The Carriage House Community Table

2009 Annual Report

from our

executivedirector

The Carriage House Community Table •

2009 Annual Report

Andrea had long golden hair in a braid, was

missing her front teeth, and loved pink. She drew me pictures of rainbows and horses while her momand I talked about their lives.Andrea and her mom and dad were homeless. The family got stranded here on their way to live withfamily back East, but once their car broke down they were left with limited choices. They were campinghigh up in the mountains, afraid that if they were found outside with a six year old, the child would be taken away. Andrea was well cared for, well fed, and up to date with doctor visits and immunizations, but

her parents were unable to fnd work.

We worked to enroll Andrea in school and soon after she started, CHCT got a call on our voicemailpraising Andrea for being a great student. (Her mom didn’t have any other phone number to leave as acontact for the school.) Our donors and volunteers supported the family by donating lots of pink cloth-ing, outdoor gear, and toys. We helped the dad by giving him access to voice mail, interview clothing, andbus tokens. He found a job in two days. The family worked hard to save money and soon was able tosave enough to be eligible for Emerge’s emergency shelter. CHCT worked with some local churches tohelp the family with a housing deposit. They now have a place to live.This story says a lot about the family, the Boulder community, and The Carriage House Community Table.The family sought help and worked hard to get where they are today. Volunteers in the community came together to support them. We coordinated with several other agencies to get this family employment and housing. It’s the example where everything went right.And while this story sticks out in my mind when I think of 2009, there are so many other stories of success and community that happen at The Carriage House Community Table. Despite the dramaticincrease in homelessness, we continue to serve food, give people access to medical care, and provideemployment support on a daily basis to everyone who asks for help. Our services have adapted to theincrease in families like Andrea’s coming through our doors, but we’re still all about one thing: community.Ours is a place of community and respect. Your place in that community as a supporter, volunteer, andadvocate is vital. We really couldn’t have helped Andrea and her family – or any of the other 3,500people that came through our doors last year – without you. Thank you so much for your thousands of volunteer hours, heaps of donations, and considerable number of dollars. Together we opened the door for Andrea and hundreds of others to a world of more opportunity. With thanks, Joy Eckstine

our

stories

Their amazing stories keep getting better and better…

As one of The Carriage House Community Table’s newest client interns, I was thrilled when I was asked to follow up with previous shared personal stories of two former

clients, Tory and Jeff, to nd out, “Where are they now?”

I not only found inspiration and hope from their success, but the genuine gratitude they have towards The Carriage House Community Table for the kind, caring, and dedicated support they received was truly heartfelt.‑ Melodie

Tory

Tory is a recovering heroin and pain pills addict who continues to work successfully with the Methadone program. She is looking forward to celebrating her third year in

sobriety. Tory nds inspiration in her 19-month-old daughter, Isabella, as she embarks

on her journey through sobriety and to her dreams.Tory enjoys and is grateful for her new position in retail sales. She was the only one from a seasonal employment team to be offered a permanent position. She

and Isabella continue to grow and blossom from the love given to them by Isabella’s

father.

Jeff

Jeff is humbly treading his way down the Yellow Brick Road to happiness. Formerly

homeless, Jeff has found comfort in the strides that he has so diligently made over the last few months. He works at King Soopers here in Boulder and yet, he still

takes time to give back to The Carriage House Community Table every Friday. Jeff is really excited about his upcoming paid vacation. He is planning to wander aimlessly through the Rocky Mountain. National Park in search of a peaceful andspiritual experience. Jeff is also looking forward to getting back in touch with hismedical work experience.