The previous blog on this site was posted nearly a year ago.  You're probably wondering what we've been up to in the meantime.  Last spring I experienced the frightfulness and stress of homelessness being suffered by my 94 year old mother.  Dementia-related behaviors led to her expulsion from two different care centers with bouts in the mental illness emergency ward of a hospital in between.  The threat of homelessness was not a new experience for me, but still the emotional trauma boiled up from within as I sought out solutions to her plight.  She passed away a few weeks later after finally settling into hospice care. 

During this time, our 20 year old son left for the US Navy and my mother-in-law  accepted our long-standing invitation to share our home. The summer was a mixture of transition, gentle grief, and restoration for my soul.  I find that my resolve to continue doing whatever I can to serve others facing homelessness has not waned.

In September, Rev. Donna Huie officially became a partner in giving volunteer leadership to OASIS.  We've worked on a variety of next steps regarding board development, grant-writing and other funding options, and investigated possible property acquistion.  Recently Donna received training that may help us to receive funding for services provided to eligible clients.  In January 2011, we received $518 from the Bella Vista Chapter of AARP for work at the Recycling Center.  Just last week, I recieved a call from a rental home owner who wondered if we have any prospective tenants ready to move in.

We're excited about the special focus group meeting on Feb 18th where we can let you know more about next steps for OASIS of NWA! Hope to see you there.  in faith, Cathy