“It has been my dream to provide housing for homeless women.” Collette Desselles took the first step in 2007 and established her non-profit Lean On Me, which created programs to bring awareness to the obstacles homeless women face: the AIDS epidemic, domestic violence, low paying jobs and mental illness. “This brought in donations but it was not enough to take the next step. Providing safe and affordable housing became my passion.”

In September 2013, Colette found a building that could house eight women. Unfortunately the “perfect” building needed work. It had no shower or tub. “With limited funds, my dream was at a standstill. We could not open the door without complete bathrooms.”  How could she get the funds we needed when she could not qualify for a conventional loan?
Collette applied for a Red Shoes micro-loan and after presenting the business proposal and showing her passion for this project, she received a Lifting Loan.

“The bathroom was built to code and we opened the doors and quickly filled to capacity. Women have found a safe and affordable place to live. We are so grateful to The Red Shoes program for giving us a chance.”

"In my life the one thing that has always saved me was the love of my family and friends. As I looked into the mirror I asked myself, ‘What can I do…where do I go from here?’ Having a love for all people, Mirror of Grace Outreach was given to me.”

If you meet Patricia Harrel, you will know why Mirror of Grace Outreach was “given” to her. Pat has unlimited energy when it comes to helping people access resources to improve their lives. Starting with a technology lab to teach basic computer skills to make people employable, Pat adds programs as needs appear: first time home buyers, summer programs for kids and after-school programs. Her “can do” attitude accompanied her as she interviewed for a micro-loan through Lifting Loans to help her launch her new after-school program.

Patricia's excitement about providing students from Winbourne Elementary, Capital Elementary and Belfair Elementary schools with tutoring and tools for success ignited her with determination. But Pat faced two problems: not enough funds on hand to hire the needed teachers, and not knowing how to run her organization as a business. Your generous support allowed us to approve Pat’s loan and provide 6 weeks of one-on-one business coaching for Pat with our wonderful new coaching partner, Monique Moliere Piper.

Winter received her loan in January 2013 to open a hair studio and opened her studio that month. As a saavy business woman, she already owned a successful bail bonds business, but wanted to complete her dream of opening a hair studio. She used her Lifting Loan to rent and renovate a building. She now employs four hair stylists and one make-up artist.

Winter paid off her loan in March 2014! She's on her way to opening another business!