New Projects!

Belize Women's Network

 On Friday, I got up early (AGAIN!) and went to Belize City to meet with the Belize Woman's Network (BWN).  BWN is a nonprofit that works with local nonprofits that assist women.  We were hoping to work with them on the Mary Open Doors project, but we took a little different approach.  We went in there and talked to her about what we offer as an organization and told her about what some of our participants do while they are here in Belize.  She was actually very interested and asked for some help  with putting together a budiness plan as an organization to become sustainable. I feel like this would be a great organization--especially since they want the help and want to take the time to create a plan. They also gave us some other GREAT contacts for other projects that we are thinking about.  I am excited about this project! 

Children's Home

Last Wednesday, I went to the Belize Woman's Club.  I am thinking about getting a membership.  It was a great opportunity to learn about projects in the area and I liked how they were organized.  We were able to take a few minutes and talk about the Mary Open Doors project, and they were very helpful.  They did however, point out that they are invited to dozens evens just like this one.  I wish I would have replied with something about this is an organization that falls directly in their mission--helping the women of Belize!  We did have a few women contact us about purchasing tickets. 



 Proof that I live in a sorority.

While we were there, there was a presentation from a local home for abused girls.  They have very nice facilities, and the video pointed out that they do not need anything built--they need money to pay the salaries of the women who run the house.  I was able to talk to the man who gave the presentation after the meeting, and it was really helpful.  They were not even there to ask for money, they went to the Woman's Club meeting to as for support.  Many of the girls come from very broken homes, and they are living in a group home.  They asked for the women to come in and become a 'big sister' of sorts for the young girls--to teach them how to pain their fingernails, to pose for pictures, the proper way to sit, etc.  They also asked for those who can sit down and read to the children.  I couldn't help but think, "I live in a sorority.  They would love this!"  So, I talked to him about it and set up a meeting with the House Mom.