It's been a busy time since out last news update. In fact, 2016 was an extremely productive year. Much was progress was made. Lives were changed, lessons were learned, team members were added, the program was improved, connections were made, possibilities were realized, more were explored, and new ones envisioned. And the year ended with a huge accomplishment for the future of the program. We filed for non-profit status! And so, the Ardicare Foundation has been established and the way has been paved to bring the CSDP to communities everywhere. And so, 2017 is shaping up to be a busy year.
We started the year with the fifth implementation of the program at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco. And what a great group! They call themselves the Resilient Hearts and they've started their work together.
In less than a week, Diana will be headed to Haiti where the staff and volunteers of CapraCare in Fonfrede (down in the south just north of Les Cayes) will be participating in the program. While doing the program themselves, they will be learning how it is done. They are the good folks who will be bringing the CSDP to the community they serve. We have the materials all translated into French and Haitian Creole so... there ain't no stoppin' us now! :))
After Haiti, there are at least six more programs that will be implemented in the US and in South Africa this year. Whew! We have our work cut out for us! We are building a great team. Have you seen the profiles? Take a look on the Who We Are page.
Oh, and great news! Diana was accepted to present the program at the Pathways to Resilience Conference being held in Cape Town, South Africa in June.
More great news! The Department of Social Services of the Western Cape Province government in South Africa agreed to pilot the program in a community in Cape Town. They have partnered us with The Trauma Centre there and the funding request has been submitted.
Watch this space for more good news and keep an eye out for the upcoming fundraising campaigns. Funds are going to be needed to bring the program to communities in need. We don't need a lot. So, if you have it in your heart to help and you have a few bucks to spare, please consider making a donation today. Take this opportunity to put your money to good work in the world and get a tax deduction while you're at it. You'll be glad you did. We'll be deeply grateful.
More soon!