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space is perfect—approximately 1500 square feet right across
the plaza from the Women’s Center. And, in the summer of 2009,
the timing seemed right too. We would move our sewing and Textile
Cooperative to the new space and give the ESL/Transition classes
a dedicated classroom of their own. That would free up the space
that we used for activities/sewing for childcare, and with 60 children
plus on the waiting list, more childcare was urgently needed. When
Childcare Coordinator, Hawo Karshe, was asked how long it would take
to fill the additional childcare slots, she said, “One week!” Then, the Women’s Center hit a “bump in the road.” Funding that we were hoping for did not come through. A second barrier also appeared—mold in many walls required that whole sections be torn out and replaced. (The Women’s Center is handling all the renovation costs to keep rent low in the future.) But—always hopeful—we are renovating again. Over the past couple of months, the Women’s Center staff and volunteers have put approximately 150 hours of “sweat equity” into the space we call the “Annex.” A professional contractor has torn out and replaced walls and added electrical outlets. Women—many for the very first time—have sanded, primed, and painted. We have already purchased some tables for the ESL/Transition classes and been gifted with chairs to go with them. We have also scavenged a small couch and comfy chair. Now we need money to buy paint. Also, we need sturdy shelving to store bins of fabric and other supplies. If you would like to help click here! |
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Over the past couple of months, the Women’s Center staff and volunteers have put approximately 150 hours of “sweat equity” into the space we call the “Annex.” Women—many for the very first time—have sanded, primed, and painted. |
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Everybody
is looking forward to moving day. The Transition class is excited
to have a classroom of their own. The sewers will have a beautiful
new space to sew. And, when Girls’ Group starts again this
summer, the 5 – 10 year olds will have more space to learn
and play together. |
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| The BEFORE picture. The new space we call the “Annex” is located just across the plaza from the Women’s Center. It will house our ESL/Transition classroom, our textile programs, and Girls’ Group. There will even be a small nook for the Center Director to work in peace (she hopes!) and some greatly needed storage. |
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Volunteers from Augsburg College, Luther Seminary, and the University of Minnesota—along with their friends and families—have added extra hands to help us get the space ready for use. |
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