LifeStyles The Magazine Issue 1

Sharing our story from the encampments to the White House. A magazine of inspiration, education, and hope.

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

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“ My Congratulations and Appreciation to LifeStyles of MD, Inc for their dedication to the Southern Maryland Community. LifeStyles is a vital community member and partner , empowering our neighbors and friends in need to create a better quality of life for themselves and their community.”

- Maryland Senator

n o t e l d d i M ” c a Thomas “ M

By Authority of Earle B. Knapp, Treasurer Friends of Thomas “Mac” Middleton p. 2

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

F RO M T H E E D I TO R For over nineteen years LifeStyles of Maryland has diligently provided services to members of the Southern Maryland community. Especially for those in need of food, clothing and shelter. Although we serve thousands of people annually, we realized recently, after looking up from our work, there is a world of people out there that not only don’t know who we are and what we do; they are unaware of the many needs in our community.

As a result of this awakening we decided to create “LifeStyles: The Magazine”. This innovative leap will allow us to share our journey, detailing our story, from the homeless encampments to the halls of the White House. We envision a magazine that will educate and inspire, that will ignite in many a desire to get involved or for some the need to stay involved. Ultimately what you will see is that LifeStyles, Inc. in all of its moving parts is …” Hope Realized”.

Sandy Washington is the Executive Director of LifeStyles of MD

Send us your ideas for topics, comments, and questions!

hear o t ant w e W ou! y m o fr

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

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LifeStyles of MD, would like to thank all Tobacco Retailers who have taken the pledge to not sell tobacco to minors.

3 Laws every MD Tobacco Vendor Should Follow:

1. Ask for Photo I.D. for everyone under the age of 27 2. Check to make sure all customers are at least 18 years of age 3. Refuse to sell tobacco to underage children. p. 4

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

Table of Contents View From The Bottom: Interview from the Board Chair On the Streets 100: Real stories from our street A Point In Time: We All Count Southern Crossing: Creating housing for those in need Healthier LifeStyles: Living Life The Market: Making healthy foods convenient A Day In the Life: Not for the faint of heart Making a Difference: The impact of service A Look Inside: Hands of hope Where Are They Now? Lives touched by LifeStyles

Where are they now?

Volunteers Corner: The power of one

contributors Editor-In-Chief: Sandy Washington Graphics & Design: KLH Consulting, LLC www.klhconsultingllc.com Printing: RYJ Printing www.ryjprinting.com Contributing Editor: Courtney Jones Contributing Writers: Corae Young Sonie Jones Rewa Powell-Mack Amanda Pruitt

LifeStyles 101 Catalpa Drive, Suite 103 LaPlata, MD 20646 www.lifestylesofmd.org

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

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VIEW FROM THE BOTTOM

An Interview with Earle Knapp -LifeStyles’ Chairman of the Board

“Energy & Passion... that’s what grabbed me.”

Interviewer: Mr. Knapp what brings you to volunteer in the capacity that you do at LifeStyles?

Earle: The energy and passion experienced here. The staff is energized and passionate about what they do, the two go hand-in-hand. When you witness something like this, you want to be a part of it. I found since I have been with the organization over the past 5 years, it’s exciting to be here. And I say that because I belong to seven other Boards in the county and this is the one I love. Several times a day I can see the impact of the decisions that I am a part of as Board Chair.

Interviewer: As you know, Frank Sinatra was often nicknamed “Chairman of the Board.” You are truly the “Chairman of the Board” in Charles County. As you said you serve on seven different non-profit boards. Are you the chair of each of those boards?

Earle: On some I am and others I am just an avid board member. I thoroughly enjoy this. It keeps me abreast of what is happening in our community. It also allows me to connect the dots. There are so many organizations that have several programs. My being a part of these organizations allows for the sharing of knowledge and resources. All agencies, non-profit, government or quasi-government are trying to efficiently utilize resources. This has proven to be more effective when we are truly knowledgeable about each other’s programs. I think I bring that to the table.

Interviewer: What we find with you as Board Chair is (I don’t know if it is unique to other boards) that you seem to give a lot of yourself. Is that true?

Earle: If I don’t then the board won’t even listen to me or follow what I’m trying to do. As part of the board I am fully committed. I try to give what I can so the other board members always recognize my commitment and see that I am sincere. They also know when I present something to them that I have done my homework and they are willing to follow. I love it.

Interviewer: We’ve seen the board and the organization grow under your leadership. What do you think about that growth?

Earle: It scares me. It is a lot of growth; the board has grown from about three members who were involved to a nine member board. The budget was minimal and now it has increased significantly in the last 5 years. My only concern is that we manage that growth in a very healthy, positive way. I am in awe, but because of the passion and energy of the staff it was a natural outcome as far as I’m concerned. I didn’t think it would happen so fast and become as large as it has. But I am there, I see it progressing and it’s wonderful to see.

“I try to give of me what I can...”

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Earle Knapp is the Chairman of the Board of LifeStyles, Inc. He and his lovely wife Lanette reside in Charles County. Both are intricately involved in the caring of their neighbors through intense volunteer hours. At LifeStyles we believe the individual requesting services are at the top of our organization chart. Therefore, our view from the bottom article will reflect this upside-down perspective from the organizations’ leadership.

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

View From the Bottom Interviewer: What in your background sets the foundation for what you do?

Earle: My skill set is in management and I guess the bottom line is I love working with people. I’m convinced (it goes with what I said with the board. If people know that you are sincere and do your homework they respect that. I in turn respect what they’re doing and as an experienced manager can recognize an individual’s skill set and make the best use of that skill set for the betterment of the organization. Usually, people are open to trying new things, they’re open to a manager saying “can you try this?” I am not really a hands-on caring person, but I can size up a situation. I think about it and say “no I don’t really want to do that” or, I say “let’s try it”. At my age and stage I want to try and do all kinds of different things. I’m only going around one time so I want to try to do that right. (Laughs) Interviewer: You bring a global perspective to local initiatives. How many times have you traveled around the world?

Earle: Four times around the world, to 84 countries. My wife Lanette loves dealing with people, when we go to another country she is always interested in the people. So by design or default, so am I. We each learn so much from others. While there are many different cultures, people still have the same basic needs, whether at home or abroad. Mostly they need someone to care.

Interviewer: I look at all that you are doing. Most of the non-profits in the community are fighting over you. This has to make you feel good about what you are doing and what you have done?

Earle: It’s a feel good, and it shows that at least I have earned (hopefully rightfully) the respect that I can bring something to an organization that they may need. I don’t care about the adulation. I don’t ever want to diminish being recognized in any way shape or form. Because I am not seeking recognition, I don’t mind if I fail, but I want to try and I go from there. When you take the fear of failure out of the picture you can put your efforts in to getting the job done. I think that is what these organizations see in me. I’m about getting the job done Interviewer: What would be your elevator speech, to get someone to be a part of this movement that LifeStyles has going on, as a board member, board chair, and member of the community?

Earle: I would say, “It’s an organization that cares about all people. We care whether you live in a castle or a tent.” That is my elevator speech. I think it’s a good theme to have. Other organizations care about people within a context, whether it’s’ disease specific or age specific, and they do a great job, but we care about people within the whole context, the only category they have to fit in is having a need.

Interviewer: Earle Knapp puts in more hours before 10:00 than most people do all day.

Is that true?

Earle: My wife says the same thing. I’m an early riser. I make my visits to agencies and organizations I’m affiliated with early in the day to allow us to accomplish what we need to on that day before things get too hectic.

“That’s what it’s all about, helping the community!”

Interviewer: What are your thoughts on sharing on a regular basis your perspective through this vehicle some of the things you are seeing in the community?

Earle: I think it is a wonderful opportunity, If I can convey that by word to readers, maybe one or two more people might want to join us or another organization working to better our community, because essentially, that’s what it’s about - helping the community.

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

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Inside This Section Stop the Silence: Inside the Heroin Epidemic “A Point-In-Time” - We All Count!

100

On the Streets

LifeStyles p. 8

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

Stop the Silence: Inside the Heroin Epidemic - By Amanda

The heroin/opiate addiction rate in our state has increased by over 25% between 2013-2014. The numbers of deaths by overdose have doubled from 2010 to 2014. In 2014 there were 578 deaths as a result of overdose, and that was only in the state of Maryland.

In early 2015 Maryland issued a state of emergency, and assigned of the greater public’s misinformed perceptions of addiction. a special task force to address the devastating rates of death by Those who have overcome addiction, and those who love overdose. Baltimore, MD, which is right in our back yard is a high intensity, drug trafficking area. Our harbor is receiving the largest amounts of imported heroin from around the world. This heroine is going straight into the hands of our children and our loved ones, causing a dramatic spike in the rates of addiction in our area.

The heroin/opiate addiction rate in our state has increased by over 25% between 2013-2014. The numbers of deaths by overdose have doubled from 2010 to 2014. In 2014 there were 578 deaths as a result of overdose, and that was only in the state of Maryland; recent numbers exceed even those. This epidemic has touched too many families, and devastated too many lives. Even if you have not yet been affected directly, you have heard about the tragedy that is Heroine. It is impossible to remain passive on this issue when too many of our beloved community members have been taken from us before they reached their greatest potential.

There has been an uncomfortable silence surrounding opiate and heroin addiction. As a result, our community members have remained ill-informed of the true nature of addiction. The mass public continues to view addicts with judgment and condemnation. Such condemnation only prevents addicts from being honest and asking for help. The voices of those who have fought their demons, and those who have watched their loved one’s fight have been silenced and hidden as a result

them are a wealth of information that our community must embrace before it is too late. We must break the silence and educate our youth about the truth of addiction. Addiction is a disease, and it has the potential to take anyone at any time. If we can adequately inform and arm our young people we can stop addiction in its tracks, even before the first use.

Recovering addicts can share their stories to inspire others to face their own demons and come out on top. These stories bring much needed hope to those still struggling and their families. Hope that can inspire active addicts to seek options, to seek help, and to strive for sobriety. Those that have overcome their addiction can serve as a supportive community for those just beginning to take steps to transform their lives.

The heroin/opiate epidemic was for many years previously called a “Contained epidemic”. This simply means there has been a heroin/opiate epidemic for a very long time in neighborhoods considered low-income. All these areas have been littered with dirty syringes, used paraphernalia, drug dealing, drug purchasing traffic, public drug use, drug related violence, and drug overdose deaths. Addicts and drugs have controlled and destroyed the streets and neighborhoods of low income areas for years.

(Continued on next page.)

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On the Streets: Stop The Silence

The Heroin Epidemic is not a new one. In the recent past, the spread of heroin has gone out of the confines of their “contained” areas.

Middle and upper class families are now being affected by these destructive drugs. The addicts are getting younger and younger and the problem only keeps growing. With the spreading of opiate/ heroin use, the spread of the disease of addiction is at its highest ever; rapidly taking lives of people at astonishingly younger ages.

Too many young people, just beginning their lives, are being taken by this epidemic of death by overdose.

The accidental opiate/heroin overdose deaths in our society have more than quadrupled in the last ten years. As I am a recovering drug addict myself I know the truth of active addiction personally from the inside and I understand the chronic nature of the disease of drug addiction. As I have seen, those unaffected by this epidemic have a complete misunderstanding of the disease aspect of drug addiction. Addicts are most often misrepresented as having a moral deficiency; not a disease, rather a lack of strength and willpower. These negative views and judgments cause people to fear being exposed as an addict or fear exposing a family member as an addict.

Thus the domino effect results in addicts suffering in silence. The unaffected individual’s ignorance to the actual facts of the disease leads them to create unfounded judgments and opinions. Their “knowledge” is based on nothing more than fabricated assumptions of what addicts are supposed to look like (dirty or

unkempt and slumped over), what an addict is supposed to think like (selfish and weak minded), and how addicts are supposed to behave (violent and lazy).

My intense passion for the truth to be heard in our communities began upon hearing some of these perceptions frequently from those uneducated in, and unaffected by addiction.

The issue of misinformation is what initially helped me find my voice; the voice I needed to speak out and break my silence as a recovering opiate/heroin addict. I wanted addicts and society at large to know that without a doubt it has been proven that addiction to opiates/heroin IS a disease and does NOT mean you are weak minded individual.

Addicts obtaining this wrong information about their disease is causing them to, even when in desperate need, not reach out for resources and get help. Drug addicted individuals do not want to be seen as the lowly members of society. Rather they try to hide their disease until jails, institutions, or death make a decision for them. The only way to change the future for our young people is to get the truth out there.

In the next issue of LifeStyles the Magazine, I will share with you my personal journey and my road to recovery. I pledge to not be silent anymore while my friends and family are dying. I will educate our young people to give them a fighting chance and stop this epidemic from growing.

“As I am a recovering drug addict myself, I know the truth of active addiction personally from the inside and I understand the chronic nature of the disease of drug addiction. As I have seen, those unaffected by this epidemic have a complete misunderstanding of the disease aspect of drug addiction. Addicts are most often misrepresented as people having a moral deficiency; not a disease, rather a lack of strength and willpower.” - Amanda

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LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

The Facts

“A Point-In-Time” We All Count

The question of the number of homeless in our community requires multiple answers, because the data collected is collected in multiple ways. One way is through Point in Time (PIT). Each year, the Point in Time survey is conducted nationwide to try and get an accurate count of the number of homeless individuals in each region or county. This initiative in Southern Maryland is called “We All Count”; the play on words demonstrates that everyone matters and that everyone is involved in the count.

This year, the count was conducted on Wednesday, January 27th.

While it is a quick snapshot of those that are most vulnerable, it does not account for those persons who have been temporarily residing in substandard housing, motels, or those that are “couch surfing” (persons staying at a different residence each night but not a permanent residence). This year, 464 persons were counted as being homeless in Southern Maryland, of which 349 individuals (75%) were located in Charles County.

Of the 464 individuals, 251 persons were un-sheltered (i.e., residing in uninhabitable locations such as tent encampments or vehicles). 213 of those un-sheltered individuals (85%) were located in Charles County.

Another measurement is through the public school system, which uses the homeless definition through the McKinney-Vento Act. As of June 16, 2016, the Charles County Public Schools’ data shows that 522 school age children are homeless. These include children that are residing in motels and couch-surfing families. Another way we have collected data is through Charity Tracker, our web-based data collection system that is shared with multiple agencies.

Those that have received services from these agencies from January 1st - April 4th, 2016 include 262 un-sheltered households, comprised of 503 individuals.

Charles County has approximately 16 known encampments (tent cities). For many this is the only housing they can afford.

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Southern Crossing is a Faith-based venture seeking to provide supportive housing for 47 households. We are presently in the process of renovating the Shine Inn Motel. Southern Crossing will have Efficiencies, (1) one-bedroom, & (2) bedroom units to provide a nurturing setting for individuals and families to become self-sufficient.

Volunteers are needed to help assist with renovations. This initiative allows the community to work together to house those in need. Project staff will provide materials needed, instructions on assigned duties and oversight. For more information, to volunteer or to become a sponsor at any level please contact: Kathie Evans, Project Manager kevans@lifestylesofmd.org , 301-609-9900 Ext. 222.

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LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

Healthier

LifeStyles Health and Wellness is not a foreign subject for those who reside in the United States. I remember back when I was in school, programs were instituted into the education system to get young people moving. Today, this is more present than ever; for example, First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move campaign” launched on February 9, 2010 (http://www.letsmove.gov/).

It was great to see that health was at the top of the list as an effort to make lives healthier and more sustainable.

The Health and Wellness division of LifeStyles, is working diligently to present holistic approaches to meeting the health needs of individuals and families throughout the community. In partnering with other agencies, the Faith-Based community, other non-profits organization, as well as the local and State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the University of Maryland Charles Regional Center, our efforts have been successful as well as recognizable. We have focused on health challenges from healthy eating on a budget to chronic diseases.

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Healthier LifeStyles This year LifeStyles’ Minority Outreach Technical Assistance program, (MOTA) has reached over 4,000 individuals. This statewide initiative was developed to address health disparities among minority communities in the areas of cancer prevention, tobacco usage, infant mortality, and cardiovascular disease. We have emphasized health education and outreach to the Hispanic, Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, African American, and Native American populations in the Charles County area. We also partnered with the Charles County Health Department on the “I Watch Campaign.” This campaign reminds retailers of Maryland’s law regarding distributing or selling tobacco products to youth under the age of 18. We have educated the community on the danger of e cigarettes and participated in community forums. As a part of this program, a youth component was established. The LifeStyles’ “Youth Consortium” meets to develop tobacco commercials for television, radio and social media to educate their peers of the dangers of tobacco use.

“There remains much work to be done to make our community healthier, and we are committed to continuing to pursue health and wellness for all people. “ p. 14

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

The LifeStyles Mobile Market food initiative was developed to eliminate food deserts in the tri-county area. The Market provides access to fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy products, breads and cereals. The first phase of this initiative is being accomplished through grocery delivery to remote locations throughout the county by staff and volunteers, especially to the disabled and elderly population. Additionally, along with our “Cooking Matters” program we are educating individuals on how to read labels and shop nutritionally.

We transport individuals from the most rural areas in the community to local grocery stores and back home. Those that participate in classes receive gift cards towards their grocery purchases. The next phase of “The Market “is to utilize refrigerated trucks to create a market on wheels with designated routes throughout Southern Maryland.

Making Healthy Food Convenient Can you imagine being able to have fresh groceries come to you? Well that’s what “The Market” by LifeStyles is about, being able to bring to your neighborhood a real mobile market.

For more information on “The Market” or to request services contact us at info@lifestylesofmd.org.

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Core Values Word Search Compassion Competent Empathy Empowerment Innovation Respect Stewardship

Puzzle

Save The Date Safe Nights Begins October 1, 2016 and ends April 15, 2017.

Volunteer Appreciation, October 28, 2016 Walk to End Homelessness, November 17, 2016 Thanksgiving Basket Distribution - November 21, 2016.

Christmas Basket and toy distribution, December 21, 2016 p. 16

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

Staff and volunteers laugh sometimes when people ask us how our day was. Let’s just say, each day is never the same.

Staff and volunteers work around the clock to feed, clothe, shelter, and help those whom we encounter each day. We meet individuals throughout the day who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless. We encounter all types of situations: families dealing with a domestic violence situation; persons who are leaving incarceration in need of housing; families that have just been evicted and need shelter; “on-the-street” homeless that need to take showers, do laundry, pick up their mail, or meet with staff; and those whose household income is minimal and need food and clothing to try and make it through another day.

A

Day In The Life

- Corae Young

From 9:30 – 5pm each weekday, the office stays busy: between making phone calls to avoid having someone’s electricity turned off or to avoid a potential eviction; community members coming in to get help; transporting clients to and from doctor’s appointments and jobs; donors coming in throughout the day bringing food, clothing and other resources; the laundry room humming, cleaning clothes for our homeless; parents consoling children who may be hungry or tired from being without food or sleep; and those frequent office tours and meetings with partners, donors, clients, and those interested in doing more to help. So, when you ever ask a staff member or volunteer what happened that day, don’t be surprised to receive a long and surprising answer! Yet at the end of that day, we know that we have served well.

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Making a Difference - Programs & Services January 28, 2016: A Gentleman was referred to us through an outreach group.

Upon interviewing we discovered that Mr. J was a 52-year-old single disabled Veteran who was legally blind. He had been renting a basement apartment that flooded and became inhabitable. Since that time he stayed in different motels when he had the funds. Mr. J receives DSSI Disability Social Security Income, which unfortunately is not enough to even pay rent in this area.

February 3, 2016 He was an unbelievably, pleasant gentleman, always wanting to volunteer to help others. LifeStyles pulled in other partners in an effort to help. The Department of Social Services provided a stay at a local motel while Mr. J. continued to work towards finding permanent housing. He was granted a Rent Allowance Program (RAP) Voucher. While he was at the motel there arose a concern about his disabilities and the lack of accessibility.

Feb 8 2016: Because of the concern surrounding his disabilities, Mr. j was interviewed and then accepted into the Robert J. Fuller House. While he was there the staff, along with local partner agencies assisted him in applying for rental properties.

April 2, 2016 He moved into his own apartment In three months he was able to move from homelessness to being in independent permanent housing. Nothing can compare to the smile on his face and the gratitude he expressed.

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March 10, 2016 Mr. J was approved for a Unit at a local apartment complex.

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

Case Story Contributed By: Rewa Powell-Mack

Margaret serves as our Community Services Manager, overseeing our Transportation and Samaritan Project programs (food and clothing).

She connects those who are low income with volunteer and paid drivers to health and employment related activities throughout Southern Maryland and the Washington, DC region. Margaret collaborates with the other divisions in the organization, helping to fulfill the one- stop shop philosophy. Margaret is our “go to” staffer, when all else fails go to Margaret.

A look inside the staff that makes LifeStyles happen.

Veronica Alexander Is a Human Services Case Manager who brings a sense of comfort to individuals, helping to advocate for them and getting the assistance needed. She also assists with our homeless street outreach, ensuring those that are living in uninhabitable areas are connected with resources and provided the items they need.

We applaud Veronica for her diligence in working with the hundreds of cases she has touched since being with LifeStyles.

Susie Martin is our Bi¬-County Case Manager, covering our St. Mary’s office and serving clients in Charles County. Susie has a dedicated passion to help those less fortunate, especially for our homeless population. Don’t be surprised when you see this LifeStyles’ staffer out in the woods delivering water and blankets and food all hours of the day or night.

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

Tiarra Riley: If you want to know who answers the majority of your phone calls, we introduce you to Tiarra Riley! She has been with LifeStyles for eight months as its Office Manager and has proven to be a wonderful asset to the organization. She serves as the gatekeeper for LifeStyles, properly directing persons to the appropriate division or staff member. She offers a helping hand and caring smile to those who grace our office in need of help, providing comfort where needed.

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Where Are They Now? Lives That Have Been Touched by LifeStyles

Martin’s Story

Before coming into the program, life was bad and I was a broken man. I see clearly now that drugs are what ultimately took me down. Addiction to drugs took my wife, kids, housing, job, and relationships. Finally, I found myself with the clothes on my back and a couple of items in a grocery bag, literally homeless, sleeping in the woods. I can hardly think of those days because of the feelings I had, I was scared, vulnerable and in despair.

Talking to other people out on the street I heard of a place called LifeStyles. I had nothing so if the place could help me in any way, it was better than any alternatives I had. LifeStyles was nice, they even ran a shelter called Safe Nights. I applied and was approved and able to reserve a spot to sleep indoors at a church, that provided a hot dinner and breakfast in the morning. It was tough, I’m not going to lie, sleeping in a room full of people and following other people’s rules isn’t easy. But I wasn’t out on the street where I could never feel comfort or enjoy regular meals. I stayed the whole six months with Safe Nights. I had a great case manager who I became close to.

She tried to help me but the problem was I just didn’t get it. I was expecting other people to make things happen for me.

I was also having a lot of trouble with my family. My wife and kids were living with her parents and they were all mad at me and I didn’t get to be with my kids. The one thing I did do during this period was attend outpatient drug treatment and Father’s parenting class. I graduated some time ago but I still attend sessions there. But basically I did whatever I wanted and talked negatively about getting a job, finding housing or getting disability income. I was too comfortable and not pressed. Then Safe Nights ended and I never actually realized I was going to be homeless again, but I was. I was trying to stay clean and away from drama (which is common in encampments) so I slept in a barn where there weren’t people, except one guy. Occasionally drug users would crash in the barn but eventually they would move on. I was hungry – the whole summer. I was hot, dirty and my illnesses got worse. Good Shepherd UMC was good to me and helped any way they could. I could always go to LifeStyles for food, showers and my mail. But I was so broke it was hard to muster up money for Vango. I could not believe I was in this situation, I seriously thought I would not survive. If October 1st didn’t finally arrive, (when Safe Nights would start again) I suppose I would have died.

My cardiologist and doctor kept telling me I needed to have shelter to prevent deterioration of my conditions. I had lost 40 pounds. Safe Nights started! I was so grateful, I ate until I was full and slept in a comfortable safe place. Major relief came over me but a big change came as well. This time I was going to actually listen to my case manager, and assistant director and the director. I was going to be the best advocate for myself as I could.

I would make appointments and attend them as scheduled. I fully participated with Vesta and they managed my meds and continued to work on Social Security Disability Income. Something I should have had when I graduated high school. It felt good to be doing the right thing. When I saw LifeStyles staff, I could hold my head up and say what I was doing…I was manning up! The other huge thing that happened is I fell headlong in love with the Lord.

I found a church home and began to volunteer. I participated in January on the Point-In- Time survey, where the whole nation goes out to count the homeless.

(Continued on Next Page.)

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LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

Where Are They Now? I had lived on the street; I knew where the encamp-

churches, attend the Father’s Day program at DSS, vol-

ments were. I was the lead in a group and we actually

unteer assisting the police (who I used to be afraid of ),

made the front page of the Maryland Independent! My

street outreach, small income working at a gas station,

in-laws were impressed; no longer was I just spouting

and developed a Facebook page called “Praying for Home-

words – I was changing, for the better.

lessness”. My brothers and sisters on the street can input

Life in Safe Nights was good. I think it is especially God divined for us to be staying in churches. By staying in churches we are literally residing in God’s house. We are being clothed, fed, and sheltered by God’s people, whether they be from the church or Lifestyles. Bibles are always made available and bible study or church is always happening somewhere in the church while we are there. Everybody that is volunteering to help feed, shower, clothe us is a member of a church and feels strongly enough about our plight to help us is a member of a church. Action is a marvelous teacher. The more I learned, the more I realized that I had always lived for myself, and now that I had hit rock bottom I knew that the only way out was to rely on God and keep putting one foot in front of other doing the ‘next right thing’. As hard as I worked and as close

their phone number and request to be prayed for. Finally, I kind of feel like an unpaid employee of LifeStyles, as a man of God and because I experienced it, I feel the need to lend a hand of grace to those who are currently just trying to survive, as I was. Lastly, if the truth be known, I never had to be homeless. I could have always gone to Pennsylvania and stayed with my mom. Deep down I just knew that if I left the town where my wife and kids were, I would never be able to be in relationship with them again. Thanks to Lifestyles and the other good people in our community; I do now see my children regularly, my relationship with the in-laws is improving, and I hope my next big blessing will be a relationship with my wife.

Thank you LifeStyles, I only have one question, “how can I help next?”

as I had come to receiving SSDI, Safe Nights was ending soon and it appeared that I would again be hitting the streets in April. I could not comprehend the inevitable, I stayed in constant prayer. I knew with all my heart that he just wanted me to rely on HIM. It was hard not to lose faith and despair, but I kept on praying. And of course, it worked. Because I had performed volunteer work at so many of the churches and the church folk could readily see the change that had happened within me; they stepped up to pay for me to reside in LifeStyles’ Fuller House, a transitional home for men. Different churches helped and before I knew it – I had been approved for SSDI. I would receive enough money to live with someone else and share expenses. I would be ‘independently housed’! No longer a burden to anyone, what freedom!

Soon after I rented a room from some friends, LifeStyles called and asked if I would come be on a talk radio show with them (Rock Newman Show) and speak about homelessness. Again my in-laws were impressed.

They no longer made decisions on my words, they were

This is Martin’s story in his words. As we share these moments and this journey, we thought it was important that people spoke for themselves. We realize that all comments are not going to be complimentary to the Organization or the staff all the time. But isn’t that how we get better?

seeing real action and change. I told them that not only was I living on my own, but I continued to volunteer at the LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

p. 21

Volunteer’s Corner

Vivian “Dedicated & Passionate”

Tell me a little bit about your volunteering.

Well I started thinking about volunteering way before I started. You know I said, I need to take care of me. Then I thought, you know that’s selfish because if you have the health to do it, why not go and help someone else. Maybe they need my service. I can clean when I come home, I can do all these household things when I get home.

So much of what you do is done privately, you volunteer your time but you also give your resources .

I’ve tried. I think I don’t need that, maybe I can give that to somebody else who is in need. I have been in stores and thinking you know I am going to buy this coat, and said well you don’t need this coat, you save it and give it to somebody else.

So do you think being here is meeting some of what you are trying to do?

Yes. Sitting home doing nothing, I am wasting my time, I want to be active, and even with some of the health problems that I have had, I don’t want that to stand in the way. I want to help people.

And you have certainly met a lot of people.

I have. Not just the clients, the staff and other volunteers. I got a beautiful card last week from [Ms. Jerry, a former employee], and she said that I was so helpful and she was loved by everybody. That makes you feel good.

You put a great deal of love into what you do what do you say to your friends about what you are doing?

I have had people say “Well why would you do that?” As if this was a step below. I said look, I could have fifty degrees but I would still want to do what I do because I enjoy doing what I do.

I have seen you when somebody has come in to take a shower, or come in to get clothes and you are able to find something for them when they have had nothing.

Like this morning someone had brought in all these baseball caps and I heard a guy say “I want that and I want that shirt she just hung up” and I said, “you never know when people are watching you.” He was able to get what he wanted.…. he was so tickled. I went home knowing I had made someone happy.

“Vivian Truxon is a resident of Charles County and a longtime volunteer and supporter of LifeStyles. Her infectious smile will brighten anyone’s day.”

- Tammy Gausman p. 22

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016

p. 23

We have a vision...

• • • • •

Everyone who needs and wants shelter will be sheltered No child will ever go to bed hungry Every person can earn a living wage Each family will become self sufficient Everyone will have immediate access to quality and affordable physical and mental health.

When we accomplish these things we will see hope realized.

Hope Realized. #Hope

www.lifestylesofmd.org p. 24

LIFESTYLES THE MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2016