Guest House News | August 2020
A Note from Judith and Grant
The summer has continued to be quiet at the Guest House as we wait out this challenging and unpredictable time. Since settling in to the house earlier this spring, we have often imagined the vibrant community that has filled this home so well for the past many years, and we can’t wait for the day that we can fully experience that. We feel especially anxious for the families that FRC serves, and we want so desperately to welcome them back into this space.
Fortunately, not everything has been put on pause around here, and we have been busy with a number of exciting projects that we hope will bring a smile to visitors' faces as they return. We have a beautiful new roof, stepping stones that lead from the front parking area to the porch, a new drainage system, and even some new artwork for the guest rooms.
Our thoughts are with all of you and your loved ones as you navigate this year. As we get new information, we continue to evaluate the best ways for us to serve our community when visitation resumes, and we are constantly brainstorming new ways to foster community during this difficult time. We want everyone to know that we are here and welcome you to reach out for whatever reason—we would love to hear your voice!
We can’t wait to see all of you again.
All our gratitude and love,
Judith and Grant
Highlights from the Eagle Scout Volunteer Day
Eagle Scout Candidate Nissa Berle (top right) and Scout volunteers determined and changed grades around the Guest House to improve drainage, and then laid a new stepping stone path! From our board member, Mike Hudson, who assisted with the project: "Nissa was on top of everything: grasping the complexity, determining equipment and personnel, furnishing proper equipment, nourishment and protection of personnel, and instructing volunteers who knew less than she about fine grading. And...she raised the funds [for the project]"!
Brandi Carlile's "Looking Out Foundation" Awards
Family Reconciliation Center $2,500
In June, Family Reconciliation Center was awarded $2,500 by the Looking Out Foundation, founded by artists Brandi Carlile and Tim and Phil Hanseroth. About Looking Out Foundation: "Founded in 2008 . . . we band together with fans, nonprofits, and corporations to translate voices of song to voices of action. From neighborhood to nation, we help fund causes and organizations that often go unnoticed." The Foundation's grant areas include The Arts, Community Development, Women, Education & Environment, Health, and Human & Civil Rights. Family Reconciliation Center was awarded the Foundation's Community Development grant.
Family Reconciliation Center is a nonprofit hospitality house in Nashville, TN. We provide free overnight rooms to anyone visiting an incarcerated loved one. Learn more at https://familyreconciliationcenter.org/.