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THE DOCTOR IS IN!
In November 2011, Dr. Filippo Masciarelli - Chief Medical Officer, and Alice Masciarelli - Volunteer Executive Director, of Denton Community Health Clinic started seeing patients at Our Daily Bread. Dr. Masciarelli and his team focus on providing access to healthcare for both the uninsured and underinsured. The doctor sees any patient, regardless of ability to pay.
A temporary cubicle for patient and doctor privacy is set up in the OBD dining room (Fellowship Hall of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church) on Mondays from 12:00 to 1:30p.m. The doctor is currently seeing an average of 11 patients during that time.
With the growing need for healthcare by the less fortunate, Dr. Masciarelli and his team requested additional space within St. Andrew for assessments, tests, and counseling. St. Andrew has graciously agreed to provide the space to ODB for Dr. Masciarelli and his patients.
Beginning in August, Dr. Masciarelli will be able to see those with additional needs or those for whom follow-up visits are necessary in room 204. He and his volunteer staff will continue to have a presence in the ODB dining room to serve clients with minor, less time consuming health issues.
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ALTRUSA GRANT MAKES EASIER WORK OF KITCHEN PREP
Altrusa International Foundation, Inc., of Denton, Texas, recently presented Our Daily Bread with a grant. Belva Gibson, of Altrusa visited ODB to present the staff and volunteers with the check. Earmarked for a Fruit and Vegetable Sectionizer for the kitchen, the funds were happily accepted by ODB. The slicer, sectionizer will make prep work for daily meals much faster for those working in the kitchen. Chef Liz, volunteer Joyce Turner, and the rest of the folks dedicated to running the ODB kitchen are especially excited about how much time and effort will be saved by its use.
ODB is very grateful to Altrusa for this grant.
Belva Gibson, Altrusa International; Joyce Turner, ODB Volunteer; Chef Liz and Millie Bell, ODB Staff
...AND THEN THERE WERE THREE
The lack of storage space has been an ongoing issue for Our Daily Bread. In addition to space, augmentations for special storage needs have been necessary, but not available due to lack of funds.
Thanks to Sue Bancroft, a member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, ODB has recently added a much needed storage unit. Sue has a special place in her heart for ODB and its mission. The addition of this unit means that ODB now has three units in which to store food donations and other items. ODB wishes to extend its appreciation to Sue. Thank you, Sue, for your generosity and support to ODB's mission.
ODB Storage Units
In addition to needing a third unit for storage, the unit being used for food storage needed to be climate controlled in order to comply with City of Denton Health Department guidelines. This prayer was answered by the generosity of Terry and Bob Widmer, with their donation of a portable air cooling unit. Outside protective vent covers were professionally installed by Jim Jakusz to keep building vents free from rain water, bugs, and debris, while the door opening was insulated by both Jim J. and Bob Stewart. Joining the team, Ed Ingram arrived on the scene to help with installation of new shelving in the units. Thank you all for your contributions and hard work.
ODB Storage Units Vents
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PROGRAM COORDINATION STATION
Staff members from Denton County MHMR conducted Mental Health and First Aid training to ODB staff and volunteer Program Coordinators June 11-13. James Meredith and Rachel McGinnis, both MHMR counselors, conducted the three-day course. ODB staff members Anne Roberts, Rick Holliman, Liz Whitaker, and Daniel Sonney attended, along with volunteers James Warsop, Cathy Brown, Emma Fowler, and Cindy Beavers.
One third of ODB clients have indicated they suffer from mental health issues and/or disorders.
This course included information on how to identify the following issues:
- Risk of suicide;
- Risk of harm to others;
- Depression;
- Anxiety;
- Psychosis (es);
- Substance Abuse, and
- Eating disorders.
ODB staff and volunteers encounter clients on a daily basis with mental health issues. The attendees left the training better equipped, not only to recognize issues, but also to aid in referring clients for recovery options. Thanks to Denton County MHMR for delivering this important training to ODB.
MHMR Representatives James Meredith (front center) and Rachel McGinnis (right) with ODB Staff and Program Coordinators
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BITS AND PIECES
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS!
Through the end of July 2013, there were 7103 shifts, filled by 700 volunteers, totalling 22,000 hours of volunteer time. This time is the equivalent of more than 22 employees working full-time for 6 months (maybe more impressive 1,333,257 - that's over a million minutes). A tremendous 'Thank You' to all for a job well done.
VOLUNTEERING WITH ODB
If you are new to Our Daily Bread as a volunteer or would like to know more about it, orientation is offered each Tuesday and Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. It is important for each volunteer to attend one of these sessions once registered. These sessions serve to make the time each volunteer spends with ODB as meaningful and beneficial as possible. If you are unable to attend on these days please email ourdailybreaddenton@gmail.com to set an appointment.
It takes an average of 25 volunteers a day plus a full-time executive director and four part-time employees for Our Daily Bread to operate and continue its mission.
Besides daily food preparation, kitchen operation and food storage functions, other volunteer opportunities with ODB include:
- Daily food pickups;
- Pantry management;
- Food sorting and organization;
- Program Coordinators;
- Office Assistance; and many others.
For a complete list of Our Daily Bread volunteer opportunities and guidelines go to the ODB website at www.ourdailybreaddenton.org.
Sincerely,
Our Daily Bread
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Summertime Items Needed for Clients
Summertime and hot weather bring new problems and special donation needs. ODB clients need the following:
Aloe Vera gel
Allergy relief medication
Baby powder
Bottled water
Calamine lotion
Chap Stick or Lip Balm with sunblock
Cough drops
Deoderant (for men and women)
Hydrocortisone cream
Insect bite medication
Insect repellent with 25% or higher DEET
Sunblock or sunscreen
Over the counter pain relief medication
Container sizes should be for individual use. It is also important for them to be small for convenience, transport, and storage. Donations can be dropped off daily between 9a and 1:30p at Our Daily Bread, 300 W. Oak St. in Denton. If you wish to make a finiacial donation to purchase these items, you can do so by visiting the ODB website. |
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Liz's Recipe Corner | |
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Green Chile and Cheese Cornbread
Makes 12 servings
4 eggs
1 can (14.5 oz.) creamed corn
2 cups sour cream
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cumin (optional)
6 green onions (white, pale green parts only), chopped
12 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 roasted poblano chilies, stemmed, seeded, and diced or 1 can (7 oz.) diced roasted green chilies
Adjust the oven rack to center position and preheat oven to 350F. Lightly butter 9x13 in. baking pan.
Beat eggs in large
bowl. Stir in corn, sour cream, and oil. Add cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and cumin, if using. Mix until all ingredients are incorporated. Fold in green onions, cheese, and chilies. Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake until golden brown (55 - 60 minutes). Remove from oven and let rest15 minutes before serving. Cut into 12 squares and serve warm.
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