Household Cleaning & Organization"
Thursdays - April 25 thru May 16
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

This class provides you with strategies for managing the cleaning and upkeep of your home efficiently and easily. Special emphasis will be on 'creating a kitchen you can live in'.

If you would like to learn more, call 574-233-3486 to register for any class.
Space is limited so call now!

After trying to remember every item each of my four grade school children needed to take to school, I decided I had to come up with a simple way to help them get out the door peacefully with all needed supplies in hand. It was typical for me to ask each child: Do you have your backpack? Do you have your snack? Do you have your shoes, coat, hat, etc.… while my three year old would be asking for breakfast and my 17-month old would be getting into something other than the toys. Needless to say, it was very easy for me to forget a question or two and often the child would go to school unprepared. Knowing it was crazy for me to continue to rack my brain as part of my morning routine, I simply decided to write down on a piece of paper all items which needed to be remembered, and taped this paper to the door so all the children could see it when they were leaving for school. It says something like this.

Do you have?
your backpack
your shoes
your coat, boots, mittens
your lunch etc.…
Have you kissed your mother?

If one of the children is questioning if they have all their belongings, I now direct them to the door where they can check themselves. It also has helped to get the children in the habit of checking the list even if they think they've collected all which is needed. Often the list contains one item which "oops" would have been forgotten.

This tip was submitted by Monique.

Write us and we'll share your tip in the next "Speaking Out"!

MOVING?

Don't miss your issue of "REACHING OUT". We use 'Bulk Mail' for our newsletter which does not get forwarded. If you're planning a move soon, be sure to send us an e-mail at homemngresources@aol.com

1202 Northside Blvd. South Bend, Indiana 46615
(Between IUSB and the Farmers Market)
574-233-3486, fax 574-234-7220

Reaching Out