Thursday, December 30, 2010

Blossoming into 2011!

Happy almost 2011 from all of us here at Blossom Birth!  I hope this finds you enjoying the holiday break with your families and friends.
 
As an update, this week at Blossom we’ve been busy: out with the old and in with the new.  I’m happy to report the old carpets are out, walls painted, and new carpets going in today.  A dedicated band of volunteers are coming in this weekend to put everything back in place so we can welcome you and your families back next week.   
 
Thinking about all the changes at Blossom, it reminds me of a quote from a favorite columnist, Ellen Goodman:
 
“We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched.  Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential.”
 
As you’ll see next week, we’ve been able to start working down our list of work to be done and we are planning additional improvements in 2011 to serve you better.  Its potential?  Serving a growing and welcoming community of expectant and new families and helping them through the precious – and challenging – years of pregnancy and early parenting. 
 
I know how important Blossom’s support was for my own family.  Blossom helped me through some very difficult early months when my daughter was born.  Now that she’s three years old, we’ve “aged” out somewhat, but I continue to volunteer my time and my money to see Blossom reach its potential. 
 
That’s why I ask you to join me in making a donation to Blossom today.  Thank you to each of you who has already contributed. Working together we can increase the potential for Blossom to serve you, your family, and the community in which you live.  We can’t do what we do without YOUR support!
 
Lend a Hand Campaign
An ideal way to help today is to make a donation to Blossom’s Lend a Hand Campaign. We launched this campaign specifically to help us make needed improvements at the Center.  As a nonprofit organization, we depend on community contributions from folks that support lower class fees low and many free offerings.  We run a lean organization and need your support to make investments in the Center.  Gifts of any amount are welcomed and are tax-deductible.  For the Lend a Hand Campaign, to thank you for donations of $100 or more we will present a tile to your family or business to decorate and display in a mural at Blossom. A tile is a great way to leave a lasting memory of your family’s time at Blossom and each tile becomes part of our history.  We’re extending the campaign through January 15th, please lend a hand today!
 
Why is Blossom Important to You?
Community members tell us Blossom is important to them.  Why is it to you?
 
As an unemployed single mother, [Blossom] helped me by giving me a scholarship for classes that I would not be able to afford anywhere else at all, and treated me with care, compassion, and respect.
 
Wow, I just can't say enough about Blossom. We took all of our birthing classes here and it became even more important to me after the birth of my daughter. The mommy and baby yoga class got me out of the house with my newborn!
 
Blossom provides a lifeline for pregnant and new mothers and all the challenges they face. The center's resources were extremely helpful for overcoming my postpartum depression by giving me information, support, and a caring community.
 
Blossom helped me tremendously throughout my pregnancy and the early weeks after the birth of my daughter. The preparation, support, classes, networking and advice they provide are extremely valuable to our community.
 
Great classes and support groups to serve families. And Blossom is always welcoming - whenever I'm in the area I know I can stop by with my baby for a diaper change, nursing, or chatting with other parents.
 
We invite you to come visit us in 2011 and see the many fixes underway! A very happy New Year to you and your loved ones!
 
Best wishes,

Holly Van Houten
Blossom Board Chair