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News and Notes...
In the News:
Joe Gibbs Racing's Steve deSouza hears a higher calling - Read the full story - Posted 1/2/09
MARIANNE'S HOUSE: ENABLING THE DISABLED - Posted 1/10/2008
It’s worth one more headline at the very least to recognize the efforts of Bellingham Travel Agent, Melinda Shenk who, on behalf of her nonprofit organization – Marianne’s House, was mentioned in the Bellingham Herald under the headline, “Volunteers Make a Difference” along with Member Travel Counselors Carol Monteith and Karen Olsen who helped Melinda with the project. They were later awarded the “Nonprofit of the Year” award by the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce.
Marianne’s House was established to honor the memory of Marianne Barden, sister of Melinda Shenk. Marianne passed away from cancer several years ago. “She always had a special love for people with disabilities,” says Melinda, whose two developmentally disabled sons were the inspiration for the house. “Together, we planned to open the day activity center for adults with disabilities – she would be the manager and I would do the administrative work. When Marianne passed away it made me realize there are no guarantees in life – I needed to start the organization for my sister and for my two sons.”
In 2004, with the help of Carol and Karen, Melinda made the idea a reality. For the past three years, Marianne’s House has provided recreational, social and vocational activities for adults with developmental disabilities. Open to anyone in the community, the house offers activities such as cooking classes, crafts, planting classes, and much more. The house currently has thirteen members who attend the events and activities on a regular basis.
Goals for 2008? Melinda says they hope to purchase a minivan which would help increase community interaction and allow the members to travel offsite for activities. “We are also looking for a new location…We are getting a little crowded at our current location, The Community Baptist Church,” says Melinda. A neighboring organization, the Max Higbee Center, is also interested in sharing a facility. They offer similar services, but only on the weekend. Melinda thinks that may work well since Marianne’s house is open only during the week.
Melinda says, "This house has been truly blessed."
Notes From Laura:
October 2008 - We had such a fantastic summer at Marianne's House. We put our modified bikes to good use and added one more stule to the "Fleet". Our van has been spotted all over the county and is called, "The Super Blast of Fun, Scenic Route Shuttle!" (We are never at a loss for words) It has carried us to the beaches of Birch Bay, the wooded cliffs of Chuckanut Drive, the peacock chasing lawns of Hovander Homestead and many other recreation sites. We are truly a team; helping each other out, learning new skills and games , offering support and encouragement. And we LAUGH....A LOT! I hope many of you will come to visit us, especially for our craft activities from 10:00 - 11:30am, or to travel the county with us.
I hope to see you at our Open House at our new location.
Laura Hale, Site Manager
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