HOMELESS
Things My Mother Taught Me My Mother taught me LOGIC... “If you fall off that swing and break your neck, you can't go to the store with me." My Mother taught me MEDICINE... "If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they're going to freeze that way." My Mother taught me to THINK AHEAD... "If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job!" My Mother taught me ESP... "Put your sweater on; don't you think that I know when you're cold?" My Mother taught me to MEET A CHALLENGE... "What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you... Don't talk back to me!" My Mother taught me HUMOR... "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me." My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT... "If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up." My mother taught me ABOUT SEX... "How do you think you got here?" My mother taught me about GENETICS... “You are just like your father!" My mother taught me about my ROOTS... "Do you think you were born in a barn?" My mother taught me about the WISDOM of AGE... "When you get to be my age, you will understand."
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am the first one to preach about not judging people, giving them a chance etc., etc.. But again I have my slice of humble pie. I don’t usually judge people on first impression, but I did this one young lady. The first time I had contact with her I got the impression that she thought “we owed her” something. Was I ever wrong! The only reason I share this is because we, none of us, know the true person until we get to know them inside. I have since come to realize that she is a pretty young lady, who has confidence in herself and has good and true feelings for others around her. Not only does she have feelings for others, she is the first person to jump in line to help others at the shelter. It is so comforting, so rewarding to see our people interact with each other. To see them not only say that they care, but to put those words into action proves they really do care. What does this have to do with the story we are about to tell you? Well, wait and see. Who are we talking about and why are we telling you the readers? We’ll start off first by letting the young lady (above) in her own
words explain why this is all important. “Often times God gives you ways to help other people in ways that you cannot even see. The other day, I was able to do a good deed for a woman, and not only got recognized, but felt great about saving her from a horrible situation. The Michelle, thank you for helping us to change other day, I was standing so we can treat each other better. at the bus stop, and a woman came up to me crying. open. She was apparently comShe asked if she could have a pletely over medicated on alcohol cigarette, and she asked if I knew and Xanax. She was scared to go where I was sleeping that night, home. We never knew why but implying that she was homeless. thought to ourselves she might be She had overdosed on pills and a victim of domestic violence. After we figured out that alcohol. So, I brought her here. Sean, Sandy, Lois and Mr. Saw- she might need medical attention, yer helped her right away. She because of the mixture of drugs was scared, and we all felt for and alcohol, Mr. Sawyer, another her, she asked me not to let her be formally Homeless person, took harmed, so, I promised her that her to Hollywood Memorial Hosthis was a safe place, and hope- pital to get treatment. That was fully now, she is clean, and much the last time we saw her. We will not forget her or better, and will think twice before doing that again.” Explained by the actions of Michelle Wards. Here our little homeless person Michelle Ward. So there you have it, Mi- Michelle Ward, who by the way chelle was just sitting there and is now self-sufficient, came to the she saw a lady who we later rescue of this lady because her found out was not really home- heart bled for her safety. Even when most think less but in a real crisis. She was hysterical and crying and at the homeless people are nothing at (Continued on page 8) same time trying to keep her eyes
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Joi Johnson with family and friends.
his year the kids at the Homeless Voice, COSAC Quarters Shelter were given a special treat. The treat was Joi Johnson and her family. They took time out of their busy schedule to stop and help brighten someone's day. Joi said that she felt a conviction in her heart that she could not refuse. She decided to take herself and
her family down to the shelter for the holiday. They brought baskets of candy, toys, and books. We, the staff here at the shelter, would like to give a special thanks to the following people for all their unselfish efforts: Joi Johnson; your daughter, Debra; grandson, Keesean; and to Jackie McNarrin. -Mark Targett