Year End & In The Black

For anyone who has been following Cherokee Retreat Center over the last few years, you are well aware of the roller coaster we have been on. For a variety of reasons, our budget over the last several years has been changing dramatically. While overall these changes, which have been masterfully lead by our leadership (both volunteer and paid), have set CRC on a new path of fiscal responsibility and good stewardship, they have also meant a dramatic new understanding to what we have resources for and what we may not. As we began to live into 2009, we also began to feel as though the rug was quickly being pulled out from under us both financially and missionally. With resolve and direction, however, we charted a course to end the year in the "black," and I for one am ecstatic to say with confidence, that our plan has paid off. With only days left in 2009, CRC has enough reserves to cover the remainder of our expected expenditures......with a little bit to spare!

Rejoice in the Lord Always and again I say REJOICE!

What this means, is that following year after year of large cutbacks in 2009 when we were required to make perhaps our most daunting cuts, we kept our bearings and have landed soundly on our feet. In an age when it is more and more important to demonstrate viability in so many different ways, what a statement this year's financial performance makes.

Thank you, to everyone who has had a hand in making THIS a reality!

Sincerely,
Kelly Howington
Director - Cherokee Retreat Center