MELD

2011 MELD Annual Report

MELD — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:01:04 +0000

Download the 2011 MELD Annual Report (pdf)

Anastasia

Vikki Noe-Eltvedt — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:48:20 +0000

Why? “Why” is what I used to ask myself every day. Why is my life so messed up? Why can’t I have a nice life? Why am I living in my car with my son? Why Lord? Why? Then I say to myself, “No Stasia, don’t think that way. God has a plan for you and will not put too much on your shoulders”. Then when I think we are going to be OK, the worst comes. I get a phone call. “Stasia, the landlord said you can’t stay here because that would be too many people in one house”. Then I just stop, break down, and cry. I start thinking again, why me? I’m tired God, I’m so tired. What am I going to do? Where are me and my son going to go? Where will I park my car so nothing happens to us while we sleep? Then I stop, get myself together, and go back into my school (Educators of Beauty) and continue serving my client. When I was done, I went to the bathroom and broke down crying. Then a good friend named Crystal came and prayed with me. As we were praying, my teacher came in the bathroom and she started crying and stated, “What? I am going to see what we can do”. So ever since December 3, 2011, my life has changed by one phone call to MELD. I’ve been the happiest I’ve ever been since my mom was alive. MELD has been my mother, my friend, and my everything. They’ve had my back all the way through ups and downs since I’ve been here. I never knew that people can be so kind and loving to someone they never knew until I was in the MELD program. MELD has continued in my life to help me move into my own apartment and they helped me get a job at a salon that will be opening soon. They are helping me to continue my career, education and life. I would have given up hope if I would never have come to MELD. MELD’s the best and I love you guys!!! I also want to thank Trina, Megan, Elisha and all my support team at school. They helped me to be the best I can be and to get into MELD’s shelter.

Wine Tasting May 6 at Artale’s

Karen Tilly — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:47:19 +0000

Join us for some great appetizers from Josef, great wines provided by Artales, and support MELD at the same time. $15 at the door. Proceeds support MELD programs.

Homeless Youth Staff (on call)

Vikki Noe-Eltvedt — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:10:57 +0000

Hours: as needed, primarily evenings and weekends

Qualifications: High School Diploma required, Associate’s Degree is Social Service preferred, must have previous work experience with youth

Requirements: Must pass DCFS background check, must possess valid driver’s license, must pass physical and TB test, must be able to lift 30lbs, must become CPR/First Aide certified

Responsibilities:

Constant supervision and interaction with young mothers and children

Assist residents in gaining valuable life skills through positive role modeling

Daily supervision of residents and maintenance of the shelter

Cook meals and/or assist residents in cooking meals

Transport clients as requested

Assist with donations and laundry pick-up

Complete necessary paperwork, including intakes and exit interviews

Assist with childcare as needed

Answer telephone, take messages, answer door, assure confidentiality

Other duties as assigned

If you are interested in applying for the on-call Homeless Youth Staff position, you mail email your inquiries and resume to Shelter Coordinator, Rachel Miller, at rmiller@rockfordmeld.org.

Holiday Wishes (and a reminder) from Rockford MELD

Karen Tilly — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:47:43 +0000

What a wonderfully festive time of the year. We revel in all the trappings of the season – from the brightly colored lights and decorations to the gift shopping and countless gatherings with friends.

It’s perfectly fine to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. Consider it a present to yourself for another year of hard work. But allow us this chance to remind you the simple way this ever-expanding and consuming holiday began – with honoring a mother and child.

It’s a significance that’s not lost on the dedicated board and staff of Rockford MELD. Every day we’re committed to the dozens of mothers and their children, as well as fathers, in need of direction and support that is our mission. A ‘guiding star’ if you will, in lives that can be so easily lost among a society that is sometimes – and understandably – busy finding its own way.

This greeting of the season is sincerely meant to offer you all the best and thank you for your past support in guiding our young parents to build strong families and lives. We, however, hope it also gave you a chance to pause and reflect on the truer meaning of the holiday.

Rockford MELD asks that you please find it in your heart to remember a mother and child who will be seeking shelter tonight and wanting the care and compassion tomorrow that they’ll need to give their lives meaning and purpose. Thank you.

Warm Wishes of Peace and Joy this Holiday Season from the Board of Directors, Staff and Young Families at MELD

Mike Robinson
MELD Board of Directors President

Cassandra

MELD — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:33:08 +0000

My name is Cassandra. I am 19 years old, and I have a one year old daughter named E’moni. I currently reside in the MELD Transitional Living Program at the 4^th Avenue and 5^th Street building. About a year ago my mother kicked me out of her house. I had a 4 month old baby at the time and didn’t know where to go or who to turn to. My Family Support Worker from Easter Seals told me about the MELD program, so I decided to give them a call. When I called MELD, the staff were very helpful and friendly. Within weeks I had somewhere to stay. I really feel that the program has helped me out a lot. They have assisted me with budgeting my money, setting up a bank account, and developing a resume. I love going to the MELD Young Moms support groups they facilitate every week because it provides me with a positive and healthy place to talk about things going on in my life. Since entering the program, I have received educational support and became stable enough to work on my education goals. I began attending college this year at Rock Valley College. I started taking my general education courses and attended the certification classes for the Certified Nursing Assistant certificate at the same time. After I received my C.N.A. certificate, I was hired at Park Strathmore where I work part-time. I could not have accomplished these goals without the stability and support of MELD.

I have been in the MELD program for a year now and they have been a great help to me and my daughter. Without the program I don’t know where I would be. I could have ended up on the streets, had to move from house to house, and could have even lost my daughter. The assistance of the MELD program has helped prevent that for me and my daughter, and for that I am truly thankful.

MELD Programs

Chris Kelley — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:30:20 +0000

MELD offers support and resources to our young moms and dads.

Learn More about MELD Programs

Volunteer

Chris Kelley — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:29:26 +0000

Give your time to help MELD with a number of activities.

Volunteer With MELD

Support MELD

Chris Kelley — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:28:48 +0000

Your donations support MELD in our mission to help young moms and dads.

Donate to MELD

Fall 2011 MELD Newsletter

MELD — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:17:07 +0000

Download the MELD 2011 Fall Newsletter (pdf)