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Thursday, February 18, 2010 Last Thursday night I had the honor of teaching the Smart Women Class at APPLE. It's the third time I've taught our clients in a watercolor painting class. Why on earth would we spend time teaching single mothers how to paint with watercolors? Lots of reasons: They need a break and need some fun in their lives. It makes us happy to create. And creativity spills over into other parts of life - like brainstorming how to solve simple problems for example. We began with a devotional on creativity. Then we broke out the paper and paint. One of the women said "I used to draw and paint all the time." Pablo Picasso said "Everyone is born an artist. The problem is how to remain one when you grow up." Isn't that the truth? We all believe that we can draw and paint well when we're five. And then someone says something that makes us doubt our abilities and we stop. We learned how to use the paint and supplies. Everyone's painting was totally unique. And we talked about how it wasn't about the product - but the process. We had a lot of fun. One of the clients said she wished we could paint every week. (You CAN, you know!) And they left with their masterpieces - and a small frame. We used our gifts to relax, play, talk and enjoy each others company. And I think that was a great way to spend an hour at APPLE. Melinda |
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Wednesday, February 10th, 2010 I attended a marketing seminar last week. What struck me (and helps as we make decisions about advertising and marketing) were these questions: What is unique about your business? What makes you different? I didn't have to think long. There are many things that make APPLE PCC unique. Here's one of the things that I think stands out about us. It's in our ads. We Listen. We Understand. We Can Help. This morning my door was slightly open as I was working in my office. I heard two separate clients come in for appointments at different times. They were greeted warmly by our staff. And then they started to talk about what was going on in their lives - right away - in the reception area. Because they know the staff and volunteers here know how to LISTEN. Melinda |
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Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Recyling. We hear so much about being “green” these days and we just had another example today about how great it is when our partners bring in something they no longer use - and our clients are looking for that very thing!
One of our supporters dropped off a bike trailer recently. And one of our mothers really wanted one. She is thrilled to be able to “buy” it today with her Smart Women bucks. And I think her smiley little girl will be happy to ride in it this spring and summer.
Thanks for supporter the Center in this way. We “recycle” cribs, car seats, baby and maternity clothing, and anything else you need when you have a baby. It makes everyone happy - believe me! Melinda |
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January 20, 2010 I don’t like “resolutions” but here’s something I am going to work on in 2010 - I plan/hope/desire to write this blog (along with Staff, Board and Volunteers) weekly in 2010. I hope you’ll keep coming regularly to check out what’s happening at APPLE. There’s so much to say today: - The year end giving in December brought in over $24,000. This puts us at about $10,000 less than in 2008 and at less income than any year since 2005. We’re grateful for all your support and just want you to know what the financial picture looks like here at the Center. Please pray about the financial needs. - In December we had two abortion minded clients choose to carry their babies to term. Praise God. - At a recent speaking engagement, a woman introduced her 12 year old daughter to me as an “Apple baby”. She had come to APPLE in crisis when she was pregnant. We love it when those special moments happen. I gave this young girl a big hug! It makes it so rewarding when we hear those stories. - I spent Christmas in California getting to know our first Grandchild - Braeden Cain - who was born in December. My daughter Katelyn and I talked about how hard having a newborn would be without a husband, family support, etc. It makes me very thankful for the Smart Women Program and all we do at APPLE to mentor, encourage and support our single parents. Have a great week and don’t forget to check back next week for more of what’s happening at APPLE. |
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October 1, 2009 I've been thinking about our Annual Fundraiser and what makes a fundraiser successful. In terms of weather, God blessed us with a perfect day...sunny with a high in the mid 70's. Although less people than usual participated, the amount of money pledged was almost the same amount as last year. I was privileged to help with registration this year and I want to share some of what I heard as I handed out free Dilly Bar coupons and Door Prize tickets. I was touched by the gentleman who turned in a donation of $510 and told me that he takes $20 from each paycheck all year and donates the money for the APPLE Roll. There was a youth group from Durand who came together to walk and donate the proceeds to a "good cause". Three college students stopped to see what was happening and I had the opportunity to share about the ministry of APPLE. We hope that contacts like that will bring clients who need help at UWEC to APPLE. I can't help but think that God was smiling on us that Saturday and maybe was thinking "Well done, good and faithful servants!" That's enough to make the day a success in my eyes. Pam Marucheck, former APPLE Volunteer & now Volunteer Coordinator |
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