As the end of the 2009 year approaches, I find myself in a time of review and reflection. While Shalom has weathered various challenges this year from changes in residents to a global economic downturn, I am encouraged by the outpouring of love and support of so many for the Mountain,
from the leaders who offer their skills, time and dedication to running retreats and tending to the community, to the staff and all the volunteers who care for the facilities, prepare for retreats and provide many areas of support and interfacing with the community. And of course, all who come to retreats and make it possible for others to come to retreats keep the Mountain alive. We are a community of many loving supporters.
Many of you have asked for clearer information on the state of affairs at Shalom Mountain and here is what I can offer at this point:
- Betty Ann Rutledge and Judy Hall are coordinating the retreat center and the Residential Stewardship Volunteer Program (RSVP) and receive a stipend for their work on the Mountain.
- Niilo Makkonen and Kathryn Zimmerman are residential volunteers (RSVPers) on the Mountain. Two others, John Carbone and Jen (J.J.) Kuhlman will be coming in January for several months (Meet them below). These volunteers cover facility caretaking, office and financial consulting support, kitchen and housekeeping support.
- Additional volunteers have been coming to the Mountain for a day or two before or after a retreat, and some of you have expressed interest in coming up for shorter stays to work on special projects or assist from home with outreach and local community support.
- The two staff members and leaders of retreats are the only financially compensated roles in the organization. All work done by the leadership council (other than leading retreats), the owners, bookkeeper, residential and community volunteers, FSM board and committee members is a labor of love and service and not financially compensated.
- By November 2009 Shalom Mountain had a significant loss this year of over $25,000. This was a result of a 24% decrease in retreat income. This means that the Mountain did not bring in enough money to cover its expenses for the year.
- Retreat income included $50,000 in tuition assistance from the community provided through FSM. Tuition assistance in 2008 was $45,000 and in 2007 was $36,000.
- Given that this level of loss is not sustainable, conversations are taking place with owners, leaders and community members about the organizational and financial structures that will best sustain Shalom Mountain.
Many of you have asked what the Mountain needs. What can you do?
- Attending retreats and encouraging others to attend provides the necessary income to operate the Mountain. 65 of us each bringing one new person to a retreat on the Mountain in 2010 would eliminate a loss similar to this year’s.
- Contributing to FSM responds to the need for increased tuition assistance. 50 new Faithful Friends donating
$17 a month or 50 Faithful Friends increasing their monthly donations by $17 would provide for $10,000 in tuition assistance. More tuition assistance makes it possible for more people to come to retreats, which directly supports the Mountain.
- Volunteering your expertise and time for care of the facility, support and promotion of the organization and its programs and special projects maintains and grows the Mountain. Donating expertise in areas such as bookkeeping, web design, marketing, maintenance, gardening, printing, etc. saves the Mountain thousands of dollars a year.
Look for more ideas in the January issue of Mountain Matters about how we as a community can keep supporting and loving Shalom into the future! 
As you celebrate the holidays and the coming of a new year may the light of hope and love surround you!
Victoria
