Spring 2012 Issue 20 DDB Mission: Feed the hungry & provide services for the homeless of Harrisburg. Inside This Issue: • Spring Concert • Thank You! • New Staff Member • New Board Member • Client Report • A Day In The Life • Gift Idea
Downtown Daily Bread 310 N. Third Street Harrisburg PA 17101 www.downtowndailybread.org
Elaine Strokoff Executive Director 717-238-4717 Brenda Ervin Kitchen Manager 717-238-4718 Valerie Thomas Weekend Cook 717-238-4718 Christine Patrick Client Caseworker 717-238-4718 Stephen Heller, Ph.D. Client Caseworker 717-238-4718 Linda McGuire DDB News Editor
We welcome your suggestions, comments, and feedback.
Quote: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.” Dr. Seuss
From The Director
“What can we do? How can we help?” I am often asked these two questions. When they relate to DDB, the answer can be short and easy, “write a check, donate goods, or volunteer.” I might add that a mere $2 donation would pay for a meal for a hungry person or that a donation of clothing or personal hygiene items would help the Downtown Daily Bread Lunch Plus program. If I had more time, I could tell them client stories and encourage folks to attend DDB fundraising events. Most of these issues are covered in this newsletter. To answer, “What can I do? How can we help?” in our larger context, is far more complex. Based upon my 17 years at DDB, I would say that we must focus on the individual. That said, I wrestle with the concept of the “chicken or the egg?” At DDB we work primarily with adults. We see people who have experienced lives of negativity and strife. They have done things we can not imagine and have witnessed things we should never experience. These young adults are old beyond their years. When they become parents and are responsible for raising a child, I feel the need for society to step in and provide help. In many cases, parents living in poverty never had a real childhood. There was no stability in their lives and no appropriate role modes for parenting. I think it imperative that we work as a community or “village” to offer these young adults and their children the best opportunities beginning with the birth of the baby and continuing into teenage years. Downtown Daily Bread helps by offering meals and counseling young women who become pregnant. We refer them to the proper agencies for health checks, prenatal care, and financial assistance. DDB may help with employment counseling and shelter, as well. When someone asks me, “how can I really make a difference?” I would say that beyond helping provide the basics of life such as food, clothing, and shelter, provide for the next generation. Do this by becoming a mentor for a young mother or father and provide them with a good role model for parenting. Many children born into poverty and ignorance do not have a chance of growing into a happy, independent, healthy adult unless we provide those services to them. Every minute, every cent spent in this endeavor will come back ten fold. Not just for the child but for society at large. On a brighter note, I wish you all happy spring and a happy heart as we watch the earth renew itself. Peace. Elaine
Save The Date For These Upcoming Events: Annual Spring Concert - April 20, 2012 (See Page 2 ) 2nd Annual Share The Harvest - October 12, 2012 (See Page 2) Looking for a meaningful way to honor your Mother, Grandmother, or someone special this Mother’s Day? “Celebrate her” by making a contribution to DDB in her honor. She’ll be proud that your gift will make a difference in someone’s life. DDB will mail a lovely special certificate for a “Happy Mother’s Day!” to your honoree. Simply send your donation ($15 minimum, please) including your name and address to Downtown Daily Bread, along with the Honoree’s Name, Address & Relationship To Donor. Please Note: Deadline for Mother’s Day donation certificates is Friday, May 4th.
United Way Designation Does your employer offer automatic payroll contributions to United Way? If so, you can specify DDB as your charity of choice. Check with your company’s Human Resources Department or with the United Way to make your selection to support DDB.