Stamps of Approval

Two Creative Mentors volunteered today to help some Burmese women learn a rubber-stamp technique for picture frames and the first steps of embroidery.  The ladies picked up VERY quickly and they were so excited to have a creative outlet, a chance to talk to us and to each other, and a means to make a little money.  The picture frames are going to hold their favorite Scriptures, written in Burmese!  And the embroidery projects will all include phrases in Burmese, as well.  Be sure to come to Wide Open Corners to purchase these items and more!

Thanks so much to all of our Creative Mentors.  You have really been making a difference, one lady at a time.  You definitely receive a stamp of approval from us!

Wide Open Corners

Be sure to check out the Wide Open Corners Blog to find out about this event to kick off the microlending program of Spero:Voice.  Don’t miss the sampler platters of ethnic food, hand-made items from women in the refugee community, gourmet coffee from Cafe Evoke, live music and more!

And, after you check it out, let us know if you would like to volunteer to make the event a success!  Email kim@thesperoproject.com if you’re interested in helping with the check-out counter, food sales, the kids area, set-up, or tear-down.   We’d love some help to make this even the most effective it can possibly be.

It’s Finally Here!

We’ve been so looking forward to a common space to teach English, job training skills, and to tutor students.  It’s going to make Spero:Voice SO much more functional.  Well, because of the unbelievable generosity of the apartment complex in which many of the refugee families live, the project is almost complete.  They have done their part of renovating by installing heating and air, cable capabilities for internet use, and purchasing the paint and flooring.  Now, it’s our turn! We are responsible for some dry-wall repair, painting, laying the flooring, and furnishing the space.  

Work will be done all day and evening this Wednesday–Friday, the 7th, 8th, and 9th.  If you’re interested in helping, please call Brad at 812-5595.  We can’t wait to update you on all the exciting events occurring in the new space!

Happy New Year!

Our friend, Bea, at City Church Pastors and amazing African community at City Church.  This group is hosting a New Year’s Eve party tonight and we’re so thankful!  We’re thankful because we are taking a group of Congolese refugees who will get to speak to people in their native language, talk to people from their home country, and just get the chance to feel a little more “at home.”  It’s going to be a fun night!!