Books-A-Million will be hosting a Book Fair Fundraiser to support The River on Saturday, June 12th from 2-6 p.m. Books-A-Million is located at 2116 North Roan Street in the Johnson City Plaza Shopping Center by Target. Come and see our River display, purchase some good stuff, and help to keep The River flowing for women and children in need in the Tri-Cities. Please call 423-926-8111 for more information.

NEW HOURS OF OPERATION

Beginning June 1, 2010, The River will be extending its hours of operations to accommodate the demand for our services. In the past we were open from 9 am to 3 pm, NOW WE WILL BE OPEN ONE HOUR EARLIER from 8 am to 3 pm. Most morning there are 3-12 women waiting in line to start washing their clothes. Some women come as early as 6:30 am to start the line. It is our hope that this additional hour can allow two more women the opportunity to wash clothes, help women who work 9-5 to take a shower before heading off to work, provide a place for women staying at The Salvation Army who must leave at 8 am, and cut down on the number of women waiting outside for The River to open. Laundry must still be started by 1 pm and no more showers taken after 2:30 pm.

First Crop From River Garden

On May 25, 2010 River Gardener Mary harvested our first crop from The River garden: 3 radishes! This year the garden includes lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, squash, onions, beans, okra, eggplants, a variety of herbs, and for the first time....potatoes! Although the women may work in the garden at anytime, Tuesday mornings are the big garden day. Stay tuned for more information as food is harvested.

Over The Shoulder Boulder Holder Day at The River

Photo (Back Row from Left to Right): Crystal Reynolds, Paula Simonton, Christy Curtis, Annie Banaszak (Front Row from Left to Right): Robin Yell, Betsy Beaver

There are many ways that The River supports and lifts up the women we serve. On May 25, 2010 The River did exactly that with our second annual Over The Shoulder Boulder Holder Give Away Day. Over 40 women received a free bra with the help of Betsy Beaver, Annie Banaszak, Stacy Larsen and Joan Swingle. Many of the women struggle to afford a good, well fitting bra and it was not uncommon for the women to thank us over and over for their new gift.

Although The River does not accept donations of clothing, we do however collect new bras, underwear, and socks to distribute to those in need. Donations of these items can be brought to The River any time of year during our hours of operation (Monday-Friday 8 am - 3 pm). Please call 423-926-8111 with any questions.

The River Mission Statement

The mission of The River is to provide all women with a safe place to care for themselves and family with basic services that empower and educate women for independent living. With nonjudgmental support and a Christ-centered approach, we bring hope to the women we serve and remind them of God's love.

Rolling At The River Bunco Tournament A Huge Success!

We had a wonderful time on March 18, 2010 for our Rolling At The River Bunco Tournament. We raised $2001.00 for The River ministry for women.

One of our Bunco tables- the Swag Bags contained the Bucco Soundtrack and River information.

We had a great time decorating The River- black and pink for Bunco!

Rolling at The River!

Even more players!

We used every bit of space for the bunco tables we could find- even fitting 2 tables in the play area.

More Bunco players!

Several tables playing Bunco- We had 6 teams of 12 playing- 72 total!

Some of the good food we had- spring rolls, spanikopia, cheese and crackers, veggies and dip, wrapped asparagus, and assorted cookies and brownies. Thanks Marsha Grindstaff for all of your hard work!!!

Our wonderful bartender- Jennifer Jacobs

Our Mock-Tails were: Safe Sex on The Beach, Fuzzless Navels, and Mock Champagne

We had great prize bags for the Most Buncos, Least Buncos, Most Wins, and Last Bunco. Thanks to Heavenly Ham, DayLight Donuts, Pals, Jane's Lunch Box, Cranberries, Target, Chick-Fil-A, Starbucks, WalMart, and the Johnson City Country Club for the great donations!

To all the women who helped and played-
THANKS FOR HELPING TO KEEP THE RIVER FLOWING!

The River Ministry Training Day: March 24, 2010 at The Summit Leadership Foundation

Mischele Hart and Marsha Grindstaff conducting a brainstorming session about The River.

The theme for the day was "Ministrying at The River: You are Called." After the welcome and prayer time, Pastor Louis Imsande started the morning off with "Ministers: Not Volunteers" and shared scripture from 1 Peter: 2:9 "But you are not like that, for you have been chosen by God himself- you are priests of the King, you are holy and pure, you are God's very own- all this so that you may show to others how God called you out of the darkness into his womderful light." (Life Application). This was followed by "Better Understanding The Women We Serve" by River Director Stacy Larsen, "What is Your Calling?" by Annie Banaszak, River Staff and a brainstorming session "What More Can We Do?" lead by Mischele Hart and Marsha Grindstaff. We had 22 ministers in attendance and enjoyed a wonderful time of renewal, understanding, and fellowship. Thanks to The Summit Leadership Foundation for allowing us to use their facility.
Ministers of The River
Front Row (seated from left to right): Stacy Larsen, Annie Banaszak, Ann Mooneyhan, Joan Swingle, and Betsy Beaver
Middle Row (left to right): Melissa Hopkins, Marsha Grindstaff, Sue Lockmiller, Mary Small, Jean Soergel, Dot Ballew, and Amy Sentell
Back Row (left to right): Gisele Linder, Jessica Gasteiger, Virginia Bradley, Debbie Imsande, Mischele Hart, Betty DeVault, and Vickie McGowan

Funny Event of the Day: We had 4 leftover lunches from The FireHouse and we auctioned them off for a grand total of $65.00 for The River! Thanks for the great idea Ann!