From the Ministry of Caring, Cindy Gamble, Planned Giving Manager, and Maureen ‘Reenie’ LaFate, Program Director of Emmanuel Dining Room, discussed the non-profit’s work in helping people lift themselves up, believing ‘the poor should never be treated poorly.’  They talked about their holistic approach, working with individuals and families to feed, house, train and sustain them in self-sufficiency.   They offer job services through a placement center, dental and medical treatment, child care and emergency shelter.   They praised their transitional housing and its services, including yoga and therapy in addition to the traditional job placement offerings; the average stay is 45 days.  They discussed their concern for their older clients, they can help with job training and emergency housing for someone in middle age with years of a possible career ahead of them, for the those already past their working years options are limited.    For those accepted to their low-cost retirement community they pay a low fee and receive the same perks as any other facility, hair dressers, trips, music and activities.   Reenie discussed the three Emmanuel Dining Rooms. two offering both lunch and dinner.  Volunteers cook or bring in food for the hungry, last year they served over 103,000 meals.

In addition to cash and in-kind donations, they asked for volunteers, to cook, clean, or help with office work.  They suggested shifts as a business team building activity – come build lasagnas to foster team spirit!   For the Thanksgiving holiday they are looking for frozen turkeys and non-perishables for local families, much of which will be raised at the annual WJBR Turkeython, November 20.

MINISTRYOFCARING.ORG