I find that so often it is the simplest things in life that are easily taken for granted.
In addition to my designs with Maihar Design, I work in the Interior Design business at Baxter Design Group where I spend five days a week (and often more) picking fabrics, furnishings and accessories to complete and “make beautiful” various environments in hopes of giving clients their ideal “home.” In other words, a place where people feel safe, encouraged and comfortable at the end of the day, surrounded by the things that make them happy.
About a year and a half ago, BDG was provided with the opportunity to create a space for a group of individuals who need this comfort the most; individuals who do not have the blessing of their own home.
Along with my BDG co-worker Zoe Reilly, we decided to “adopt and redecorate” several community spaces at the San Antonio residence for homeless families, SAMMinistries Transitional Living and Learning Center (TLLC).
TLLC is an incredible facility that provides shelter and housing for up to 40 families at a time. Families are permitted to stay for two years while receiving afterschool childcare, family healthcare and life skills classes that train and aid in their transition back into an independent lifestyle.
With the ultimate goal of creating warm and inspirational living spaces, we ended up raising more than $60,000 in monetary and in-kind donations and completing five of the many community and family gathering areas. With these generous donations, we were able to add fresh paint, new furnishings, artwork and fabric.
After spending only a small amount of time with the residents and children who live at TLLC, I cannot speak highly enough for their positive outlook. It was an honor to have this opportunity and I am hopeful we were able to provide not only a warm and kind place to land, but also a place in which to smile and call home.
Please visit SAMMinistries website or BDG for more information.
(Below) Living Space #1
(Below) Child Play Therapy Room
(Below) Living Space #2
(Below) Living Space #3/Work Station
(Below) Meditation Room
every room looks so great!! I am sure the residents feel fortunate to get to spend so much time in such a fun and inviting space. i know it must feel so rewarding to be a part of such generosity. really cool!
I could not be more impressed both at the work done and the project itself. My hubbie and I were in San Antonio this last summer as he was the featured artist from Calif for the “Child Safe” fundraiser. What a great place to live and what amazing support from the community.