A couple of days ago I stopped by 803 SW Industrial Way to check Suite 200 and our mail. I check the space periodically to make sure it’s still okay, hasn’t flooded, etc. Everything looked good, and I felt such a mix of happiness and sadness seeing our sweet space. So many wonderful, fun, touching, moving, learning, spiritual, affectionate, astonishing moments many of us have shared in that gentle space, overseen by our scarf-wearing 6’ giraffe. How many times did people say on arriving, “Oh, I just feel better walking into this place!”
As you may remember, we signed a year lease right before the pandemic, and we were committed to honoring that agreement despite the fact we have been unable to use the space. The landlords gave us two free months this summer if we agreed to extend the lease through April and so we did. The cost is about $850/mo. Thanks to donations by many, including all Board members, our Circle of Friends (monthly automatic deduction donors), practice group and class contributions, and several very generous donations by long-time supporters, we have honored that lease commitment.
I am so deeply grateful to all who have made that possible. We were transparent at the beginning of the year about donations and that $850/mo. would go toward the lease. And you continued to support us through financially challenging times for many and in some cases increased that support. This support was a huge relief to the Board members, who are responsible for the financial integrity and health of our nonprofit and take that responsibility to heart. Thank you.
I am delighted and encouraged that we have been able to continue three weekly practice groups, classes, and special monthly empathy sessions via Zoom throughout the year. Denise and I choose to volunteer to make these offerings possible because we are dedicated to creating more peace, connection, and understanding. We are gifted to be able to do this wonderful work.
What’s ahead? As in everything else these days, we’ll wait and see what unfolds with the vaccine and its distribution and effectiveness (plus eventual herd immunity?). We love to meet in person with the quality of connection, coziness, whiteboards, charts, books, giraffes, and hugging that comes with our sweet Suite 200. Lovely to think about.
Wishing you health, peace, connection, and many needs-met moments and sending heartfelt gratitude from the Center for Compassionate Living.
~ Bryn and the Board
