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The Resource Reader October 2010
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Kelley's Corner
I must confess there is a lot taken for granted in my world. Today, as the rain po urs from the sky, I am so thankful for a warm dry place to live and work. In all honesty though, on most days I don't give it a second thought. But you can be sure that if I didn't have it, I would be in crisis mode trying to get what I need. It's just human nature. You don't appreciate status quo until you hit a bump in the road and life changes.
At UFRC we serve our community by assisting families who want to make sure they stay the course or those who have had a life changing event that altered the direction of their lives. It may be a job loss, sickness or sudden death, drug abuse, mental illness, a teenager who has lost their way, an unexpected pregnancy or just the realization that things cannot continue the way they are. We're not here to build everyone's "shelter from the rain," but we are able to provide an "umbrella" and offer the tools and support needed to begin construction. We are an advocate for those who need someone to stand in the gap. We are a catalyst for change for issues such as early childhood development, teen pregnancy, financial literacy and crisis intervention.
I hope that you will read our newsletter to see the great things that are going on at UFRC. There are numerous ways that you can participate and get involved. We know that financially times are stressful for all of us, but maybe there is a small way that you can contribute. Every little bit helps us to sustain the hope that we offer our community.
-Kelley
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| Adult Education News
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 Find out what all the talk is about! If you or someone you know needs their GED give us a call!!! Since school started in August, four students have received their GEDs and five more will take their test by November 1st!
Comments From Our GED Students:
The Upstate Family Resource Center has been a blessing to me and other families. I attend the GED class where the teachers are Great, Loving, and Caring. It is nice to have a place to come and get it right. I want to thank everyone that makes this program possible.
The GED program at Upstate Family Resource Center is helping me in many ways. First, the center gives me hope for a better tomorrow. The program gives me encouragement. Upstate Resource Center helps me with math skills. Also, the program helps me learn how to write essays. My goal is to go to college. The resource center has given me hope to continue my education for a better job. The teachers and director of the GED program is a blessing to many people.
Upstate Family Resource Center has the best GED program in Spartanburg South Carolina. I feel confident I will receive a GED in the near future, if I am able to keep attending this program. The teachers at UFRC go above and beyond the call of duty to help any individual that has a question. They also give daily lessons on English and math. I think that UFRC may be the answer for a greater education and a better way of life for me and many others.
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Harvest Family Ministries
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During September, 108 families (325 individuals) received services through Harvest Family Ministries (HFM). The ministry offers food and financial support for families in crisis. Thanks to all who donate and support our ministry!
HFM would like to thank Addison Merrell and her parents, Judson and Carrie, for  their generous donation to the ministry. For Addison's 3rd birthday, she asked her friends to give toiletries, food, and baby items for donation to the ministry instead of toys. Many thanks to the Merrell family!
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Tis the Season To Give
It's that time of year again; time to start the ball rolling for our Christmas for Kids Program to benefit students in District Two. Each year it seems that we start earlier on this project, and with good reason. Throughout the year we were able to assist 837 families with various needs; a 21% increase from last year. This number includes 384 children with Christmas and we expect this number to grow again this year. The success of this project depends on those who will sponsor children in families who need assistance in Spartanburg County School District Two.
To sign up to sponsor a child, please call 864-578-6013 and speak with Jessica McKinney or go to our website www.upstatefrc.org and fill out the Kids for Christmas donation form and email it back to jessica.mckinney@spartanburg.k12.sc.us.
To the best of our ability we will work with other community organizations to make sure that there is no duplication of services. If you know of a family that could benefit from Christmas for Kids Program, please tell them to call and speak with either Kelley Ezell or her assistant, Jessica McKinney. |
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Volunteer Spotlight
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Meet Rosemary Fagan!
 "I saw in our bulletin at Boiling Springs First Baptist Church that Upstate Family Resource Center needed volunteers for various assignments and one of the requirements listed was some experience in human relations. I was drawn to this since my work history included 36 years experience in all areas of Human Resources.
I came in and talked with Teresa who was interviewing some of the first volunteers on December 5, 2007. The next Tuesday I began helping Upstate Family Resources Center. In February 2008, Sandy Seay, who was heading up the Harvest Ministry, needed help and I began working with Sandy.
I am proud to say that I will have three years of voluntary service with Upstate Family Resource Center/Harvest Family Ministries in December 2010."
- Rosemary Fagan |
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Ways you can help!
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Enjoy a delicious dinner and fellowship for a great cause!!! Take your family to
dinner and show your kids that helping their community can be fun!
Denny's on Highway 9 in Boiling Springs is partnering with the Upstate Family Resource Center on October 28th from 4pm to 10pm. 15% of your receipt will be donated to the Center!!
Help make the Upstate a better place to live!!
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Support Funds for Families!
Your contribution will support the efforts of the Upstate Family Resource Center in their work to assist, educate, and empower families in the District Two and surrounding areas.
Wherever you see this logo-
show your support!
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Don't Forget About Us!
Gifts given between now and the end of the calendar year, December 31, 2010, can be used as a tax exemption. Please go to our website for further details and to make your donation today.
Contact
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phone: 864-578-6013
email: info@upstatefrc.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We continue to transform lives every day, but before children and their families can turn to us, we must turn to our supporters. With your gift, we can continue fulfilling our daily mission to provide a place where families can find the help and support they need to lift themselves up. |
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