I got the best news last night!

[snipsnsnails]

I think I've mentioned here that a friend and I started an adopt-a-bus-stop program in our town a few years ago. It started with going to a neighborhood and bringing breakfast for the elementary-aged kids waiting for the bus. And now, years later, it's knowing all of the kids, being friends with the parents, meeting needs around the neighborhood (it's a very economically depressed area), park clean-up, kids days and some other more formal things we've organizaed and just everything in between. It's awesome and we love the neighborhood and all of our friends there -adults and kids. Well, the bus stop is at a city park, so we've always been in touch with the city, but they're, for the most part, hands off and let us do our own thing and ignore the area like they always have.

My friend moved away in October, so I've been at a bit of a loss without her, wondering what to do next. My friendships are still there, of course, but the adopt-a-bus-stop program and the other larger-scale projects we do have been on hold because it needs a partner...I need a partner. So, I've been thinking of people that might want to partner together and just what's in store for this neighborhood.

Last night, someone stopped my DH to tell him that an organization with large grant-funding wanted to implement some mega money and time for projects in this area! They chose this neighborhood! One of the first projects is to completely rebuild the public park space. They wanted to partner with a local non-profit that had existing relationships there to help guide and direct them. The city said they didn't have a non-profit, but they knew 2 women (my friend and I) who would lead the charge. They agreed and are going to let us guide them through the process of investing in this neighborhood with the help of all of our friends in the neighborhood. I am soooooooooo thrilled! I am so grateful.

This literally started years ago with my friend and I just bringing some canvases and paint to a local park and meeting a 1st grader and a 3rd grader and their mom. I am so happy. And the best part is, I got this news last night when DH got home and I sent a message to my friend  about it via FB at 1:30. This morning at 4am, she texted me and said she had been dreaming about me and having a conversation so she though she'd text. I told her to go check her FB messages!

Ok, this is long, but I am so happy and grateful!

[Deleted]

Wow! That's exciting! Good for y'all

[lauralala]

This is so cool! I'm glad you get to see all of your hard work paying off in ways you had not imagined.

[lust2hart]

This is awesome. I look forward to reading your updates on the projects!

[LLL]

That's awesome!! Good work

[lightbulbsun]

That is so cool!

[amberlyrose]

That sounds great!!

[sherbanator]

Awesome!

[karmasabiotch]

That is great new and what a wonderful idea.

If you ever feel comfortable sharing your info about this I would love to do it in my area. It would be a good fit for the programs we offer.

[sonrisa]

Yay!!! Go snips :-)

[snipsnsnails]

Oh, for sure, Karma! I will send a message to you on here in the next few days and outline some of the stuff we've done and learned from in the past 4-5 years. It's been so great and most of all, I just really, truly love the people we know and meet.

[snipsnsnails]

Thanks, guys! You all are awesome cheerleaders! Community organizing, ftw! Haha!

[Deleted]

Wow, this story makes me so happy! What a terrific and creative way to help your community. I'm so impressed with you (and excited about the new money, of course!)

[alzi]

Awesome!!!