September 9, 2019
Communities of Transformation in Chicago!
Site coordinators Lasheena Flemming and Emily Proctor traveled to Chicago for Americorps VISTA In-Service Training in August. They enjoyed learning more about the unique role of an Americorps VISTA member in doing capacity-building work as opposed to direct service. They also gained valuable tools and resources for volunteer recruitment and training, resource development, partnership development, and planning and leading effective meetings. Emily shared that her site has drafted an “Ideal Matched Volunteer Description” and a Fundraising Strategy for review by the programming and leadership team. Lasheena gained knowledge on how to better lead meetings. She learned that you have to adapt but not compromise. We are thankful for their willingness to learn and to share with our staff!
Evergreen
As the summer gardening season winds down in Evergreen, members are thankful for their harvest and preparing for a fall garden. Earlier this summer Communities of Transformation joined with DHR and other local agencies to host a picnic in the garden for foster children and their families. Even though it rained, spirits were high as everyone enjoyed time in the garden! We are thankful for all the opportunities our garden has given us and our community.
New Site Coordinators in Mobile and Selma
Our Mobile and Selma sites are excited to welcome new site coordinators this month! Cliff Daugette is serving in Mobile. He has planned community events like Coffee with Cliff to establish relationships and strengthen partnerships in Mobile. They have a Taste and See planned for this month. Our new Selma site coordinator is Liz Brown. She is looking forward to developing relationships and networks in Selma. Her goals include strengthening the site and its people and encouraging opportunities for change. Look for more information soon on all of our new staff members!
South Walton
Our South Walton site celebrated their first graduates in June, and they are excited for "Phase 2" of meetings. After completing Awaken or Engage, members form matched groups for ongoing support. They have had game time, created vision boards, and learned about family systems to get to know each other better and learn to how to support each other better. This month they will begin their second class of Awaken and Engage!
ABCs of COT
Volunteer Marsha Clayton read her creative description of COT at a recent Montgomery Celebration. We are thankful for her willingness to share and her faithful service!
Communities of Transformation means.....
Active, Affirming, and Accepting
Building Better Behavior
Considerate, Confidential Community and Creative Connections
Definite, Diverse and Dynamic differences
Empowering and Encouraging Environment
Fun-Filled, Forgiving, Faith-based family
Great group to grow goals
Homey, healthy, and helpful
Interesting Interactions and Ideas, Informative and Inspiring
Joyful and Jubilant
Lots of Love and Laughs
Many Moments for Meaningful Ministry
Non-judgmental, Nice, and Neighborly
Open and Outreaching Opportunities
Patient and Prayerful Place
Qualifying and Quintessential
Respectful, Responsible Relationship-Building
Safe, Stable, Strengthening
Time for Tenderness, Thriving, and Transformative
Understanding, Useful, and Uplifting
Valuing Various Viewpoints
Welcoming Wellness and Worth
X-tra ordinary you and X-tra ordinary me
Yearning for
Zest and Zeal
September Events
Monday, September 2- Labor Day; No meetings
Tuesday, September 3- No meeting in South Walton
Thursday, September 5- Coffee with Cliff in Mobile
Thursday, September 5- Taco night in Evergreen; Awaken class meets
Monday, September 9- New classes begin in Eufaula
Tuesday, September 10- New classes begin in South Walton
Tuesday, September 10- Taste and See in Phenix City
Wednesday, September 11- Remembrance Day
Thursday, September 12- Taste and See in Mobile
Tuesday, September 17- New classes begin in Brewton
Tuesday, September 17- Taste and See in Phenix City
Tuesday, September 24- New classes begin in Phenix City
