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History of Enrich
- 2001: Relaxed Homeschoolers begins, first Board formed consisting of volunteers. Set up homeschool open swim at University City YMCA. First Annual Recognition Ceremony held. Doreen Browning and Shannon Reichard develop a survey for the homeschooling community asking what type of support they need. The survey is circulated to area libraries and homeschool support groups. Nearly 500 surveys are returned. Results are reviewed and organized for presentation by Doreen. Results are also offered to Charlotte Public Library and Concord Public Library system. Both organizations decline to look at results.
- 2002: Realized that Relaxed Homeschoolers was a name trademarked by Mary Hood. Begin trying to identify new name; Relaxed Homeschoolers joins CHEA. Coordinated open swim at the Kannapolis YMCA and University City YMCA. Members contribute to activities.
- 2003: Board becomes more formalized and begins meeting quarterly to work towards a cohesive vision of a support group that will vitally serve the greater homeschooling community. Components of the vision include communication networks, facility space, classes, activities, and conferences. Coordinated open swim at the West Cabarrus YMCA. Membership increases to over 100. Decline in activities set up by members, Doreen and Shannon work to set up more activities.
- 2004: Changed name to ENRICH, based on the acronym for Education Network of Relaxed, Inclusive Homeschoolers. Burden on Doreen and Shannon to plan activities for 135 members becomes significant, resulting in the board requesting members to contribute activities. Other Board members assist in planning activities. Decision made to become non-profit, 501c3 organization.
- 2005: Enrich Science Fair held. After consulting the members, the Board determines that they can no longer provide the activities for such a large group. A membership fee of $10 is established, members are required to contribute jobs, although this is not enforced. Membership immediately drops to 50.
- 2006: Board begins to explore incorporation to shield members from liability during activities and to provide a foundation for moving toward the Enrich vision.
- 2007: Incorporated using the name Enrich, Inc., purchased a website package, bylaws unanimously adopted by membership. Extensive exploration of educational co op.
- 2008: Girl Scout Troop 3511 formed for Enrich members. First Fridays monthly educational days. Frugal Living Roundtable held, open to the entire homeschooling community. First Enrich Cabarrus County Fair booth - takes 2nd prize. Several years of work by Enrich member results in presentation by Larry Sprinkle, open to entire homeschooling community.
- 2009: Filed for 501c3 Federal Tax Exempt Status. Members approve enforcing requirement to contribute services to Enrich. Professional web manager volunteer comes on board. Members offer innovative new activities such as Team Challenges, First Lego League, and Spelling Bee. Enrich member collaborates with private and public charter school to host first FLL practice tournament in the Charlotte area. Enrich member coordinates first Enrich Spelling Bee. First Annual Used Curriculum Sale. Enrich Cabarrus County Fair booth takes 2nd prize for second year in a row.
- 2010: Through efforts of member, Enrich hosts the Charlotte Home Educator’s Regional Spelling Bee. Girl Scout Troop 3511 expands to include Cadettes, secures local meeting space, and opens to any homeschooler