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The Usual--
Well, the short week is behind us and it's 5 days every week until Thanksgiving! This week we said good bye to one of our youngest staff members, Caitlyn. We were lucky to have hired Caitlyn last year and we've really enjoyed working with her. Unfortunately for us, Caitlyn's personal flower business-- The Watering Can has really taken off in the last year. She's leaving CLI to devote all of her time to growing that business further. We do really wish her well and look forward to partnering with her business moving forward. But, we'd also love to have her back onboard with CLI, so I'm a bit conflicted.
CLI is still at 10% of what we need to make Kenilee fully wheelchair accessible next summer. However, we've just been advised by the Dorn Foundation that they will match up to $15,000 if we can raise that amount between now and December 31st. With this goal in mind, we'll be running a number of small fundraisers this fall. Just an FYI, these are the rough estimates that make up CLI's projected $207K budget for the renovation:
- Architect or Structural Engineer contract $6,000
- Permits $3,000
- Contractor(s) to perform demolition $10,000
- Contractor(s) to build out new interior: raise floor 8", rough in larger than ADA standard bathroom, accessible kitchen & counter. Estimated cost includes flooring + wall surfaces (paint and/or boards) $70,000
- Contractor(s) for new electrical work (bathroom/kitchen area) $20,000
- Contractor(s) for new plumbing work (bathroom/kitchen area) $15,000
- Contractor(s) to install counters, front kitchen , and bathroom fixtures$25,000Contractors to install wheelchair accessible entranceway & facade improvements $40,000
- Misc. $18,000
We're applying to all the local foundations to help us get to our $207K goal. If you know of anyone that we should hit up-- please let me know! We're excited about this project, but the reality is that CLI will only be able to afford to do it if we get the outside help. Our own operations are paying for themselves, but so far in 2025, I haven't figured out to have much left over after the bills are paid.
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