Thank you for your interest in LYDIA, Inc.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! It’s a day of green – in many ways……
Many people have asked me what my vision is for LYDIA. I want to post a brief overview of the current programs (which you can find out more about by visiting our website and going to “Programs we Offer”)….But I’ll expand on the programs in detail in future posts.
Firstly, our job-training program. We want to have a bookstore and cafe – why a retail store? Why a bookstore? Honestly? Because I love reading. I’ll talk more about this store at length in our post on the Book Lounge. Why a cafe? Because everyone has to eat and I love to cook. There’s some good news in store for our clients, too. Partnerships with local area businesses, possibly including a grant match type situation.
Our job-skills training will match mentors with clients who want to learn hands-on trade and/or encourage clients who attend trade or vocation school.
Our child-care solutions will approach child-care needs in a 3-fold approach.
Transportation will be volunteer-based/driven.
Youth programs will include tutoring, drama teams, and band nights.
There is, of course, so much more we want to do and offer. But we want to hear from you, our community.
In each state we’ve lived, we’ve had a bit of LYDIA going. But when I learned about Santa Fe, I knew that this would be our home. We moved out here in 2013 – it was our best decision yet.
I decided to volunteer at Care Net, our local crisis pregnancy and parent education organization. Check them out, over on Fifth Street. (Don’t tell them I sent you!) While at Care Net, I met teen parents, young couples, struggling parents, pregnant moms with multiple children, those who were having their second babies…..and they all had more than their pregnancies in common. Some had no jobs. Some had jobs and were still fighting to make ends meet. Some of the partner parents were also struggling – making minimum wage, talking about giving up on their plans and dreams….because any money at least means they can provide for their families.
I left Care Net late 2014, but had an official separation in 2015 due to medical reasons. I also filed LYDIA, Inc. (Summit International) with the State in Spring of 2015. We made our announcement then – we’re legitimately in New Mexico!
With much discussion between us and the Board of Directors, we have decided to offer the following current programs: