We don’t often get the chance to visit one of our partner projects, but last month, we did. And what a joy it was.
Our fall GWP Steering Committee meeting was held in North Manchester, IN, which meant we got to connect with plenty of Church of the Brethren people (at Manchester University, Manchester Church of the Brethren, and Eel River Community Church of the Brethren). In addition, we had the rare opportunity to connect with one of our partner projects: Growing Grounds in Wabash, IN. (We don’t often get to visit our partner projects because most of them are in other countries, making traveling to visit them an expensive prospect.)
Over lunch at the Wabash Church of the Brethren, we met with Kay and Jim Gaier, Carol and Dennis Horn, Wabash COB member Laurie Kieffaber, and three former inmates, who have been the beneficiaries of the work of Kay, Carol, and others at Growing Grounds. I was particularly moved by the stories that the former inmates, Veronica, April, and Jennifer, shared with us around the lunch table in the church fellowship hall. They took life skills classes taught by Growing Grounds, and they received loans, rides, and abundant emotional support, both before and after their release from jail. I am keenly aware of how amazing each of these women is – Veronica, April and Jennifer, for turning their lives around and accepting the helping hand that was offered to them, and Kay and Carol for the many selfless acts of love and service they have so freely given to the women. Wow. We, the GWP steering committee, feel so blessed to have been able to meet with them. We’ll be sharing a bit more about what we learned from that visit in our annual newsletter, which you can expect to receive in January.
Would you like to support Growing Grounds (and the other projects of GWP)? If so, I invite you to write a check to Global Women’s Project and mail it to:
Global Women’s Project
Church of the Brethren General Offices
1451 Dundee Ave
Elgin IL 60120
And keep in mind that Christmas is coming soon. Not everyone on your list will need or want a material gift. Some people are more than happy to know that a donation has been made in their name. Keep GWP in mind for those people. Thank you for your generosity!
Happy Fall from GWP!
Tina Rieman
GWP Steering Committee Member
Global Women's Project 