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The Golden Rule Always Applies
by Michelle Anderson
About a year ago, a young man taught me a very important lesson. This lesson made such a huge impact on me, that I know I will never forget it!
My family has been known to take items, here and there, to people who seem like they could use a helping hand. Please don't misunderstand... we don't have a lot by any means. But, most of the time, people are not looking for a lot, so it works.
Last year, my children and I had stopped a couple of times at a certain shopping location in Joplin. Each time, there was a man there with a backpack/bag, sitting in a corner trying to escape the wind and the cold. The second time we saw him, I stopped to talk to him. I asked him if he was OK. He said "yes."
I asked him if he was sure. He shook his head and said, "No, I'm not sure." I gave him a few dollars and a Pocket Pal (which is distributed by the Homeless Coalition and lists resources for Jasper and Newton County). I went back to my car and got in. When I got in, Styx (a teenage friend of the family) asked me a question that stopped me dead in my tracks. Styx asked, "What was his name?" Err... I hadn't asked. I had overlooked that basic concept of acknowledging another human being as a person. I couldn't believe it. How could I neglect to do something so simple? Well, you better believe we turned right around, purchased something to take back to this man for him to eat and drink, and to make right for something that I felt I had done very wrong. My son Nick took the food to him. The man thanked him. I watched them shake hands and then Nick walked back to the car. In case you were wondering, the man's name is Ron. We went back several times last winter and brought Ron items such as new socks, blankets and bottled water. Just a few weeks ago, I saw him again and spoke to him by name.
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Pocket Pal Now Available Online! In the article above, Michelle spoke about offering a Pocket Pal to a man named Ron. The Pocket Pal, created by the Homeless Coalition, is a local resource directory of Emergency Services which easily folds up to fit in your wallet.
We encourage you to print a copy of the Pocket Pal and keep it with you in case you meet someone who could use a hand up. It is a great way to assist them in finding the services they need in our community!
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Legislative Update... On November 26, 2007, members of the Region VII Association of Community Action Agencies participated in a conference call with David Bradley, Executive Director of the National Community Action Foundation. David gave an update regarding legislative issues, the budget process, and specific funding for community action programs.
David informed the members that the three major issues for votors appear to be:
The Iraq War
Healthcare
A desire change in Washington, D.C.
David went on to say that as far as political parties were concerned, Republicans appeared to be more concerned about:
1) Illegal immigration
2) Reduction in taxes, and
3) Concerns over big spending
The Democrats are most concerned about:
1) The war
2) A need for healthcare reform
3) The economy
In his message, David informed the members that the Head Start re-authorization has passed (however, an appropriations bill has not), and the language concerning "charitable choice" has been removed.
Additionally, we were informed that there has been no action on a number of pieces of legislation that are important to community action, including:
The Energy Act
The Community Services Block Grant Act
The Workforce Investment Act
Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program
David will keep us informed by his Cap-Facts publication.
Region VII ACAA represents Community Action Agencies in MO, KS, IA and NE.
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Protect yourself from the flu... As you know, cold and flu season is upon us once again. Many of our staff members received vaccinations, but there are other things you can do to help stop the spread of germs. Follow these tips to help keep our employees healthy:
Wash your hands frequently. Germs are spread very easily on unclean hands.
Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If no tissue is available, cough into your sleeve (versus your hand).
Use a paper towel to open doors. A lot of hands have touched those doorknobs.
Keep hand sanitizer close at hand and use it frequently.
Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
Eat nutritious meals and consider taking a daily multivitamin. |
Project Help Correction...
In the last issue of the ESC Staff Newsletter, it was incorrectly stated in the Project Help article that "any energy bill of the truly needy for heating or cooling may qualify regardless of fuel source."
The program is currently offering assistance on electric bills only. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused for our readers.
If you have questions about Project Help, please direct them to ESC's Community Development division at your local outreach office. |
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Help! I Need You! Help!
ESC is looking to build new homes in the communities you live and we need help looking for suitable lots. This is where you can help. We need a lot that has city water and utilities (no wells or septic) that we could build a new home on. We cannot be within 1,000 feet of a railroad track. Those employees who help us find a lot that we send in with our grant application (October 2008) will receive $50. If you know of a great location contact me: Debbie Markman at 781-0352 ext. 222. Thanks for your help! |
Support Transitional Housing...
Purchase a Handmade Pin!
 Linda Yates, a self-taught jewelry designer, was homeless for several years in the early 1980's. After getting back onto her feet, she began to make House PinsŪ and sold them to boutiques to raise money for the shelter that helped her during her struggles. She began her own business, Designs by Lucinda, in order to help non-profits create awareness and raise funds for homeless programs.
ESC sells these pins to raise additional funding for our Transitional Housing Program. The funds raised through sales are used to provide resources to the clients that are otherwise unavailable to them. This includes paying for copies of birth certificates, transportation costs and purchasing supplies for the apartments.
These pins are available for $12 each or 2 for $20... and no two are alike! If you would like to purchase one for yourself or as a gift for someone you love, please contact Carol Thomas or Tammie Walker (Community Development) at 781-0352.
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Celebrate Good Times!
Please congratulate! John Crawford, Mandy Miner and Curtis Scott who attended a 3-day training in Bowling Green, MO followed by an examination. Now all three of them are Certified Housing Quality Control Inspectors. We are very proud of their achievements! |
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For RENT: Feb 08 in scenic Noel
By Debbie Markman,
Housing Director
ESC broke ground on the 5th of November for one of our newest housing projects. Each side of the duplex will be a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit which will be available to low to moderate income families of individuals in February 2008. The units will rent for $425 per month which will include all electric utilities. Appliances include a stove, refridgerator, microwave and dishwasher. The units are considered a universal design.
The duplex is located on 204 Sulphur Street in Noel, MO. It is a great neighborhood within walking distance of the elementary school. What more could you want?!? Please stop by and take a look as they are being built.
If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Debbie Markman at 781-0352 ext. 222. We would like to have our perspective tenants selected by January 1, 2008.
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Chili Cookoff Winners!
Congratulations! Mike Benner, John Joines and Linda Roach were voted winners of ESC's annual staff chili cookoff. We had a great time judging all of the entries and look forward to having the contest again next year! |
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Freeze Frame! News from Housing
The housing staff, especially John Crawford, Mandy Miner and Lisa Moore, have been working very hard these past few months. I am proud to share with everyone that for the first time since I began working with the Housing team in March of 2005, we have been able to utilize all of our eligible CHOICE vouchers, a total of 342 vouchers. We have managed this for two straight months. This is great because it means ALL the CHOICE vouchers that the Jasper County Public Housing Agency has available are being used by our clients in Southwest Missouri to assist them with their monthly rent. This was hard work and a great achievement for all involved. Thanks to them!
Debbie Markman
Housing Director |
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Newton Co. Wheels for Workers Newton County Wheels for Workers has identified lack of transportation as a key cause of able bodied workers being unable to fill job vacancies. The unemployment that exists is often due to personal hardship and the lack of ability to acquire reliable transportation to reach the workplace.
Community members have formed a transportation collaborative. Their mission is to provide reliable, affordable transportation to individuals who are economically disadvantaged with transportation as a major obstacle to employment.
The collaboration is seeking assistance from the community. In order to fill these transportation needs, ESC is seeking donations of vehicles and cash. The funds we receive are used to repair donated vehicles to insure they pass the state safety inspection.
For more information, please contact Wes Barbee at 623-0059 (Mondays) or 358-3521 (Tuesday/Thursday). | |
| Is there anything interesting going on in your department that you would like to share with our staff, board members and supporters? To have your information included in an upcoming issue of News from ESC, please contact Andrea Osiek at aosiek@escswa.org. |
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