Typically this blog is written from the we standpoint, because we have to work together to get everything done for SWAN, but today on a personal note.....
Executive Director Amilia has been super busy working on legislative issues and perpetrator accountability. She has had several speaking engagements recently and been touring prisons. Busy lady, but in her free time, she is providing direct services to women, making sure Butterfly House is ready for the May 1st opening and oh yeah...moving someone into Butterfly House because they needed to get out of their situation with a 4 month old baby!
Amilia is an inspiration to me, a survivor herself she is working to help so many more people in the world, supports other non-profits, and is being a mom to a household of 7 kids (there's a dog too!) It take a lot of hours and I am not really sure when she sleeps. When I answered a Volunteer Match ad I never thought I would be as involved as I am, but Amilia drove 50 miles to meet with me personally and there was a light and positive energy that I just had to be involved and every time I see her, she is positive and has a smile and a hug for everyone.
Oh yeah, and like everyone at SWAN - She volunteers!
Keep up the good work Amilia, I am proud to be part of the team!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Good News / Bad News
The bad news:
We have been trying to get grant money to sustain the house. Grants are an interesting process, and thus far there only have been a few that we are eligible for. Last night we received a response from the first foundation and we were not chosen to receive a grant. It would have been great to receive grant money so we were able to focus just on helping the women without the worry of paying the house bills but alas it wasn't meant to be with this one.
The GOOD news: Oh boy, there is a bunch of good news.
We posted many ways that you can assist yesterday but if you just don't have time for those, what about a monthly sponsorship? You can do any size donation that will be automatically withdrawn each month in any size you want. If 100 individuals donated $15 each month, Butterfly House would be taken care of. All donations are tax deductible and you will receive a monthly newsletter that tells the stories of the women and gives you updates on their progress.
We have been trying to get grant money to sustain the house. Grants are an interesting process, and thus far there only have been a few that we are eligible for. Last night we received a response from the first foundation and we were not chosen to receive a grant. It would have been great to receive grant money so we were able to focus just on helping the women without the worry of paying the house bills but alas it wasn't meant to be with this one.
The GOOD news: Oh boy, there is a bunch of good news.
- We have followers on the blog!
- We have also had blog readers from as far away as Vermont!
- It is great to know that what we are putting out here is being viewed. Now, help us spread the word and tell your friends! We are still working on the layout so the blog will be prettier soon.
- We have garage sale day coming up on the 14th but we have already had $32 is sales just from talking about what we had there were a couple of small items picked snatched up by someone who just couldn't wait. It's small but it's a start!
- We have also had interest from two independent business owners for the October Expo. There is still a lot to do with that, but it is a great start.
We posted many ways that you can assist yesterday but if you just don't have time for those, what about a monthly sponsorship? You can do any size donation that will be automatically withdrawn each month in any size you want. If 100 individuals donated $15 each month, Butterfly House would be taken care of. All donations are tax deductible and you will receive a monthly newsletter that tells the stories of the women and gives you updates on their progress.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Ways to Help
We can always use assistance in a number of areas. If you would like to be involved in creating a safe haven, take a look below for some examples of ways you can be involved.
Email: worth_accepting@yahoo.com for the following:
Mentor - work with the women of the house to build confidence, marketable skills, or just be a friend.
Service Groups - man a table outside of a local store to handout materials and get donations.
Email: worth.accepting@gmail.com for the following:
Bands - we need bands for the August event. If you are a band or know a band (or single performer) that would be willing to donate time and a free performance let us know.
Independent Contractors - do you sell Mary Kay, Avon, Cookie Lee, your own crafts, Photos, Sketches etc? If you do please contact us about our October Expo. Details on participation will be provided so you can make a call as to if it is something you are interested it, but it is a great inexpensive way to get your name and product out there. Raffle/Silent Action items also needed!
Small Business Owners - October Expo will need sponsors and your small pool, landscaping, cleaning service could find a great market. email for more details. Raffle/Silent Action items also needed!
Food and Beverage Vendors - contact us for opportunities at the October Expo. Raffle/Silent Action items also needed!
Donation Procurement - have a way with words and like talking to people? Find out about opportunities in your area to meet with businesses to discuss possible donations for raffles and silent auctions.
Host a FUNdraising party - Poker, Bunco, etc. at your location, with your friends, for a great cause.
GoodSearch.com - works just look Google, but you pick a charity that you are searching for and boom! your charity gets money. Go to GoodSearch.com and choose Someone Worth Accepting Now - SWAN.
Email: worth_accepting@yahoo.com for the following:
Mentor - work with the women of the house to build confidence, marketable skills, or just be a friend.
Service Groups - man a table outside of a local store to handout materials and get donations.
Email: worth.accepting@gmail.com for the following:
Bands - we need bands for the August event. If you are a band or know a band (or single performer) that would be willing to donate time and a free performance let us know.
Independent Contractors - do you sell Mary Kay, Avon, Cookie Lee, your own crafts, Photos, Sketches etc? If you do please contact us about our October Expo. Details on participation will be provided so you can make a call as to if it is something you are interested it, but it is a great inexpensive way to get your name and product out there. Raffle/Silent Action items also needed!
Small Business Owners - October Expo will need sponsors and your small pool, landscaping, cleaning service could find a great market. email for more details. Raffle/Silent Action items also needed!
Food and Beverage Vendors - contact us for opportunities at the October Expo. Raffle/Silent Action items also needed!
Donation Procurement - have a way with words and like talking to people? Find out about opportunities in your area to meet with businesses to discuss possible donations for raffles and silent auctions.
Host a FUNdraising party - Poker, Bunco, etc. at your location, with your friends, for a great cause.
GoodSearch.com - works just look Google, but you pick a charity that you are searching for and boom! your charity gets money. Go to GoodSearch.com and choose Someone Worth Accepting Now - SWAN.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Hello Readers!
We are pretty excited to be doing this first post. This blog is for Someone Worth Accepting Now which is a non-profit 501c3 organization in Phoenix that is 100% volunteer which provides services, mentoring, shelter and much, much more to victims and survivors of domestic violence. 100% volunteer run means that SWAN is pretty small, no one gets paid and every penny we raise goes straight to helping women in need.
This year has been exciting and challenging as on May 1, 2010 we are opening Butterfly House. This is a one of a kind shelter in the valley. This is actually a home which will house up to 6 women at a time, this safe house allows us to focus on a younger group of women and empower them to a successful future.
The first challenges for Butterfly House have been tackled and conquered. The house is funished, decorated and the first lady has actually moved in early due to an overwhelming need. There are welcome baskets ready with basic tioletries ready for the women and the yard has been lanscapted thanks to the men of Mosaic.
Now comes our biggest challenge: Funding the house! To keep the house open we need to raise money for the basics - motgage, utilities, insurance, etc. Just for those items we need about $1,500 a month! Since we are such a small group this $18,000 a year is going to be a challenge for us to fund raise. The good news is that we have a dedicated group that is up for the challenge.
We are always open to new volunteers, fundraising ideas, donations, comments and support. We have a couple of great fundraisers brewing for later in the year. There is still a lot of work to do to get these off the group, such as, finding a venue to hold the event, participats, attendees, donations, etc. If you think you could help in any of these areas, please please please, email us!
Thank You!
Someone Worth Accepting Now (SWAN)
This year has been exciting and challenging as on May 1, 2010 we are opening Butterfly House. This is a one of a kind shelter in the valley. This is actually a home which will house up to 6 women at a time, this safe house allows us to focus on a younger group of women and empower them to a successful future.
The first challenges for Butterfly House have been tackled and conquered. The house is funished, decorated and the first lady has actually moved in early due to an overwhelming need. There are welcome baskets ready with basic tioletries ready for the women and the yard has been lanscapted thanks to the men of Mosaic.
Now comes our biggest challenge: Funding the house! To keep the house open we need to raise money for the basics - motgage, utilities, insurance, etc. Just for those items we need about $1,500 a month! Since we are such a small group this $18,000 a year is going to be a challenge for us to fund raise. The good news is that we have a dedicated group that is up for the challenge.
We are always open to new volunteers, fundraising ideas, donations, comments and support. We have a couple of great fundraisers brewing for later in the year. There is still a lot of work to do to get these off the group, such as, finding a venue to hold the event, participats, attendees, donations, etc. If you think you could help in any of these areas, please please please, email us!
- August: Battle of the Bands
- October: EXPO this will be a great event for independant consultants (Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Gold for Cash, etc) and small buisness owners that will have samples, give aways, raffles, etc.
- May 14 & 15 - Garage Sale - Mesa.
Thank You!
Someone Worth Accepting Now (SWAN)
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