Memories expressed in how we see ourselves, and the world around us; how we interact and behave; and, how we care for one another. Moms are as imperfect as any of us, but always see the best in each of us: making a big deal of our smallest accomplishments, and turning our biggest disappointments into small victories.  Moms show us the grace of unconditional love: serving yourself last, taking the smallest – and never the last – piece: sharing what is not in abundance, giving what is. 

So, for those who can hold their mother near, and for those who hold her memory dear, here is an opportunity to show you were listening to those lessons about caring for others. You can give in her honor or her memory with a donation to Community Lifeline Center. You will be passing on her lessons to the many single moms who turn to us to help manage a short-term crisis. 

On behalf of all the children of the world, thank you moms!

The support many of you share with Community Lifeline Center makes an important difference in the lives of many across Collin County. Today, I’m asking if you can share something else: your opinions.

Community Lifeline Center has engaged an independent research company to conduct focus group research, and we’d very much like you to participate. The voice of the community plays a vital role in the development and delivery of our many human services.   We can offer you a choice of two days and times. The discussions will be led by an independent moderator, and should last about 90 minutes. There is only room for 10 people in each group. We know how precious time is today, so as reward for your kind assistance, we are offering refreshments including an array of sweets.

Your opinions mean so much to Community Lifeline Center. Can you spare 90 minutes to help guide our mission?

Please choose one of the following two groups:

Men Monday, May 13  7:00-8:30 PM, or Wednesday May 15 1:30-3:00 PM
Women Monday May 13 1:30-3:00 PM or Wednesday May 15: 7:00-8:30 PM

As scheduling can be a challenge, may I ask that you respond by
Tuesday, May 7? RSVP to info[@]communitylifeline.org

I do hope you can join us for one of the groups. Your ideas and opinions mean everything to us.

Thank you,
Christine Hockin-Boyd

As a result, CLC offers job-search workshops at no cost to anyone in job search.  This one-day workshop is held every second and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and covers the following subjects:

• Determining What You Want to Do
• Creating a Résumé That Reflects Your Goal
• How to Effectively Search for a Job
• Winning the Interview 

Class is limited to 10 participants.  Register or call 972-542-0020.

The supplies brings piece of mind to many weary parents that will now be able to provide clean clothing for their children without sacrificing the housing or utility bill money to purchase them. Clients are better able to focus on obtaining and retaining a job. They are better able to focus on keeping a household budget which will put their families on the path for future success.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Community Lifeline Center
1601 W. University Dr., Ste. B, McKinney
9:00 am – 2:00 pm
or while supplies last

Please Bring Photo ID and current electric bill

Residents of the following communities are invited:
Altoga, Anna, Blue Ridge, Celina, Copeville, Farmersville, Josephine, Lavon, Lowery Crossing, McKinney,
Melissa, Nevada, New Hope, Princeton, Prosper, Westminster, and Weston 

For more information contact 972-542-0020
 facebook.com/CommunityLifeline

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Energy Efficiency Kits
will also be available to TXU Energy Customers 

Presented By:
Community Lifeline Center
TXU Energy
McKinney Ladies Association
McKinney Lions
McKinney Fire Department

Community Lifeline Center is gearing up for their second annual Service Gathering – Games for Good. Designed to raise awareness about CLC and funds to support CLC’s programs, Games for Good will be a casual community game night scheduled for Thursday May 9. Tickets will include admission, a light dinner buffet, beverages and dessert.

“’Games for Good’ is a follow-up to last year’s ‘Words with Friends’ tournament, CLC’s first ever fundraiser”, said Sharon Hagen, CLC Board member. “The event will feature the opportunity for friends to gather and enjoy the fun and competition, and each other, while celebrating and helping to further the mission of Community Lifeline.”

“While we can’t disclose what games will be played, we do expect that it will be a great time for everyone attending. People of all ages love games, and everyone loves to win. There will be lots of laughter and lots of winning! Attendance, though, is limited to those 21 years and up. Plan to bring your company, your customers, your neighborhood group, civic club, Bunco, bridge or church bunch or just your “Circle of Friends”. Corporate and group tables are available” said Jaymie Pedigo, Development Director.

McKinney Flour Mill is proud to present and sponsor the event for the second year, but this year they’ll be showing off the new “Marketplace” Event Hall. And hosting again this year is Sara Thomas, Senior Vice President, Square One Mortgage at Independent Bank, along with sidekick Jeremiah Hammer, Garden Guru and President, Sustainable Ventures. “They are going to be a blast” Pedigo, said “as you never know what is going to come out of their mouths.”

Major sponsors to date include Emerson Process Management, and Baylor Medical Center McKinney. Visit www.communitylifeline.org, or contact Jaymie Pedigo, jpedigo@communitylifeline.org  for sponsorship or ticket information.

And, hope is what families find at Community Lifeline Center.

One of the dictionary definitions of hope is “To expect with confidence: trust”. To a lot of people brought low by an unexpected crisis – job loss, medical emergency, family changes – Community Lifeline Center is their last chance. Even when no direct aid is available, those in need are given hope through a consultative referral or link to an alternative resource.  Nearly 5,000 area residents contacted CLC  in some way in 2012, and every one of them left with some form of help, even if it was a connection to a different resource.  Those in need have come to trust that Community Lifeline Center can and will help them get from point A to point B.

But, trust is a two-way street, so those who support Community Lifeline Center need to know their  support is used wisely. So, of the 8 Community Lifeline Center core values, #3 is: “We believe in the highest standard of ethics and integrity, knowing our very right to serve depends on trust.” Nearly 90 cents of every dollar goes directly or indirectly to help us serve those in need; sometimes in direct support to families, sometimes to make that support possible. Donors can find information on the source and uses of funds by Community Lifeline Center by reviewing our 2012 Annual Report.

Joy, renewal, trust: this is the currency of Community Lifeline Center. And, so during this spring season – when we are surrounded by miracles – if you can spare a kind thought for those in need do so by reflecting on your own good fortune. If you can spare more, financial and in-kind donations are always welcomed at communitylifeline.org/donate

But, above all else in this season let’s celebrate hope: the hope that as all of us move forward, we leave none of us behind.

You can vote every day this week – and please do!

For information or to RSVP, contact Jaymie Pedigo, jpedigo@communitylifeline.org or 972.542.0020  Ext 204.

The important news is that while these original workshops were spread out over four weeks, this past January Loraine and her team began offering the entire workshop in one day. And, after completing the workshop attendees receive personal assistance from the volunteers in developing a marketable resume.  One of the main reasons for the change to a one-day workshop is that some previous attendees left after completing their resume, believing they had everything they needed for the search. But, the critical portion of the workshops is about the job search strategy itself. And, that assistance is coming from experienced work force professionals, like Loraine.

A nine year McKinney resident, Loraine has a BA from Hendrix College and has worked in the staffing industry since graduation.  She was Dallas branch manager for a staffing company, and later a manager for a career services group. Her staffing and recruiting experience got her interested in career coaching. Loraine went to work for the well-known Lee Hecht Harrison organization in 1995 and has held a variety of roles within the company since that time. She’s a certified career coach, workshop trainer, and senior engagement specialist.

Her professional experience has carried over into her volunteer work. Before joining First United Methodist Church in McKinney in 2005, she was active in supporting the career-outreach ministry at Custer United Methodist Church leading workshops and facilitating job-support meetings. After becoming a member of FUMC McKinney, she initiated and developed the job-support ministry leading monthly workshops and weekly job-support groups.

Loraine, along with Peggy Djurdjulov, created the job-seeker workshop breaking down the job-search process into baby-steps and providing insight as to how and why companies hire employees. Tim Baker and Pat Pierson help conduct the job-seeker workshops.

Loraine describes the workshops: “Peggy and I developed the curriculum based on the various resources I have utilized over the years in conducting career workshops. It is designed to appeal to all levels of employees and to provide the core basics of job-search and how to effectively utilize the Internet and network in the community. We also offer comprehensive resume writing support. The biggest differentiation in our program versus other organizations is our passion for helping individuals in their job search, and providing people with the necessary tools to find the best work situation. We see ourselves as agents of hope. We truly believe that if a person has a solid job-search strategy, a polished resume and forward-thinking attitude, they will find a job even in this economy.”

Workshops are open to the general public. Those interested in attending job-seeker classes can register online.