Abbeyfield USA’s Planning and Strategy Meeting
Site for Abbeyfield USA, St.Joseph, Illinois
Ready to get going
Abbeyfield USA can’t wait to get digging and begin building the first Abbeyfield home in the U.S.A. It’s been a long wait over eight years and the Committee has patiently stuck to its task and retained its energy and focus. A bank loan has been agreed and there are a few more hurdles to go before building can begin. The site is in fact very extensive, and approximately three times as big as the area you are looking at, so there is plenty of room for future expansion.
Relaxing before work begins
Below you can see the Abbeyfield USA Board and Committee Members enjoying a meal at a local restaurant the night before the weekend strategy planning meeting would begin.
The strategy meeting
Some sixteen people attended the strategy meeting on Saturday 13th August and the event kicked off with the ten minute Richard Carr-Gomm video, that serves as such a poignant reminder of the Abbeyfield ethos and how the work began. This was followed by a presentation on Abbeyfield’s operations around the world featuring case studies on Abbeyfield’s work in South Africa and Germany. These two national Abbeyfield Groups represent different ends of the spectrum, Abbeyfield South Africa focussing on projects to help the disadvantaged and poor while Abbeyfield Germany is more aimed at wealthier people who are lonely and isolated.
Detailed work on Abbeyfield USA’s strategy and plans continued in break-out groups
Break out group
We are not sure where she finds the time…
But here is proof that Mary Butzow manages to squeeze a day job into her busy schedule!
Mary's office
Inside Mary’s office
Is a desk which has been beautifully painted by her niece, Amy Scott. It is hoped this may one day grace the office’s of Abbeyfield USA.
A beautiful full double semicircle rainbow
seen at the final closing dinner is taken by delegates as an omen that there will be at least two Abbeyfield houses in St.Joseph before very long!
