Just got a call from a former client at Architecture for Humanity.... Well, almost client. I met her on a FEMA call. In case you havent experienced a post-disaster conference call, imagine someone reading a 300 page policy document. Then, multiply that by the number of people on the call. Its very tempting to press mute and go about your business. Anyway, Herreast Harrison of the Guardians Institute was on this call. After working a lifetime running day care centers and losing her husband, shed lost her house. And she was the only one on the call making any sense. So I asked for her number. Turns out she was a keeper of the Mardi Gras traditions and had a rare and historic collection of suits. She also taught young people the traditions and how to make their own suits. Obviously, I fell in love. She had a spare lot next to her house and wanted to build a facility dedicated to passing on the tradition and teaching life skills in the neighborhood. I tried and tried to connect her to funders. We developed budgets and grants and connected her with volunteers. To no avail. It was a frustrating experience. Architecture for Humanity ended its programs on the coast and we passed the project on to some development friends working locally. Then Tulane picked it up and built an outdoor facility. Eventually she raised the funds and built a beautiful small, very modern building. So, this morning she called me up to thank me (and you too Jens!) of all things. You tried, she said. You kept trying. When was the last time someone thanked you for trying. Amazingly sweet. I now have at least a dozen of my own thank you calls to make....what an amazing and gracious person. Big love, back at you Herreast! guardiansinstitute.org
Posted on: Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:11:14 +0000
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