151 N. Volutsia

Wichita, KS 67214

316-686-2600www.wichitatreehouse.org

facebook.org/supportthetreehouse

151 N. Volutsia

Wichita, KS 67214

316-686-2600www.wichitatreehouse.org

facebook.org/supportthetreehouse

151 N. Volutsia

Wichita, KS 67214

316.686.2600www.wichitatreehouse.org

facebook.org/supportthetreehouse SPRING2 018

LABOR DAY • MONDAY • SEPTEMBER 3 SEDGWICK COUNTY PARK

Become a Sponsor!PRESENTING SPONSOR - $5,000

GOLD SPONSOR - $3,000

SILVER SPONSOR - $1,500

BRONZE SPONSOR - $500

ADDITIONAL SPONSORSHIPA contribution to go towards race print materials, water, breakfast, t-shirt, ads, awards and timing sponsors

For information, Contact Cristin Coats at 316.686.2600 or Cristin@wichitatreehouse.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDWichita, KS

PERMIT #94

From the earliest days of The Treehouse, we have offered moms

the chance to earn diapers, formula or Baby Bucks by attending

our Mommy Meetings. Throughout the years our programs have

bloomed. What started as one meeting a week has now blossomed to

a meeting every day of the week. Guest speakers, Bible studies, intense

multi-week sessions on specific topics (Ex. discipline, nutrition, stress

management, child development and support groups) now fill our

calendar. It is an absolute joy getting to know the moms and their

children as they repeatedly attend class.

If Treehouse moms can’t attend the daily meetings they are encouraged

to view any of our 100+ Earn While You Learn videos. The videos

cover topics like infant care, parenting toddlers, and life skills and have

a corresponding worksheet to be completed by the mother. In 2017

we had 1,786 lessons completed by our moms.

We believe our stats speak volumes but data isn’t what drives The

Treehouse. Every time a mom comes through The Treehouse door is

an opportunity to show God’s love. The volunteers and staff make it

a point to smile, hug, and encourage the moms. Their children are

adored and doted on. We believe these small acts, along with the

education, help our moms grow in confidence and lead a more

fulfilling life.

SPECIAL FACT

In 2017 we had 825 Mommy Meeting visits.

MISSION HIGHLIGHTS This Mother’s Day,

Sunday, May 13, give a special donation

in her honor to help a mother in need.

STAFFDana Cox, Executive Director

Cristin Coats, Operations Manager

Jaleen Claassen, Client Services Coordinator

2018 BOARD MEMBERSPresident: Misha Warren, Wichita State University

Vice President: Tara Patterson. Equity Bank

Treasurer: Darren Minks, United Way

Secretary: Sadie Salloum, Wesley Medical Center

Christiane Doom, Crème de la Cheesecake

Dan Dakhil, CrossFirst Bank

Jeff Jabara, Community Volunteer

Nadia Pappademos, Community Volunteer

Rosemary Kallail, Orthodox Christian School Association

Traci Spencer, Community Volunteer

Justin Elkouri, Murfin Inc.,

Henry Lawski, Kansas Children’s Service League

LeeAnn Vandervort, IMA

EX-OFFICIOV. Rev. Paul O’Callaghan, St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral – 2002

Rev. Aaron Warwick, St. Mary Orthodox Christian Church – 2009

Rev. John Flora, St. Michael the Archangel Orthodox Christian Church – 2011

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESVolunteers make The Treehouse work. Your generous gift of your talents and your time and your affection enable us to build God’s work in Wichita. We have several volunteer options depending on your availability. STORE DESKAssisting moms shopping in the thrift store, as well as some stocking. CLIENT ADVOCATESupport moms in their use of our educational videos and providing emotional support. DONATION PROCESSORSort the weekly donated items to The Treehouse. LEARNING CENTER ASSISTANTGuide moms with instruction in basiccomputer skills, resume building andschool completion programs.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTMEET MISHAPRESIDENT

A native Wichitan, Misha joined the Board of The Treehouse in 2014.

She received her bachelor’s degree in Philosophy in 2003 and her Masters

of Public Administration in 2005, both from her beloved Wichita State

University. She is a 2010 graduate of Seton Hall Law School and has since

clerked for several state and federal judges and was assistant counsel for Sedgwick County, Kansas. Her workdays

are currently spent as Assistant General Counsel for Wichita State University. A lifelong member of St. George

Orthodox Christian Cathedral, she currently serves on the Parish Council and volunteers as a Sunday School

teacher. She is blessed to be married to her best friend and love of her life, Fr. Ignatius Warren.

A LETTER FROM DANAEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As I approach the three-month mark serving The Treehouse I feel very blessed.

The board of directors, the staff, volunteers along with the moms and babies have

made me feel like family. The Treehouse is an amazing place with wonderful people

doing outstanding things. I have had the opportunity to work in the non-profit field

for the past twenty years. It is hard to express not only the pain and suffering I

have seen; but also, the love and strength that people have for each other.

Every day I see blessings and feel the love of God at The Treehouse. It truly is a

special place. The “Earn While You Learn” program used at The Treehouse is a win-win. Our moms learn

skills that help them be better moms, help them build a stronger family which make it possible for their

children to develop to their full potential. It gives us an opportunity to do God’s work and help those less

fortunate. It allows us to love and show compassion for others who are suffering. I have had the opportunity

to meet most of the founding mothers which was not only inspirational, but solidified the work we are

doing. The love and compassion they have for others is why The Treehouse is what it is. “And in the middle

of the street was the tree of life…and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Rev 22:2

The scriptures and the hymns of the Church refer to the cross of Christ as “the life-giving tree.” Our name,

The Treehouse expresses these spiritual roots, while at the same time referring to a place of refuge for

children where they feel safe, accepted and loved.

Love, peace, and happiness,

Dana Cox, Executive Director

DONATION OPPORTUNITIESThe Treehouse is able to stay open because of generous donations from the community, grants and foundations. We receive no United Way funding or Federal dollars. You can help Treehouse moms by donating new• Newborn, 0-3 and 3-6 month outfits, onesies and sleepers• Board books• Diapers, wipes and formula• Bibs and burp cloths• Towels and wash cloths• Infant toys• Infant hats/caps and socks• Baby lotion and wash• Receiving blankets/Quilts We also take clean and gently used baby items (strollers, play pens, high chairs, etc.) as well as clothes newborn to children size 16.

PROGRAM NEEDS• Diapers 4, 5’s or 6’s • Pull Ups• Michael/Hobby Lobby Gift Cards• Coffee/Creamer/Hot Chocolate• Playroom Needs • New toys (Specifically ages 2-4) These toys see a lot of love during the day.

If you would like to receive this newsletter electronically please email cristin@wichitatreehouse.org

JINNY GARVEY began volunteering at The Treehouse in 2009. While serving on

The Treehouse board of directors Jinny decided she wanted to see Treehouse programs

in action so she began volunteering weekly. It was immediately evident that Jinny’s

warm and welcoming personality greatly blessed our moms. Jinny’s generous gift

of talent, time and affection enable us to continue God’s work of severing others.

Jinny has continued volunteering because she “loves the moms and everyone who

works here.” Jinny’s infectious smile and love for our moms brings so much joy to The Treehouse.

Jinny is married to her loving husband John and has four grown sons and four grandchildren. A native Wichitan,

who loves reading, spending time with her family and volunteering at The Treehouse. Volunteers like Jinny make

it possible for The Treehouse to serve families and help women and babies who have fallen on hard times. Their

gift of time means more to The Treehouse moms and babies than they will ever know. Thank you, Jinny for all of

your dedication to The Treehouse and our moms and babies!