Spotlight Newsletter
UMKC social work student was able to connect her with Truman Medical Center for medical emer- gency and other agencies. She grew comfortable and fond of us and gave us the joy of giving.
We grew attached to this very stately woman and were sad- dened to say good bye but over- joyed to take her to the airport to be homeward bound and recon- ciled with her children. This Christ- mas will be a special one for Ariel and her children. Her family and all of us at TrueLight were blessed by the joy of giving.
The Season of Giving Back -
A Word from the Director
Alice Piggee-Wallack
The Holiday Season officially marks the season of giving. Sadly, much too often the season of giv- ing becomes one of disappoint- ment--gifts that will be returned or set on the shelf, toys broken, and sometimes tears shed because “That is not what I wanted.” Sounds unfulfilling? Most defi- nitely! The gift of giving back brings fulfillment and joy—a gift that reaches out to touch others and returns to bestow its blessings upon the giver. Giving back is giv- ing the gift of love.
Shantel Crutison enjoys giving. In July 2008, Shantel and her mother, who had just moved from
another state to be with her, sud- denly found themselves homeless. For an entire summer these women came to E-Station to find shelter from the elements. Be- tween job s e a r c h e s , Shantel and her mother helped with chores and serving lunch. They wanted to give back. Suddenly, doors of op- portunity swung open for them—a job with the Metro, a teaching as- signment for her mother, an apart- ment and fulfillment.
Shantel continues to give back
two Wednesdays each month. She purchases and prepares lunch for twenty women who sit where she once sat and offers en- couraging words—“Feed your body but don’t forget to feed the spirit.”
This Holiday Season ask your- self, “How can I make this season more fulfilling?” This year choose to give a gift of giving back... give a gift of love. Holiday blessings.
Alice
Volume 4 Issue 2. Fall/Winter 2013
Ariel’s Story
TrueLight FRC has thought a lot
and had no prior connectedness about giving back prior to and
to the city. Fortunately, she was during the holiday season. Giving
brought to Emancipation Station back hope, dignity, respect, and
and introduced to women who providing loving service is what
come to us from we do. Rebuilding broken lives
77 years old.
the Forest Ave- and community is our reason for
A “run away”
nue Women’s being.
A month ago we received a call about a 77-year-old senior
alone in a strange city.
Shelter. Those women who have lost their who had come to Kansas City on
housing gave by Amtrak from another state. The
taking responsibility for getting our woman had “run away” from
senior to and from the overnight home, not wanting to feel like a
shelter. TrueLight provided a safe burden on her adult children. She
day place, hot meals, bus passes was like a ship without a compass.
and a listening ear. We gave Ariel did not know Kansas City
encouragement and hope. Our
This Holiday Season ask yourself, “How can I make this season more fulfilling?”
TrueLight Family Resource Center
“Rocking music, street dancing, good food, games, giveaways and prizes...all part of True Light’s Block Party to support and enhance community.
Thank you for your generous support:
7th Heaven Arvest Bank Backyard Burgers Bank of America Brookside Party Ware- house Chris Nickens Connections to Success Costco Demasters Insurance DJ Party Tyme Produc- tions Gee Geez “Grandpa Pokey”
Janet Moss Joel Wakham Job Corp KCATA KKFI Radio Liberty Women’s Health Macy’s Northeast Animal Hosp. Operation Breakthrough Paul Mesner Puppets Progressive Insurance PUMA Futbol Club Rachel House Resource Center
Ramanda Hicks Restart INC. Second Wind Counseling Sho Me Luv Enterprises Sweet Tomatoes Tabitha McLaren Thomas Rogue & Susan Knittle Thriftway U.S. Bank Velvet Crème Popcorn Wild Woodys Wilma Postlewait
☼ Harvest Ridge Covenant
Church ☼ Shelterwood, Southwoods
Christian Church ☼ Farmer’s Insurance ☼ Harmony Middle School ☼ Pembrooke 6th Grade ☼ First Trust Mortgage ☼ Band of Sisters ☼ IHOP ☼ Advent Luthern ☼ Shawnee Nazarene ☼ St. Peters United Methodist
LOVE IN ACTION
COMMUNITY
Volunteers from First Trust Mortgage
A Joyful Sound
The air is humming at Emancipa- tion Center with the sounds of build- ing, reshaping, restructuring and renewal. The kitchen project—the renovation of a woefully inade- quate and outdated facility-- is well underway thanks to many wonder- ful supporters and friends who are helping to make a long-held dream a reality. TrueLight provides over 9,600 meals a year to our homeless and at-risk community; the new kitchen will allow enhancement of these services and enable True Light to further reach out to our marginalized and underprivileged friends.
A Recital of Sacred Songs, a per- formance benefitting the kitchen project, raised $1,131.00 for the capital campaign effort. Thanks to Christy Bravo and friends Kimi Yoko- yama, Diane Robertson, Erica Ba- ruth, and Terry Foster for raising funds and your voices in a joyful sound of love.
Your donations at work...
9,600 - nutritious meals served 2,480 - clothing (clients served)
3 - electric (clients served) 98 - water (clients served) 89 - diapers (clients served) 420 - general (clients served)
BUILDING A FUTURE
SHARING KINDNESS
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Volunteers Making a Difference:
☼ Arts & Crafts ☼ Answering phones ☼ Giving professional manicures ☼ Picking up diapers ☼ Beautifying ES ☼ Teaching knitting/crocheting classes ☼ Painting and carpentry ☼ Serving meals ☼ Distributing clothing ☼ Teaching computer classes ☼ Giving job-interview training sessions ☼ Organizing donations ☼ Donating clothing, food and other
necessities
Thank you, Friends...
Sunderland Foundation Metro Lutheran Ministries Glasnapp Foundation J. E. Dunn Christy Bravo & Friends Paul & Mavis Griesemer Gary Chumley Tom & Sandie Anderson Pastor Jed John Way Susan & Rodney Klassen Pam Lockhart & Friends Harvest Ridge Covenant Church
Accomplishments As we approach 2014 and a new beginning, it behooves us to reflect on the passing year individually and corporately to ascertain what we did well and where we missed the mark. I asked some women at E Station, “What are you looking for- ward to in 2014?” Tameshia answered, “Knocking down some barriers. I won’t let anyone or nothing stop me from getting my GED and I will devote my time to oth- ers.” She wants to enroll in college even- tually and experience school in a positive way. Her words, “I want a title!” Shareefah says 2013 blessed her with a new home and a more intimate relationship with God. She is looking forward to forgiveness in 2014. Another answered 2013 had taught her humility. When she was younger she had everything she needed. 2013 brought conflict and the untimely death of her daughter; but she says she is beginning to hear the sound of laughter again. Corporately, Freedom House had three women transition to homes. Doretta wrote this note: “I will be moving out this weekend. Thanks for allowing me the op- portunity to let me stay here (Freedom House) and get back on my feet.” We ac- complished self reflection and growth in our lives.
We look forward to a new year of dissolving barriers, wondrous transitions, growth and success on every level. Happy New Year...welcome 2014!
TrueLight Christmas Party—2012
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
A Helping Hand... Step into Service at TrueLight.
There are many ways to help us help those in need: ♦ Donate.
Send donations to TrueLight Family Resource Center, 712 E. 31st St., KCMO 64109, or through Community Foundation Donor Edge at www.gkccf.guidestar.org ♦ Volunteer.
Share your knowledge! Teach classes to the women of Emancipation Station. Sort donations and help with clothing closet. ♦ Donations needed:
Non-perishable food. Paper and plastic products. Hygiene kits and/or individual hygiene products. Socks and undergarments. Men’s clothing.
Thank You For All You Do!
May you have a beautiful Holiday, wrapped in warmth, touched with wonder and filled with love.
Visit us at www.truelightfrc.org
TrueLight Family Resource Center 712 East 31st Street Kansas City, MO 64109 Phone: 816.561.1700 FAX: 816.561.1715 Website: www.truelightfrc.org
©2013 TrueLight FRC
EMANCIPATION STATION CHRISTMAS PARTY
Monday, December 23 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM TRUE LIGHT FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER 712 East 31st Street, Kansas City, MO 64109
Information: Call Patricia at 816-561-1700
