This blog can now also be viewed at http://www.parentingwhatipreach.wordpress.com/.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Farewell to Xylem

I would like to announce that the decision has been made to not reregister Xylem Family Resource as a nonprofit in Colorado and Ohio or continue its federal tax-exempt status.

This decision was made for a variety of reasons and I can assure you that it was not made lightly. We pursued many options, including discussions with several individuals regarding the possibility of taking over the organization. At this time, there was not a good fit for either the organization or these individuals.

I cofounded Xylem Family Resource almost seven years ago and have personally invested a lot of time, energy, emotion, money, and love into Xylem and the beautiful families it had the privilege to serve. I have learned so much on this journey. I am honored that I was entrusted with this endeavor. And I am humbled that I got to play some role in the hundreds of families that Xylem was able to help toward restoration in the past seven years.

Xylem could not have been the ministry it was without all of the work of the contractors, educators, volunteers and supporters over the years. There were so many amazing people involved in this ministry dedicated to supporting families. Many of these individuals are still involved in serving families in some capacity and in a sense will be continuing the ministry of Xylem in their community in their own ways. It was an honor and privilege to be involved with so many wonderful people who had a desire to serve and support families.

When nonprofits are dissolved, their assets must be distributed to other nonprofits. All of the XFR assets are being distributed between Denver Community Church, Pomegranate Place, and Woman Come Forth, three organizations that have been amazing supporters of Xylem and have wonderful ministries that serve families in the Denver area.

I still very much believe in the mission of Xylem “to restore the sacredness of family” and that every family has the ability to experience God’s desire for them. I am not walking away from working with families and I would love to have you follow me on Facebook or on my blog www.parentingwhatipreach.blogspot.com or www.parentingwhatipreach.wordpress.com to see where life takes me next (I will still be writing!).

We know that Xylem has meant a lot to many of you. Please visit the Xylem Family Resource Facebook page in the next couple weeks and post any memories, photos, comments, etc. I know it would mean a lot to me and to others who have invested into Xylem Family Resource.

Finally, I would like to particularly thank the following individuals who have been instrumental in the success of Xylem through their leadership:

Former Governing Board Members:
Angela Seeling (cofounder) Jeff and Brenda Wright Vaun Swanson Karen Stickland Lori Mateer Geri Middleton Walsh Jenna Bauer Debra Dreyer Jen Phillips Erin Armand Tim and Nina Sloan Asa Wood Faith Donaldson

Former Advisory Board Members:
Kathy McMillian Tani Stone Mark LaFleur

Thank you so very much for all of your support.
Blessings to you and your family!

Tara Wood, on behalf of the board
Executive Director, Xylem Family Resource