Fall '12 Newsletter Overcoming Stereotypes One evening in July, the Ark was visited by Jaclyn Miles, Miss Canada 2012. Jaclyn lives in London and is using her platform to speak out about stereotypes we often have of one another and particularly to raise the issue of domestic abuse. Before we served the evening meal that night, Jaclyn told some of her story. What she said surprised many people. In looking at someone with a crown, it is easy to assume a charmed life. A tall, pretty, healthy, young woman with national prominence is just about as good as it gets. But Jaclyn's story is very different. Growing up, she didn't have the 'right' clothes. She struggled with being 'fat.' She was bullied. Later, as a young adult, she was involved with an abusive man and her life was threatened. Somehow she found the courage and strength to escape that situation and begin to rebuild her life and self-image. When she was approached to participate in the Miss Canada pageant, she refused, not wanting to again be judged on superficialities, such as physical appearance. But the Miss Canada contest is about personality, without the stereotypical swimsuit. With that, Jaclyn realized that winning the contest would provide her with greater opportunity to speak out about domestic abuse and to encourage people that, no matter what kind of abuse they may be trapped in, there is hope. So, Jaclyn shared her story and stayed to visit with everyone who wished to speak to her. There were some important conversations. Poverty is one of those issues which abound with stereotypes: People should just 'get a job.' They should have some self-respect. They should learn to live within their means. They are all irreligious or at least have strange beliefs. People are poor because of their own (bad) choices. Poor people can't be trusted. Poverty will always be here so why even try? Perhaps you can add your own stereotype. If there is one thing I have learned from working on Dundas St. is that everyone has their own story. Poverty in fact is complex. If you were to sit at an Ark table for supper one night, the person on one side of you may be part of the cycle of poverty that gets passed from one generation to the next. The person on the Once you label me other side may at one time have made more money than you ever have. The one across the table may have suffered an injury and gotten hooked on painkillers, never thinking that you negate me. ~ Søren Kierkegaard someday they would be an addict. Your fourth table-mate may struggle daily with their mental health for so long that even his family has given up on him. Of course, you might be there because your job suddenly disappeared, your savings are exhausted and people your age just don't get hired (that is, if you have any self-esteem left so that you get out there looking). It would not be surprising if most of those at your table believed in God. One of our friends told his story and how the Ark has helped him to some visiting businessmen. He said he never felt judged here; that people just relate to one another. Recently, someone new came in because she had heard 'they help people at the Ark.' Her comment was about how friendly everyone seemed. I pray that is always true. No one wants to be seen only as a stereotype or a statistic. Jesus liked to be with unsavory people, 'prostitutes, tax collectors and sinners.' He had a lot of complaints about that. Of course, it is much easier to complain about those who care for others than to overcome one's prejudices and to reach out to someone hurting and in need. And Jesus is still doing the same thing, through his people right here in Old East Village. You may or may not be physically here, but your support means you are part of it all. The Ark Aid Street Mission, Inc
696 Dundas Street E., London, Ontario N5W 2Z4 Tel. 519-667-0322 Fax: 226-289-3045 E-mail: info@arkaidmission.com Web: www.arkaidmission.com
Around the Building The Ark is fortunate to own a large building on Dundas St. in the heart of Old East Village. It is not at the mercy of a landlord and we can use the space creatively. When we give tours, we frequently hear, �I had no idea you did so much!� But of course, buildings require some tender loving care, too. This year, because of so many cheerful donors we have: added to the new boiler heating system we installed last year, faced the upper level windows and trim with aluminum, altered the entry from the dining room to the office making the kitchen more secure, removed the floor and rooms (which at one time were used for drugs and prostitution) in one basement, expanded the art studio in another basement and replaced the dining room floor. The old floor was indoor/ outdoor carpet while the new floor is commercial linoleum, is very easy to clean and makes the room much brighter. The building is a tool and like all tools, if you take care of it, it will take care of you! Join our Biker Gang! Saturday, September 29 (or another day if that suits better) get on your bike and ride for the Ark. Over the past two years, our riders have raised over $11,000. You can register a team of friends to ride with you or join Team Ark at www.rideforrefuge.org/partner/arkaid. Sponors can donate to your ride online or you can download sponsor forms and collect the funds. This year's official Ride will be hosted in Aylmer. If that is inconvenient, we can work with you to ride at a time and place that suits. If you can't ride yourself, you can sponsor someone, like Assistant Director, Wayde Foss in Team Ark. Just visit the link or mail in your gift. We're looking for a great day of Love, Sweat and Gears!
Old East Village Sidewalk Sale, Music & Art
Beck Hearing Aid Centre sponsored a fund-raising walk
Fall Forward Thanks to all those who have contributed this year. Because of your generosity the Ark has been able to care for so many people and improve the building. Did you know the Ark has 3 streams of support: financial, donated goods (eg. food) and volunteers? Every donated dollar generates nearly $3 additional value in goods and time. We manage funds very carefully because we value your trust. News media like to publish stories where charities have abused Volunteers Larry & Murray ready to serve that trust and those stories may harm good charities. The Ark afternoon snacks, coffee & fruit provides good value in leveraging one dollar into four. The Ark meets all the Better Business Bureau guidelines for charities. The accounts are reviewed annually by a reputable accounting firm. You are always welcome to come and see for yourself! In supporting the Ark you are supporting your neighbours. With just a small twist of fate, these could be your kids, or you. More people are asking for our help. Thank you for looking past the stereotypes and caring for real people. Doug Whitelaw Executive Director Twitter: @ArkAidMission
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