Leading Home Care and NSA Kentucky

Invite you to particpate in the

"Tennies for Teenz" program

 

Dears NSA Friends,

For several years, The Kentucky Chapter of The National Speakers Association has had their chapter meetings in the conference room of the activies center at Maryhurst.  We are the only outside organization who has been invited to use this facility for our meetings.

Maryhurst is a not-for-profit social service organization that provides housing, education, and support to children who have been removed from their homes in crisis because they have been abused or neglected.  For many of these young people, Maryhurst is the only answer.  Recognized as one of the few agencies in the country that is capable of caring for teenage girls who are among the most traumatized victims, Maryhurst helps those who have no where else to turn for healing and hope.

Our connection to Maryhurst begins with Elizabeth Jeffries, CSP, CPAE, Founder and three time past president of NSA Kentucky. Elizabeth is also a past board member of The National Speakers Association, serves on the Professional Speakers Benefit Fund committee of the NSA Foundation, and is my wife, business partner, and best friend.

Elizabeth has also served Maryhurst for over 25 years as a volunteer mentor to girls, as a coach to staff, and as a board member.  I have been drawn into the support of Maryhurst because of Elizabeth's involvement, and have had the opportunity to see first hand what a powerful impact this organization makes on the lives of these young women.

Last year I had the opportunity to lead a strategic planning session for a not-for-profit organization in Columbus, Ohio who needed help and did not have enough money to pay my normal consulting fee.  Because the organization had a very worthwhile purpose, and was referred to me by an NSA Speaker friend, I agreed to do the work.  I told them what my normal fee would be, and asked them to write a check for whatever amount they could pull together.  I asked them to make the check payable to Maryhurst.

Then I called Judy Lambeth, the CEO of Maryhurst, and asked her how we could best use this money. She told me about the need for tennis shoes and gym clothes for these young women when they arrive at the facility in the middle of the night with all of their possessions in a green garbage bag.  We gave them the money, and the staff negotiated a deal with a local athletic shoe store.  They were very excited to have shoes for the kids.

About two months ago, I got a note from Dave Short, the program manager at Maryhurst, thanking me again for the shoe fund, and letting me know that all the money had been used.  I wrote them a check, but we need more to continue the fund through 2014. 

We'll Match Your Donation.

Elizabeth and I will continue to support the Tennis Shoe fund this year through our company, Leading Home Care.  But we want to leverage our money, so I'm asking for your help.  If you will click on the link below and make a small donation of $10.00, $25.00, $50.00, OR $100.00, We'll match your donation.  Together, we can make an even bigger impact this year. 

Elizabeth and I have had the privilege to host many of these girls and young women in our home and on outings.  Their stories are often just unbelievable.  We have all had tough times in our lives, but the crises and trauma these young women have been through just takes your breath away.

It's not much, but something as simple as a pair of tennis shoes and gym shorts gives them the opportunity to be active, interact with the other girls, and lets them know that someone cares about them. 

I'm asking you personnally for your support.  Please take a minute of your time to pull out your credit card and give $10.00, $25.00, $50.00, or $100.00 to the Leading Home Care - NSA KY "Tennies for Teenz Program."

Thank you and best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year,

Stephen

Stephen Tweed, CSP
CEO, Leading Home Care ... a Tweed Jeffries company
Past President, NSA and NSA Kentucky
Immediate Past Chair, NSA Foundation

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