Sunday, March 25, 2012
Lent 2012 Disability Services (week 5, March 25) (INSIDE the Forum)
Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County
Coping with the daily challenges of a physical, emotional, or mental
disability is difficult enough; coping with your dignity intact is even harder.
CSSW helps people do both.
CSSW programs empower thousands of people with disabilities to maximize
their independence by providing housing, counseling, hands-on assistance,
respite support, and more.
For adults with developmental disabilities, Intentional
Communities of Washtenaw (ICW) offers
independent housing options and support assistance. Housing Support
Services provides comprehensive services in Ann Arbor
Interfaith
Volunteer Caregivers, The Oaks ~Adult Day
Services, and Neighborhood Senior
Services provide senior caregiver support, home safety/home
maintenance, and a program for adults with memory and cognitive deficits.
A young woman who is developmentally disabled has her own home in a
supportive community. A formerly
homeless Vietnam
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week, we share the
story of Ruth and Syd, who are involved with The Oaks:
When you walk into The Oaks ~
Adult Day Services, you see people socializing, practicing yoga and Tai Chi, cooking,
listening to music, playing board games; laughing, and living. The Oaks provides stimulating activities 5
days a week to improve social interaction and mental acuity, while also
providing needed support for loved ones seeking a break from the demands of
daily caregiving.
Syd led the kind of life most
would envy. He and his wife, Ruth, are
happily married with two children and five grandchildren. After receiving his doctorate at Brandeis University
Nine years ago, Syd was diagnosed
with age-related dementia.
After the initial shock, Ruth
realized that her husband’s well-being was in her hands. “As Syd became more
physically debilitated, I was becoming really tired—exhausted would be a better
word. That’s when I knew I need to have outside help.”
Ruth tried various options before
choosing The Oaks, which operates under 5 core values: comfort, care,
compassion, dignity, and respect. The
program has created structure and stimulation to Syd’s day. Equally important, it gives Ruth the respite
to help her stay mentally and physically able to provide for her partner.
This article was edited and organized by Kelly Gauthier, St. Francis Parish Peace & Justice Committee member
Lent 2012 (week 5, Mar 25) FORUM Cover by Herb Black
During Lent we are called to Change our Hearts and use this graced time to be
renewed in God's spirit. The FORUM Cover Articles during Lent this year are written by fellow St. Francis parishioners about how serving our neighbors in need, especially through Catholic Social Services (CSS) has caused a change of heart for the better.
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Lent 2012 (week 5, March 25) FORUM Cover by Herb Black, member of St. Francis Parish
Lent 2012 Essay by Herb Black
In 1992, when I become interested in getting involved with
Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW), I contacted some of my
friends who were already volunteers with the agency. John Martin, the longtime Executive Director of CSSW, asked me to
serve on the newly formed John and Marnee DeVine Foundation, which became the
fundraising arm of CSSW. I spent the
next nine years on the Board, the last four as president.
The initial task for the Foundation was to raise the first
$300,000 to start an endowment fund for the agency. Our success qualified us
for a $100,000 match as part of the Van Dusen Challenge sponsored by the Kresge
Foundation.
For the next several years, the DeVine Foundation sponsored
the Fall Festival of Music (many of these events were held here at St. Francis)
to raise additional funds for the endowment. By the time I left the Foundation,
the endowment had reached the $1,000,000 mark!
I was drawn to CSSW because of its mission to assist those
individuals at the lower end of the economic ladder. While there are many good
causes to which we can contribute, it seems to me the most important is the one
that helps our fellow man in need.
I believe CSSW is one of the best kept secrets in our
community. It flies under the radar
despite more than two dozen programs and 150 employees, the largest non-profit
human service agency in our community.
These programs cover the lifespan of needs from infants through the
elderly, including the area’s largest food bank and the Father Pat Jackson
House.
I have continued to stay involved with CSSW by spearheading
an initiative to repay the mortgage loan with the Diocese of Lansing for the
building the agency needed in 1996. If we can get this debt paid, it will free
up $5000/month that the agency can directly use for programs and our neighbors
in need.
Lent 2012 (week 5, March 25) FORUM Cover by Herb Black, member of St. Francis Parish
Neighbors in Need: Join us in support of our local neighbors who are struggling for food, housing, and care of poverty-stricken elderly. Our direct service partnership is with Washtenaw Catholic Social Services." Learn more at: www.stfrancisa2.com/lent/
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Lent 2012 Pregnancy Services (week 4, March 18) (INSIDE the Forum)
Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County
Pregnant women began turning to CSSW for help more than 50 years ago. CSSW provides many services to expectant
parents, including: parenting education,
prisoner outreach, and a residential home for teens. Each program provides hands-on assistance for
pregnant moms, whether they want to enhance their parenting ability or choose
adoption.
Pregnancy
Counseling provides guidance and referrals for expectant
parents, coordinating with Adoption Services
to offer ongoing counseling, support groups, and workshops for those making an
adoption plan. Several years ago,
Pregnancy Counseling added an outreach service for incarcerated women at the
Huron Valley Correctional Facility – helping them make guardianship, power of
attorney, or adoption plans.
Opened in 1984, the Father Patrick Jackson
House is a residence providing pregnant teens and adolescent moms
with life skills education in a safe home environment. CSSW’s Healthy
Families program provides 1-on-1 support for new parents throughout
pregnancy and until the child turns 5.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week, we share the
story of Danielle, who is involved with the Fr. Pat Jackson House:
Danielle is a 20-year old single
mother and full-time nursing student. She
has plenty of good friends, works as a nurse’s aide, is on the college Deans
List, and has a healthy and happy 3-year old daughter, Leesa.
Four years ago, however, Danielle’s
life couldn’t have been more different. A
former honor student and standout volleyball player, she started fighting with
her family, drinking, skipping school, and was booted from the team when her
grades dropped. Often, she didn’t bother
coming home at all. Then she found out
she was pregnant.
That’s when Danielle came to CSSW
for help. Through the Father Patrick
Jackson House, she found a stable home environment where she established a
positive routine. She returned to
school, received prenatal care and counseling, and enrolled in on-site parenting
classes. She also began repairing her
broken family relationships.
A few months after her 18th
birthday, Danielle and Leesa moved into their first apartment with money she
saved while living at Father Pat’s. Two
years later, she continues to excel in both work and school, determined to be a
good role model for her little girl.
With the help she received through CSSW, this troubled teen has grown
into a responsible young parent.
This article was edited and organized by Kelly Gauthier, St. Francis Parish Peace & Justice Committee member
Lent 2012 (week 4, Mar 18) FORUM Cover by Susan Edwards
During Lent we are called to Change our Hearts and use this graced time to be renewed in God's spirit. The FORUM Cover Articles during Lent this year are written by fellow St. Francis parishioners about how serving our neighbors in need, especially through Catholic Social Services (CSS) has caused a change of heart for the better.
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Lent 2012 (week 4, March 18) FORUM Cover by Susan Edwards, member of St. Francis Parish
You will find that Catholic
Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSS) is an amazing organization. It has 28 programs and is open to all of the
needy in our community. CSS serves an
average of 3,000 clients per month; its food bank alone provides food for
nearly 650 families per month. It is
hard to imagine that in our affluent community, there are cars lined up as far
as you can see, waiting for the food bank to open. Still others arrive at the food bank via the
bus, or on foot. I have spent some time
helping distribute food at the food bank, and it is an indescribable
experience. Not only do I feel
overwhelmingly thankful to God that the needs of my own family are met, but I
feel a sense of “rightness” in being there, of helping distribute what others
have shared from their own tables and pantries, and of being able to show
another that he or she is loved and cared for.
There are many ways to help
at CSS. You can volunteer, serve on a
committee or board, donate money or supplies, work on a fundraiser, or simply
attend a fundraiser. Donations are well
spent, as CSS has one of the highest pass-through rates of any social services
organization. The programs at CSS
include Father Pat Jackson House (the home for unwed mothers), as well as
programs for the aging, housing for the most at-risk, help for abused children,
hands-on work with the elderly, and many others. One of their programs is sure to spark your
interest.
Why become involved? Jesus tells us to. We have been singing the message of Matthew
25 since we were young. “Whatsoever you
do for the least of my brothers, so you do unto me.” How often do we get to minister to
Christ? Yet, He says that everything we
do for someone else, we do for Him.
Wow! I also learned something
that has been very meaningful to me this year.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1039) says, “Would that you
had known that my little ones were in need when I placed them on earth for
you and appointed them your stewards to bring your good works
into my treasury.” Amazing. I thought that I was ministering to others
when I donated my time, money, or talent.
Yet, it seems they were also ministering to me, allowing me to perform
works that would please God. These words
certainly brought me a renewed sense of humility and gratitude in helping
others, and a new way of looking at the poor and needy around me.
I have enjoyed my affiliation
in varying capacities with CSS over the last 15 years. CSS is a wonderful place to show your
works. I pray that God will continue to
use me, and those around me, to reach out in love to those in need in our
community.
Have
a blessed week!
Susan Edwards
Written by Susan Edwards, St. Francis Parish member… Neighbors in Need: Join us in support of our local neighbors who are struggling for food, housing, and care of poverty-stricken elderly. Our direct service partnership is with Washtenaw Catholic Social Services." Learn more at: www.stfrancisa2.com/lent/
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Lent 2012 Food Services (week 3, March 11) (INSIDE the Forum)
Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County
The CSSW Emergency Food Program’s
food bank is located at the Northside Community Center in Ann Arbor
To qualify, families must have annual incomes below the Federal poverty
level. The Food Program buys food from
Food Gatherers at a substantial discount, and also receives grants and
donations from area churches. The food
that our children donate during St. Francis masses is delivered twice a month
to the food bank. Perishable food is also
available; on the 2nd Thursday of the month, Food Gatherers offers
fresh fruits and vegetables. This is
important because only 13% of households eat the USDA recommended daily five
servings of fruits and vegetables.
Food Gatherers cites Northside as the largest pantry in the County in
pounds of food distributed. The need for
assistance at the food bank has increased four-fold in 5 years. As wages fall and jobs disappeared, need has
increased.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week, we share the
story of Kim, who is involved with the CSSW Emergency Food
Program:
When you’re hungry, nothing else
seems to matter, especially when all you have is a bag of frozen beans, two
bagels, and $61 in food stamps to feed your family for an entire month.
Kim faces the daily challenge of
coping with a closed-head injury from 12 years ago that left her with permanent
neurological damage. Unable to hold a
job, she gives back to the community by volunteering for several non-profits. Her husband Ed goes out day after day looking
for work as a skilled carpenter. It
hasn’t been easy.
With sporadic income, their small
savings eventually ran out. Kim knew her
family needed help. That’s when she decided to go to the Northside Community Center
She was surprised not only by the
quality and quantity of food she received, but also the personal attention. “They treated me with dignity. They didn’t treat me any differently than
anyone else; I was treated like family.”
She was also given leads on employment opportunities and clothing
assistance.
Although the food pantry supervisor
was busy, she loaded Kim’s car and reminded her of the day fresh produce would
be delivered. They were wonderful,” Kim says.
“I left feeling like they had given me my dignity back.”
This article was edited and organized by Kelly Gauthier, St. Francis Parish Peace & Justice Committee member
Lent 2012 (week 3, Mar 11) FORUM Cover by Andy Nash
During Lent we are called to Change our Hearts and use this graced time to be
renewed in God's spirit. The FORUM Cover Articles during Lent this year are written by fellow St. Francis parishioners about how serving our neighbors in need, especially through Catholic Social Services (CSS) has caused a change of heart for the better.
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Lent 2012 (week 3, March 11) FORUM Cover by Andy Nash, member of St. Francis Parish
A few years ago there was an appeal in the Forum for volunteers, you have probably seen them many times. Like most of us, I figured I was too busy to take on any volunteer obligations. I was working full-time and taking classes at night while raising a family. But I did my obligatory perusal of the positions and saw one that I thought I might be able to manage: a once-a-month commitment delivering the church’s weekly food collection to the Northside Food Bank, operated by Catholic Social Services. I own a pickup truck and I had helped deliver food in the past from periodic St. Francis food drives. I knew how easy it was, which is honestly why I decided to volunteer for this particular position.
This was a huge change of outlook for me. I had always thought that because the needs of our community are so immense, nothing short of an immense commitment on my part would make any difference or be worthwhile. But delivering to the Northside Food Bank changed my mind almost instantly. Several times when I arrived the shelves were almost bare – and while I am not responsible for collecting the food I deliver, my small effort to get it there is an important part of making sure that those who need the food actually get it. This experience made me realize that it takes many small and large efforts on the part of many different people to make a difference. So what started out as a decision to do “the smallest thing possible” ended up showing me that those small things are critically necessary.
The problems that we face are still immense, no doubt. But all it would take to adequately address them would be for everyone to dedicate just a couple of hours per month; time that even the busiest of us could find. I learned through my small commitment how necessary any amount of help is to those in need. Additionally, I found that it is also very rewarding and greatly appreciated. Since I first began delivering food, I have picked up a couple more volunteering commitments, both of them on a small scale, and am still able to maintain all of my work and familial obligations. I now look back at my time before becoming a volunteer as time wasted for no good reason. I was wrong in thinking that I didn’t have the time – and even more wrong in assuming that I couldn’t make a difference. In closing, I encourage everyone to commit to volunteering a couple of hours a month to a cause you believe in. It’s worth it.
Written by Andy Nash, St. Francis Parish member… Neighbors in Need: Join us in support of our local neighbors who are struggling for food, housing, and care of poverty-stricken elderly. Our direct service partnership is with Washtenaw Catholic Social Services." Learn more at: www.stfrancisa2.com/lent/
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Lent 2012 Housing Services (week 2, March 4) (INSIDE the Forum)
Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County
Having a roof over your head is not the same is having a home. Understanding this, CSSW provides
comprehensive assistance to adults and teens at high risk of homelessness to
ensure they maintain safe, stable housing.
The causes of homelessness are complex, but the devastation is clear. Those without a permanent home are much more
likely to abuse substances, be crime victims, and suffer chronic health
problems. Along with a secure residence,
a strong support system is imperative to break the cycle. This is where CSSW comes in.
CSSW
Housing Support Services (HSS) collaborates with the local non-profit,
Avalon Housing, to help extremely low-income tenants maintain permanent housing
and maximize independence.
For pregnant teens and adolescent moms, Father
Patrick Jackson House provides a safe, nurturing home environment
and helps them develop the education and living skills needed to become capable
parents.
Home. A place CSSW believes everyone
should be able to enjoy.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This week, we share the
story of Julia, who is involved with the CSSW program, Housing
Support Services (HSS):
Things couldn’t get much worse. Julia tried rehab, but kept relapsing; her
husband and kids left long ago. Because
of her chronic alcohol addiction she couldn’t hold onto a job. At 55, suffering from major depression, Julia was
homeless.
Individuals like Julia battling life
challenges don’t have to end up isolated, living in shelters, or on the
streets. In Ann Arbor
For Julia, it worked.
When she first came to HSS, she
had been homeless for more than two years—staying in hotels, sleeping on
people’s couches, living in shelters. CSSW
helped her to get back on her feet, get medical help for her depression and
other issues, and connected her with outside resources.
Today, almost three years later, Julie
has a place to call home. She is sober,
secure, and hopeful. Her outlook remains positive because she is no longer
alone—CSSW is there whenever, however she may need a helping hand.
This article was edited and organized by Kelly Gauthier, St. Francis Parish Peace & Justice Committee member
Lent 2012 (week 2, Mar 4) FORUM Cover by Tony Glinke
During Lent we are called to Change our Hearts and use this graced time to be
renewed in God's spirit. The FORUM Cover Articles during Lent this year are written by fellow St. Francis parishioners about how serving our neighbors in need, especially through Catholic Social Services (CSS) has caused a change of heart for the better.
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The Yorkshireman's Motto [Abbreviated]
“. . . And if you do anything for nothing, do it for yourself.”
I am a selfish man, and I want you to be selfish.
Since 1959 Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW) has been dedicated to improving the lives of our community's most vulnerable citizens. CSSW is the largest social service agency in Washtenaw County. Annually CSSW serves thousands of individuals and families of all faiths and all walks of life.
CSSW offers more than two dozen programs reflecting the vast diversity of our community: adoption and pregnancy counseling, food assistance, homelessness prevention, domestic and child abuse intervention and prevention, family therapy, and services to assist older adults, individuals with developmental disabilities, and at-risk families with young children.
I joined St. Francis parish in 1989 and the CSSW board of Directors in 1996. By personal example, my parents always instilled in me the responsibility of lay Catholics to get involved and act positively in their communities. When I joined CSSW I was absolutely shocked at the enormous need for social services in and around the Ann Arbor area. This was not a mission to help poor people in some distant foreign land; this was real need just 1 mile from my home. I guarantee that CSSW is active within a mile of your home also.
Did I mention that I’m selfish? I have lived in Ann Arbor for 35 years. I love our town. I met my wife here. We’ve made a life and raised our children here. I plan to live here for the rest of my life.
I am selfish because I want my town to get better and better. If our community is going to improve, we need to help all our families in all their forms. We must help all the children, not just our own. Let’s face facts; times are tough for folks, and government finances and resources are stretched thin. CSSW is a solid local charity that does solid local service for our community.
So I urge you to be selfish and get involved. Do it for your community. Do it for your family and your children. Do it for yourself. Your gift of wealth, wisdom, or a willingness to work will have a profound and positive effect on our community now and in the many years to come. Every dollar spent, every hour worked makes our community a better place for all of us.
Thank you for your time today, and may God bless each and every one of you.
Neighbors in Need: Join us in support of our local neighbors who are struggling for food, housing, and care of poverty-stricken elderly. Our direct service partnership is with Washtenaw Catholic Social Services." Learn more at: www.stfrancisa2.com/lent/
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