Summer 2024
We hope this summer brings you joy amidst the sunshine, or, if you reside in the Midwest of the USA, amidst the rain! It's been a little while since our last newsletter, but we have some exciting updates to share with you.
Amplified Missions Network Learning Academy
In May, we completed our sessions at the Amplified Missions Network Learning Academy, where we gained valuable insights that we aim to gradually integrate into Places of Welcome as we deepen our nonprofit management knowledge. Key highlights included strategies for building a strong board and cultivating meaningful partnerships.
As part of our journey with the Amplified Missions Network, we have been fortunate to receive mentorship from a dedicated married couple this summer. Currently, we are engaged in a deep dive into "The Starfish and the Spider: The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations," focusing particularly on understanding and serving those at Rainbow Gatherings. Our mentors are also guiding us through the complexities of nonprofit operations, offering support in areas such as board development and fundraising strategies.
University of St. Thomas Partnership
In late May, we had a productive meeting with our partners from the University of St. Thomas Small Business Institute. The senior class team presented us with a tailored 45-minute marketing plan crafted specifically for Places of Welcome.
Key outcomes from this collaboration include prioritizing updates to our website, refining our branding, and enhancing clarity around our mission. These are initiatives we are actively working to integrate into Places of Welcome.
Renovation!
In early June, we made a significant final effort and completed the Duplex Renovation! Depending on who you ask, Teresa would say the renovation is complete, while Ben might provide a detailed list of remaining tasks. We're immensely grateful for the TWO Ritzco Grants from The Cause that enabled us to achieve this milestone.
While Ben acknowledges there's always room for improvement, for now, the space is beautifully renovated, fully functional, and inviting. This accomplishment allows us to shift our focus to other projects that have been waiting for our attention. We're excited about the future of this space!
Road Bumps
At the end of 2023, there were some changes in how we managed our partner and donor relationships, coinciding with the obsolescence of our financial tracking software. This transition has presented us with challenges as we navigate the process of restructuring and implementing new systems to manage both our partnerships and finances.
Neither of us have a natural affinity for business and finance, so overcoming these hurdles requires careful consideration and effort to find effective solutions. We are immensely grateful for the support of our community members who have been instrumental in guiding us through this period. The team at The Cause has been tirelessly researching new systems to enhance our donor management and promptly addressing any queries we have.
Additionally, our advisory board members have been invaluable in exploring alternative record-keeping systems and assisting us in our search for an accountant to join our team. Teresa has also benefited greatly from the guidance of our amazing financial advisor, who has been helpful in clarifying and navigating through some of the confusion.
We are truly blessed to have such amazing people supporting us through this journey!
Looking Ahead
The Cause Retreat
At the beginning of August we will be heading back to Texas for an annual retreat with The Cause. We always look forward to this time to connect and learn from our wonderful friends at The Cause. It is always a time to be renewed and refreshed and we are really looking forward to it.
Jesus Kitchen
In mid-August we will be leading a team to take the Jesus Kitchen to a regional Rainbow Gathering in Wisconsin. We have been working with a couple of groups to rally volunteers to come with us. In May we had the opportunity to speak and connect with a church in Winona, MN and they are sending a team with us. A team from our home church of Woodland Hills will join us as well. We are excited for this opportunity to bring the love of Christ to those at Rainbow Gatherings.
Family Update:
Ben has been working a part time job, working every other week at a landscaping company. He enjoys the work and the people he gets to work with.
Teresa has been homeschooling our two children and is part of a homeschool co-op called Beacon. In June, she accepted a position on the homeschool co-op board as the Prayer Coordinator. She is excited to be given the opportunity to share different ideas about prayer and ways to pray with the group of women who are a part of the co-op Ultimately sharing how much God really, truly loves each and everyone of them.
Call for Volunteers and Prayer
As we look ahead to the rest of the year, we're in need of some specific support and prayer:
We're still on the lookout for a volunteer(s) to assist with communication and administration tasks. If you or someone you know is interested in lending a helping hand, please reach out to us at theplacesofwelcome@gmail.com.
That we can get new helpful systems in place to help keep track of our donors and finances.
For Teresa as she works diligently on administration, financial and communication tasks.
For our organization as a whole as we continue to navigate laying the foundations of Places of Welcome.
For our upcoming trip to Texas and The Cause retreat.
For our team that is taking the Jesus Kitchen to the regional Rainbow Gathering.
For Ben as he works at his new job.
For Teresa as she takes on the Prayer Coridnator board position at Beacon Co-op.
Thank you for being a vital part of the Places of Welcome community. Your support, prayers, and encouragement mean the world to us. Together, we can continue making a positive impact and spreading love and kindness to those in need.
Blessings,
Ben & Teresa Pothier
