Dear Friends of FNE:

By the time you receive this Annual Appeal, we should have broken ground! I can’t believe it’s finally happening. This process has been quite a learning experience. It’s been nearly 3 years since we first applied for the funds, but I have finally gotten word today that the construction contract has been signed and construction should start on the 18th of June. The end is in sight!

It appears that the summer will be spent on site work – a temporary construction entrance will be made so that our farmers will not have to dodge construction vehicles as they walk around the farmstead; trees will be felled; the driveway will be extended across the back of the pasture to the area of the new residences; new septic systems will be installed; and wells will be drilled. By fall, construction of the new residences will start and people should be able to move in before the calendar indicates that winter has officially arrived. We met with the contractor yesterday to discuss where the construction entrance will be and how much clearance they’ll need for vehicles traversing the pasture. We’re now making decisions regarding where to move the animals, their fencing, and their shelters so they are not in conflict with the construction vehicles.

Meanwhile, we have six people who are living in temporary housing or with very worn out family members. Two young women have recently moved into their 3rd temporary situation in less than a year waiting for these new residences! This is not a good situation for anyone, but soon these people will have a new home. These buildings can’t be constructed soon enough, and the “up front” costs keep mounting.

This appeal is being sent so late this year that we’ve actually had people ask us when it will be coming. Believe me, it is not that we don’t need the funds that our Annual Appeal provides; we do! We’ve just been so swamped with other things this spring, we haven’t been able to breathe long enough to get this letter out. (Plus, I really wanted to be able to tell you we’d broken ground!) Your support is crucial to FNE’s existence and to our ability to provide these needed services. FNE doesn’t just put a roof over people’s heads. We provide a good life – a life full of meaningful work, fun activities, and friendships. I encourage you to give generously to make a difference in the lives of people who need extra support in life.

Deborah DeScenza Gray, M.Ed.
Founder & Executive Director