GOOD MORNING

Good Morning Everyone! We all took the day off yesterday, a luxury, however we will be back at it today. Monday the facility gets a complete electrical overhaul. We now need to get our computer center online, and redevelop the admin wing of the hotel. I am remiss in getting out the team/board minutes, and will rectify today. We need any tools, paint, painting supplies, CARPET, fans, computers, etc, etc that we can muster. Thanks for alllllll your help! We are not before the eye of the needle, we are halfway through it!! In the immortal words of Otis Day and The Nights, "Just a little bit louder now."

L

Great Job Red Team!!

Thanks to Everyone for comming out last night to our meeting. Great energy, synergy, and direction from all involved!! Let's do the damn thing today!!

L

daily mantra

I dedicate myself to be of maximum service to those around me, to be a living example of what humanity can be and to practice “harmlessness” in generating peace, love, harmony and good will in my world. I am grateful and relaxed – and so it is. "author unknown"

New Team Members!

Good Morning Everyone!! We are going to working with two new team members. Nancy Hillestad, and Donna Goldsmith have come on board. Nancy is an interior designer, and Donna is a grant intern/research assistant. We are incredibly luck to have them please make them feel welcome.

L

Team/Board Meeting

Hello Everyone, hope you all had a great weekend. Things are ramping up pretty quickly and we need to conduct our next Team meeting, and our first Board of Directors meeting. Thursday May 28th in the evening seems to be the general consensus as the day/time most of us can make it. How does 6pm sound? Please RSVP ASAP on the QT, BYOB.

L

Back into the mix

Hey everyone, my schedule has been a bit hectic recently but now with finals out of the way and summer finally here I'm ready to get back at it and start making this thing work! I look forward to seeing everyone again and working with this amazing team!

Be Like An Ocean

Let your love flow outward through the universe, To its height, its depth, its broad extent, A limitless love, without hatred or enmity. Then as you stand or walk, Sit or lie down, As long as you are awake, Strive for this with a one-pointed mind; Your life will bring heaven to earth. - Sutta Nipata

Some one much wiser than I suggested that I strive to be like an ocean, bigger than life and accepting of all things with absolutely no disruption. Lofty aspiration to be sure; however, I am determined to work towards this goal today. Have you guys heard the latest? You all are the greatest!!

L

coming together

last nite Luke and I put our thoughts 2gthr and came up with a basic "bill of rights" for our clients - hopefully this will help others understand that we are thinking of the clients first and foremost - as i speak from experience most transitional living quarters do not operate under the "client comes first" - i firmly believe that as long as we keep our sights on the clients and our world WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Uniterian Universalist

Hail!

Amanda, her husband Will, Jewel (our new team member) and I attended the pass the plate opportunity that the Universal Unitarian Fellowship of Northern Nevada, offered us today. Special "Atta Girl" to our Assistant Director for the time and effort she put into a clear vision speech that she delivered to the gathering. They have a beautiful church with huge clear windows all around from which I was able to watch an enormous Red Tailed Hawk hunt for pretty much the entirety of the service. We all had a great experience, and really look forward to collaborating on their Green Garden initiative. The congregation was extremely generous with their time, funds, and hospitality, and we are lucky to be associated with them. A special thanks to Bob Fulkerson for sponsoring us. Thank You Bob!!

Have a great day everyone!

L

Mom Stella

Good Luck today Luke & Amanda.
I know the folds at the Unitarian Church will be wowed by you two and your presentation!!!
Let me know how you did.

Love & Hugs
MAMA Stella

Uniterian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Nevada

780 Del Monte Ln

Reno, NV 89511

(775) 851-7100

Good morning Everyone!! Today Amanda and I go before The Uniterian Universalist Church. Bob Fulkerson of Operation Plan has been an integral factor in the formation of C1. Bob Belongs to this fellowship, and has arranged for a "pass the plate" event for us today. If ANYONE can make it out to the church at 10:30 to support our non profit today it would really be a good thing. Also, the church has a green organic garden initiative that we would like to partner with them on a long term basis. I feel this can be an excellent mechanism for our clients to develop Green Collar skill sets. Come out and join us, meet some great folks, check out the garden, and support our great program!!

L

Hi All from Momma Stella

Hi Everyone,
This is my first posting.
I just want to say, I think all of you who are involved in this wonderful project are to be commended for you dediction and diligence. Especially, my son Luke Stella. I am so very proud of him and how far he has come. This is a project that has been close to his heart for a long time and to see it finally come to fruition warms my heart.
I look forward to coming up there and doing something to help the cause.
Hugs to you Luke and thanks to all your staff and coworkers.

Mom Stella

Livin the Dream

So I am sitting in the war room witnessing our program in action. A new client showed up last night asking for help. I said if he showed up at 8am to begin job search training, we would assist him. He showed up this morning, and Mike our first resident is now passing forward what he was taught, and our facility has become 100% more robust. THIS PROGRAM WORKS!!! Thank you everyone for your philanthropic dedication, spirit, and drive. You all are the absolute BOMB!!

L

Good Morning

Never look down on anybody unless you're helping him up.- Jesse Jackson

Getchya a case of beer for that one red team!!

Thank you Max, and Michael for your contribution at the First United Methodist food for the homeless activity today. The next event will be June 5th, 2:00pm if anybody else would like to be of service for about an hour. Way to Go Red Team!!

Step Up!!

Eco Warriors,

The First United Methodist Church on First and West in downtown Reno holds a bi monthly food bagging for the homeless from 2:30pm until 3:30pm. The church has done more than it's part for C1 and this is one of the ways we can give back as an organiztion. See you there!!

L

Good Night

Hey Everyone,

Things are really coming together. SO Exciting. Everyone stay focused and good things are surly to keep coming!!!

Why can't we be friends?

One day Ananda, who had been thinking deeply about things for a while, turned to the Buddha and exclaimed: "Lord, I've been thinking- spiritual friendship is at least half of the spiritual life!" The Buddha replied: "Say not so, Ananda, say not so. Spiritual friendship is the whole of the spiritual life!" - Samyutta Nikaya, Verse 2

I throw down the gauntlet to become spiritual commandos today. Let's get out there with our spiritual camouflage paint, with our spiritual Rambo knife in our teeth, and seek out opportunities to do spiritual acts, and not reveal what we have done. Go get em!!

L

GOOD JOB!!

Way to go Amanda And Chuck!! Amanda has made arrangements for C1 to speak in front of The Unitarian Universalists on Sunday, and Chuck is forming a long term relationship with the good folks over at Drug Court. Awesome job team!!

L

Unitarian Universalist

Hey Guys,

I just received confirmation that Luke will be doing a small presentation about Community First at the Unitarian Universalist Church 780 Del Monte Ln
Reno, NV 05/24/2009. Please feel free to come and support us. After the presentation they offered to do "share the plate." This will be a nice fundraiser for us as well as getting the word out to more people. Yeah!!
Keep up the good work!!!

Good Morning

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. ~William Shakespeare

And that's the truth-Ruth!

Three things cannot be long hidden. The sun, the moon, and the truth.-Buddhist Quote

The truth is that we are only get out of life exactly what we put into it. We are only going to be loved exactly to the degree that we love. We are all going to prosper, only as much as we are willing to allocate hard work to our endeavors. Let's all do a little more, and expect a little less today peoples.

L

TROYYYYYYYYYYYY!!

Ecoservants!

All Hail TROY!! Troy Dennis our board of Directing ,IT Guru, worked all day to put together our site so that we can all cancel our Latin classes. We are good to go, Any verbage, content or ideas that you have can be submitted and we will get them up. Way to go Troy!!

Hello

Hey Guys

Hope everyone is well and enjoying the weather. I thought I would add one of my favorite quotes:

The past, present, and future are really one; They are today- Harriet Beecher Stowe

Thanks,

Amanda

It is all about the client

Live your life in happiness, even though those around you lead lives which are unhealthy, and wish to spread their illness to you. Be Happiness itself. - Buddha

I finally found someone who who keeps more insane hours than I do. Chuck and I were discussing the concept of focus this morning. If we can retain the ability to remain focused on maximizing our client demographic experience; this corporate vehicle will take us places we can only dream of!! And after it all it is all about the journey, and NOT the destination.

L

good morn'n all - i met with one of the "powers to be" from drug court yesterday evening. It sounds positive - i passed along Lukes info and they will be contacting him directly - I hope everyone is ready to jump and make this happen - if we do this right this thing here in Reno can be a pilot program for the rest of the state,country,world

hello

Hello every1 i'm chuck and hopefully i will be able to be of sum type of service to you - i'm not real good at keep'n in touch by computer but maybe this will help (not) i already have too many email accts but i will ck in periodically

Welcome New Team Member

Chuck Boston has graciously decided to join our fledgling organization as a Board of Director, and as the head of our sobriety planning/implementation arm. Chuck has an incredible treasure trove of experience in the re integration field. He started from the ground up, and ran a sober living community for five plus years, and is now a Drug and Alcohol Counselor at The Life Center here in Reno. We are incredibly lucky to have him aboard. Welcome Chuck!!

The Student Has Become The Master

Hey Sports Fans!!

Last evening The Student became the master. Mike, our new resident, actually outsold me in flower sales!! What The, Why The, Where The!! I could not be happier with his progress and attitude. Today we will be doing alot of work around the hotel. If anybody cares to join in you are more than welcome. Also, we will be selling roses out at the world famous Sparks Marina if anybody cares to contribute. Via con Dios!

L

New Day- New Opportunities

Hey Ecoservants!!

We have housed our first individual in need or re integrational services. Mike is doing great! We already have a job lined up (he starts on Monday), and we are teaching him how to use the Internet, and how to search for better jobs. St. Vincen'st has generously offered to assist us with 3 meals per day for up to1o clients for 30 days. Two of our team members, Tyese and her husband , James have made the incredible offer to drive Mike out to Red Rock for his first day of work. This act of kindness pretty much embodies the spirit in which we are humbly attempting to operate. WAY TO GO TYESE AND JAMES!! You are today's C1 heroes!! If anybody else might be available to assist Mike to get to work next week please let me know ASAP.

Respect,

L

Mel Bray

Hello Everyone,

Mel Bray is no longer associated with Community First in any way, shape, or form. If anybody receives a call or correspondence from Mr. Bray please refer him to me. Thank you in advance for your cooperation regarding this matter.

With Respect,

Luke Stella
Director
Community First

True Giving

Through my years I always thought I was really giving to help yet I only gave to those that I was associated with in one way or another. A friend shared with me several years ago that, "True giving is when the receiver does not know who the giver is."

My Space

I just wanted to tell Celeste that she rocks. My space looks good. I like the Reno Music projects sound-where do they play?

Finals are almost over-Yahoo! Just letting you know that you all are awesome.

Actions to Thinking

I could never seem to consistently Think myself into the correct Actions, but it seems that my correct Actions would always help my Thinking. My Actions will always tell the truth.

driving the point home

Hey guys just got our myspace page up! Let me know what you think!
www.myspace.com/communityfirstreno

Donations-Spring Cleaning

I happen to be doing some Spring Cleaning and I had a thought or two. First of all I have a lot of mens clothing in really good shape that my husband just outgrew and I didn't know if we would have something like say a "supplies" closet where the men can go through donations and keep things they need like clothes, if so Community First can have them. Or maybe as a fundraiser we could have a huge yard sale or something with all of are spring cleaning stuff....

Extend a Hand

When I have the courage to take the time and extend a hand to unconditionally help a total stranger, he may one day do the same with another, and another and another. The next thing we'll know is the whole community is taking the time to extend a hand. Don't be afraid to extend a hand. You never know who's life you may affect. It may be your own... Have a great day.

Green Thought For The Day

He who finds a thought that enables him to obtain a slightly deeper glimpse into the eternal secrets of nature has been given great grace. - Albert Einstein

Besides from having the absolute best hair do BDK (Before Don King) I think Albert was on to something. We are going to develop The Can Shed Program. We will place specialized cardboard boxes with biodegradable linings in homes and businesses in order to recycle aluminum. This program works on several levels for us. It is a passive revenue/ donation stream, a grassroots informational opportunity, and a volunteer gathering mechanism as well. Let's put our thinking caps on and make this happen. Kudos go out to Adam, Mel, Ricci, Phil, Amanda, The Quan, and particularly to Rhonda for letting us use her truck allllll weekend to make this event happen. GOOD JOB RED TEAM!!

L

Again.... need help

I'm going to keep posting a blog about how we need supporters to join our myspace and facebook cause. We only have 4 members and that will not get the word out. Get all your buddies to join today!

Mother's Day Rose Drive Update

Thanks to everyone who participated on both ends of the drive. It was a success and we helped place roses in the hands of over 1300 Mothers here in Reno. Great work C1 team.

E presence

Hey everyone, just another reminder we are on facebook and myspace as community first. Our profile pic is of the santa fe hotel, can't miss it. Please join the cause and help us get the word out. I will be working on it today so if you would like to add/ post anything feel free!
Celeste

inrtoducing vivian freeman

I was glad to be able to introduce Vivian Freeman (Dem.) retired state assembly woman to community first. I think she would be great for our board of directors, and also a great contact. our meeting with luke was terrific. thanks luke.

Wish List

In the Reno Gazette Journal in the E section they do a weekly wish list for local non-profits. The lady to contact is Martina Beatty mbeatty@rgj.com or 7757886393 if anyone thinks this is a good idea....

Plan of Attack

Good Morning Everyone,

We had an AWESOME day yesterday. A few weeks ago I was telling someone about what we had accomplished, and she remarked "Wow, you've had a busy week!" I smiled and nodded my head. The reason I was smiling was because that was what we had accomplished that DAY!! Yesterday was a day just like that. We connected with Richard Male at The Reno Quarterly Non Profit Round Table. Richard is a non profit consultant that has worked all over the world (Nepal, Mongolia, The Horn of Africa, and...the most dangerous and exotic place of them all...The South Side of Chicago.) While at the Round Table we all had to announce who we were, and what we were doing. When we announced, we were the only organization to get oooos and ahhhs, which frankly, was pretty gratifying to know that we are connecting on a gut level. When I sat down a lady came up to be gave me her card and said "you need to call me." Her name is Susan Lisagor, and she is the Regional Representative for The Senate Majority Leader of The United States, Harry Reid. Mariah Power was here and they are interested in partnering for renewable energy to power our building. Anthony Corley, former professional football player, would like to work with us as a possible youth minister. Marion Hose, one of the most progressive real estate developers in Northern NEVADA has agreed to come out next week to take a look at our facility, and last but certainly not least Dion Gosselink, a man from down under, Australia, has come on board as our in house computer graphic artist. WHEW!! What a day...What a day!!

L

HUH??

Ok, if some can figure this one out they get a free dozen roses...

The qualities we possess should never be a matter for satisfaction, but the qualities we have discarded. - Fingers Pointing Toward the Moon by Wei Wu Wei

Mother's Day Rose Drive Update

We have secured a stationary location on Wells and Mill to have Mother's Day roses available for a small donation. Come on out and help the cause that's helping The Biggest Little City in the World.

Last Day

Today is the last day for anyone to place an order for the Mother's Day Rose drive. Be sure to e-mail or call in any orders you have by the end of today.

OPPORTUNITIES!!

We will be processing roses today at 8am here at C1 today. Mariah Power will be on site to do feasability studies of the rooftop application for renewable energy at 10am, and we will be putting together food bags for the homeless at The First United Methodist Church this afternoon. Ricci Rodrequez-Elkins will be speaking at the Non Profit Roundtable today, although we did not RSVP, I think it would be ok for us to show up if we arrange to do so this morning. Anybody wishing to releive their pain and suffering today by getting outside of that bad neighborhood we call our minds has three great opportunities to do so!! Fortuna Dictat Est!!

End of Day

Hey Sports Fans!!

Tomorrow (Friday) The RiverFest event kicks off at 9am. The event will be held along the river on Arlington and in Wingfield Park. We are committed to a couple thousand roses that we need to sell, so I am asking that ANYBODY that is available to pitch in for this initiative PLEASE contact me, Mel, or Celeste tomorrow to let us know if and when you will be available during the course of the weekend. We will be selling at the fest on Friday Saturday, and Sunday, as well as out on Mill and Wells across the street from Juicy Burger on Saturday and Sunday. We can do this team!! If we are successful we will be one third of the way to doors open on July 1st!! MIH!!! Remember there are lots of folks out there that need our help!!

Respect,

L

Myspace and Facebook

Hey everyone look for us on myspace and facebook page and groups. Join the groups and spread the word!!!!!!!!!

Graduation cont'

The first of the graduations is Saturday at 11 am at the Pioneer Center downtown. I was thinking maybe an hour before and an hour after? Maybe we could split up the shifts? Does anyone else know when some of the other graduations are? Let me know where I can help....

New Face-

Hey C1 team

As you can see the face of our blog has changed, and while it is a bit less asthetically pleasing, it seems to be more functional because now we can view and use the Google Calender corectly. If you scroll down a bit you can see and use it.

L

Roses

I threw a couple of ads for the roses on craigslist. Gave your number Luke. Maybe that will get a response.

Melly Melllllll

Well done, Well played Mel.

Kudos to Tyese for her inspired sales stream idea. Let's MIH (make it happen). Mariah power will be comming by for initial assesment of erecting "windspires" and solar panels on the roof of The Santa Fe today. Anybody that would like to take part in this green exercise and edification process is welcome to pop in, and hang out with the cool kids.

Respect

L

Graduations

I must say the graduation idea is superb. It would be a great way to get out and let Reno know that we are here for the biggest little city in the world.

Sacrifice

The important thing s this....
To be able, at any moment, to sacrifice who we are for who we could possibly become. Let's keep our eyes on the prize.

If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. - William Blake

In otherwords, the only thing holding us back today is us!!

L

End of Day Summary

Hi Everyone,

The question was asked how is the rose fundraising drive going? I commented that it was like a baby learning to walk, shaky, yet incredibly determined. An apt metaphor when you think of our company which is also in it's infancy. I just wanted to take a moment to convey how unbelievably fortunate, and honored I feel to be working with you all on this great program. Reno, is being incredibly well served, and you should all be very proud of yourselves. Keep up the good work and let's bring this rose project home in a grand fashion.

Respect,

L

Graduations

I was thinking if we sold flowers at all the graduations that are coming up in the next six weeks, starting with Univ of Phoenix this weekend, that could generate some income...any ideas?

Mother's Day

I have been informed we have until Friday to place the order with out flower provider.
We can deliver bulk orders of flowers to the organization for the following prices:
Carnations 50 cents/piece
Roses $1/piece

Mother's Day Rose Drive Update

Hey Team,
I just spoke with Fred at the Church of Scientology on Ralston St. and will get a response from him by Friday. If we just keep on calling they will keep on answering.

Mel Bray

Epresence

Guys we are now on Facebook and Myspace!!! If you are on search for us and add us as your favorite! Lets get the word out.

Mother's Day Rose Drive Update

Hey Community First Team Members,
It would be great if we could receive a daily update regarding any churches which will be participating in the Rose Drive. Just e-mail information to communityfirstusa.org, to the attention of Mel.
Thank you much and keep up the good work,

Mel Bray

Today

Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is never promised. Yet Today well lived, makes every yesterday a pleasant memory and every tomorrow a vision of happiness. Therefore live well Today.

Very Nicely Done Mel!

Just want to give you some praise!

WAY TO GO!!

Hey Everyone!!

Special atta boy to Mel for generating mega sales with only a few calls to churches. That is all we have to do is try, and the rest gets taken care of by our collective good juju! Good Job red team. Also Celeste came up with an AWESOME rose flyer, you go girl!! If anybody would like to contribute to the formation of an "Ebay Photo Studio" we ae currently setting one up on site at C1. Let me know if there is any way I can be of assistance people!

Respect,

L

L

The Mother's Day Rose Drive

The Center for Spiritual Living is participating in the drive and eager to work with us in the future. Thank you Linda.

Also Pastor John at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church on McCarran has set up an appointment for tomorrow to finalize the order for his congregation. Thank you Pastor John.

Let's continue to work hard and place a rose to as many Mothers as we can for Mother's Day.

For Victoria-softball

Victoria, whats your number I am building a team for softball. Need at least 12-14 committed players.

Softball

Well I am clumsy and have no skills, and about 30 pounds overweight....but....I am on a new health kick (I have lost 60 pounds) and always wanted to be on a team....so if you are desperate enough....let me know!

Getting Closer

Everyday that passes and the least bit of progress is achieved than we are getting closer to the goal. Mother's Day we will be providing a fresh rose service to alot of the Mothers here in Reno. Any questions on how you can participate, please give us a call.

Softball

Okay so sign ups for a softball team are here. We have an opportunity to get community first's name and mission out there. Very fun activity, it could be a working meeting when we practice. Can we get at least 12 players to commit. Our shirts can do the advertising for us, plus we get to know each other, play on a team together, encourage, stay healthy. It's 515 to register our team if we can get 12 players, it's less than $50.00 a player. Maybe someone knows someone who wants to co-sponser us. Is there anyone, anyone at all interested???? Please someone be interested? Anyone?

Let's play ball.

Regarding softball

Joy, I like the idea of implimenting physical exercise in our itenirary. It would be nice to see what everyone else thinks about it.

Comments on meeting

There was more great information shared at our first staff meeting than I was expecting. There are so many talented professionals that I am sure the growth of Community First will exceed all expectations of what it originally planned. Keep your eye on the prize.

great meeting

It was really exciting to see people come together for community. I enjoyed meeting all of you. Great ideas and energy were coming from everyone there. Look forward to working with C1.

See you tomorrow night.

Very Excited

Hey everyone,

just wanted to say that I enjoyed our meeting today and I thought everyone had some great ideas! I can't wait to get started working with such an amazing and ambitious team! Hope to see you all soon!

Tonight 5-7

Hi Everyone,

I can't wait to meet you all tonight. I will be there at 5-7!

Softball anyone???

It would be really cool if the C1 volunteers can get a scrap softball game going all summer long. It would be like a fun meeting every week plus have the opportunity to meet people in our community. Let's do this....anyone interested??????my email is joysforjesus@yahoo.com

Great way to get to know each other and collaborate everytime we play!!! Fun times!

Welcome Everyone

Hey Guys,

I talked to the City of Sparks and they said there is no more room for food vendors at the Sparks Farmers Market and that the only thing we could sell there would be tee shirts and pens. I will get a hold the City of Reno to see if they have a spot for us at their farmers market. Seeing so many people excited about C1 is awesome. Keep up the good work and lets collaborate and come up with some more fundraising ideas! Thanks!

Amanda

Hi

I just wanted to introduce myself. I got my Master's in Business so I could get into non-profit management, so I am very excited to learn about grant writing and researching. I also have a husband who last week graduated from drug court and has been clean and sober for a little over two years, so I really support and feel great about what is to come!

New Team Member

Hi Ecoservants,

We have several new team members that C1 is super excited about. Ricci is a well seasoned grant writer who has brought in over 2,ooo,ooo in grants. Tyesa has a master's degree in business, and is interested in a research assistant/grant writig internship. John is proffessional photographer who works with the casino's for promotional material development. Mark is a egineering consultant who has his own agency, and who has agreed to develop resposibility matrixis. Lisa is a Public Relatios specialist, and a Cable TV show host who will be working with us to develop brochures, and flyers. Joy is going to manifest a Pennies for Kids fundraising drive that will be quite successfull on several fronts. Chad is interested in developing renewable energy programs ad will be our "utility" team member fillig wherever we can use him. And last but not least Adam, is a UNR student who will help us with gettting UNR on Board to perform metrics, and to study our program from it's inception. WELCOME!!!

L

Hey Everyone

Hello there! My name is Adam Carpenter and I'm new to the Community First program. I am currently a fourth year student at the University of Nevada Reno and I am studying philosophy and sociology. I love music, sports, and helping out with the community, and I hope to make a difference as part of a great team!