eRISEN- events newsletter 8/09/2009

EPISCOPAL CHARITIES UPDATE

Many thanks to our dedicated volunteers who are working hard to encourage people in their parishes to participate in the important and wonderful work of Episcopal Charities! Congratulations to our donors for their support and commitment to helping our fellow Rhode Islanders who are in fragile situations and living on the edge. We are all feeling the pinch in our economy and the problems it has brought, but none more than those who were already marginalized.

Episcopal Charities normally distributes the grant monies to agencies in three stages: half the grant in July, a quarter in October, and the final quarter in December.

This year, for the first time in our 50+ years of existence, there is insufficient cash to meet the July commitment. It was decided to distribute a third, instead of a half, of the promised funds to agencies in July. While it is not what the agencies expect, it is the best that we can do at this time.

We hope and pray that before the year is done, the 2009 commitment of $485,000 can be met. We recognize that these are difficult times. Individuals, parishes, agencies, and communities all have their special, difficult challenges. Our challenge is to help the poor, homeless, sick and hungry.

What each of us can do to achieve this end, individually and together, matters in a very real way.

Here's the Campaign update.
-As of August 5, 2009, 68% of our $500,000 goal has been pledged.
-Participation throughout our Parishes is at 50%

If you have not participated yet, just think of all the good your gift will do for so many. Please join with others across our diocese to help Christ in healing the gaps, hurts, and brokenness in thousands of lives. YOU can be a BRIDGE between their aspirations and accomplishments!

Here's how you can help:

-PRAY DAILY.

-GIVE GENEROUSLY.

-ENCOURAGE FELLOW PARISHIONERS TO PARTICIPATE.

-BE JOYFUL AND THANKFUL!

Praise God for the healing work and ministries of Charities, for His blessings, miracles, and love that shine through our hands, our gifts, and our work together.

Any questions? Contact the Episcopal Charities Office at 275 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903, 274-4500, ext. 234 for Peggy and 233 for Jack.

YOUR EPISCOPAL CHARITIES DOLLARS AT WORK

The Bradford Jonnycake Center Inc. of Westerly provides food, clothing, and assistance for rent, heat, utilities, prescriptions and other basics to those in need in the Westerly-Chariho area. They target low to moderate income families and elderly residents with a wide diversity of ethnicity in that area. They have a director, a case worker, four associates and many volunteers who work in the store and food bank.

The agency is located in downtown Westerly. Their expansion of services and the increased need in those communities has resulted in a dramatic increase in requests for assistance. The food pantry provides clients with a choice of food. Last year 81,000 equivalent meals were distributed. They have an emergency financial assistance program which also extends to tuition assistance and scholarships. Collectively the needs of the clients are being documented and efforts are made to assist them to become self-sufficient. Clients receive help in their search for employment and assistance with tuition for vocational education.

This agency operates a well organized thrift store which has expanded to include furniture and large items. Proceeds from this store provides for all operating expenses. The Bradford Jonnycake Center and other community agencies cooperate and collaborate to serve the people of the community. Among these collaborative agencies are W.A.R.M. - Westerly Area Rest Meals, Wood River Health Service (they, too, are funded by Episcopal Charities!), South County Community Action, Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, URI Students, Basic Needs Network and Farmer's Markets.

For more information contact: Claire Litizio, M.S.W., PO Box 273, Westerly, RI 02891.