An incredible village of care
Dear Friends,
Before I report on the wonderful Fresh Start we offered last Saturday, I want to thank everyone—but particularly Bonnie!–who pitched in and made Fresh Start such a success last month when I was away. It was a wonderful testimony that Fresh Start can and does happen as a result of the efforts of all of you—those who serve on-site in person, those who help in the background (like the Hendersons, our monthly shoppers, and Joan K, who comes to help sort clothing), and those of you who keep us in your prayers. You are an incredible village of care!
I’m beginning to sound like a broken record, but we are still serving record numbers of guests—258 this month served by 59 hardy on-site volunteers. And 205 of those guests (79%) are seniors or have disabilities! At the same time, we are expanding the services we offer—church members Brad and Nancy C are now leading our efforts to expand medical and health services to our guests. This month Brandee H, representing Champions for Health along with her daughter Anjanaé, worked with them, and theymanaged to provide more than 15 guests with screenings for blood pressure and glucose levels as well as suggested referrals to other health organizations for follow-up.
We were also grateful for the Spanish translation service offered by Madi, a new volunteer. She was incredibly helpful both at the gate to help newcomers learn how to navigate our services and also at the Pronto table helping Bonnie explain the intricacies of establishing eligibility for transportation passes for our seniors and disabled guests.
We are very happy that we can provide the bountiful breakfasts, lunches, underwear, clothing, and hygiene products. But as our Pastor Christian wrote recently, “What is done here at LM1 on the last Saturday of the month is much more than providing for physical needs: Fresh Start also provides a safe place where people can let down their guard for about 2 hours, where they know they are accepted, can engage in conversation. build relationships and be reminded that they are seen and not alone.” Eric S, a first-time volunteer, told me that he really liked that all of guests get nametags. “When I can greet someone by their name, it helps humanize what we provide.” I also want to give a shoutout to volunteers like Widget K, who come each month to offer their human presence. She sits at a table with our guests and has breakfast with them. The simple act of sharing a meal and conversation speaks volumes to our guests. So I want to encourage those of you who have been reluctant to volunteer since you have physical limitations—there is a place at the table waiting for you!
Thanks again for your presence, your prayers, your service, your gifts, and your witness to the world that we care about all of our neighbors!
Lynn
