Come celebrate with us in Wheaton!

The mutual support group last week

As we wrap up 2010, the network in Wheaton has decided to celebrate! Next Tuesday, December 14th we will be having a community potluck meal and celebration at our final Tuesdays Together of the year (yes, you heard that right — we are taking two weeks off and will be back in 2011!).

We will be celebrating the end of 2010 and our new relationships and connections in Wheaton. Here are a few examples of the cool connections we have been making over the last few weeks –

Kevin with Flora, Olivia and Sandra

–Kevin, a high school volunteer, has partnered with his neighbor Alpha to help with the ESOL class — including teaching his mother Amelia

–Emily heard Tim Warner preach at her church about the Opportunity Network and joined  us at Tuesdays Together. She has jumped right in and helped the group by translating and offered to accompany Olga to her doctor’s appointment last week. Ana Giron is hoping she will have some time left over to help with the new ESOL circle starting in her apartment complex, The Fields!

Lupita, Olga, Wendy and Deborah talking after mutual support

–And speaking of Olga…last week she revealed she had a tumor in her breast removed two years ago, but had not received any follow up care! Thankfully, our friends Deborah and Wendy from Holy Cross Hospital were there and connected with her to make sure she gets the care she needs.

–Nhora from Catholic Charities made appointments to meet with community members for one-one-one job search support.

Hector -- making sure all network members sign in

–On his day off, Hector has been supporting us with our data gathering! Most importantly, making sure that we have everyone’s full contact information and then getting that information into our database. Priceless!

–Our college friends Gavin, Paige and Samantha joined us during the week of Thanksgiving and we are looking forward to having them back for a few weeks over winter break.

Please join us for a night of community, connections and food, food, food on the 14th at 6pm at Catholic Charities!

**thanks to my Mom for taking these great pictures last week!**