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Eastside Interfaith Social Concerns Council Minutes P.O. Box 662, Bellevue, WA 98009-0662June 12, 2009
Next Meeting: CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order and conducted by EISCC Co-president Marilyn Rands. OPENING PRAYER: The meeting was opened with prayer offered by Rev. Rick Russell of Eastgate Congregational United Church of Christ. SELF-INTRODUCTIONS: Self-introductions were made by 21 members and guests. ›MINUTES: Minutes of the May 12, 2009 meeting were approved as circulated. TREASURER'S REPORT:EISCC Treasurer Pat McDermott (pmcdermott@amnis.com) reports that at 5/31/2009 cash balances total approximately $156,000. Operating results are as expected. Nothing unusual was noted during the month. As Pat has discussed in the past, contributions from congregations are important to keep EISCC’s budget balanced. For the 5 months through 5/31/2009, CFH contributions from congregations are lower by $7,000 from the same period last year. Please encourage your congregation to begin and/or increase its participation. Please contact Pat if you have any questions. NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE: The work of the nominations committee continues. They will be presenting a slate of candidates at the September EISCC meeting. › Congregations For The Homeless (CFH)
Executive Director Steve Roberts (206) 295-7803 reported that activity in the shelter has been steady. The shelter is currently at Christ the King Lutheran in Bellevue and will be moving to St. Thomas Episcopal in Medina later in the month. The program has hired an assistant director of housing to work with Housing Director Sterling Bentsen. In other news, the Alliance of Eastside Agencies—an organization of Eastside human service providers—awarded its “Legacy” award to our own Steve Roberts for his work with EISCC and CFH. It is an honor most sincerely deserved. › The Sophia Way
The Sophia Way successful transitioned its first client from the shelter into housing last month and expects to transition two more women this month. The shelter is running at full capacity. The program’s biggest needs continue to be for weekend host congregations and for congregations to help furnish apartments. Weekend host congregations provide accommodations in their facilities for eight women and one staff person on Friday and Saturday only for two months. Congregations can also become involved is through the Sophia Way’s Adopt an Apartment program by agreeing to help furnish an apartment for a client making the transition from the shelter into her own apartment home. The Sophia Way provides a handy list of items (both small and large) needed by the client, congregation members donate the items on the list, and the Sophia Way picks up the donations and brings them home to the client. It’s an incredible way for congregations to get personally involved in giving a struggling woman a new start. For information about the program are urged to contact Helen Leuzzi at ( 425) 653-5893. › Congregations For Kids:
JoAnne Way reported that CFK’s annual backpack and school supply drive will kick off on July 19th. Participating congregations will be collecting items for four consecutive Sundays and sorting will take place after that. As JoAnne put it, they are entering their “busy time.”
› Refreshments And Nametags:
Members were asked to weigh in on two questions concerning how EISCC meetings are conducted. The first involved our current practice of serving a light meal at the meeting. Co-president Rands asked for a show of hands to indicate whether members felt that EISCC should continue serving food at the meeting. Most in attendance indicated approval. Because these refreshments are provided by volunteers, EISCC members are encouraged to sign up to bring in food as often as they are able. Members were also asked if they thought that those in attendance should wear nametags. Most in attendance indicated that the current practice of providing table cards for regular attendees and nametags for guests was adequate. Today's Program: Kirkland Iinterfaith Transitions In Housing (KITH): The KITH Mission: Guided by faith, KITH unites with individuals and families to confront homelessness and build safe and healthy communities. KITH believes that families should be able to pay their expenses and still keep a roof over their heads. KITH believes that children should have what they need and that having a safe place to call home is a basic right. KITH provides temporary and longer-term housing for individuals and families threatened by homelessness in the greater Kirkland region. Presently, KITH manages a twelve-unit apartment complex and owns two four-plexes. KITH provides case-management for its client residents and an assortment of related charitable functions serving the local community. At the heart of KITH’s services is case management. Case Managers work with participants to establish and work toward achieving goals. This helps eliminate homelessness by returning individuals and families to self-determination and self-sufficiency. KITH also partners with a wide range of community programs and agencies to provide participants with every resource possible. KITH provides a vital service toward an ever increasing need. The strength of our organization lies in the dedicated commitment of our staff, board members, volunteers and charitable donors. KITH is an ambitious organization filled with optimism and fueled by the knowledge that we are making a difference in people's lives and the quality of our community. Challenges are steep. On average, KITH receives 96 calls for help each month, but only has the resources to help one. How you can help: In addition to your financial donations, KITH has need of volunteers. KITH welcomes and needs volunteers to handle phones and office matters. Painters, cleaners, carpenters and those with a flair for equipment repair are especially important. Handy in the garden? Skilled in raising funds? How about grant writing or working with the media? Other Current Needs: If you would like to donate any of these items, or would like KITH to send you a volunteer application, please call Jan Dickerman at 425.576.9531 ext 101. The challenge facing all of us is to help the less fortunate find temporary and permanent housing. Each of us can help, whether it be personal services, charitable giving or simply prayers. KITH appreciates and looks forward to your assistance.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: EISCC members may share announcements pertaining to their congregations/agencies. If you wish these announcements to appear in the minutes, please make them well in advance of any event that you are publicizing and to help insure accuracy please provide them in writing to the recording secretary. Among the announcements at the June 9, 2009 meeting were: THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: All are invited! Food donations form Hopelink will be gladly accepted The Church of the Resurrection is located at 15220 Main Street, Bellevue, WA 98007. The phone number is (425) 746-0322. MAYORS’ DAY OF CONCERN FOR THE HUNGRY: It’s a true win-win situation. Store managers like it because they sell more products and customers like it because it makes it easy for them to give. Volunteers have fun and, most importantly, it will help feed local families. With so many of our neighbors struggling, we simply much work together to offer our help in this time of such sharply increased need. For more information, to register your team, and to reserve the store of your choosing, please contact the Emergency Feeding Program at (206)329-0300. BRIDGE DISABILITY MINISTRIES: You can help support this event and Bridge Ministries by committing to be a sponsor. There are many levels of participation:
If you are interested in participating as a sponsor, or would like more information, please contact Colleen Dodson at 425-885-1006 x113 or colleen@bridgemin.org. Thank you for your consideration of this opportunity to serve your community and make a difference for this often overlooked segment of our population. SHAREHOUSE: HOME2HOME: VOLUNTEER CHORE SERVICES: HOPELINK: CLOSING PRAYER: The meeting was closed in prayer by Betty Spohn, Newport Presbyterian Church. Brian Anderson, EISCC Secretary |
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