Chest of Hope Magazine

CHEST of HOPE

ISSUE 10/July 2023

THRIFTING FOR A CAUSE

TREASURE CHEST THRIFT AT WEST VALLEY MALL

Budget-Friendly Budget-Friendly Budget-Friendly Healthy Finds at Healthy Finds at Healthy Finds at Farmer's Market Farmer's Market Farmer's Market

Cool Summer Recipes

RECYCLE REPURPOSE REUSE

THRIFTING & SUSTAINABILITY

A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Merlyn Pittman Founder & Exec. Director

Chest of Hope

Summer greetings are being extended to everyone. I am sure, like me, you’re enjoying this preidyllic summer weather we are experiencing, cool mornings and evenings and sunny days. I look forward to the downtown concerts our city hosts, where everyone euphorically congregates to dance and engage with each other Yet, homelessness, abusiveness, and many other situations still exist within that atmosphere As an organization, Chest of Hope tackles these situations as they arise.

However, today, I would like to highlight a bright side to our community and the outstanding businesses that have stepped up to support Chest of Hope in our time of need We had sent out an “S O S ” requesting paint for a couple of projects we are undertaking, and two of our community businesses readily came forward to support our needs Those businesses are Kelly Moore Paint and Fresh Coat Painters I am incredibly appreciative of their contributions, considering that Chest of Hope operates under stringent conditions, and any assistance that is given is most welcome. Fresh Coat Painters have extended their contributions to providing a painter to us to assist in finishing our project. I thank these two businesses- Mr. Kevoeun Dy of Kelly Moore Paints and Mrs. Virna Hudson of Fresh Coat Painters

We continue to serve our community, even extending help beyond our County We hope others will step up and support our quest to spread L.O.V.E. ( Leave Out Violence Everyday).

~Merlyn Pittman

THE CRINGE EFFECT

WRITTEN BY WANDA IRISH

My apologies in advance, for this will not be water cooler conversation You know how; when God has sent you on, yet another path filled with learning experiences, you either pull up your bootstraps or you jump ship The latter is not one of these experiences for me You know you ’ ve been sent out on a mission, something greater than yourself Well, because you can. With technology today, one has the ability to go down the “rabbit hole” of what fuels your desire to help others escape their own living nightmare One cannot just sit by and do nothing; it would be inhumane to do nothing Even if you help just one person, that one person could lead to many more if you just tried So here I sit, with nothing more to lose Research is everything in my book The more you know of the truth, the more you grow

So, I start on the adventure of binge-watching YouTube videos on human trafficking I was gravely mistaken about the severity of these crimes I thought it was mainly about prostitution rings within the downtown venues and dive motels That is NOT just the street corner pimp you had to make sure you and your kids stayed clear of back in the day No, the perpetrator could be your next-door neighbor, teacher, pastor, or worse, a family member. The perpetrator will be someone who can financially better themself from you without your knowledge or consent. And the victim can be either a child woman or man from brutal labor camps to organ harvesting and sex trafficking The grooming starts before you even expect it Trust has been established, and your guard or instincts have been inhibited without your permission You’ve been promised a pipe dream to better yourself or your family Who wouldn’t want a better life, especially with the difficulty of surviving everyday life nowadays? It’s not fair to be tricked in this manner (Continued on page 9)

By Jessica Alfaro

We are living in the year 2023, and it is no surprise that the majority of our days are spent in front of a screen. Learning from a screen, reading from a screen, talking, writing, connecting, creating, and even eating in front of some sort of electronic device. This is the "new norm." Remember books, though? Remember the peace that came with finding a good spot to settle in and get lost between the pages of a good book? San Joaquin public libraries do, and they have a wonderful way to get you and your families back into reading this summer!

San Joaquin Public Library has introduced a new summer reading incentive program-absolutely free, of course! The program is called the "Summer Reading Challenge." In this program, teens and adults are required to read three books Once the books are completed, head down to the library and ask for a reading log. List the book titles on the reading log along with a star rating, and return to your library branch After submitting your reading log, you'll be rewarded with a raffle ticket and a free book!

Once you fill out your information on the back of the ticket, you can enter the raffle by placing your ticket into the box designated for your desired prize. The person listed on the form will be entered into the SSJCPL summer reading raffles by submitting the log and free raffle ticket There are many great prizes, including but not limited to a Nintendo Switch, a mini refrigerator, and a summer inflatable water station! Prizes may vary from branch to branch. Still looking for more? They've got it! Manteca Library also has a program to help get your little ones k-12 on the right track to reaching their grade-level reading requirements Introducing BOOK BUDDIES; in this program, your child is paired with a tutor to work with at no cost to you! Take a break from all the screens and visit the San Joaquin Public Library's website for more information on all the great activities and events to take advantage of with your family this summer

WINTER VEGETABLE GARDENING

By Howard Ong

THE CRINGE EFFECT

As I continue to research, I find that there is a “process” to all of this. Human trafficking is a multibillion-dollar industry. Why? Well, seems that there is the elite that has mastered a way to be most inhumane ever imagined. We, humans, are nothing more than rubbish to them. I was soon filled with disgust but, eager to understand what is going on. I’ve come to the conclusion it is all about the almighty dollar I’ve watched a documentary from one survivor, whose story has made me cringe to the point where I must share it so, I may get the word out of the seriousness of human trafficking and the need to put it to an end

Imagine being around 4 years old, about the time your memory will start to hold your life experiences for you to remember in your future. Your loving mother has just allowed a man to have his way with you sexually. She’s just made a nice chump of change and now will continue to “make a living” of this business venture. You’ve been passed around the community and will be sent out of state and to other countries as you’re quite the commodity for your family At this point, someone else will be your guardian and coordinate the sex crimes against you You’ll travel by underground tunnels across the United States, be sold and shipped to Russia, and come back to Hollywood/San Moreno Valley, CA. This will go on even if you’re in the foster care system, public schools and will continue until you’re well in your twenties. Unless someone is brave and kind enough to save you from this nightmare.

Now, I know that the average person would never consider committing such disgusting actions against your child. But, the fact remains that this happens more often than one would like to accept. My research has found that the abuse is happening at soaring rates and the main coalition behind the trafficking is the amount of money that can be made per person. Each person held in trafficking can be subjected to 5 abuses per day, each day per year A person is also at risk of organ harvesting when there is no more sexual abuse It’s becoming common to use infants and young children as blood sacrifices It is truly unbelievable what is happening when we talk about human trafficking. I could not believe how many times I’ve cringed over the last few weeks. Miraculously, this victim has become a successful teacher and mentor to young children. She has gone on to do interviews and guest speaking against human trafficking. She is definitely a champion and an inspiration for others to get the word out that help is needed. Not yesterday, not tomorrow but, right now.

THRIFTING FOR A CAUSE

By Staff Writer

of domestic violence and human trafficking in San Joaquin County. Five years after holding its Ribbon Cuttingat126thW.11thStreet, the popular store recently relocatedtoWestValleyMall after renovations created parking challenges for patrons.

The proverbial saying "When one door closes, another door opens " never rang more true than it did on July 8thwhenChestofHopeheld its Grand Re-opening of Treasure Chest Thrift. The upscale thrift store is an affiliate business of Chest of Hope, created by Founder and Executive Director Merlyn Pittman in 2018 to help advance the organization's mission of supportingvictims

Pittman is well-known and respected for pioneering bold and brave ideas that push back against status quo ideas of accomplishing big goals. RelocatingTreasureChestThriftto West Valley Mall was one of those pushes. And despite mixed feelings about a thrift store relocating to a mall constantly struggling to attract communitydesired retailers, the Grand Reopening was very successful Team Member Jade, who helped prepare the new space, was optimistic just days before the Grand Reopening, "Honestly, everything is going fantastic so far We are really excited about our opening that's coming up The setup in the store is looking really great. We wanted to go a completely different route than the floor plan in our prior residence.

(Continued on page 13)

would be homeless. I de two friends. I love g so much and cooking do it with Mommy. I oom because there is a nd there are so many memories that I have at place." -X, 9 (age 9)

"I like staying at the Hope's place home because it's fun and you can make new friends. I made three friends. I like the room because it's big and it has bunk beds. I like to cook garden and play with Mommy. I am grateful that we can stay here." -

L, 7-- (age 7)

Chest of Hope Team Member Pamela

Wineberg was there on opening day to open the store, support, and welcome guests. With the boom of online shopping, like most malls nationwide, West Valley Mall has borne the impact of declining interest in in-person shopping. Wineberg stated, "I was surprised that it was so busy. It was worth all the hard work I know what it goes to, and I see firsthand how it helps and how we are giving back to the community It's a great way to give back and support women, offer them hope, inspiration, and maybe even a job "

Thrift stores are on the rise People realize that mainstream corporate companies are producing products that contribute to our landfills, the toxicity of our environment, pollution, etc. Young people are taking it upon themselves to go to thrift stores and buy upcycled clothes, house products, furniture, and stuff like that because we want to reduce the waste that's happening. It's not only trending, but it's actually necessary It's a great message that we're spreading and bringing awareness to so that people can come and be a part of the revolution, step up and help our planet and get good deals in the meantime We have a lot of name brands that you wouldn't expect to see at a thrift store "

"We have a lot of name brands you wouldn't expect to see..."

Legislating Hope

Transforming Legislation To Transform Lives

San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office

Family Justice Center - (209) 468-2600

Domestic Violence Unit - (209) 468-8979

Victim/Witness Program - (209) 468-2500

Chest of Hope

Main Office: (209) 831-7889

Helpline: (209) 259-5552

Prevail

Main Office - (209) 941-2611

24-hour Sexual Assault Help Line - (209) 465-4997

24-hour Battered Women's Help Line -(209) 465-4878

Child Protective Services

24-hour Response - (209) 468-1333

Child Abuse Prevention Council (209) 464-4524

Stockton Police Department Domestic Violence Unit (209) 937-8323

Budget-Friendly Healthy Finds at

by Wanda Irish

Come on out and visit your local Tracy Farmer’s Market! Not only will you enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of your community but, you may also be able to put more wholesome food on your table for your money How, may one ask?

Use your EBT card at the market location and they will match you up to $10 per day per household. Visit the information booth to use your card to receive redeemable tokens. EBT tokens can be used for any qualifying foods including fruits, vegetables, honey, eggs, popcorn, baked goods, hummus, yogurt, drinks, and more! Market Match tokens can only be used for fruits & vegetables.

This is an opportunity for families to have a greater selection of the foods they prepare and to educate their children on the value of a dollar The farmers are very knowledgeable about the food they grow and how best to prepare it for a healthy eating lifestyle. The Tracy Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, located in Downtown Tracy CA, on Central Ave., between 9th and 7th Streets. This market runs all year long, allowing you and your family to enjoy the natural season of when to eat certain fruits and vegetables. You’ll start to notice your eyes being drawn to different colors in the year, this aligns with the fruits and vegetables harvesting schedule. When you eat what is in season your body will be healthier in the long run. Quality over quantity but, with this deal, one can have both!

RECYCLE REPURPOSE REUSE

THRIFTING & SUSTAINABILITY

From corsets to codpieces & Poodle skirts to parachute pants, fashion has repeatedly proven itself fickle, changing for no other reason than corporate consumption yelling, "Out with the old and in with the new " Throughout the decades, we've watched trends come and go before we've even had the time to participate in them. With clothing going from debut to discount to the dump every season, people were finding it harder to afford the "latest and greatest" and keep up with society's idealistic standards of what you should wear and how you should look. According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency 2018, Americans contributed seventeen million tons of clothing and textile waste to our landfills Between 80 & 100 billion new clothing garments are produced globally every year, and 87% of the materials and fibers go straight into the trash or incinerators adding to the toxicity in our environment That staggering number only pertains to the US alone. These corporate giants have not only been free of accountability for pollution and water waste, but they also are responsible for the advertisement that brainwashes consumers into funding it all.

BY JADE CUELLAR

As concerning as this is, there's definitely a light at the end of this tunnel For the first time in my lifetime, we are witnessing a global shift of consciousness! As people wake up to their individuality and the reality of our dying planet, we are seeing humanity not only take action against these environmentally harmful companies but also look great doing it! How is this possible you ask? Why it's THRIFTING, of course!

Thrift stores have become increasingly popular in the last decade. Known for their great prices and awesome finds, thrift stores are not only helping humanity LOOK amazing & save money, but they are helping our public take action by reducing carbon & chemical pollution caused by clothing and product production, helping our mother earth by cutting down on plastic and the destruction of trees and lowering water consumption! Join the movement today and give yourself the GIFT OF THRIFT by supporting your local thrift stores