C.O.G.S.

We are functioning, even though we have lost our part time coordinator to a full time job in Spokane. hurray, for Janet! She is a single parent and our purpose is to help support our fellow citizens in finding , getting jobs and keeping them. Springdale in 40 miles from Spokane which requires dependable transportation, gas money and insurance. We live close to the bone in this community which requires a united effort to keep our citizens from sinking in this environment.
We lend our cars to those who have none, donate time and money if we have some extra, to keep people afloat. We are thankful for Horizon training, study groups and our community couches. We have forged new relationships/friendships with our community. Creating a network for economic progress and creating new leadership opportunities. C.O.G.S.is struggling to become economically independent. We are still able to pay our utility bills but unable to fund a coordinator. Americorp and Vista require money up front and our fund raising attempts have not been that lucrative. Currently we are dealing with bureaucratic requirements: i.e. health department for fund raising events which include food, liquor board, fire marshal, building inspectors, the town hall, all which usurps energy, time and money from our intended goals. Perhaps it is all a plot to keep us away from each other. Probably not but the whole thing is depressing. The solution, we have been told, is to form a membership organization, do not advertise and don't invite the public. How can we forge a bond with new people if we become selective? Does this sound like a rant , maybe it is. We have so many positive enterprises, projects and people that there is a enthusiasm in the air, it just seems we need to lean on each other more than before and things will work out. Sunday market will begin this week, The birding event was great fun, the senior lunch is thriving, dinner and a movie is popular and planing for the coming fall and winter events are in the works. Also, we are involving our neighbor to the north, Valley, to join us in our endeavors. I hope you guys have not given up on us, we are very appreciative of your help.