Ophelia’s Place Blog

We did it! Café at 407 is soon to be a reality! We received our variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals along with our change of usage from the Village Planning Board last week. THANK YOU EVERYONE for your letters of support and prayers, we couldn’t have done it without you. And thank you to the Village of Liverpool for your dedication and service to this community…oh and of course for granting our variance and permit!

So now what? Well we’ve got lots to do that’s for sure from raising more money (um..click here for sponsorships) to building things to planning the menu and determining the hours. I don’t know how we will get it all done but what I do know is that café at 407 is a God send and it will all work out. What do I mean? I recently receive an email from a young woman in Kentucky. She shared of her struggle when she was younger and her frustration over the lack of resources. She wanted to know if we were interested in branching out; she said “Ophelia’s Place is a God send”.

This was a part of my response “Thank you so much for taking the time to email and share a part of your story. This entire journey for us (especially the vision for OP) has been God breathed. I had no idea what I was doing (still don’t most days) I just knew I needed to do something. My new found naïve faith gave me the confidence to take the risk. Most days I thank God for that…I hear so many stories of such great struggle and I get so frustrated at the lack of support and services. It shouldn’t be this complicated right? So what if each one of us stepped in the gap where there was a need…do you think we could fill the holes? I’ve been asked to “open” other Ophelia’s Places, however truth be told I have my hands full with this one but I am more than happy to share any or all of what has been created here. “

As sure as winter in Syracuse, God did breathe this vision… Sometimes more often than not, I forget that and I want to stomp my feet (I learned that from my granddaughter) over His “send” and my inability to balance this non-profits budget! (You should know that faith is a line item in our budget, hope is listed under assets and believe is an expense item.) Most days I do thank God and the reality is that people do step in the gaps. From the Village boards to our volunteers, donors, prayer warriors, treatment providers, the young woman from Kentucky who reminded me of what this is all about, and the men and women who are willing to share a piece of their struggle.

What it all comes down to… is community…community is a God send. I discover over and over again the need for “neighborhoodness”. We all need a place “where everyone knows your name”. It doesn’t need to be complicated right? God breathes life and vision into all of us. Maybe that’s how we “branch out”…by being a part of community and sharing what we know and giving to others…maybe then our hands won’t get so full.

Café at 407 might stand in the gap but I believe it’s the people who walk through the doors that fill it.

Mary Ellen

On September 19, 2002, Ophelia’s Place held its 1st golf tournament. As I look back I realize at that time Ophelia’s Place was still a vision. I was working fulltime for my brother (Jim Diliberto at customlogousa.com) while trying to make OP a reality. We didn’t have a place yet…we didn’t have a phone, copy paper, staff, funding, a computer, any type of office supplies (well except for the ones I procured from my job. Truth be told Custom Logo had kind of become OP headquarters…but I don’t think my brother knew that…or did he?) So we did what so many other non-profits do…we held a golf tournament. I know, I know everyone told me “don’t do it…they’re overdone…the area is saturated with tournaments, no one will show up”…etc. But guess what happened? We sold out! Yep, we had 144 golfers that teed off at 4:00 on a beautiful Thursday afternoon to play 9 holes of golf. And guess what else? Less than 6 months after that event Ophelia’s Place opened its doors to the community. The dream had become a reality. Each one of those sponsors and golfers 8 years ago made a difference and you’re still making a difference today. Your support allows us to meet the needs of those who walk through our doors. In the last 8 years, we’ve supported and educated thousands. Recently we’ve broadened our mission to empower individuals, families and communities to redefine beauty and health through initiatives that increase self-esteem, improve body image and introduce alternatives to dangerous desires for perfection. We’re no longer just responding to the need we’re moving towards a solution. Yes… this is where I bring it back around. You are part of that solution. How you ask? By showing up, buying some raffle tickets, sponsoring a hole, donating an item, or registering a foursome or two. It’s a great time, the format is captain and crew, the weather is beautiful, the burgers are perfectly grilled, the beer is ice cold, the mulligans are plentiful, the prizes are customized, (thanks to Kathleen at customlogousa.com) the jokes are bad, (thanks to Mark and Larry our co-chairs) , the chocolate is de-lish…(thanks to Linda) and the cause…well let’s just say the cause is “teeing up” for the “green”…to help “drive” our organization.

As we move into 2010, Ophelia’s Place continues to search for creative ways to fund this little non-profit. The need is as great as ever and funding well… not so much. I’m hopeful we will see another sell out this year and I’m grateful to each of you for believing, for making a difference, and for being part of the solution.
I have my peeps (aka golf committee) ready to register you today.

When I think of the words safe, friendly, inviting and community I think of Ophelia’s Place and for me that has become synonymous with the village of Liverpool. I moved to Liverpool in 2006 because of this very reason and in these past few years it has become home in every way. I have utilized the services offered by Ophelia’s Place since 2004 both at their old location, on 2nd street, and now at their current location, 407 Tulip St.

Words cannot begin to tell the difference they have made in my life. The support group alone has played a huge role in my recovery from an eating disorder–it inspired me to pursue life with a renewed passion and energy, to give back and embrace the world around me, and to redefine my ideas of beauty, success, value and health.

I am so excited about the opportunity for Ophelia’s Place to open a cafe within the village of Liverpool.  It is my hope the cafe will offer the community the same things I found through Ophelia’s Place. 

Future Cafe Manager

I’m reminded of the story Jesus tells when he says let the little children come to me…do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. I’ve spent the past 5 wondrous days in the company of my little granddaughter Anna. 

What I love is that Anna is unhindered.   Being in her presence “stills” me……not easily but I’m working at it.  I want to capture that childlike wonder I see in her.  Unencumbered with life’s worries…just the ability to be, to explore, to experience, to laugh, to celebrate, to cry, to smile, to rest, to play, to trust, to believe, to dream, to imagine, to love unconditionally and to giggle uncontrollably. 

When did I become “hindered”?  I honestly don’t know, I don’t believe it happened overnight……no I think my body, mind and spirit conformed over time.  But it didn’t look hindered, no it looked more like success, beauty, wealth, health, determination, drive, religion, control and success (I know I said that already but it’s worth repeating). 

So here I am in the Arizona desert (hmmm…symbolic?) learning a life of “unhinderedness” through the eyes of an 8 month old.  No doubt this journey for me will be longer than 40 days……but I’m not thinking about the next 40 days…nope…I’m just anticipating the adventure today will bring when Anna awakes. 

One thing I know for sure is that she provides a window into heaven when I’m willing to bring my life into focus.

- mary ellen

photo by laura brazak

It’s been four days now since my debut as a runway model and let me tell you…my life has changed.