Ned Erickson: UPDATE Week of Aug 3

The Fellows New Home

WE GOT BIG NEWS!

A few weeks ago, the Fellows decided to make a big program change to address some of the challenges that life in community during a pandemic presented.

We felt like having our Fellows live with host families added a multiplying risk to exposure and spread of COVID-19. Plus, as we learned that schools were not returning to in-person classes for at least the first nine weeks of the school year, we felt that it was best to not put added stress and burdens on our families in the Fellows community.

It just so happens that Crossnore was in the process of shuttering the Brantley Building which was built for communal living! The last few years, my friend Sarah Howell-Miller as been Prioress at "The Foundry" a communal living experiment. I had the privilege of walking with her in its early stages. Unfortunately, the Foundry's season is ending. However, it is humbling for us to realize that we now get to step into her legacy and continue the idea of building community together in this beautiful space.

The Foundry

Crossnore has been fabulous to work with. We are both excited to explore ways that the Winston-Salem Fellows can become connected to the great work that is being done on this property in the lives of some of the most vulnerable children in North Carolina.

This is especially exciting in a year when citywide community service may not be as easy to pull off.

As far as our needs - the Brantley Building has 21 bedrooms with a buddy bathroom between each room, office space, a full industrial sized kitchen, a large dining area, two large meeting rooms, and a laundry room.

We now have space for Round Tables, Leader Lunches and Classes. And for our Fellows, it is situated just outside of downtown and within walking distance of the Krankies Airstream, Bobby Boy Bakery, Hops Burger Bar, the Porch, Joymongers, Hanes Park, the YMCA, Cafe Gelato, among other things!

What a God thing!

MORE BIG NEWS

Emily Sandstedt

We have just brought on a 13th Fellow!

You may recognize her last name. Emily Sandstedt is the sister of Christina Sandstedt, an inaugural year Fellow, who is now in the Coast Guard stationed in Bahrain. Yep. Bahrain.

Emily just graduated from Hope College. Her plans for entering the theater scene in Chicago got dashed because of COVID, so she reached out to us a few weeks ago. She is a rockstar! We couldn't not make a spot for her.

So here we go! A baker's dozen for this year! Welcome Emily.

Emily overlooks Austria

THE PERFECT GIFT

We celebrated Jessica Baker on Monday night. The Fellows chipped in and surprised her with a powder blue typewriter, ribbon and paper.

She is set.

What a joy watching the perfect gift go to the perfect gal...we love you Jessica!

the way we celebrate today

roomies

#KidsStuff4Kids

bring it on by

Every day, more stuff keeps arriving on our doorstep. Thank you!

I wish we could take pictures and tell you specific stories about the children who are receiving these resources. Unfortunately because of privacy laws we cannot.

One child received a pack of UNO cards. He was beside himself with joy. During the visit, Lia heard him ask his dad if they could play after dinner that night.

Keep it coming.

We are collecting:

Books for all ages

Sports Equipment

Notebooks

Writing implements

School Supplies

Art Supplies

Backpacks

If you have any used or lightly used or if you want to pick up something extra as you are shopping for your own children, being it on by. email me at nederickson@gmail.com and I can give you directions.

Thanks!!!

PRAYER

Bailey Park

It was awesome to stop by and pray with 20 some pastors from across our city on Thursday.

Prayer is the work

EXPOSURE

Phillip and the ultimate crew

Ned is pumped

Here is a little insight.

Have you ever seen a group of Hispanic kids play ultimate frisbee? Why is that? Is it because they don't like frisbee? Is it because they are bad at it?

Could it be because nobody ever showed them how?

This summer Phillip Summers has taken it upon himself to introduce the beautiful game to the kids in his neighborhood. Ned has been helping out where he can.

Guess what? These kids are naturals! We have had some of the best games.

This is a parable for what challenges our society.

People in poverty have the talent. They have the ability. They have the grit. They have the desire. What they don't have is a frisbee! What they don't have are the rules! What they don't have is the opportunity to play!

As a society, we need to think of ways of getting resources, education and opportunities to everyone. If we do we are going to INCREASE our talent pool big time.

GIVE

Thank you so much for your continued support.

We need your continued support!

Send checks to

Winston-Salem Fellows

PO Bx 20514

Winston-Salem, NC 27120

or give online at wsfellows.com/give

Thanks

Seriously. Thanks.

MORE PHOTOS