By Paula Land, Executive Director
Reflecting on CMC 2013
As we said goodbye to Amelia Waddle, our Administrative Coordinator of over seven years, I began to reflect on all the many people who have contributed to where the Catherine McAuley Center is today. Amelia’s contributions were many. She has tremendous knowledge of the organization, the people, the services and needs, but perhaps most importantly, everyday she brought a warm heart and sincere belief in the CMC mission. CMC is approaching a significant milestone, our 25th year, and so we’ve begun to look through old photos, videos, and stories and are reminded of the many friends and contributors of the past who shared in the CMC mission and gave so generously of themselves.. Many are still with us today, and others who’ve lost touch hopefully have a fond place in their heart for CMC.
The Annual Report, is our opportunity to reflect on the prior year. It is important to share and celebrate with you our accomplishments of the past, for these are the events and experiences that help shape our tomorrow. We acknowledge that each person impacted by their CMC experience has committed to making a better life for themselves and their family. We show up every day and do what we do because of the people who are willing to make this commitment – and we have the tools and the programming specifically designed to help fulfill the goals of those who seek our services.
So, we look back and give thanks, not just for successes and accomplishments of the past year, but also for those who have paved the way and contributed over the last 24 years so that today we can be a strong and sustainable organization that continues to adapt and evolve to the growing, changing needs in our community. We look forward to meeting our new friends as we embark on our next quarter century of serving the community by transforming lives through education and housing.
We hope you enjoy reading about the stories, stats, and activities of the past year and let us know what CMC story YOU have to share with us.
CMC 2013 Highlights:
· Improved communications with a new website and new phone system
· Increased capacity for tutoring by creating study pods and installing carpeting in the basement and adjusting Education program hours to allow for more tutor pairings.
· Reached another record year for number of students and tutors in Adult Basic Education
· Engaged current donors with our first annual donor reception and provided for a new option for donors by establishing a “Friends Endowed Fund” at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
· Improved facilities by replacing flooring and remodeling a bathroom in the Transitional Housing Program
· Added more contact hours with clients in Transitional Housing by adding an Aftercare Program and hiring an additional part-time Support Services Coordinator.
Read more of our FY13 Annual Report.