Dear ICCF Community Homes friends and partners,

We are an organization dedicated to Community, so much so that last year we added the word to our name. And in a thriving community, members are able to choose satisfying work that uses their varied and diverse talents.

In this issue you’ll meet Lewis Richards, who operates Strong Dance LLC at ICCF’s Steepleview Apartments. At Strong Dance, Lewis works to inspire people to live happier and healthier lives through dance. From his studio in the Baxter neighborhood, he is working to open up fitness and dance training to populations who face barriers of access and affordability. For a long time, a storefront of his own seemed out of reach, but his live/work unit at Steepleview helped him achieve this dream. I am grateful that our team has been able to welcome him into a space that is not just a home, but also an opportunity to pursue his life’s calling.

This is an example of the first pillar of our organizational mission: Equitable Opportunity. While it is critical to have a safe and stable home, it is also important to be able to use the gifts of your talent and background to do work that allows you to thrive. Access to affordable office and storefront space is one way to create this opportunity.

I’d like to end on a note close to home. It’s hard to believe, but my oldest son Malachi has now begun his final semester of high school. I am immensely proud of the grit and humility he has shown as he worked toward this moment. People have been asking me, now that graduation is here, what do you hope he becomes as an adult? My answer is simply this: I can’t say specifically what job or role is the perfect one for him, but my hope is that he can use his passions, skills, and unique experiences to make a living that is fulfilling to him. Just like Lewis Richards.

May you also have the opportunity to use your gifts to fulfill your calling and meet the world’s needs.

Grace and peace,

RSVP to:

Ellen

Ryan VerWys President and CEO rverwys@iccf.org