Renaissance House Launched 2007 End-of-Year Annual Appeal!

Although we're in to 2008, it's never too late to donate. See our e-appeal with helpful links, and, read this message from Vicki French, our Executive Director and Clinical Director:

To our supporters:

Once again, the past year has been full of changes. A few occurred administratively. Stephen Watts, the Executive Director resigned last May and the Board appointed me Interim Executive Director and eventually offered the position to me. The change with the most impact, however, has been diminished referrals from SEABHS. A year ago, SEABHS referred and paid for residents to fill nine beds. From January to June, SEABHS continued to pay for four beds in a block contract even though their referrals dwindled. Since July, SEABHS has rarely referred anyone. This loss of income has made it necessary to find other sources of income to support the work we do.

We have increased our pursuit of government and private grants. Several foundations generously increased their support of Renaissance House in the past year. This support has enabled us to expand our career education plan for women. We now have ten computers to use with GED training, job search and resume writing. Most notably are Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona, Phelps Dodge Foundation and Women and Children’s Hope Foundation. Their support is greatly appreciated. These partners encourage us to continue assisting homeless women and children.

We sought non-rural referrals. The development team from Renaissance House explored several options to find referrals with funding from Tucson, Phoenix and other entities. But after some experimentation, the staff and Board of Directors decided to stay true to the original mission of Women’s Transition Project: to provide services for homeless, rural women. We want to work with women from our community. The Renaissance House continues to provide substance abuse treatment, vocational training, wellness education and case management for a myriad of other problems.

We are beginning to more aggressively market our fine art through the internet, and hope to become completely self-sufficient in the not too distant future.

We need your help to continue. Without SEABHS funded referrals, we count on private donations to make up the difference. As friends of Renaissance House, you are the best source of hope for us, and you can help us in any number of ways. By making a tax-deductible contribution, you can sponsor a woman and her children at the house during all or part of her treatment. If you are an Arizona resident, you may receive a tax credit for your contribution as well. You will help us immensely by doing your holiday shopping at Belleza Gallery, and encouraging your friends to do so. Thank you for making this service possible for the women of southeast Arizona.

With gratitude,

Vicki French, M.Div., LISAC

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See our e-appeal with helpful links.