Last week's set-ups are a story of contrasts. Let's get the negative out of the way and finish on a positive note. And apologies in advice for any errors cos I am not going to proof but will hit that send button the second I am finished. I am trying to type and my Mum keeps chattering away and my focus is up and down!
Set-Up #1
The first set-up at Venice Community Housing's Transitional Living Center (TLC) was as frustrating as they come. Through no fault of our volunteer group, they were unable to access the apartment for the new mom and kids moving in later that afternoon and had to leave everything outside the apartment door. Communication with our contact person at the TLC is spotty at best and this was no exception...sigh. We so want to create a warm and welcoming space for the incoming families and our frustration level is high when it just doesn't work out. Our sincere apologies to all those who wanted so much to help on the day including Karen Saeki, Holly Baumann, Mary Morley and, at the helm, Karen Sherwood.
Set-Up #2
Westwood Transitional Village (WTV). It is rare that we are given any details about the intake families that we serve but when we are, they never fail to tug at our heartstrings. This was no exception. We got the call that a 43-year old mom, a victim of domestic violence, had fled to Los Angeles for the safety of her 12-year old daughter and herself. This is heartbreaking and the idea of a mother and child fleeing their home like this is just so distressing. Joining Karen at this set-up were Mary Morley and the Briskmans, long-time volunteer Dana, her almost 13-year old daughter Cass and almost 9-year old Caleb. Dana has involved her children with TWC since its very inception and we have photos from years ago when Cass was just a tiny girl. And now, Cass has chosen to work with TWC this year as her charitable project for her Bat Mitzvah. She has done set-ups but also created a beautiful Christmas for one of the children at the TLC at VCH...lots of hard work and dedication from this terrific girl. She is a peach. Here are some lovely pictures from the day.
Mary worked on the bathroom, Dana unpacked all the kitchen gear and got that sorted with Caleb's help, Cass decorated the girl's room and Karen was in the master bedroom.
Cass unloading the car
Caleb, full of energy and ready to help!
Mary and Caleb, ready for action
Dana and Cass, creating their masterpiece in the girl's room
Caleb setting the table
Cass had lots of ideas
Caleb, looking mighty pleased with himself!
Cass on a roll!
Love the plastic stickers on the wall. Great job Cass!
And now onto Mother's Day. This is so important and even if you cannot attend, please get your card orders into us (send to Karen or me) ASAP.
When: Saturday, April 20
Time: 10 AM until finished (usually around 4 at the latest).
Phone: 310.455.2185 if you have questions about location
Where: Deborah Kashinsky's home: 210 Muerdago
Directions: From Pine Tree Circle, take Topanga Cyn Blvd and turn right on Entrada. Just past the State Park Entrance (Dead Horse), turn right on Lower Encina. Follow for approx 1/3 mile and take the right split to Muerdago. The house sits up on a hill on the left side of the street. Here are parking deets:
Park near the white 210 mailbox on Muerdago. There is one spot parallel to the road, inside the fence, and the driveway has room for cars to park behind one another. Her neighbors across the road have no parking signs along the fence, but Deborah will tell them we are coming and we will be able to park along the fence...as long as you don't hit it. If you take the next driveway past the white 210 mailbox on the left, it goes up steeply and drops down sharply to the left at the top.
There are a few spaces up there in front of the house. Carpooling is a good idea!
This is a good opportunity to take home the cards you want to send or place your orders. Bring your checkbooks! Hopefully, you are all talking this up to your friends and trying to get them to purchase some as well. Remember the next couple of Saturdays we will be selling on Saturday morning outside our Bin from 10 to Noon.
We will send out one more reminder email to all of you, but I cannot emphasize how important this fundraiser is to the continued success of TWC. We absolutely rely on. We have no dues, so this is the big one!
I am looking forward to coming home on Tuesday and am more than ready for some good California weather. Spring has been slow in coming to England! I had one lovely Topanga moment, though, when I met Sophie Kipner, Lizzie's daughter, for lunch in London. Bliss!
