Minutes for Social Service Agency Luncheon, December 2, 2011

This social service agency networking/information sharing meeting, hosted by Inasmuch Ministry, takes place from noon to one o’clock pm on the last Friday of each month, January through October, and the first Friday in December, at Broadway Christian Church, 910 Broadway.  Lunch is provided and there is no cost to attend.   

Our next agency meeting will be Friday, January 27, 2012 at noon.

No featured speaker today.  Here are those who attended, along with any information/updates they chose to give:

Alyn Biddle, Inasmuch:  Our last day of service inside Broadway Christian Church will be Friday, December 16, 2011.  We’re hoping to open ASAP in January 2012 in our new space: The Edge (just south of the church, on the corner of Washington and Broadway).  (See our Facebook page–click the link–for information, photos and video.  Call 211 to find out the exact date of our reopening.  Thanks!)

Eldon Claasen, International House.  They have a brand new executive director:  Tara Rajasingam.

International House provides English tutoring in homes, a computer cafe, a Tuesday int’l women’s club…women from all over the world gather for fellowship, to practice language skills and share ideas.    “Women who attend Women’s Club and have obtained legal permission to work may enroll in this program that helps them begin their own small business making handbags, knitted items, or jewelry.” These items are sold through Glad Nations, and 100% of profits goes back to the individual craftswoman. 150 people are in ESL classes on Sundays at 1st Assembly of God on Washington Center Road.

Mary Morris, FWHA.   They have a new phone number. (260) 267-9300 will connect you to Public Housing and all other services.  They are open Monday and Wednesday ONLY for Section 8 updates, walk-ins. NO new Section 8 vouchers are available at this time.  Betty Anderson, Section 8 Director can be reached at  x7200.

Mary’s extension is x7500.   She is personally accepting appointments 5 days a week.  FWHA is taking new appointments for Public Housing.  Briefings will still be done,  and clients can use the entrance at the back of the building (clients should get a letter with instructions).

Joyce Even, Debra Freeman, Adams Township Trustees Office.  Their Christmas Family program distribution was this week. Adams Township is NOT yet partnered with CANI for energy assistance this winter.

Jan Labas, FamilyVoices Indiana.  Marilynn Hormann introduced us to Jan, a first-time attendee. Family Voices is a national organization which just arrived in Indiana in July.  They serve families with children who have disabilities or special healthcare needs.  They provide information and assistance in acquiring various pubic services, such as First Steps, Medicare and Medicaid.  They also help with special equipment needs and transitional issues.  Family Voices is state-funded, and all services are free.

Brian Brown, Archangel Institute

Thomas Smith, Richard Schafer, St. Vincent de Paul Society/Cathedral parish.  The society runs the store, other care programs, including financial (rent assistance, food pantry. They serve the parish neighborhood, which includes West Central.

Natasha Crouse, Women’s Bureau.  She works with the Promising Partnerships program: ” a collaboration of 5 agencies working to bring permanent supportive housing to the Allen County community.”

Jamie Martin, Vincent Village.  She oversees the Pathways to Success program, through which  homeless families with children transition out of the shelter into a home.  The program provides a case manager for 18 months after they are established in a house.

Carrie Heck, IMPACT/ResCare  (formerly ARBOR).  Carrie is Jeannie Martin’s associate.  ResCare is always looking for donations of yarn, fabric, sewing supplies (for quilts), plastic bags for homeless mats.  Call Carrie, she will come and pick up your donations if you can’t get to the Rudisill office!  [Oops--I've misplaced her business card. Carrie can be reached by email at carrie.heck@rescare.com]

The Homeless Task Force has been renamed “Hearts Helping the Homeless” (HHH)

John Zehendner, Hearts Helping the Homeless (HHH)

Kelsey Cottrell, YWCA/HHH. All previous community programs have been combined under on umbrella now, and are known as: Community Program Services.  They are no longer “advocates” but case managers. YWCA assists those who have come out of domestic violence situations.  Also they provide counseling to children who have witnessed domestic violence, and help them to get on with their lives.  They are also meeting with refugees, including some recent arrivals from Congo.  They offer ESL and other programs.

Kelsey also mentioned Huntertown UMC.org–which runs Career Closet.  Sherry Myers is the ministry leader.  Check the link for phone number and email addresses, either to request or donate clothing.

Cherie Berris, HHH/Cedars Hope.  HHH is using Broadway House (which backs up to St. John Lutheran) to give homeless people a place to go to get warm.  There is now storage available at Archangel Institute.  A volunteer is giving haircuts every other Saturday.  Others are doing laundry for the homeless.  The annual Point in Time count will be1/24/12 PM -1/25/12 AM

If you call 911 about a homeless person who may be violent, ask for a CIT officer.  CIT (Crisis Intervention Training) officers are trained to deal with mental illness.

A Planning Counsel on Homelessness meeting will be held next Monday, 12/12, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM at Carriage House at United Way.  Marcy Yoder a good contact for that meeting.

Social Service Agency Luncheon for July 29, 2011

This social service agency networking/information sharing meeting, hosted by Inasmuch Ministry, takes place from noon to one o’clock pm on the last Friday of each month, January through October, and the first Friday in December, at Broadway Christian Church, 910 Broadway.  Lunch is provided and there is no cost to attend.   Our thanks to Lori Shewman who provided a delicious lunch at short notice. We were few in number, but we enjoyed a great time of fellowship and round-table discussion today. There was no guest speaker.

Next month’s luncheon will be Friday, August 26, 2011

Alyn Biddle, Inasmuch–talked about our dilemma regarding utility bills assistance: is it wiser to work with the “past due” amount, or “total” balance due? This question prompted good discussion on enabling vs. empowering. We learned that Wayne Township encourages volunteerism, community service, and restricts the number of times a client can be seen. It seems that more and more agencies are becoming pro-active about working to get clients out of the welfare system. Join us for these stimulating monthly meetings to share what your organization is doing to give not only a hand out, but a hand up.

Alyn also initiated discussion of security in the buildings, since Inasmuch is currently planning its move to The Edge building by year’s end. We talked about traffic flow between common areas and counseling rooms. Both Townships who were present told us they have security guards. Wayne has cameras. (The Edge will have many security cameras.) Wayne/Adams have panic buttons at the counselors’ desks. Catholic Charities has locked the lobby.

Sue Walstra, Clinica Madre de Dios–The clinic has a new phone number now.  (260)755-3897.  Please make a note of it.

Joyce (Holderman) Even, and Debra Freeman, Adams Township–talked about the challenges of housing those who have been barred from staying at the Rescue Mission. She has successfully negotiated with a local motel for a reduced extended stay rate

Karen Walker, Wayne Township, reported that they received 1,086 requests for assistance in June. On average, 113 clients were served each day. 142 are currently enrolled in the employment training center. 2,128 community service hours were worked by clients in June. The Township is now collecting professional clothing (donations from staff, etc.) and school supplies for clients. They will be out and about at community outreach events several weekends in August: 8/13 South Side Festival; 8/20 1st annual “Amnesty and Independence” Community Festival; 8/27 Waynedale picnic.

Cheri Berris, Cedars Hope–They have 15 beds for mentally-ill homeless women–and now for the first time they are not only full, but have a waiting list. Online application is required, with a referral. Residents need to “work” 3 hours/day. Most go to Carriage House or Wellspring. Cedars Hope provides one meal a day. The women are asked to provide their own food for their other meals. They are helped in getting food stamps, and/or going to food banks, as well as in signing up for Medicaid, etc. (Cedars Hope has used volunteers from the Township community service program for deep cleaning at the Home, although residents often do daily chores and light cleaning.)

Laurisa Roper, Family Development for CANI–discussed removing causes of poverty. She sees more and more clients who are angry because they don’t want to be self-sufficient. CANI is geared to move people in the direction of self-sufficiency. Adult education/income and employment are their biggest focus. Sets goals based on 12 life areas, re-assess every three months. We have asked Laurisa to be our guest speaker at a luncheon this fall. She is also very interested in meeting with individual organizations to talk about CANI’s programs. You can contact her at LaurisaRoper@canihelp.org

Lauren Nichols, Inasmuch (Friday secretary), all for One productions (Artistic Director)–afO has launched its 2011-2012 Home Stage Production season ticket campaign. From now until August 31, for every full-priced season ticket you buy (already a 25% savings over at-the-door prices!), you can buy a second ticket HALF PRICE. If you’ve already purchased a ticket, you can still call the office at 622-4610 and buy your half price ticket! Go to the theater company’s website for more information about the coming season of exciting, thought-provoking and values-rich entertainment!

Pat Arnold, Catholic Charities–due to budget cuts she is acting as receptionist as well as seeing clients–this is challenging!

Joe Merchich, Work One. Gave us the schedule for August’s monthly free workshops–it is an impressive list. Most classes are on a “drop-in” basis, but the all-day workshops on Excel or Word fill up quickly, so clients are urged to pre-register. There are usually several different classes offered each day, Monday thru Friday (NO CLASSES on 8/12 and 8/15). Classes include: GED prep, resume writing, interviewing. The schedule changes monthly. All classes are free.

also present:

Leesa Ackerman, IAM

Terry Rutan, Inasmuch

Marilyn Hormann, community volunteer

Minutes for Agency Meeting January 28, 2011

This social service agency networking/information sharing meeting, hosted by Inasmuch Ministry, takes place on the last Friday of each month, January through October, and the first Friday in December, at Broadway Christian Church, 910 Broadway.  Lunch is provided and there is no cost to attend.  Please feel free to invite others whom you think would benefit from these hour-long, casual and informative luncheon meetings.

Our next meeting will be Friday, February 25, 2011 at noon.

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Our featured speaker today was Trish Feightner, Fort Wayne manager of Pathfinder Community Connections

456-2385. 3326 S. Calhoun, Suite 102, 46807 AND

2824 Theater Avenue, Huntington, IN 46750

 

This organization is the community development division of Pathfinder Services and was created in 1997.  Pathfinder Community Connections (PCC) guides potential home buyers through the entire process of pre-purchase education, loan packaging, closing on the home, post-purchase counseling and foreclosure prevention. PCC is a comprehensive housing development organization serving 23 counties.  For more information, find them online at http://www.cchomes.org.

Pre-purchase education includes Financial Fitness classes, 5 two-hour sessions which cost $10 per session.  PCC is a HUD-certified counseling agency for first-time homebuyers.

One innovative way PCC serves our community is through the Individual Development Account Program. This program is for refugees who have resettled in the area within the past three years, and want to buy a home. Qualifying individuals who are employed are eligible for matching grants which will go into a savings account whose funds are targeted for downpayments, closing costs, etc. In some cases, a portion of the savings can go toward secondary education costs or buying a car, both of which help with employability.

Another way in which PCC is involved in the community here in Allen County is through a resident-led, locally-targeted Quality of Life Plan development for the 46807 area. They are currently looking for leaders to train. Resident leaders will ask five questions (not yet established) of other residents about what they desire to see in the area in which they live. Ideas may include ways to improve neighborhoods, adding housing, small businesses/restaurants, day care, etc. Since it is resident-led, there is no defined final outcome. A small grant from Chase will fund this program.

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Update briefs from other attendees today:

We were happy to see Laura Pflueger of Healthier Moms and Babies: This was her first week back to work! They are retaining the social worker who was filling in for Laura’s maternity leave..so now they have two nurses and two social workers, and can take more clients. Remember that enrolling moms earlier in their pregnancies is better.  You can direct expectant mothers to their website for more information.

Peggy Coburn of Cedars Hope, W.Wayne Street joined us today.  They serve homeless women with mental illnesses.

Ann Helmke let us know that there is currently an opening for an RA “floater” at Vincent Village (2nd or 3rd shift, holidays, weekends). Volunteers are also needed, at the  front desk in the shelter; they also need more volunteer organizers to help with maintenance and facility cleaning.  Vincent Village has its own Tenant Counsel..four quarterly sessons planned for the counsel; one representative will be sent to a regional neighbor meeting in Cincinnati, to broaden their horizons.   There is, of course, always a waiting list of homeless families needing shelter. Click here to find out more about their programs.

Jamie Martin added that in March and April some people will graduate from Vincent Village’s transitional housing program, so there will be openings.

Homeless Outreach–They’ve recently learned of at least five different groups working among the homeless  in Fort Wayne at night. This past Wed. 30 people from three different church groups were all out at the same time… they distributed coats/backpacks/food/hygiene…Homeless Outreach is looking for a storage area downtown where all the groups could leave their goods, and distribute when available. St. John’s Lutheran has begun opening a home it owns every Friday night from 6 to 9 PM, to serve coffee to the homeless.

Kate Wiggins of Aging and In-Home Services says her agency is seeking increased funding.

Ozie and John Taulbee of Liquid Church joined us for the first time.  They came to learn more about the needs of our community in order to find a place of outreach ministry for their congregation.

Debra Freeman from Adams Township reported that East Allen Family Resource Center was closed briefly, but has re-opened now. They will be concentrating on fundraising this year, and she’ll keep us updated.  She also introduced Joyce Holderman, who has replaced Katie Elsass. Joyce says she’s still “learning the ropes.”  Welcome, Joyce!

Lauren Hale at Daybreak/SCAN, was able to clarify for us that Daybreak is no longer one central shelter/respite facility, but rather SCAN coordinates care for children in various respite homes around the area…SCAN is always looking for more homes–these are licensed as foster homes but are not actively in the foster care system. Daybreak does the assessment and licensing. Daybreak delivers the children to the respite home, (respite families are paid a per diem). Addresses are kept private. A Daybreak staff member visits daily. Children may be placed in respite care for four hours up to seven days, depending on the reason, e.g., utilities are shut off, mom is hospitalized, mom has no food, another family member is ill and children can’t be in the home or can’t go to the hospital; no family member is available to provide respite. To contact Daybreak, call 260-421-5004. (In an emergency, someone answers messages left at this number after hours.)

Laurisa Roper at CANI:  Starting today, CANI is offering free tax preparation at their office [227 E. Washington Blvd] on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, for simple filings for those earning under $49,000 annual taxable income.

Molly Cripe, YWCA, runs a Domestic Violence Program called Steps to Success. They served 25 individuals last year, as they rebuild their lives after domestic violence. (The youngest is 19, and the oldest is 60). Steps to Success is a voluntary program in which the individual works toward self-sufficiency.  Steps to Success also offers educational presentations on dating violence prevention in schools, called “Eyes Wide Open”.

Debbie Smith: Homeless Task Force The annual “Point in Time” Homeless Count was last Wednesday. Vincent Village stored all the donated hats and scarves, and they have many left over.  See their website for more information.

There is a public meeting at the City-County Bldg on 2/7/11 at 10AM for the city to unveil their own new plan for homelessness reduction.

Minutes for Monthly Social Service Agency Luncheon, September 24, 2010

his social service agency networking/information sharing meeting, hosted by Inasmuch Ministry, takes place on the last Friday of each month, January through October, and the first Friday in December, at Broadway Christian Church, 910 Broadway.  Lunch is provided and there is no cost to attend.  (Thanks to ladies from  Broadway  for providing the delicious food today!) Please feel free to invite others whom you think would benefit from these hour-long, casual and informative luncheon meetings.

Debbie Schmidt from Catholic Charities will be next month’s speaker on Friday, October 29, 2010.

Speaker: Tim Smith, Salvation Army (SAFortWayne.org)

2901 N. Clinton Street

Tim first gave us a brief history of the Salvation Army’s founding by William Booth in London in 1860. Many people, he said, are not aware that the Salvation Army is actually a Christian church denomination with its own worship and doctrinal statement. Booth, a Methodist, had a desire to serve the London poor, who were often either not welcome or not comfortable in conventional churches. He opened a store-front church and mission, and used military terminology which is still employed today (e.g., church members are “soldiers,” and staff members have rank such as Captain or Major, based on seniority and level of responsibility).

The Salvation Army, which is active in 110 countries (18,000 centers, including hospitals and schools), has had a presence in Fort Wayne since 1886. There are two distinct components to the Army’s work here. The more familiar one, to many people, is the Thrift Stores, where donated items are sold in order to fund the Adult Rehabilitation Program. This no-cost residential program is for men battling drug and alcohol addiction, and lasts up to six months.

Tim is a part of the other component, the Corps Office, which is the social service wing of the Army. Located at 2901 N. Clinton, they offer various forms of year-round financial assistance, as well as seasonal programs.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE:

1) On Tuesday mornings, clients may come without an appointment to ask for help through the CURF (City Utilities Relief Fund) program, which is administered by the Salvation Army, which takes and processed applications on behalf of City Utilities. Applicants must have a current denial letter from the Township, and they can receive up to $150 toward their bill once in any six month period.

2) On Monday mornings at 9:00 AM, prospective clients may call to make an appointment for assistance with rent. (Assistance with gas and electric bills has been suspended at this time due to lack of funds, but they hope to restart it soon.) Any help with rent or utilities can be given only once every 12 months.

3) Bus passes are also given out, three all-day passes at a time, to be used for medical or employment purposes. They will be given up to three times, at three-week intervals, after which no more may be given for three months.

4) A food pantry is open Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. (The food comes mainly from Community Harvest Food Bank and Associated Churches. Some items are purchased.) The first 30 families are assisted. A family received about a bag and a half of mostly non-perisable food, and can come back once every three months. Family income must be under 160% of the poverty guidelines, and a photo ID must be presented that gives an Allen County address. The Salvation Army provides information on how to apply for the Food Stamp program.

All of this is highly volunteer driven, including internships and folks from IMPACT.

SEASONAL PROGRAMS: (1,600 families were served last year. Due to an increasing need for services, the Salvation Army will now serve a family five years in a row, and then no more.)

1) Tools for Schools–School supplies are collected through area stores and businesses.  1,714 children were served this year, receiving a backpack, pens, pencils, paper, folders, etc. Monetary donations given to Tools for School go toward purchase of whatever supply is lacking among items donated.

2) Christmas Assistance–(elec. copy on website…link to it)

This is a partnership between Marine Corps Reserves’ Toys for Tots and Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program (not the same as Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree) to provide toys and clothes for children through age 14. They will be taking applications on October 12 – 15, and 19 – 22, at 2901 N. Clinton Street, on the following schedule:

Tuesdays, last name A – F; Wednesdays, G – M; Thursdays, N – R, and Fridays, S – Z. (The 18th is for anyone requiring translation assistance.)

3) Youth Center After School Program, 3:00 to 6:00 pm, Monday thru Friday during the school year. Volunteers, college students, etc. offer tutoring/homework help, games, crafts and snacks. Free

4) Summer Daycare, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm. $55 a week. $65 if the child stays until 5:00 pm.

OTHER PROGRAMS:

Emergency Disaster Services. Give aid to survivors, help recovery workers. All Salvation Army workers take an eight-hour class in disaster assistance.

Adult Rehab Center. Alex Velasquez is in charge… a men-only drug and alcohol residential six- month program (or longer if needed). It includes job skills training–certifications can be earned (forklift, etc). Recidivism rate is down here, noticeably. Free. The Thrift Stores fund this program.

Clothing Assistance. Limited. They take some referrals from other social service agencies. Client gets a voucher and the agency is billed for whatever clothing is selected.

UPDATES FROM OTHER AGENCY REPRESENTATIVES today:

ComeTogetherFW.com is a new website which should be up and running by December 1st. Non-profits come together and share information. Share resources, communicate, ask questions.

Celebrate the kick-off of Money Smart Week with a free event happening next Thursday, October 14 from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the City-County Building.  The Money Fair will offer many activities, presentations and information booths and displays on how to be money smart, including:
–How to Save Money
–Stretching Your Dollar
–Budgeting and Saving
–Improving Your Money Management Skills
–Getting a Bank Account
–Getting Help Applying for Unemployment and Food Stamp Benefits.

 

Loretta Inman of Unto Others let us know that during the second week in October (Tuesday through Saturday) they will celebrate Customer Appreciation Week at the Unto Others Thrift Shop, by offering a complimentary brown bag lunch to each shopper.

Lisa Smith of Arbor/IMPACT says they are still collecting plastic bags, yarn and fabric.

The Mental Health Association would like to provide Christmas gifts for institutionalized mentally-ill or developmentally disabled people. The community can choose to adopt one or more. Contact Jane Dawkins for more details (jdawkins@mhaac.com).

Ken Yahne of AIM Services, Inc. joined us for the first time. AIM is a 501(c)(3) corporation “created for the purpose of fostering human dignity through experiencing the value of work.”  AIM currently concentrates on providing good-quality, reliable cars at extremely low prices  to those who are marginally employed and can’t otherwise afford reliable transportation.  Many of the working poor haven’t got good credit and too often the “buy here/pay here” lots sell cars at high interest rates with limited or no warranty.  AIM “accepts donated cars, spends what is necessary to repair  to the point of being safe and reliable, and sells them to the target audience at a “private party sale” price, or less (typically  under $1,500.00).  If you have a vehicle to donate, please contact Ken at kyahne4468@frontier.com.

Eldon Claasen. International House. Tuesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 pm they host a refugee club for women. They also provide tutoring in English in families’ homes.  For more information on programs for refugees, click here.

Inasmuch‘ Christmas program sign-up will be November 9, 11, 16, 18. The first 100 (one hundred) families will be served.

Lauren Nichols noted that all for One productions‘ season opener,  An Inspector Calls, should appeal to those who are passionate about social justice. It will be performed in the theater at the downtown Allen County Public Library October 1st through 10th. Click on the link  for more information.

Sue Walstra,  MD, of Clinica Madre de Dios, gave us a hand-out with the updated hours and services, as follows:  Located in the lower level of St.Patrick Parish’s School at 2120 S. Harrison St., the volunteers have provided primary care alongside Dr. J. Carlos Espinosa, Medical Director, since April 14, 2009.  Clinica’s hours are:

Walk-ins Tuesday 8:00 – 11:00 AM

Diabetic Clinic 4:00 – 8:00 PM the first Tuesday of each month

GYN Clinic 5:00 – 7:30PM the second Thursday of each month utilizing the Indiana BCCP Program BP/Cardiac Clinic will be staffed by Dr. Mark O’ Shaughnessy monthly as needed with the date and
time to be determined.

All specialty clinics are by appointment by calling 260-420-1433.  Clinica’s dream is to not be needed because everyone has affordable health care. Clinica’s most pressing needs are ongoing funding and more MDs, DOs, NPs and support staff to expand our hours to serve more people.

The clinic will be having a Fall Fundraising Festival on Saturday, October 23, 2010, from 2:00 to 10:00 pm.  There will be music, food, arts and crafts for sale, kiddie games, PLUS Clinica tours with free blood pressure/height/weigth/BMI checks.  Tickets are $4.00 at the door.

Wayne Township Trustees. Healthy Cities Health Fair and Veterans’ Stand Down includes a winter coat drive.

Vincent House clarified that they use the same worksheet as Section 8 (30% of adjusted gross, or at least $150) for determining amount of rent charged to its residents. The residents pay their own utilities. About three houses are available right now.

Cassie, Mollie, Becky–YWCA October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “Flowers in the River” (the second annual event took place on Thursday, September 30)  is a way for survivors of domestic violence to commemorate those who have been helped by YWCA services last year, and symbolizes hope and a new path for their lives. YWCA’s office is at 1610 Spy Run Avenue.

Debbie Smith–Homeless Task Force. would appreciate it if all applicable agencies would fill out the survey she has passed out a couple of times, so that they can better link their clients and volunteers to other appropriate organizations.

Minutes from Social Service Agency Luncheon on August 27, 2010

This social service agency networking/information sharing meeting, hosted by Inasmuch Ministry, takes place on the last Friday of each month, January through October, and the first Friday in December, at Broadway Christian Church, 910 Broadway.  Lunch is provided and there is no cost to attend.  (Thanks to ladies from  Broadway and The Chapel for providing the delicious food today!) Please feel free to invite others whom you think would benefit from these hour-long, casual and informative luncheon meetings.

Next month’s meeting will be  Friday, September 24, 2010 at noon. Our speaker will be Tim Smith of the Salvation Army

There was no speaker this month. Here are all the attendees, with any updates they provided in our round-table discussion time:

Alyn Biddle, Inasmuch Ministry: Update on the Edge: We’re still learning all the difficulties of renovating an old building. The elevator installation alone is both costly and fraught with red tape. On the plus side, we have enough funds to do about half of the needed work right now. We still need to raise about $200,000. When the Edge is finished, Inasmuch will be able to serve up to 72 clients at one time (we are quite full now when half that many show up). We have a new brochure available now which details the project. We’re aiming for moving in by June of 2011.   Click here to read our August newsletter.

Lauren Nichols, Inasmuch Friday secretary and Artistic Director of all for One productions, inc. 2010-2011 season ready to launch. Three of the four plays this season deal with social issues with relevance to our community. Click on the link for more information about professional-quality, thought-provoking, values-rich entertainment at terrifically discounted prices ($40 season ticket for adults!! That’s a 33% savings over at-the-door prices).

Sue Ringle, Veterans Affairs. Reminded us of the upcoming Veterans’ Stand-Down on October 22, 2010.

From the Veterans Affairs website: “Stand Downs are one part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ efforts to provide services to homeless veterans.  Stand Downs are typically one to three day events providing services to homeless Veterans such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other necessary services, such as housing, employment and substance abuse treatment.  Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VAs, other government agencies, and community agencies who serve the homeless.

The first Stand Down was organized in 1988 by a group of Vietnam Veterans in San Diego.  Since then, Stand Downs have been used as an effective tool in reaching out to homeless Veterans, reaching more than 200,000 Veterans and their family members between 1994-2000.”

Plans are being made to hold walk-in hours for homeless veterans on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. This program is still pending. At the moment, veterans can go to the 5th floor of the VA hospital for social services; homeless vets can go there to make an appointment for assistance, if no one is available to help them at that time.

Pat Arnold, Catholic Charities. They are networking with all priests/parishes in the diocese and with all the townships, to avoid duplication of efforts in services, and to provide fuller services to the community.

Sharon Gerig, Fort Wayne Rescue Mission–Sharon is now the Shelter Supervisor, in addition to her work with the younger homeless men. The Shelter has been overrun recently, with huge nightly populations. The short-term program for those seriously looking for work and a place to live has 26 men in it. Beyond that, many men this month are sleeping on mattresses in the chapel some nights…which usually only happens in the winter. They are also seeing more men with mental illness, which they are not equipped to handle. They refer to Parkview Behavioral Health, but often the men are assessed and sent back. Budget cuts in the news lately will affect the Mission.

In other news, Charis House—the women’s shelter’s new facility–is now open, and is already full to its 76 bed capacity. Unfortunately, there is often no shelter for single women, since beds are first given to mothers with children. Charis House is regularly serving up to 130 people for breakfast/lunch, and from 175 to 240 for dinner. The old Charis House building is being repaired to sell.

For more information about the Fort Wayne Rescue Mission, including their upcoming golf outing, click here.

Jamie Martin, Vincent Village, Inc. There are openings in the after-shelter programs (a few houses are available). Renovation is beginning on the downstairs of their main facility, which will affect all the residents and where meals are served. It will be a bit chaotic for awhile. After the downstairs renovations are finished, the upstairs will be done, a few rooms at a time. Vincent Village is also starting a daycare program.

Suzanne Giant, Community Volunteer

Lisa Smith, Arbor Education &Training, IMPACT. They are still collecting plastic bags to be crocheted into homeless mats; now they’re collecting yarn again for the hats/scarves program. Everything is going well. Contact Lisa at lisaasmith@arboret.com if you have material to donate, or a project for their trainees to complete.

Chris Maciejewski, Unto Others They need more volunteers in order to add hours of operation.  Contact director7@frontier.com to find out about volunteering with Unto Others.

Cassie Haugli, YWCA. She is part of the Steps to Success program, working with Mollie

Mollie Cripe, YWCA, mentioned that they have a Burmese advocate at the YWCA. They hold ESL and citizenship classes for Burmese immigrants. The Y also holds diversity dialogues once a month. This is a safe place to meet in our community to freely discuss what one has observed and/or experienced, and to learn more. The schedule of topics for the rest of the year is available here.

Debbie Smith, Homeless Taskforce. Debbie shared that she recently showed a Reading Rainbow episode on homelessness to a Sunday School class, about a penny drive. She observed that even little children can get excited about how they can help. Debbie passed out a survey for agencies to fill out, which can be mailed to a P.O. Box at the City-County Building, or emailed to Debbie or Jackie Young at hope4homeless.fw@gmail.com. If you didn’t receive an agency survey, please contact that email to receive one.

Debbie also passed out flyers for an important upcoming event: “link up”..Monday, September 13 from 10 AM to noon in the Omni Conference Room at the Fort Wayne City-County Building. This is a networking and connecting even for any agency that deals with homelessness in any way. Revisions to the ten-year plan to end homelessness will be reviewed. For more information contact Dr. Mary Etheart at etheart.hope.house@frontier.com OR Debbie Smith at hope4homeless.fw@gmail.com.

Martha Casselman, Love in Deed Sharehouse. Everyone is invited to the OPEN HOUSE on Friday, September 10, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, to tour their new larger facility on Bluffton Road in the former Clark & Mitchell building.

On a weekly basis, Sharehouse fills bulk orders of paper products, cleaning supplies, etc. at a 19 cents/lb. processing fee. Payment to Sharehouse is by check or money order ONLY. They do not accept cash or credit card.

In addition to regular weekly bulk orders, Sharehouse gets occasional shipments of goods on a one-time basis. (For example, right now they have a large number of bicycles.) To make these goods available, Sharehouse holds a “U-Pick” day, something like a flea market. The next one will be on Wednesday, September 15th. Representatives from non-profit groups can come and choose goods for their ministry or for their clients.

Martha would like to see much more consistent volunteering by partner organizations Sharehouse requires organizations to volunteer three hours in order to either a) receive a bulk order, or b) attend a U-Pick. That requirement could increase depending on volume of product purchased.

God has been blessing Sharehouse with many more goods ever since they have moved to their larger space. For example, a retail store recently donated new baby furniture which had been on display, and couldn’t be resold because someone had thrown away the boxes and paperwork. Sharehouse will put disclaimers on each item (e.g., bouncy seats, bassinets, strollers, etc.). Sharehouse goods do not ever have a warranty on them.

Andrew Hoffman, Neighborlink Fort Wayne. Innovative, web-based organization which captures the needs of clients from other organizations on one comprehensive list. Such needs as home repairs, auto repair, lawn maintenance, snow removal, etc. are listed, and then personally selected by volunteers who complete the projects–255 of which have been done already this year. Andrew mentioned the ongoing relationships which often develop between volunteers and clients as one of the most positive side benefits of the organization. A group of 15-20 retired men now get together 1-2 days per week to work on neighborlink projects. Volunteers choose directly what project to handle. This is an excellent resource for clients whose needs fall outside the parameters of social service agencies’ ability to help. Keep Neighborlink in mind when dealing with client homeowners who are physically or financially unable to do needed work on their homes.

Laura Pflueger, Healthier Moms and Babies. This organization serves pregnant women throughout their pregnancy and up to the baby’s 1st birthday. Expectant moms should sign up before their 30th week of pregnancy. Services include one home visit per month. The program has openings now, but with school starting, they anticipate being full again soon, as area nurses refer pregnant high school students.

**EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: Laura herself is going on maternity leave this fall. She is looking for a temporary replacement, someone with social work background to work 30 hours per week/October through January. Experience in maternity counseling would also be helpful. If you or someone you know is interested, have them send a resume to: SEdington@fwmep.edu

Marilynn Hormann , Community volunteer.

Katie Elsass, Adams Township. They have experienced a decrease in traffic this summer. Katie expressed frustration regarding people who have received bad information about the Township. (This results in false assumptions about the Township’s willingness to help in specific situations.) If you’re not sure what services the Towship provides, please ask.

They are required to abide by state statutes, which provide standards/guidelines for what services they are allowed to cover. Primary needs are food, shelter, clothing and medical. If the client has used available money to pay non-primary expenses, it is possible that the Township will have to deny assistance for a period of time.

Please note: Adams Township gives out bus passes for job search, and also has in house computer job search programs.

Debra Freeman, Adams Township. East Allen County Resource Center is seeking Board Members. There is a fund drive coming for a new playground (the Maplecrest extension project cut into the old one.)

Tim Smith. Salvation Army. 1,712 kids were served through the backpack program last week. Most ever! Their Christmas program will be discussed next month.

Laurisa Roper, CANI

Suggest Speakers, Invite Agencies to Upcoming Meetings

Please share the names of other social service organizations, or their representatives, that should be invited to attend or speak to this group. Email them to Alyn Biddle at ambiddle@gobroadway.org, or call Alyn at 260-423-2347 ext. 310.

Thank you!

October 2009 Agency Meeting

INASMUCH SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCY LUNCHEON
BROADWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH
30 OCTOBER 2009

This month’s meeting featured:

Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic

and included updates from:

Arbor/Impact
Clinica Madre de Dios
Continuum of Care
Faith United Methodist Church’s “Love Your Neighbor” Ministry
Healthier Moms and Babies
Heritage Mission School
InAsMuch Ministry of Broadway Christian Church
International House
Love In Deed Sharehouse
Vincent Village and Pathways to Success
Wayne Township Trustee’s Office
YWCA Homeless Shelter

Updates and Information will be posted individually.

September 2009 Agency Meeting

SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCIES MEETING AT BROADWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH,
HOSTED BY INASMUCH MINISTRY
September 25, 2009

This months’ meeting included updates from:

Adams Township Trustees
Clinica Madre de Dios
City of Fort Wayne’s Ending Homelessness Initiative
Department of Human Resources
Fort Wayne Rescue Ministries
Healthier Moms and Babies
Living Luke’s Legacy
Love In Deed Sharehouse
The Salvation Army
Trinity Episcopal Church
Unemployment Office
Wayne Township Trustees
YWCA ‘Steps to Success’ Program
YWCA Women’s Shelter

Updates and Information will be posted individually.

August Agency Meeting

MONTHLY AGENCY MEETING, FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2009
INASMUCH MINISTRY, BROADWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

There being no guest speaker this month, we enjoyed a round-table sharing and discussion time in which each representative updated us on what their organization is doing at the moment.
This months’ meeting includes updates from:

Arbor Group
Homeless Task Force
International House
Love Church
Southwest Lutheran Church
Unto Others
Vincent House
Wayne Township Trustees Office
YWCA Women’s Shelter/Domestic Violence Shelter

Updates and Information will be posted individually.