Three months later we have:
-Finished the construction projects and have a new early childhood learning center space, psychologist's office and consultation room, a bakery, updated sewing workshop, updated computer lab, new office and meeting spaces
-Hired the following new staff: psychologist, early childhood learning center director, administrative assistant, computer instructor, bakery instructor, and carpentry instructor
-Started a new bakery program and will be starting the new carpentry program shortly. The computer and sewing programs have added new participants and expanded class times.
It's amazing to see the physical (and intangible) transformation in this ministry. We have grown not only in square feet, but in numbers of youth and young adults served, as well as in our capacity to meet their needs in a holistic way. For me, it has been a real life miracle! When the organization asked me to help them apply for the grant, I basically told them they were crazy! I didn't think there was any chance we would actually get the grant (given the rigorous application process and lack of connections with the embassy). I also strongly advised that if we did by some SLIM chance get the grant, we wouldn't be prepared to handle the finances and reporting processes required. Doesn't God just like to show up and prove us wrong??
It has been a long, hard 6 months. We've made a lot of mistakes and learned a lot. The leaders of the organization have grown and have a better understanding of the administrative and organizational structures required to sustain a project of this size and scope. And there is still so much more to learn! But it has been a walk of faith, and I am so blessed and proud to have been a part of it.
I will continue to assist with the reporting and evaluation of the project from the US (if anyone wants to sponsor once or twice yearly visits to Costa Rica to check in on the progress, please let me know ;) But I just wanted to share this success with you all, because it is your success, too. Praise God for doing infinitely more than we could ever dream or imagine!
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." -Ephesians 3:20-21
Amen indeed!
Newly remodeled Early Childhood Learning Center that provides
educational childcare for children of single teen moms in our programs
educational childcare for children of single teen moms in our programs
New office and meeting space, which was desperately needed to house our growing staff
New bakery that will teach 30+ young women (and men!) a year pastry
and baking arts, as well as how to start and run their own business
Newly remodeled computer lab (still installing the computers!) that will
provide space for beginner and advanced classes,
as well as classes on computer maintenance
One of the two ministry buildings where an entire third floor was
added to house additional office spaces, computer lab and bakery
Be checking for more blog updates and pictures on Facebook of the ongoing transformation in ministry and lives through this project in La Carpio!
