WHYY reports: Artists from Trenton soup kitchen get exhibit at Grounds for Sculpture

October 4, 2012

By Ilene Dube, of The Artful Blogger

 

A burgundy haze is beginning to form in the canopy of trees at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton where, inside the education building, visitors can see the work of the A-Team artists through October 21.
Two-and-a-half miles away, on the concrete and asphalt Escher Street in Trenton, the color comes not from foliage but from the salon-style outpouring on the walls of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK). In a room off of the main dining room, Susan Darley, A-Team coordinator, asks the artists to introduce themselves...  For more click here.

Feeding the Hungry Feeds the Soul: A child's story

September 19, 2012 / Christi Zellerhoff

I DON’T WANT TO GO! protested my 9 year old son.  “Yes, you are going to go,” I said; and off we went to feed the homeless at a local church cooperative organization called “TRANSFORM BURIEN.”

How do you prepare your young children for what experiences they may encounter when feeding people in need?  Simply, be honest with them.

“You may see and feed people young and old, who haven’t showered; come in soiled clothing; look sad or angry; perhaps they will seem different to you,” I counseled him.  “Will they hurt me mom?” “No, you will be safe.”  Hesitantly, he got into the car with the rest of our family. His grumbling stopped, replaced with silence.

When we arrived, we were each assigned a “job” along the serving assembly line.  My son chose to hand out the plates and napkins-the first point of contact. This surprised me.

Standing next to him, at first I noticed that he was subdued, trying not to stare as, one by one, people extended their hand to receive their plate and napkin.   EVERY time he handed out a plate, he received a gracious “thank you.” “Your welcome,” he would reply. Then I noticed it-his skeptical demeanor changed. He began returning conversation to those who engaged him.

He looked at me and smiled big.

On the way home, I asked him how he felt about the experience. “What did you think about the people you met today? Where you scared?” His reply? “No mom, I realized they were no different than me.”

I still tear up when I tell this story. My 9 year old son taught me a beautiful lesson that day. He looked past the dirt, tattered clothing, sad and hungry eyes, and at times, offensive smells. He saw their hearts; he embraced their kind and gracious souls; and he served without prejudice.

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40) NIV

If only we ALL could be more like that!

College Student Recalls High School Homelessness

When Tierra Jackson was in high school, she was struggling. She kept getting yelled at for being late to school.
What most of her teachers and administrators didn't know was the reason for her tardiness: Jackson was homeless. Her mother was in and out of prison. She and her brother were living with her aunt and cousins. All seven of them shared a single room in one of Chicago's homeless shelters, a long bus ride from her school.
Her story (ttext and audio) can be found on the NPR Web site:
http://www.npr.org/2012/09/21/161473187/college-student-recalls-high-school-homelessness?ft=1&f=4516989&sc=tw

Advanced education is available, free in many instances.
Ocean County Library offers more than 500 courses thru Universal Class: http://theoceancountylibrary.org/UniversalClass.htm

Another source of classes is :

http://www.openculture.com/2012/09/new_additions_to_our_list_of_530_free_online_courses_from_top_universities_.html

Editorial: Trenton Rescue Mission 15-unit housing project provides new opportunities for hope

A group of donors and grantsmakers are banding together to create a 15-housing unit in Trenton on the corner of Perry and Carroll streets.
Tenants of the new Perry Street Supportive Permanent Housing Project will have access to case management services on site to help guide the residents to self-sufficiency as they seek employment and regain their lives. Combining housing with social services reflects the forward thinking of the Rescue Mission, which was founded in 1915.
The residents are expected to contribute 30 percent of their income toward rent, giving them an investment in the program’s continued success.

The full editorial from The Times of Trenton can be found at http://www.nj.com/times-opinion/index.ssf/2012/09/editorial_trenton_rescue_missi.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

More information about the project and the ground breaking ceremony can be found at http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/09/rescue_mission_of_trenton_to_b.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The permanent housing will be funded by government and private money.

Longtime president of Trenton's Habitat for Humanity to retire

NJ.com reports that David McAlpin will retire after 25 years at Trenton's Habitat for Humanity. During that time the group has built more than 80 homes.

Read the story on the Web: http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2012/10/longtime_president_of_trentons.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter 

NJ Homekeeper program doesn't

Gov. Christie says that sometimes government doesn't work like it's supposed to.  Really? Isn't that his job?  (Or is it to go galavanting around the country campaigning for others?)  Is that all he has to say to the thousands of people who were denied $300 million in federal funds because his administrators artificially set standards too high?  No "sorry" to the people who lost their homes because of one more failure by his crew?

For more information check the NJ.com story: http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/10/gov_christie_says_foreclosure.html

OC Freeholders: Hearing To Be Held at Toms River Senior Center

10/1/2012

TOMS RIVER - The Ocean County Office of Senior Services has scheduled a public hearing on its 2013-15 Area Plan Contract for noon, Tuesday, Oct. 9, at the Toms River Senior Center, 652 Garfield Ave., here.

"The County Office of Senior Services serves as the focal point where older adults and their families can turn to for information regarding services and programs," said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as Chairman of Senior Services. "The 2013-15 Area Plan Contract outlines Ocean County's plan for addressing the current and future needs of our seniors."

The 2013 Aging Services Plan includes 50 programs with 22 service providers; and is expected to serve approximately 32,000 individuals with access, home support, community support, nutrition support and caregiver services.

"These are key areas that help our seniors maintain their independence and their quality of life," Vicari said.

A copy of the 2013-15 Area Plan Contract Summary is available by calling the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091 or 1-800-668-4899 and will be posted on the Ocean County website at www.co.ocean.nj.us.

The programs are funded through federal, state and county funds totaling over $5.3 million.

Vicari stated that many are familiar with the County's safety network of services for the frail/disabled elderly, however, he said, the Office of Senior Services also has an important role in assisting the newly arrived senior adult in preparing for a healthy future.

"Our Office of Senior Services has a wide array of information and programs to promote healthy aging from helping people prepare for the numerous aspects of Medicare to choosing a healthier lifestyle; we try to meet the many needs of our older adult population," he said.

So far this year, 80 community presentations have been conducted. Health EASE programs such as Take Control of Your Health, Move Today and Mind Body are conducted in locations throughout the county.

"We work in partnership with other County agencies," Vicari said. "We have a great relationship with the Ocean County Library and the Ocean County Health Department rolling out programs."

So far this year, Senior Services staff helped over 7,000 people and provided information to over 9,000 visitors to its website. Major issues addressed by Senior Services staff were: Prescriptions, Tax Programs, Medicare/Health Insurance, In Home Services and Consumer Issues.

Jane Maloney, Director of the Office of Senior Services noted that the Oct. 9 meeting is the second one conducted by the Office of Senior Services on the 2013-15 Area Plan Contract. A public meeting was held at the Brick Senior Center in April to gather feedback regarding the needs of older adults.

"We encourage our residents to participate in this upcoming meeting regarding Ocean's plan to address our senior's needs," said Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little.