Reflections on Life Directions "Work In Progress"

Our first blog wants to encourage all, who receive and reflect upon our journey, to join us with your reflections and suggestions.

We have been walking the walk to engage the lives of youth and young adults since November 1, 1973. The ebb and flow has been amazing.

For our initial entry I want to thank those who are part of where we are.

• In Detroit, our city of origin, the Board of Trustees will be meeting this coming Monday evening to celebrate coming out of our own recession to look forward to growing the branches that are now stronger due in great part to the quality pruning from January 2008. Thanks to the board, to Bonnie Remenapp and Sister Rosalie, to all the self-supporting people beginning with Judith MacDonald, the eldest of the Elders - December 16, 1973.
• In Chicago, our second city, the Board of Trustees are in the midst of "Stepping Up and Stepping Out". Our "Salute To Our Guiding Light - Jim Reynolds" are inviting all to come to Macy's on State and Madison on November 8th to celebrate the work of 21 years that has impacted over 30,000 youth and young adults. Thanks to the board, to Van Bensett and Sr. Gilda Marie and Brian Entz, to all of the self-supported people beginning with Nelson Carlo, the eldest of the Elders and Ray McCaskey, our fearless leader.
• In Tucson, our city in the Southwest, the Board of Trustees are to meet on October 18. They are partnering with the Life Directions Community Action Circle with the leadership rooted in the Mendoza family. Thanks to the board that is searching to sustain our entry into Sunnyside and Apollo and the Tohono O'oldham Nation. We especially thank Raul Nido, the chairperson of Life Directions in Tucson, who opened his arms to go "out of box", not to return since May 1997.
• In Marion County, our city in the Northwest, the Board of Trustees is seeking to establish a way to build capacity with a way that is sustainable. The Life Directions' Community Action Circle is seeking to nurture the roots of our work, so ably planted by Dr. Leo Rasca-Hidalgo. We are deeply grateful for the leadership of Mr. Kevin Mannix that is practical, purposeful and visionary! Begun with amazing leaders in 2002, we are gratefully building with their legacy.

Our Central Support Team is made up of Sr. Rosalie Esquerra, OP; Bonnie Remenapp and Fr. John Phelps, C.Ss.R. We were presented to the National Board members at our "Face-to-Face" National Board Meeting on August 27, 2010. We officially began on October 1, 2010, a famous day that remembers how silence leads to solidarity that is self-sustaining beyond what revenue reduces!

Our motto over the past year has been "We cannot lose our way when there is no road!"

Looking forward to your comments.