News from Collier House

The Collier House Spaghetti Dinner crew poses in front of JA Freight Moving Memorial. Photo courtesy of Norbert Wiggins, Ultimate Photography.

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It has been a long time since my last entry, but the news from COLLIER HOUSE continues to be good! Since our successful spaghetti dinner in November, COLLIER HOUSE supporters participated in a Wolves game/pre-game dinner in December. Sadly, the Wolves lost, but COLLIER HOUSE won with good food, good friends and a good time.

In the meantime, COLLIER HOUSE has been busy doing its job, bringing peace to the world, one family at a time. As an extension of Mt. Carmel Youth Ranch, COLLIER HOUSE provides free short term housing for families visiting their sons who are residents at the ranch. During these short stays (3-5 days), the families are involved in intense conflict resolution and communication activities to strengthen the family bond.

Mt. Carmel Director, Tom George, believes that families hosted at COLLIER HOUSE often experience their first positive interactions in years. With their “homework” and strategies practiced at COLLIER HOUSE, it is hoped the young men and their families will continue with a positive family bond when they return home.

Having two levels has been advantageous for all as when the families need a “time-out”; they can take a break  either in the lower level, the patio, the deck or walk the 40 acres surrounding  COLLIER HOUSE.

Although we have furnished the house with a generous donation from Aunt Marge, the lower level is still in need of a sofa bed and seating arrangement. We are also looking for a smaller sized dining room table for the upper level. Right now the families gather around two card tables and chairs for games, eating and discussions.

COLLIER HOUSE experienced its first “disaster”: a flood of 2,000 gallons of water from the cisterns. The pipe between the pump and the cisterns separated and all the 2,000 gallons of water flooded the lower level. The water was soaked up into the carpet in the bedroom and the laminate of the family room. Although all the new flooring was destroyed, the wallboard, doors and most of the baseboard was salvaged. Varney Clean Care of Powell, Wyo. Did a fantastic job of restoration!

I must thank all my friends out in Clark, WY (a million times) who came to my rescue after this disaster. I appreciate all your support, hard work and follow through with the cleanup of this mess.

I also want to Thank the COLLIER HOUSE Officers and Board of Directors who help me keep this project on the straight and narrow. Thanks for your time, frank discussion and direction.

Please remember to support COLLIER HOUSE with purchases from Linda G’eez fabulous jewelry and photography collection. You can view her art here.

Peace… a way of life.