Straight From the Lion's Mouth

This weekend I grabbed my mug of coffee and studied mission statements. I wanted to share a concise reason for my giving Capsules of Hope Caregiver Seminars. Writing a mission statement isn’t new to me, still I couldn’t define my goals simply.

• I truly wanted to brainstorm, but didn’t find any brains going my direction—two or three friends listened to me. Even husband gave up a few commercials during Tour De France, but no one came up with catchy, mind boggling perspective on where I’m going with the seminars. Okay, so I cracked open the books—not really, I used the internet.
  
  After hours of studying Disney, 3-M, Walmart and a few ministry statements, I found several words repeated: encourage, educate, teach, empower, offer help and hope. Finally I came up with a list of do’s and don’ts.
  
  The negatives:
• Avoid lengthy verbiage difficult to read or memorize.
• Avoid coined phrases familiar only to your circle of friends.
• Avoid promises you cannot keep.
  
  The positives:
• Focus on what guides your goals, be realistic and inspirational?
• State your purpose clear and concise, in ways to motivate others.
• Write for the one in need of your service.

The result:

Capsules of Hope Mission Statement:
To help the ordinary caregiver, whatever their circumstance—chronic illness, disability or terminal illness—realize they aren’t alone, help and hope is available. To create an awareness of how neighbors, co-workers, family, friends and the church can help the caregiver cope.

Purpose: To encourage caregivers, no matter their age or situation.

Vision: To create an awareness of the needs in a caregiver’s life.

Plan: To help people of all ages see how one ordinary person can make a remarkable difference in the life of a caregiver, one caregiver at a time.

In the process of building my mission statement I stumbled into a website where the author suggested every caregiver should build her own mission statement. What a great suggestion, only today I couldn’t find that same website, sigh.

This I know, when I finished the project, I felt empowered and inspired, ready to make more phone calls and schedule more Capsules of Hope Caregiver Seminars. I want to create a difference in the world around me before I leave earth.

Oh, be aware, I’m not into giving out cute mugs yet, but who knows what the future holds.