The Salvation Army opened the Patvērums Childrens Day Centre in March 2002 to provide a safe environment for underprivileged children from the local community in Riga.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Fire inspection
Today we were meant to have our first official visitor to the centre regarding applying for official status but unfortunately he arrived at our address but went away before finding us! Not sure quite what happened there but anyway we've made another appointment with him for Friday 9am!
Your prayers would be appreciated, thanks. (Oh & thanks Evie for praying for today :) )
It's hard to know where to start with this blog entry as there's lots to say but it's how to say it, so forgive me if it doesn't make complete sense!
Basically this summer it was discovered there is money available from the Latvian State to help run The Salvation Army's (TSA) social centres but that we all have to become 'official' centres. For the past 4 years Patverums although known by social services, the polices, schools etc we have working as an NGO not an officially recognised social service provide. So last month together with Ilga, TSA social services director, we've started the process!
So why am I write about this!? Well, it is something that Graeme and I both wanted to see happen at some point in the future of Patverums but it's a bit strange that it's finally happening. Also it could be that we are the first day centre in Riga to become official that has a kitchen! Not a bad achievement!
But to be honest we are all a bit nervous about the process as it does require a lot of inspections by different state organisations, which will almost definitely lead to making some changes to how we work, not our program but for example, how the kitchen is run, our laundry facilities may need adjusting etc etc. It's all a bit unknown at the moment and that might be part of the problem. We have all heard horror stories of inspectors coming in being inconsistent and sometimes demanding unreasonable requirements.
So I'd just ask that you'd keep us in your prayers as there is a great deal of work to do for us all as a staff, for me that I lead the staff well and keep on top of what needs to be done. For Inese as I am relying a lot on her because of my Latvian and for Irena (our cook) as she will face a lot of the changes and her workload will increase.
The centre's just about to open but I wanted to give a quick up date as we've had a good week in Patverums!
On Monday & Tuesday we held interviews and we are so pleased to say that we have found a replacement for Dace! Lilita started with us yesterday, we don't hang around, and so far so good.
This is her first job in a social organisation but she is a qualified psychologist, has experience in working with children & teenagers, and is a Christian. As we sat interviewing her I thought about how much Dace had done and meant to us all but felt that God was providing for us again in sending her to us.
It's obviously a time a change for us all now, settling in a new member of staff and helping the children to accept her but hopefully it wouldn't be long until we all feel like one team again.
Thanks to those who have been praying for this. God has answered your prayers!
On a different subject 1st September has been and gone but it saw the start of the new school year. We have had some children move schools again but all are fairly keen and happy to be back. So far each day we've had at least one child sit and do their homework at the centre, we hope this will continue throughout the year and that they all attend regularly.
Well, it's 2.30pm time to open up! Have a good weekend everyone :-)
