It takes a village...

...and a couple of neighboring villages, the local trading post, and the owner of the canoe that ferries people back and forth. OK, maybe I'm stretching a metaphor too thin here. But as we approach our first 'Friends of Sherwood' event, I've been reflecting on all of the people, businesses, foundations, government offices, and so on that keep Sherwood's doors open and allow us to keep providing the best services possible to people with disabilities.

There've been several reminders lately of the complex web of support that keeps a nonprofit going. Our newest board member came in to discuss ideas about how she can connect some new businesses to our clients who are looking for jobs. We got word of our United Way grant award for the next three years, which included some much-needed new funds to support the Career Connection program as it adapts to changing realities, including the loss of significant amounts of commercial revenue. One of our friends stopped by with leads for pet-related businesses that might want to buy our new pet treats.Cascade Bank stepped up to help us address cash flow concerns. And our office manager donated plants and flowers from her landscaping business.

That's what the Friends of Sherwood event is all about--reaching out to people who may have lost touch over the years, or newer friends who want to get more directly involved in changing the lives of people with disabilities.

If you'd like to join us or know someone who would, the get-together will be June 17th, beginning at 4:00. We'll do a brief program talking about recent changes at Sherwood and where we're headed, describe various kinds of volunteer opportunities, and then have an open house format for people to visit program areas. Hope you can join us!