How Are Things Going at TreeHouse?

It's been my desire to have a way to keep friends, family, and fans of TreeHouse connected to what's happening in the ministry God has invited me (and you!) into. I'm excited to start using this blog to do just that.

People often ask me how things are going at TreeHouse. This is a tough question for me to answer because there always exists a multiplicity of simultaneously correct answers. =) Here is the broad sweep of my current responses:

Teens: There are lots of teens coming to both Chaska and Bloomington locations. We would like to reach more kids in both areas though, especially at Bloomington. Please pray that the kids who need us would find us and/or that we'll find them! We are struggling with some racial tension in the Chaska area and have some kids with great leadership potential who we want to see turn the corner and 'use their powers for good and not evil.' One of our 9th grade boys has changed dramatically since he went on our fall retreat in October. He is even applying for our TreeHouse Leadership Core! Praise God.

Staff: My staff are doing well overall. We are facing a lot of transition and 'growth.' I am looking for a few more volunteer staff to help with program for teens on Tuesday or Thursday nights and then possibly branch out to mentoring some of the teens. Do you know anyone who would like to volunteer with amazing youth?

Chaska: Marie is doing well as area program coordinator but overwhelmed at times while being short staffed, Nate is going to be a dad for the first time in February, and we hired two new staff who are fundraising and should be in the area full time by February.
Bloomington: Ardath is trying to raise more funds now that she's the area program coordinator, Jamie is having her third child in January, Paul is getting married in June, and Matt just finished his initial fundraising and is full time in the area! We are searching for another full time female to hire.

Community: I have been connecting with many individuals in both Chaska and Bloomington through my involvement in both Chambers of Commerce. We partnered with the Bloomington Police this summer to identify and refer teens who need our services. I was interviewed on the Bloomington cable police show as well as the Bloomington Today cable news. Good times! =) We have met with the leadership of several schools to tell their staff about TreeHouse and to start attending school lunches to bless our kids and meet their friends. I had a GREAT time at lunch with the freshmen in Chaska last week and enjoyed meeting the new vice principal. I spoke to the Chanhassen Rotary recently, will be speaking to the Bloomington Community Foundation this week, and have more opportunities on the horizon. These are just the highlights!
FUNdraising: I am in need of much help to reach my financial target for the year. I'm behind my goal for the first time in the three years I have been at TreeHouse. This is because both my salary and financial responsibility have increased this year as a result of my growth in the organization. "To whom much is given, much is required!" =) It does create a bit of stress; however, I trust God to provide as I keep sharing the TreeHouse story with people.

Ministry Partners: Many of you minister alongside me at TreeHouse by praying and giving financially. I hope you find it a blessing! I love hearing back from you about how you feel connected to the work we're doing together. If you have ideas or requests to stay more connected, let me know.

People sometimes ask how much it costs to 'sponsor a teen' at TreeHouse. The cost per teen per year is $2,200 which includes everything from facilities to staff salaries. This cost of prevention is a lot cheaper than the correctional system which costs taxpayers more than $50,000 per person per year.

If you are not yet a ministry partner but would like to be, or if you would like to increase your giving, you can email me at arightler@treehouseyouth.org to talk further or you can donate online at http://www.treehouseyouth.org/ :
1. On the left side of the page, click on "Ways to Donate"
2. Click on "Online Donation Form"
3. Fill out the form, check the monthly payment option box (or select another giving frequency), type "Angela Rightler" in the staff name box, and write in the amount you'd like to give.

Thank you! Til next time.... I'll post some interesting stories and more prayer requests in the future. =)

Ang