Ways to Help

Fall 2007

Dear Friends of the Homestead,

Each year we reach out to those we have served to request sustaining support for the mission of Watson Homestead.   This request prompts me to share with you what has been happening at the Homestead and why I am asking you to join me in helping this vital organization grow.

The Board and staff have worked together this year delivering Watson Homestead's  new vision to 11,000 guests.

The Vision of the Watson Homestead Conference and Retreat Center, Inc.

To be known as an excellent conference and retreat center where people of all faiths and denominations find seamless opportunities for spiritual, emotional, physical, and educational growth to prepare them to serve others.

Like any business, Watson Homestead has had a challenging year.  It has also been an exciting year for growth and change.  Here are some highlights:

• Watson Homestead is becoming well-known as a place where pastors of all faiths can find relaxation and renewal through our Clergy Retreat Program.  This unique program was developed in response to Thomas Watson’s vision that his homestead would serve and support clergy.  For the fourth year in a row, we will serve nearly 100 clergy and their families as they come as “Tom’s Guests” for two to three days of retreat … at no charge, in honor of Thomas Watson’s commitment.  The fair market value of this service this year will exceed $35,000.  And we have more that we want to do to serve and support clergy and their families.  If you could see the comments that we receive from pastors we have served through this program, you would know of the incredible positive impact it is having on them, their families, and the churches and communities that they serve.
   
• Watson Homestead continues to serve as a place where other groups such as the Rotary’s Camp Star, the Finger Lakes Burn Association, Camps Farthest Out, Cornell University’s LeaderShape program, and the Dansville High School football team can find the space and the support to make their programs a success.  In addition over twelve quilt groups come for week-long or weekend retreats with us, as well as scrapbookers - our newest art group.
   
• A key component of our long-range plan to develop and expand the mission and service of the Homestead has been to devote time and resources to the creation of new programs and events.  The programs that the Homestead offers through the Elderhostel programs have continued to grow and bring people from all over the country to participate in a wide variety of experiences.  Watson Homestead is one of the largest providers of Elderhostel programs in the Northeast.
   
• The Watson Homestead Sunday Soiree series has reached out into the region to bring such entertainment as “Harriet Tubman” and a unique program combining classical music and a first person interpretation of the writings of Henry David Thoreau…visit Adult Programs on our Home page to see upcoming events.
   
• Facilities like the Climbing Tower, Modular Low Ropes Course, and the labyrinth, all built within the last six years and funded by contributions from people like you, have added to the experience of visiting the Homestead.  These, by the way, are the first program facilities to be constructed at Watson Homestead since 1970!
   
• In 2006 Watson Homestead operated as an independent business under its own ownership and governance.  We are proud to say that this process was accomplished with a strong sense of goodwill, vision, and a desire to maintain a relationship with the United Methodist Church that had existed for 50 years.  2007 will mark Watson Homestead's fiftieth anniversary of its opening in August of 1957.

As I said, we have our challenges.  The growth of the Homestead is dependent not only on good leadership, effective management, and dynamic programs.  It also requires investment -- people who can see the value of the services that Watson Homestead provides and who want to be part of the mission and who want to support its growth.  We need your help and support, and for that reason, your gift for 2006 is very meaningful.

I’m confident that you will join me in supporting this vital and dynamic organization. 

Thank you,

Chris

Chris Seymour
Executive Director
Watson Homestead Conference and Retreat Center