@ the shelterCrisis Ministries E-News February 2008 |
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One Key at a Timeby John Toner, Intern Dark, weathered hands peck and search, mistype, look for “delete,” click “backspace;” peck again, scan for “a,” push the bar, watch a space move to the right; search, peck; look for the big “s”; shift; peck another letter; pause; look up; period- done. At last, a name appears on the screen next to a blinking line. The slow, chunky click of keys might be cacophony to most observers in the 21st century, yet to many guests at Crisis Ministries, it is the sound of accomplishment.
In just the two months I have volunteered at Crisis Ministries' computer lab, over 20 individuals worked on basic computer literacy, set up six email accounts, applied for seven jobs online, created five resumes, became familiar with Word, used the internet, and broke down anxieties surrounding the computer. The computer lab acts as a stepping stone. Guests might begin with exercises on how to use the mouse and end with knowledge of how to surf the web for jobs, apartments, or even recipes. No matter what the motive for coming into the lab, many guests leave with more than transferrable skills; they leave with an increased sense of accomplishment and hope. Crisis Ministries' computer lab is open three days a week and is run by volunteers. Volunteers teach our clients basic computer skills, how to organize a resume and how to search for jobs online. John Toner was an intern at Crisis Ministries and helped establish the computer lab. John, a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, finished with his internship at Crisis Ministries and has traveled to Bolivia to serve indigenous Bolivians.
Grant to support Veterans Transitional DormitoryCrisis Ministries recently received $10,000 in funding from the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust. The Trust is dedicated to building better lives for our nation’s disabled veterans and their families. Crisis Ministries’ Transitional Dormitory is a 14 bed facility where veterans have a private cubicle with a bed and storage space for their belongings. The Transitional Dorm has a small common area with a table, chairs and television. The funding from the DAV will be used to reconfigure the Trans Dorm, purchase new beds, wardrobes, nightstands, flooring, tables and chairs. Veterans present a unique challenge to service providers, one that Crisis Ministries has successfully addressed. With this funding through the DAV, Crisis Ministries will be able to provide a comfortable, nurturing environment to give back to the veterans who have given so much to us. To learn more about what the DAV does to support veterans click here. To make a donation to our Transitional Dormitory program, click
and make sure to fill out the "comment" section with "funds to support the Transitional Dormitory." |
Scratch BeginningsAt 23 years old, Adam Shephard put himself to the test to prove the American Dream was still alive, during his journey he stayed at Crisis Ministries. Adam Shephard, attended Merrimack College in North Andover, MA on an athletic scholarship and graduated in 2006 with a degree in Business Management and Spanish. Serving as a Resident Advisor, he began to take particular interest in the social issues of our nation. Shortly after graduation with $25 to his name, Adam departed his home in Raleigh, NC for Charleston, SC, embarking on his journey that has now become Scratch Beginnings: Me, $25, and the Search for the American Dream. On a July evening in 2006, he stepped off a train, asked where the homeless shelter was and started walking the eight miles down Rivers Avenue to Crisis Ministries. Adam stayed at Crisis Ministries for two months before he was able to save enough money to move into a place of his own. He depicts his experience at Crisis Ministries as very eye opening and humbling time in his life. He mentions several times the magnitude of helpful services we offer to the hungry and homeless and how grateful he was to have a safe place to stay while he was working to save enough money to move out. His goal was to have an apartment, car and $2,500 in savings within a year, he did it in six months. Recently, Adam visited the shelter with the Today Show. The Today Show filmed where Adam slept, ate and worked with Kazia Lovendoski, his case manager. The picture above features Adam and Kazia during the filming of the Today Show. The story will air in February so keep an eye out for it! To learn more about Adam or to order his book, visit www.scratchbeginnings.com.
. Looking Back on 2007
Crisis Ministries is a comprehensive agency serving the hungry and homeless. Over the past 24 years, Crisis Ministries has expanded it's services to provide the best practices to end homelessness. Crisis Ministries mission is to provide food, shelter and hope to end homelessness and hunger one person at a time, one family at a time. Our success is defined by the proven programs and services we provide that assist every homeless individual and family in regaining self-sufficiency. Here is a look at the number of people we served in 2007:
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Volunteer Recognition Meetings
In March, all volunteers, especially group leaders, are encouraged to attend a volunteer recognition meeting. Two meetings are scheduled in hopes of accommodating as many people as possible but it is only necessary to attend one:
Tuesday, March 4th The meetings will include a meet and greet with other volunteer groups, recognition of groups in attendance, a presentation on Crisis Ministries updates and an open floor discussion on volunteer experiences and suggestions. A raffle for fun prizes and light refreshments will be served.
Save the Date
food.shelter.hope Corporate sponsorships are still available. Call 723.9477.126 or click here to send an email for more information.
Contact usMailing address: Crisis Ministries Physical address: 573 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29403 Click here to learn more about our programs and services. If you have feedback about this publication, please click here to email us.
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