Hello!

I'm so excited to share with you an update on my work so far at Community House Damaris!

It has been an eye-opening and enjoyable experience all in the same. This month the key learning I have gained is these women in most cases did not live their full childhood or have the opportunity to go to elementary school to learn basic skills and literacy, which grows one's confidence.

It was quite humbling for me to assist a 40+ woman learn without fretting how to use a stamp to impress a design on clay. She went from "I can't do this" to "Wow, I did it!" What might seem quite elementary to us, is a little milestone for these women, and it takes a lot of patience and a safe space to allow them to grow, learn -- and develop these skills without shame.

Outside of their skills-development program with me (and other skills such as sewing) they are also partaking in a 12-step healing program, receiving 1:1 counselling and also literacy classes.

I learned this week that one of the ladies -- who does not speak Greek -- is doing therapy with a Greek counselor and an interpreter. She herself is a native French speaker. She shared this with me in confidence. I later went and asked the charity if a native French counsellor might be an option and then went to my network to see if anyone knew of a native French-speaking therapist who could take on one of these women as a pro-bono case. I learned that Damaris partners with another organization that offers the women their counselling. As always, these things are underfunded; there's still so much more we could do for these women!

Please ask around within your networks if you -- or someone you know -- might know a native French-speaking psychotherapist open to pro-bono remote work. If you find someone, please let me know and I could put it it forward to the right person (you never know)!

I also enjoyed connecting with another woman who is from Cameroon and who speaks fluent Spanish! I was so impressed that she learned Spanish all on her own with one great teacher in Cameroon.

The skills and talents vary in these women and though they may be advanced in one skill, they can lack very basic and elementary skills, too. I'm delighted to both learn and grow with them.

Please see some pictures of our pottery table and work below! Please note for the women's security, I will not be able to show them in these photos nor will I address them by name.

I am beyond thrilled with their creative creations. Some of my favorites are pictured here! This month we have been in "exploratory mode" coming up with designs and models we will then shortlist to make with real clay, fire and glaze.

Do you have a favorite? Take a screen shot and send it to me so I have your vote :) !

This ministry is made possible by the generous support of individuals. All donation gifts are tax-deductible in The United States.

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Due to visa restrictions, I am not able to be employed at the charity. My voluntary work at Damaris would not be possible without the support from donors. Thanks to the trailblazing 4 donors who helped raise just under $1,000 (as of June 1st 2024)! The goal is to raise $6,000 to cover my basic costs over the next three months so that I can dedicate my time to setting up Damaris' new Pottery Program (from zero)! I would be honored if you might consider supporting me in this "start-up" endeavour.

Tax-deductible donations for Jacquie's work can be made by check, phone or online. Checks can be made out to "World Outreach Ministries" (P.O. Box B, Marietta, GA) referencing Jacquie Patton's ministry number #970

Call toll free: 1 (800) - 832 - 9673

www.worldoutreach.org/cc/donations.html?fCode=970

 Thank you ALL for your support that comes in many forms from powerful prayers to words of encouragement. I am so grateful to you all and please keep praying for the ladies, for me and our time and work together. I look forward to sharing more with you soon!

Lots of love,

Jacquie