VOLUME I, 2016

A quarterly

publication of MIRCI

From the desk of the Executive Director:

Inside this issue:

From the E D 1

52 Windows 2

Midlands Gives 2

Inside Story 3

Donors 4

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On April 1st, I began my 26th year with MIRCI. Of course, that

means MIRCI has been a large part of mine and my family’s life

for a quarter of a century. This milestone has made me

reflective, about MIRCI, about my personal life, and how the

two are so much intertwined.

When I started working with MIRCI in 1991, my then

boyfriend was quickly enlisted as a volunteer, and for 25 years,

my now husband has been called on to assist with everything

from camping trips with MIRCI’s clients to cooking for events

and hanging art for 52 Windows. Our 18 year old son has

spent almost every single Thanksgiving Day with us at MIRCI,

with his job being to serve everyone their dessert of choice. He and his buddies have

stuffed stockings and gift bags during the holidays for the residents of MIRCI’s housing

program.

My parents and in-laws have been brought into the MIRCI family as well. My Dad has

made furniture for residents in our apartments. My sister-in-law has served Thanksgiving

and Christmas dinners at MIRCI for more years than I can count. Before his death, my

brother-in-law played for many fundraisers at MIRCI. Countless friends have been called

upon to use their time and talents to benefit the individuals served by MIRCI.

The common thread for me and each of my friends and family members is not what we’ve

given or done for those served by MIRCI. Instead the benefit for each of us is what draws

us together. Each of us has always left MIRCI feeling better than when we arrived. Not

because of what we did, but because of the grace shown to us by those served. Not a

day goes by that the clients of MIRCI don’t make you feel welcome. Never do you enter

MIRCI without receiving a warm, heartfelt greeting. I’ve never received more genuine

comments and compliments.

Over the years I’ve been to dances, dinners, family days, awards programs, etc. at

MIRCI. I know we all attend those kinds of events in many different venues. No other

venue can compare to attending an event at MIRCI. The thoughtfulness and kindness of

everyone, staff and clients alike, are second to none. I couldn’t begin to count the

number of clients throughout the years who have followed my son’s progression through

school and sports – genuinely followed. When they ask about him, they really want to

know. They ask me to tell him they asked about him, to tell him congratulations on

football games, to tell him hello. It’s not the empty polite conversations we all have at

times with people we know. It’s like we’re family. We’ve grown up together over the

years. We’ve grown close. We know each other, and we care.

My life over the past 25 years has been enriched by MIRCI and the caring people we are

privileged to serve. I’ve been a better family member, better parent, and better friend,

because of the grace I’ve learned from the kind people who make MIRCI their family. I

won’t be here another 25 years, but I will be here more years. Oh, and for my friends and

family, I’ll be sure to keep inviting you to be a part of the MIRCI family.

Julie Ann Avin, Executive Director

PAGE 2 NEWSLETTER TITLE

52 WINDOWS—An Evening of Art

MIRCI is participating in Midlands Gives on May 3rd.

Midlands Gives is an Online giving event put on by Central

Carolina Community Foundation. This is the 3rd year

MIRCI has been apart of the national Giving Day. All Funds

raised from this event will go towards MIRCI’s Housing and

Homeless Programs.

Come out and celebrate the beauty of art that supports the minds of those in need! There will be

heavy hors d'oeuvres catered by Aberdeen Catery, an open bar, live music by The Knott Trio, and a

silent art auction, featuring the art of: Marshall Foster; Sam Wilkins; Barrie Tompkins;

Stephen Chesley; Michael Story; Irene Tison; Brian Rego; Julia Seabrook Moore;

Heather Lahaise; and Missy Mciver.

This is MIRCI’s 5th year for the fundraiser event and all funds raised support MIRCI’s Housing and

Homeless Programs.

Tickets are $75 (1) or $125 (2) www.mirci.org

MIDLANDS GIVES

PAGE 3 VOLUME I, 2016

Catrina’s Story

At the time Catrina came into MIRCI housing in February, 2014, she was experiencing numerous life stressors which exacerbated her diagnoses of severe anxiety and depression. Despite her upsetting circumstances, Catrina maintained her employment at the time as well as her role of single mother of three. With the support of services such as psychiatrist appointments, nursing Interventions, medication management, individual therapy and psychosocial rehabilitation from MIRCI, she was able to gain stability and concentrate on improving the quality of her family’s lives. At the outset of her second year in the program, Catrina experienced a setback with the trauma of two deaths in her family. From that point on, she vowed to herself to continue in a positive direction and began to process several items of unfinished business in her life. As a result, she experienced tremendous personal growth. Last summer, her middle son came to live with the family permanently, and most recently, Catrina found a more suitable job which aligns with her goal of finding a job in the area of her Bachelor’s degree.

During a recent meeting, Catrina’s case manager reflected on her last two years in the MIRCI program, and commended her on the progress she has made. Catrina stated, “Yes, I believe I have. I was in such a terrible state at one point- now I’m happier than I’ve ever been my whole life.”

“YES, I BELIEVE I

HAVE. I WAS IN

SUCH A TERRIBLE

STATE AT ONE

POINT, NOW I’M

HAPPIER THAN I’VE

EVER BEEN MY

WHOLE LIFE”

MIRCI Donors: November 2015—March 2016

Steven Von Hollen and Julie Ann Avin—Honor of Sally Turner, Mike Herring, and

John and Nela Balling

Kara Bailey

Victoria Barnes

Joyce Britt

Jason Buckland, M.D.

Ronny and Mary Burkett

Brooke Clover

Walker Covin

James Cox

Bill Davis

Mary Anne Ehasz

John Evans

Bruce Fewell

Anita Floyd

Shirley Furtick

John and Margaret Garrison

Eugene and Lois Green

Steven and Debbie Hamm— Honor of Julie Ann Avin

Dr. Numa Hero III

Dawn Hinshaw

Mark Hodge

Kristen and Chad Horne -In memory of Ron Ellison

Kristen and Chad Horne—In Honor of Steve and Debbie Hamm

Laura Jeffcoat

Jane and Robert Key

May & Bentz Kirby

Maria and Jeff Koob

Dr. John lee

Dolores Macey Ph.D.

Councilman Bill Malinowski

Councilman Jim Manning -Honor of Councilman Gregory Pearce

Tom and Patricia Minor

Liz Norris—Honor of Julie Ann Avin

Dr. and Mrs. Georges Postic

Noni Richards -Honor of John and Cyndi Bell, Don and Corey Wood, and Curtis Richards

James Riddle, M.D.

Dr. Ruthie Saunders

Carolyn Seabrook

Charmelle Staples

John Stock

John and Susan Turnbull

Will Warren

Richard Widdifield

Ellen and Laurel Widdifield—Honor of Richard Widdifield

Joel and Diane Wier

Diane Zygmont

Good Unlimited Trust

CCM Advisers, LLC

Spring Valley Rotary Club

The Ed & Dorothy Kendall Foundation