The MOM Project has officially applied for 501(c)(3) status! Signed, sealed, and dropped in the mail to the Internal Revenue Service!
That means if YOU make a donation (and you're a US taxpayer) YOU can take a tax deduction for a contribution to an honest-to-goodness nonprofit! How's that for awesome?!?!
It was a long road, but we finally did it! Yay us!
A link to the donation page can now be found on my sidebar (thanks for reminding me M!).
Showing posts with label MOM Project. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MOM Project. Show all posts
Monday, February 23, 2009
Monday, May 05, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
MOM Project
The MOM Project was founded in October 2003 in loving memory of Mariam Rebman, beloved daughter of Lisa Rebman. The MOM Project is aimed towards families affected by pregnancy and infant loss. We offer a variety of information, services, and memorial gifts. Commemorative Birth Certificates and Recognition of Life Certificates, as well as Bereaved Mother's Bracelets are offered free of charge.
This project is staffed entirely by volunteers and operates on donations. Sadly, both are few and far between these days and the project is facing a freeze on all free items. As a bereaved mother myself, I know how valuable the smallest tokens can be when you are thrown into the black hole of grief. And that is why I'm coming to you, dear internets.
In the past, I have solicited donations myself for the purchase of supplies to make bracelets and mail them to mothers who request them (it now costs about $6 a bracelet to accomplish this), and my blog readers and friends have been very generous. To date, I have been able to send out more than 50 bracelets with your help...and I can't thank you enough.
Now, I'm hoping that readers/friends/lurkers will join me in making a donation directly to the project (we are now an official Illinois non-profit corporation) so that we can continue to offer bracelets and certificates to fellow parents in loss. A few dollars will go a long way. And with tax return season upon us (and the federal government's new economic stimulus plan sending out checks too), a few dollars won't hurt your pocketbook right now. In fact, a larger donation than usual wouldn't be out of the question (and would ALWAYS be appreciated).
I'm begging on behalf of those moms like me...
...who turn to the internet during the darkest hours of their lives to find the smallest ray of light in the kindness offered by a handful of strangers.
Thank you.
This project is staffed entirely by volunteers and operates on donations. Sadly, both are few and far between these days and the project is facing a freeze on all free items. As a bereaved mother myself, I know how valuable the smallest tokens can be when you are thrown into the black hole of grief. And that is why I'm coming to you, dear internets.
In the past, I have solicited donations myself for the purchase of supplies to make bracelets and mail them to mothers who request them (it now costs about $6 a bracelet to accomplish this), and my blog readers and friends have been very generous. To date, I have been able to send out more than 50 bracelets with your help...and I can't thank you enough.
Now, I'm hoping that readers/friends/lurkers will join me in making a donation directly to the project (we are now an official Illinois non-profit corporation) so that we can continue to offer bracelets and certificates to fellow parents in loss. A few dollars will go a long way. And with tax return season upon us (and the federal government's new economic stimulus plan sending out checks too), a few dollars won't hurt your pocketbook right now. In fact, a larger donation than usual wouldn't be out of the question (and would ALWAYS be appreciated).
I'm begging on behalf of those moms like me...
...who turn to the internet during the darkest hours of their lives to find the smallest ray of light in the kindness offered by a handful of strangers.
Thank you.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Crafty resolutions
When in doubt...blog about crafts...
My craft table has been sitting in the barn since my uncle delivered it almost a year ago. It's a heavy heavy piece and required two men to move it. So, on Christmas Day, I roped my brother (who complains that every time he visits I make him lift heavy things) into helping my husband bring it into my undecorated/unfurnished dining room. It needs painted a better color than its current colonial blue (which I forever banished from this house with the removal of "the big blue box" that enclosed our old wood-burning fireplace and blocked off our beautiful WIDE living room door opening (we're talking about hanging french doors...I'll keep you posted))...but it has this really neat slide out table that will be fabulous for cutting fabric! But I digress...the table is in the house and just waiting to be used for something crafty. Now I just need to reassemble my sewing machine (it had to be removed from its table/cupboard so that we could move it upstairs/downstairs during the time the furniture was rearranged to make room for the Christmas tree)...and I'll be good to go. Now I just need to figure out what I want to do.
We won't discuss all the projects from last year that went un-finished...OK, so maybe we will since they are integral to what I want to get done this year. But this year I'm putting them all in one place so I can check them off as I go. It didn't work so well with the books I was supposed to read (which I'm going to carry over to this coming year). But hopefully I'll find more motivation in 2008.
~First and foremost, I want to sew up the hems on my bedroom curtains. They've been safety pinned for almost a year now. Tacky, tacky, tacky.
~Next, I want to get back to crafting for charity. I've got at least a half dozen burial gowns in the works...not to mention hats and booties. Alex, Travis, and Myles all received wonderful gifts from these sorts of efforts and I want to pay it forward, I suppose you could say.
~I want to catch up with MOM Project bracelets. I have fallen woefully behind. I have beads but will need to buy some wire soon due to the number of pending requests. Thankfully, JoAnns keeps sending me 40% off coupons.
~I MUST finish a couple of baby gifts I've got on the hooks. Can't say too much. Don't want to spoil the surprises. :o)
~I really want to finish the afghan for a friend that I've been working on since October of 2006. She's recently announced she's moving. I hope the colors will still work in her new house.
~Next, I want to find and finish the tea cozies I promised a couple of friends. Yes, I know I said it was weird and I still think it IS weird. But I have weird friends so it all balances out.
~Knit Blue a ruffle sweater.
~Find the box of supplies and at least start the crochet shrug from Secret Pal 9.
~Work on Myles' baby blanket.
~Start work on a couple of quilts and afghans. Steve got me this pattern book for Christmas and I would LOVE to do the crochet dragonfly afghan. I have tried knitting dragonfly squares but have NO talent when it comes to following a knitting pattern. I'm fine with crochet patterns, so I'm excited to have this particular one.
I still have dragonfly squares to sew up into a quilt for myself (and my aunt's quilt referenced in that post isn't done yet either [hanging head in shame]).
~As previously mentioned...SNOWFLAKES!
~FINALLY put together my mom's newest medieval faire costume. She's been so patient, waiting for the last THREE years. I've got six months. I'm starting now...
...after I nurse the screaming baby...
(Anyone want to bet how much I actually get done this year?)
My craft table has been sitting in the barn since my uncle delivered it almost a year ago. It's a heavy heavy piece and required two men to move it. So, on Christmas Day, I roped my brother (who complains that every time he visits I make him lift heavy things) into helping my husband bring it into my undecorated/unfurnished dining room. It needs painted a better color than its current colonial blue (which I forever banished from this house with the removal of "the big blue box" that enclosed our old wood-burning fireplace and blocked off our beautiful WIDE living room door opening (we're talking about hanging french doors...I'll keep you posted))...but it has this really neat slide out table that will be fabulous for cutting fabric! But I digress...the table is in the house and just waiting to be used for something crafty. Now I just need to reassemble my sewing machine (it had to be removed from its table/cupboard so that we could move it upstairs/downstairs during the time the furniture was rearranged to make room for the Christmas tree)...and I'll be good to go. Now I just need to figure out what I want to do.
We won't discuss all the projects from last year that went un-finished...OK, so maybe we will since they are integral to what I want to get done this year. But this year I'm putting them all in one place so I can check them off as I go. It didn't work so well with the books I was supposed to read (which I'm going to carry over to this coming year). But hopefully I'll find more motivation in 2008.
~First and foremost, I want to sew up the hems on my bedroom curtains. They've been safety pinned for almost a year now. Tacky, tacky, tacky.
~Next, I want to get back to crafting for charity. I've got at least a half dozen burial gowns in the works...not to mention hats and booties. Alex, Travis, and Myles all received wonderful gifts from these sorts of efforts and I want to pay it forward, I suppose you could say.
~I want to catch up with MOM Project bracelets. I have fallen woefully behind. I have beads but will need to buy some wire soon due to the number of pending requests. Thankfully, JoAnns keeps sending me 40% off coupons.
~I MUST finish a couple of baby gifts I've got on the hooks. Can't say too much. Don't want to spoil the surprises. :o)
~I really want to finish the afghan for a friend that I've been working on since October of 2006. She's recently announced she's moving. I hope the colors will still work in her new house.
~Next, I want to find and finish the tea cozies I promised a couple of friends. Yes, I know I said it was weird and I still think it IS weird. But I have weird friends so it all balances out.
~Knit Blue a ruffle sweater.
~Find the box of supplies and at least start the crochet shrug from Secret Pal 9.
~Work on Myles' baby blanket.
~Start work on a couple of quilts and afghans. Steve got me this pattern book for Christmas and I would LOVE to do the crochet dragonfly afghan. I have tried knitting dragonfly squares but have NO talent when it comes to following a knitting pattern. I'm fine with crochet patterns, so I'm excited to have this particular one.
I still have dragonfly squares to sew up into a quilt for myself (and my aunt's quilt referenced in that post isn't done yet either [hanging head in shame]).
~As previously mentioned...SNOWFLAKES!
~FINALLY put together my mom's newest medieval faire costume. She's been so patient, waiting for the last THREE years. I've got six months. I'm starting now...
...after I nurse the screaming baby...
(Anyone want to bet how much I actually get done this year?)
Thursday, November 08, 2007
wow!
I have a title!
I'm honored to announce that at last night's Board of Directors meeting of the MOM Project, I was voted in as Bracelet Program Director.
I'm thrilled to be able to help the project in any way and consider it my privilege to hold an official position within the organization.
And yes, this means I will be hitting up all my blog readers for donations again in the near future.
I'm honored to announce that at last night's Board of Directors meeting of the MOM Project, I was voted in as Bracelet Program Director.
I'm thrilled to be able to help the project in any way and consider it my privilege to hold an official position within the organization.
And yes, this means I will be hitting up all my blog readers for donations again in the near future.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who is contributing to my MOM Project effort...
Holley (special thanks for the plug on your blog)
Megan
Roberta
Darcie
Marcia
Jenne
Cecily
Mary
Selina
Michelle
Sherry
Stephanie
With your help, I was able to buy beads and findings, make these fifteen bracelets (with beads left over for more), ship them, AND still have a working cash balance for more! You are all awesome! I can't thank you enough.
(Sorry for the crappy picture...the camera phone is convenient but not high quality)
Holley (special thanks for the plug on your blog)
Megan
Roberta
Darcie
Marcia
Jenne
Cecily
Mary
Selina
Michelle
Sherry
Stephanie
With your help, I was able to buy beads and findings, make these fifteen bracelets (with beads left over for more), ship them, AND still have a working cash balance for more! You are all awesome! I can't thank you enough.
(Sorry for the crappy picture...the camera phone is convenient but not high quality)
Friday, July 13, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Shameless plea
I'm working my little fingers off trying to make free Mother's bracelets for the Memories of Mariam Project.
But here's the thing...I'm running out of beading supplies and we've got FOUR MONTHS of orders waiting to be filled.
Do you like to make bracelets? Would you consider donating your time?
Would you consider passing up that Starbucks for a week and donating five or ten dollars?
We're trying to make this free of charge to grieving moms. But it's getting harder and harder to do.
Sadly, as most of you know, there is a pretty large demand for pregnancy and infant loss memorial items. We simply can not keep up at this point in time.
Thanks.
**Edited to add***
You can send the money to me or to the project, whichever you feel most comfortable doing. If you send it to me, I can share what I do with it (which I always have fun doing). If you send it to the project, you can take a tax deduction as soon as we get our official non-profit status from the IRS (already have it from the state of Illinois).
Here is my reference page about wire and crimp beads. The rest is just generally creativity on your part. Usually, bracelets are 7-7.5 inches in length...though we do make some larger for those that request them.
I have also recently tried this style of bracelet. It's a bit more labor intensive, but the end result is nice. I use silver plated materials because you get a nice wear but not the expense of solid sterling.
I will email you ASAP with instructions on where to send completed bracelets.
THANK YOU!
**Edited to add**
I'm working on getting a Paypal button for my links list.
GOT IT! See it over there---------------->
(look up a little bit on the right)
Catherine's MOM Project bracelet fund.
Now, somebody try it and tell me if it works.
But here's the thing...I'm running out of beading supplies and we've got FOUR MONTHS of orders waiting to be filled.
Do you like to make bracelets? Would you consider donating your time?
Would you consider passing up that Starbucks for a week and donating five or ten dollars?
We're trying to make this free of charge to grieving moms. But it's getting harder and harder to do.
Sadly, as most of you know, there is a pretty large demand for pregnancy and infant loss memorial items. We simply can not keep up at this point in time.
Thanks.
**Edited to add***
You can send the money to me or to the project, whichever you feel most comfortable doing. If you send it to me, I can share what I do with it (which I always have fun doing). If you send it to the project, you can take a tax deduction as soon as we get our official non-profit status from the IRS (already have it from the state of Illinois).
Here is my reference page about wire and crimp beads. The rest is just generally creativity on your part. Usually, bracelets are 7-7.5 inches in length...though we do make some larger for those that request them.
I have also recently tried this style of bracelet. It's a bit more labor intensive, but the end result is nice. I use silver plated materials because you get a nice wear but not the expense of solid sterling.
I will email you ASAP with instructions on where to send completed bracelets.
THANK YOU!
**Edited to add**
I'm working on getting a Paypal button for my links list.
GOT IT! See it over there---------------->
(look up a little bit on the right)
Catherine's MOM Project bracelet fund.
Now, somebody try it and tell me if it works.
Monday, July 02, 2007
I'm fine
Really. To everyone who has emailed and inquired, I am fine. I'm just not in a posting mood right now. I know it's odd, since I have posted pretty much every day for the last 2+ years, but I'm just no good at it right now. My friends' baby is having his heart procedure tomorrow and my other friend is having brain surgery on Friday. I can't or won't be reminded that bad things happen to good people...and being here reminds me...in spades. Call me naive or stupid. Whatever. I just can't deal with it right now.
What's been going on with us?
Last weekend we went to the Cleveland Grand Prix. Sam loved the race cars. I have many pictures to upload.
This past Saturday, I took Sam to his very first garage sale(s). After wrestling with the concept of shopping in other peoples' garages, he fell right into the routine and scored himself some fun toys. All in all, it wasn't bad entertainment for a total cost of $3.
I was offered salvation at one garage sale (happened to be in a church's "spare room"). It was funny and sad all at the same time.
Sunday had me craft shopping with my mom. I bought some beads for MOM Project bracelets. OK...OK...OK...I bought A LOT of beads for MOM Project bracelets. I apparently have a problem/obsession. lol. But there was a clearance sale and I got really good deals...so I can justify it, right?
Anyway...other than beading, I'm going to be whipping up a little sheath/underdress for this amazingly bright peasant/gypsy skirt Mom bought to wear for the medieval faire this year. We got some nice light yellow cotton broadcloth and it should take me a day or two to get it done (I love SEW EASY patterns). Now that I have room in my newly renovated house, I may even get working on the more formal gown Mom requested two or three years ago. I bet I could get it done in time to wear for the last weekend. We shall see...
I had a good time talking to my mom while we were out. I felt like the old me...the pre-dead-baby me.
Mom told me that my Aunt J was going to have a garage sale to get rid of Grandma's things...but she just ended up giving it away instead. I guess Aunt J is having a rough time with the anniversary of Grandma's death. I wish I could tell her it will get better. But none of us know that for sure, do we? My advice, in case Aunt J stops by and reads here...drink heavily for a few days.
Mom asked if I still have nightmares and I told her the truth. I no longer dream about the dead babies I have. I dream about potential future dead babies. Does anyone else feel like this is the same dance to a different tune?
So help me out...
If you were going in for brain surgery and were facing four weeks of recovery, what kind of little gifts would you like from your friends? I'm putting together a care package a la my friend, Cynthia...a package of little presents that can be opened when my friend feels like she needs a lift. So far, my list includes:
~Coffee & creamer & mug
~Teddy bear
~Candy
~Yarn &knitting needles a crochet hook & crochet book
~Magazines
~A book
~Handheld game Puzzle books
~Notecards & pen
~Bubble bath & a candle
~Pajamas
~A DVD Gift pass to Netflix
~A CD
~Flower seeds & a planter
~A manicure set
What else?
Tomorrow is another appointment...
I'm fine.
What's been going on with us?
Last weekend we went to the Cleveland Grand Prix. Sam loved the race cars. I have many pictures to upload.
This past Saturday, I took Sam to his very first garage sale(s). After wrestling with the concept of shopping in other peoples' garages, he fell right into the routine and scored himself some fun toys. All in all, it wasn't bad entertainment for a total cost of $3.
I was offered salvation at one garage sale (happened to be in a church's "spare room"). It was funny and sad all at the same time.
Sunday had me craft shopping with my mom. I bought some beads for MOM Project bracelets. OK...OK...OK...I bought A LOT of beads for MOM Project bracelets. I apparently have a problem/obsession. lol. But there was a clearance sale and I got really good deals...so I can justify it, right?
Anyway...other than beading, I'm going to be whipping up a little sheath/underdress for this amazingly bright peasant/gypsy skirt Mom bought to wear for the medieval faire this year. We got some nice light yellow cotton broadcloth and it should take me a day or two to get it done (I love SEW EASY patterns). Now that I have room in my newly renovated house, I may even get working on the more formal gown Mom requested two or three years ago. I bet I could get it done in time to wear for the last weekend. We shall see...
I had a good time talking to my mom while we were out. I felt like the old me...the pre-dead-baby me.
Mom told me that my Aunt J was going to have a garage sale to get rid of Grandma's things...but she just ended up giving it away instead. I guess Aunt J is having a rough time with the anniversary of Grandma's death. I wish I could tell her it will get better. But none of us know that for sure, do we? My advice, in case Aunt J stops by and reads here...drink heavily for a few days.
Mom asked if I still have nightmares and I told her the truth. I no longer dream about the dead babies I have. I dream about potential future dead babies. Does anyone else feel like this is the same dance to a different tune?
So help me out...
If you were going in for brain surgery and were facing four weeks of recovery, what kind of little gifts would you like from your friends? I'm putting together a care package a la my friend, Cynthia...a package of little presents that can be opened when my friend feels like she needs a lift. So far, my list includes:
~Coffee & creamer & mug
~
~Candy
~Yarn &
~Magazines
~A book
~
~Notecards & pen
~Bubble bath & a candle
~Pajamas
~
~
~Flower seeds & a planter
~A manicure set
What else?
Tomorrow is another appointment...
I'm fine.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Shameless plea for donations
Two really good causes. $5 each would make a big difference. And what is that really? A couple fewer expensive cups of coffee?
First, The MOM Project is desperately in need of funds. We are trying to achieve two goals...the first is to maintain our supply of free mother's bracelets to grieving mothers. The second is to obtain our tax-exempt status (which is not cheap...how ironic is that?).
Second, my animal rescue friend, Kelly, is participating in the Relay for Life. She has been very kind to me during the last two years and I would love to return the favor and provide her some support. She is already planning to walk in memory of her grandmother and her friend's son...and in honor of her mother, stepfather, sister-in-law, boyfriend, and even her dog (who is also a cancer survivor). If you are so inclined to donate, she will walk in memory/honor of your loved one(s).
First, The MOM Project is desperately in need of funds. We are trying to achieve two goals...the first is to maintain our supply of free mother's bracelets to grieving mothers. The second is to obtain our tax-exempt status (which is not cheap...how ironic is that?).
Second, my animal rescue friend, Kelly, is participating in the Relay for Life. She has been very kind to me during the last two years and I would love to return the favor and provide her some support. She is already planning to walk in memory of her grandmother and her friend's son...and in honor of her mother, stepfather, sister-in-law, boyfriend, and even her dog (who is also a cancer survivor). If you are so inclined to donate, she will walk in memory/honor of your loved one(s).
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
A service announcement...
I know this is not the "official" recognition that many people seek when they lose their babies...but I wanted to make note of a project that is near and dear to my heart that can help (even if just a little bit).
The Memories of Mariam Project (The MOM Project) provide free Commemorative Birth Certificates and free Recognition of Life Certificates (for where there is no "birth").
I personally volunteer my time to create these certificates (as well as the free mother's bracelets), and I can say that they are nice quality because all of us volunteers know the importance of these memorial items.
If you would like something to commemorate your lost little one(s), please visit our store, place an order, and drop me a comment or an email to let me know you've requested something and I will be sure to give you my personal attention.
Now back to your regularly scheduled programming...
The Memories of Mariam Project (The MOM Project) provide free Commemorative Birth Certificates and free Recognition of Life Certificates (for where there is no "birth").
I personally volunteer my time to create these certificates (as well as the free mother's bracelets), and I can say that they are nice quality because all of us volunteers know the importance of these memorial items.
If you would like something to commemorate your lost little one(s), please visit our store, place an order, and drop me a comment or an email to let me know you've requested something and I will be sure to give you my personal attention.
Now back to your regularly scheduled programming...
Thursday, October 06, 2005
A much needed break
I was forced to take today off work today because Sam only goes to daycare four days per week, with Wednesdays normally off. But since we used daycare so we could go to the play yesterday, we had to take another day off. I'm glad I took today instead of tomorrow off. I didn't realize seeing the play yesterday would do me in like it has. I feel wrung out like a wet dishrag. But it's different than the old sadness. I wish I could put it into words and explain this change that I feel. I'm just glad I have the day to mull it over and get some perspective before I have to face work for a day.
-----------------------------
It appears as though the drunken septic mapper wasn't so drunk when he drew the diagram for our system. Though the reference points are all backwards, the system is EXACTLY where he said it would be. Finally...something easy. Now we cross our fingers and hope that this solves our problem and we don't have to worry about tree roots blocking our lines.
-----------------------------
I made my first batch of MOM Project bracelets. I'm off to see if I can post a picture.
-----------------------------
My headache is gone and my Sam just asked me if I wanted to see his belly button. It's not a bad day after all.
-----------------------------
It appears as though the drunken septic mapper wasn't so drunk when he drew the diagram for our system. Though the reference points are all backwards, the system is EXACTLY where he said it would be. Finally...something easy. Now we cross our fingers and hope that this solves our problem and we don't have to worry about tree roots blocking our lines.
-----------------------------
I made my first batch of MOM Project bracelets. I'm off to see if I can post a picture.
-----------------------------
My headache is gone and my Sam just asked me if I wanted to see his belly button. It's not a bad day after all.
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