By AMANDA KIMBLE
TheFlashToday.com
ERATH COUNTY (January 30, 2017) – More space and more offerings – those are things Choices Life Resource Center Executive Director Ashley Graves eagerly awaits, and their things the nonprofit will soon offer. Construction at the new center, located on Harbin Drive in Stephenville, is expected to be complete in March and open the door to a wide array of possibilities.
“We’re so excited,” Graves said. “The new facility will allow us to offer things we have never been able to offer before.”
Current and future clients can expect a new, more diverse offering of classes, which Graves said would be held in the new building’s large meeting room. Potential programs could include pregnancy yoga, as well as computer, sewing and GED classes.
“Those are things we have not been able to do in our existing space,” she said.
For the first time since opening its doors in 1994, the organization will have a full-size kitchen, and a number of people have already expressed interest in leading cooking classes, according to Graves. She said the kitchen will allow Choices to serve up an array of classes aimed at encouraging mothers to get creative in the kitchen while showing them how to prepare home cooked meals that are nutritious, delicious and inexpensive.
Studies show family meals are essential to raising children who do better in school and are less likely to battle a long list of medical concerns, such as obesity.
Graves said in addition to gaining healthy habits and beneficial life skills, Choices clients who participate in classes earn boutique bucks, which can be used to purchase clothing, diapers and other items for their children.
To make sure the kitchen is stocked with the necessary tools, an ongoing fundraiser and kitchen shower is calling on supporters.
“As the new center gets closer to completion, the kitchen will need to be stocked,” Graves said. “I know Pampered Chef has a lot of products and is known for hosting wedding showers, so I asked why can’t we have a kitchen shower.”
Shoppers have until midnight on Friday, February 10 to shop for the center.
“There are two ways community members to support Choices,” Graves said. “They can select items from our wish lists and have those gifts sent to us, or they can buy something for their personal kitchens and Choices will also get credit for those orders.”
There are two wish lists on Facebook – one with items that are less than $20 and one with times that are more than $20. Orders should be place through the fundraiser website.
Items that can be purchased for less than $20, include cookie sheets, muffin pans, paring knives and measuring spoons. Other items on the wish lists include mixing bowls, a digital kitchen scale, food chopper, cutting board and manual food processor and veggie spiralizer.
Graves said individuals or business who would like to support the project but don’t like to shop online can stop by Choices Life Resource Center at 902 West Sloan Street, near Tarleton State University’s Memorial Stadium, and shop from the catalogue prior to the February 10 deadline.
Meanwhile, with new possibilities on the horizon, Graves said Choices is seeking volunteers from across the community to share their skills and experiences. She said volunteer-led classes can include anything from business and professional skills to cooking and fitness and the sharing of hobbies such as knitting and quilting.
“We are interested in anything and everything that will improve the lives of our moms and their families,” she said.
For more information, contact Choices Life Resource Center at 254-965-5139 or contact Graves via email at ashley@choicesinlife.org
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