The Voice of La Puente Spring 2016
If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
La Puente Home strives to provide support and resources to the residents of the Valley experiencing crisis. We could not accomplish what we do without your support and commitment. If you would like more information or would like to join our electronic mailing list, visit www.lapuente.net. La Puente endeavors to meet immediate needs and to empower people to live independently, with dignity. We provide emergency shelter, food assistance, transitional housing, self-sufficiency services, homeless prevention, community outreach services, and job training for the homeless and other community members in crisis.
Created and edited by Chelsea Gray, with much appreciation to contributors.
www.lapuente.net 911 State Ave 719.589.5909 This material is based upon work supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) under AmeriCorps Grant No.15AC175057. Opinions or points of view expressed in this document/website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of, or a position that is endorsed by, CNCS or the AmeriCorps program.
Quote on front attributed to Anne Bradstreet Some names have been changed to protect individuals’ privacy.
This spring marks a further-than-halfway point in my year of service here at La Puente, and I can’t help but think about all of the ways I’ve grown, changed, and bonded with the people here, in what now feels like such a short amount of time. I feel a sense of renewal and excitement for the months to come, and much of that comes from the beginning of what we in the Volunteer Coordination Office call “Work Group Season.” This is the time of year, beginning in the spring and continuing into most of the fall, where we have work groups consistently coming through La Puente, completing service projects and helping accomplish tasks for our guests and clients that would otherwise be difficult. The element of service learning is an important part of our Work Group program, so we incorporate educational activities and service reflections into our groups’ time with us. These activities provide the opportunity to question one’s own preconceptions, thoughts, and honestly, biases, that can influence the ways in which they approach the individuals at La Puente and the service work that they do. It’s truly Chelsea and a PAL during an afternoon eye-opening to learn some of the at a local park. assumptions we can carry with us, no matter how well intentioned we are. Working at La Puente is such a unique experience, and I’ve learned so much about compassion from more experienced staff members. Observing the ways in which they interact with clients and guests, and treat each individual as valuable, whole and worthy has influenced me in a number of ways. I believe I have seen it infiltrate our entire Volunteer Program, influencing the ways in which we approach our work, interact with one another, as well as the world around us. Chelsea Gray, Editor Volunteer Services and Communications
A Chance To Advocate Bethany Howell
Communications Director On a cold, gray day in early February, our Food Bank Network of the San Luis Valley director, John Reesor, and I walked up the marble steps of the Colorado state capitol – many miles away figuratively and literally from our small town smack dab in the middle of the San Luis Valley. We were there on behalf of our organization and all thanks to the advocacy efforts of our fellow non-profit, Hunger Free Colorado. Thanks to the discussion the previous day, we were fairly prepped and ready to discuss a particular piece of upcoming legislation with our local senator and house representative. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit eligibility and enrollment are fairly hot topics right now, and the Joint Budget Committee would soon look at a bill to help Colorado counties increase efficiency in identifying and enrolling community Bethany Howell, John members who already qualify Reesor, and a “Hunger for SNAP benefits. We were also Through My Lens” armed with county breakdowns participant at the Capitol! of SNAP enrolled numbers for our region. With Alamosa County leading the way with 75% enrollment (the national average), we were happy to share the good news with our politicians. Both our Senator, Larry Crowder, and our house representative Ed Vigil, were gracious, kind, and extremely willing to speak with us. Often, the Valley can be overlooked or ignored in matters that are happening way out on the Front Range. In this instance, we were able to be a voice and a face for those struggling in our community. We are just as a valid a part of Colorado, and our clients’ struggles are just as real as those in Denver. I encourage everyone who has an interest in effecting change to make the effort to take a trip up to Denver during the legislative session and find their own voice. 2
Challenges And Growth MK McDonald AmeriCorps VISTA, Communications & Engagement
You aren’t really living unless you’re being challenged in some way, mentally, spiritually, or physically. These words of wisdom were shared
with me over lunch one day at the shelter by a former shelter guest who has had a rather rough journey which brought him to where he is today. This man, my friend, grew up in a fishing town in Southern Norway. At age 18, he joined the Navy, where he served in bases near several different places around the world, including the Ivory Coast, Argentina, and Afghanistan, where he was victim of a horrific life-changing accident, resulting in brain damage and a long journey to recovery. After returning to the U.S. and moving all over the country from Florida to California, for health assistance and job opportunities, he came to the San Luis Valley for a painting job at a church. Today, he is a welcomed resident of Alamosa, CO, figuring out how to return to Norway to see his mother again, while he continues to work on improving his memory and recover from PTSD. After hearing his story, initially I said I was sorry that he had suffered through such adverse experiences, but then he said something that deeply resonated with me. He said, Without challenges,
you’re not fully living. Don’t be sorry; be grateful for what you have and use life’s challenges to grow.
Regardless of where you’re from or what you’ve been through, I think what my friend said to me that day is true; life’s challenges—while sometimes hopelessly immobilizing—can also provide opportunities to grow. And while I cannot deeply empathize with my friend, because I have not experienced nearly the same severity of adversity, I feel grateful for the inspirational insight he provided by sharing his story with me. Stories like his not only give insight and perspective, but they inspire others to be brave in the face of challenging life experiences and to use them to grow and learn. His bravery in the face of so much adversity is inspirational, and I look forward to seeing where life takes him next. 3
Pilgrims Of The Flats Lance Cheslock
Executive Director
Over the past 40 years, hundreds of individuals and families have attempted to jump-start their lives by purchasing cheap, unimproved land in the remote, flat regions throughout the San Luis Valley. Many of these “pilgrims” spend their life savings in exchange for the pride of land ownership. They ingeniously cobble together anything they can find to establish their homes, recycling materials that most would consider trash or scraps. There are an estimated 250 “provisional” homes throughout the flats. Most of these “homes” have no running water or electricity. “Flats-dwellers” are rugged, very determined, and carry a lot of pride in their independent lifestyle. They often shun any suggestion of needing outside assistance. Families that live in the flats provide their children with a “homesteading” learning environment, where the kids must take part in all the work needed to keep the household functional. Such children are highly ambitious, work well with their hands, and rarely engage in the TV and video game culture. On the flip-side, many flats children have irregular school attendance, and can struggle to have their basic needs met. Why do people choose to live in the flats? For many of the residents in the flats, owning a piece of land has brought them tremendous pride and a fresh opportunity. They feel a greater sense of control over their destiny, in contrast with the codes and structural barriers of town or city living. Residents bring a strong sense of independence, and seek freedom from the pressures of society and the materialistic culture 4
of our day. They often are self-isolating, and simply want a private, quiet existence. The yearning to own one’s home is almost inherent in every human being, and acquiring a piece of land is the prerequisite beginning for the flats-dweller. Basically, the choice to venture into a life in the flats is a form of self-determination. Yet, reality can be a merciless teacher. The harsh side of isolation and the severe elements of nature can become insurmountable obstacles to those living in the flats. Their lives can be thrown into crisis at the turn of the weather, vandalism of their property, a health problem, or running out of basic provisions. When their water freezes, or they’re out firewood or fuel, or the roads are impassable, their lives become precarious, given that they have no access to services. There are those who leave after their attempt to survive falters. Others find ways to survive the hard times and build upon their dreams. Yet many find themselves trapped when bad times come, with no resources or knowledge of how to get help. For the past 6 months, La Puente’s Robert Lockwood has been voyaging down the remote, unimproved roads throughout the flats, checking in and attending to the needs of many of the residents. He drives his pickup truck, usually loaded with food, blankets, hygiene items, and firewood to assist households with basic needs. His role is strictly humanitarian. Robert works to establish trust with those he serves, and as the relationships strengthen, he educates each resident about the critical services that are available to help them in times of crisis. The goal is to bridge the isolation of “flats residents” with community-based services, assisting them with crisis referrals and resources. The residents living in the flats are part of a unique culture, with indomitable spirits geared to take on an extremely harsh living environment. Robert is the guardian angel of the flats, respecting the choices around their self-determination, yet working to ensure their safety and well-being. 5
Let’s talk about
those people working in non-profits and community volunteers who don’t often get a shout out. Those who work hard behind the scenes in order to provide the best service possible just because they care about their communities. At La Puente, they are most likely the long-term service volunteers who decided to dedicate a year of their lives to caring for people in the San Luis Valley, even though most of the volunteers have never even been here before. These volunteers are aided by community members who have spent weeks, sometimes even years, volunteering their time and energy to La Puente and other civic organizations for little or no recognition. Too often, we think of organizations in terms of who is at the head, rather than what I would consider the heart. Our volunteers definitely have a heart for what they do. I’ve worked in some pretty hectic environments (hey, try working a retail job VEGI’s current AmeriCorps involving gift wrapping member, Autumn, serving cocoa at during the holiday season the Outreach Christmas Party. at a large gift store), but nothing compared to what our Outreach or Shelter staff see on a daily basis. They are truly doing life or death work with their clients. One of our shelter guests, “Patrick,” passed away after only a few days in the shelter. But the shelter staff organized a heartfelt memorial service for Patrick even though it meant time out of their very busy schedules working with other guests. Food Bank staff
6
are passionate about hunger advocacy; they take their jobs as the “voices” of their clients very seriously. Adelante staff endure long hours and still manage to find fresh energy and passion for supporting their clients. Don’t even get me started on the amazing work that the PALS staff do! It would be easy for them to just bring the kids back to the PALS building after school until it’s time for their parents to pick them up– instead, they diligently plan activities and and never stop believing that they can and should make a difference for the kids in their care. Our volunteers deserve a pat on the back, right alongside our non-direct service employees such as our great finance department, the staff at administration, our Shelly follows a PAL down the slide during maintenance team, and all of those a trip to the park. employees at enterprises such as Milagros and Rainbow’s End thrift stores who often perform thankless tasks because they want to – not because they have to. They are the heart of La Puente, and I am proud to work alongside them. Take a minute as you read our stories and imagine yourself as that young 22, 23, or 25 year old who has left behind family and friends to be in a rural area of southern Colorado. Now imagine you are a client receiving services from someone who cares enough about what’s happening in your life to place themselves here just for you. It’s almost as if John Lennon’s lyrics are coming true “No greed or hunger, a
brotherhood of man…”
Bethany Howell 7
R
Volunteers
Every year, more than 20 AmeriCorps members and Full-Time Volunteers come to La Puente to serve at our programs for an entire year.
2006-2007
2009
2008-
2012-2013
2014-2
015
2013-2014
8
Through The Years!N They come from different places, backgrounds, and experiences, bringing unique and valuable perspectives to the work that we do.
2010-2011
2009-
2010
“Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."
2011-2
012
MLK Jr.
2015-2016
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Making Food Accessible In Moffat Moffat, Colorado is located in the north part of the San Luis Valley and in the middle of what is considered a food desert, with the nearest grocery store located 18 miles away in Crestone. Patricia “Skeeter” Reigel is a lifetime resident of the valley and runs the Moffat food pantry with the help of the Free Spirit Christian Church and a few other volunteers. Several years ago she took over as the main volunteer for the food pantry. According to Nancy Jennings, who is a community volunteer, Skeeter has “totally and completely devoted herself,” to the food pantry’s cause since taking over. Nancy remarked that Skeeter “decided that the food pantry was [her] calling.” Although Skeeter does an excellent job running the Moffat food pantry, she couldn’t do it without the help of her team of volunteers. Moffat has several community volunteers that once needed food assistance and decided that they wanted to lend their helping hands to others that were experiencing food insecurity. Skeeter says the help doesn’t end with her regular volunteers: “Well, Skeeter, far right, with the community, if they see me some of her community unloading [food], they’re around, volunteers! they help unload and help mark the food. It’s a group effort, it’s not just me.” The spirit of generosity and compassion is clearly alive in Skeeter and the Moffat community! While Skeeter and her fellow volunteers’ hard work is certainly extraordinary, this sort of dedication can be seen in all of the volunteers that devote their time working with the Food Bank Network of the San Luis Valley. There are 13 food pantries throughout the San Luis Valley, but only one full-time paid staff member. The rest of the work is shared between approximately 50 volunteers spread across the Valley. Without their selfless commitment to fighting food insecurity, the Food Bank Network would not be possible.
Lyndsey Williams
AmeriCorps Member, Food Bank Network of the San Luis Valley
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Food Bank Network of the San Luis Valley
25%
of the population of the San Luis Valley utilized the Food Bank Network in 2015 In January 2016, 1,941 individuals utilized the Alamosa Food Bank.
697
of those individuals, or
36%
were children. Alamosa Food Bank Demographics: January 2016 144
194
7,371
164 79 28
194: Two Parent Families 164: Single Person Families 144: Two Adults, No Children 79: Single Parent, Female 28: Single Parent, Male
Individuals (unduplicated) that utilized the Alamosa Food Bank in 2015
The Food Bank Network has locations in Saguache, Moffat, Crestone, Center, Creede, Del Norte, Monte Vista, La Jara, Capulin, Antonito, Blanca/Ft. Garland, and San Luis. 11
Did You Know? 30,990 items of clothing, hygiene products, household needs, and more were given to community members at Rethreads
72,000 hours of service were provided by Full-Time Volunteers, AmeriCorps Members, community volunteers, and work groups
900 children received 6 gardening classes from VEGI
For every
$1.00
donated by locals of
the San Luis Valley, we received
$4.00
from our non-valley friends!
Thank you to all who believe in our mission and support us! 12
Building A Table
Marlayna Oliveras Rainbow’s End Alamosa
Not long ago, I heard the saying, "When you have too much, build a longer table, not a taller fence." If there is anywhere that is a physical representation of that saying, Rainbow's End Thrift Store in Alamosa is that place. For the last three and a half years that I have been working at Rainbow's End, I have watched countless individuals stop by our back door to give away what excess they have to ensure it goes to those that do not have as much. Through my employment I have met a beautiful woman, Susan, who is a regular donor and shopper at Rainbow’s End. Recently, I discovered her in our shoe section, brushing the hair of a small girl Marlayna (bottom row, second while the girl’s father from left) with her REA coworkers and older sister watched nearby. The young girl belongs to a family that utilizes all the services La Puente has to offer, services that Susan has helped to fund through her donations and purchases countless times before. Yet here she sat, taking time out of her day to brush the hair of a small child whilst getting to know the father and sister. In that moment, I saw in Susan the recognition that there is always more to give even when you have given so much, even when what you have to give cannot be quanitifed. By giving her time, patience, and love, Susan had built her table a little longer and invited the family she met that day to sit down. She embodied exactly what La Puente asks of us daily; to keep giving, keep building your table, and keep inviing your neighbors to sit down. 13
Holding On To Hope Brittany Blum AmeriCorps Member, Shelter & Outreach
Typically when people think of homelessness and poverty, a bleak image arises. But poverty is not one single face. It is many faces. Poverty—whether directly or indirectly—touches us all. And while poverty is often instantaneous, progress can be very slow. The world doesn’t stop for crisis and as a result people fall farther into poverty. It becomesincreasingly difficult for a person to change their situation and also harder for someone to assist them. The self-perpetuating cycle can lead to hopelessness all around. Since starting at La Puente, I have never questioned the fact that I work for an amazing organization. I work with amazing people who truly care and work hard every day to make a difference. The unfortunate reality in the social justice field is that the work often leaves you feeling frustrated. Trying to help people on a large scale is complicated; there are always barriers and red tape. Who can you talk to when the problem you need to communicate is that you don’t have a voice? Our clients have been labeled homeless or lazy and feel written off. No matter how hard they work, they can’t escape the stigma. When we see someone struggling
to get back on their feet, see how unimportant they feel, see them start to believe they will never get out of their crisis, how can anyone possibly stay hopeful that we can effect change?
The answer is through people around us. Through the smile of a client, the support of coworkers, and most importantly community members who donate to those in need. You have no idea the difference you can make not only by donating resources, but by donating your time. By coming in and listening to someone’s story and showing them they aren’t alone in their struggle. I guarantee that with one contribution to La Puente you will not just touch one person; you will provide hope to our clients, our guests, and our entire staff. Everyone can make a difference, and if everyone puts in just a little effort, there will be more hope, more understanding, and more progress. In this whole world there’s one thing that distinguishes hopelessness from homelessness, and it’s not the letter “p,” it’s YOU! 14
H La Puente Home Shelter
2015 In Numbers In 2015, La Puente Home sheltered
720 individuals
Over 47,000 meals were served to the guests and the community More information about our guests in 2015:
Families
Ages
Education Employment
30
112
384
489
families that stayed at the shelter were Migrant Families
of our guests were below the age of 18
completed
of our guests were employed when they checked out of the shelter
High School or attended college
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Five and a half hours later,
the PALS finally arrive in Loveland, Colorado. Two buses full of hungry, tired and stir-crazy children start to unload for the night. During the long drive, there were 4 meltdowns, 3 emergency bathroom breaks, 2 vomit episodes, 1 pair of wet pants, and 100 asks of “Are we there yet?” To most people, this would sound like an extremely unfortunate way to spend a Sunday afternoon. For the PALS staff, however, this was a relatively normal and easy-going drive. I have been asked numerous times “Why do you do this?” Well, it’s for the kids. Putting myself in some momentary discomfort seems like a small price to pay for a kid having an amazing time at the Denver aquarium. We want our kids to be filled with as many happy and joyful memories as possible. Providing them with opportunities like this in a secure and safe environment is just another chance to address the trauma they have already faced. I will gladly give up a night of sleep to make this happen. I have also been asked several times “How do you do it?” Well, having a lot of caffeine is usually a good start. Also, having a great musical selection is vital to the success of the trip. I would be lying if I said every moment was great. On regular PALS days, two hours can take forever, and can make me feel like having a meltdown of my own. Now thinking about spending two days with the kids can seem like an impossible feat. PALS kids cuddle with a staff person’s puppy at the local park
16
Fortunately, when we do bring the PALS to far away field trips, we sometimes have big buddies who are willing to step up and hang out with the kids. The partnerships we have around Colorado are a vital part to making trips happen. The financial aspect is always needed, but having actual volunteers come to spend quality time with each kid is so important. This is why we appreciate volunteers so much, such as Troy Wixon. Troy has consistently been coming to PALS for many months. He wanted to help out and make a difference, and this has definitely been the case. Oftentimes, the PALS kids have difficulty trusting new people in their lives due to past trauma. The kids respect Troy as a staff member because of his consistency and calming presence. It is a welcome relief when Troy comes because the staff can always count on Troy to help out where needed. He has no problem sitting with a child in the hallway during a meltdown so we can continue on with our programming. Troy attended both of our recent field trips to Denver, even choosing to sit in the back to handle the needs of the children. As a PALS staff member, I can attest to what a great sacrifice that is. He truly exemplifies what it means to place service above self. We truly appreciate the consistency and positivity he brings to the PALS program!
Kelsey Ballard
AmeriCorps Member, PALS Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible. St. Francis of Assisi
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A Prayer For Juan Carlos Mary Van Pelt was a volunteer with La Puente at the very start of the organization, in the early 1980s. She has remained involved with La Puente and the San Luis Valley community throughout the years, and reached out to us to include this letter in The Voice of La Puente. Juan Carlos is ten years old and was institutionalized, for the second time, after he tried to kill his parents. During the past year he has been treated with numerous medications and intensive behavior modification. His weight has nearly doubled. Although I have never met Juan Carlos I know his struggle through the stories my friend Roberta tells me on our afternoon walks. Dear Roberta, The past few mornings I’ve been lighting a candle for your young friend. Here is what has come to me, or through me. We are all walking with Juan Carlos, walking him home. We don’t know where his home will be but it is important, very important, that we continue to hold the light and walk beside him. We hope for Juan Carlos that his home will be in a better place. We hope that he will overcome, walk forward through these difficult days. Days with filled with doctors, behavioral healthcare professionals, medications, schedules, and all the people who hold power and authority over him behind the walls of an institution. As Juan Carlos grows older in wisdom and strength, we hope he may become a healing light for others on their journey through institutional systems of care. This is a very large hope, that he might find his way through the maze of bureaucracy. It’s a large hope but not an impossible hope. I speak as someone who knows survivors and miraculous stories of recovery. The opposite reality in this earth-bound world is the possibility that Juan Carlos, who is young in earth-years, 18
is on a journey back to his spiritual home. We do not know. We continue to hold the light and walk beside him. We trust that Juan Carlos is doing his work. He is doing what he is called to do in this earth-bound life. In the big picture of the Universe the Great Spirit has a plan. Spirit works through each one of us whether or not we are aware. What I know from you, Roberta, is that Juan Carlos is on a journey through the jungle of mental healthcare that is far more treacherous than the one I have survived. In my experience the journey never ends, the work of recovery never ends; it must be done each day, every day, one day at a time. The daily life of a person in recovery may appear effortless because we have learned to do the work. This appearance of ease doesn’t mean the illness has disappeared, it means we have learned to dance by ourselves, with others and with life. I was 17 when I first met the mental health system. As a troubled adolescent I received private mental health services from a psychiatrist. Ten years later I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the Colorado State Hospital in Pueblo. I was held in seclusion and restraints for one week. I was hospitalized on a locked psychiatric ward for three months. Today I am 58-years-old. I have a college degree, a home and a car. More importantly, I’ve developed and maintained meaningful relationships with people in my community. My story of recovery was published in 2010, and now I help others tell theirs. Roberta, I hope this letter offers you some help and hope on your journey with Juan Carlos. Your role, from my point of view, is to walk with him. Do not underestimate the power of this walk. By walking beside him with presence and awareness, by caring and through your love, you are doing something that has Great Value. We are all just walking each other home. Mary 19
Adelante Family Services In 2015, Adelante worked with
59
family members
50
H 85%
children were served in the program graduated Adelante into permanent housing
Adelante’s intensive case management and supportive services has a goal of ending family homelessness. 20
Reflection On Service Alaina Smith
Adelante
“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”
Leo Tolstoy
My definition of service has changed and evolved dramatically through the 2.5 years that I have served through AmeriCorps. Before these 2.5 years, service would likely bring to my mind a simple image of handing out blankets and meals. Now, however, it has a much deeper meaning, and a deeper significance in my life. Service now brings to mind the broader societal injustices that create a need for service organizations in the first place. It has got me thinking deeper questions about how we serve and why. Service has come to mean letting go of myself, my biases, and of what I might have thought or assumed about a person or an issue. Service means meeting people
where they are and letting them tell their own story, without inputting your own spin or judgement. Service is hard and messy and ugly. You must constantly assess where your bias is failing a client, and you must constantly work to love those who might be hard to love. There have been moments throughout my time as a service member when I wonder what good I’m actually doing. Through all this service struggle I’ve learned that often the most good I or anyone can do is treat others with dignity and respect, and to come alongside them to form a positive relationship. Relationships will often make or break our ability to succeed in life (however that success might be defined). When we have positive relationships around us with people who support us and our dreams we might have a chance in this world. So now that’s my focus, forming positive relationships. I’m not going to necessarily change lives, or change the world, but I can be a friend and a support to my community. We all can, really. 21
The Value Of Service Amy Scavezze Director of Volunteer Services
“When I was a little girl my mom and I would make cookies together. My mom always let me mix the ingredients together and she would explain to me that it is so important to mix the ingredients. She would tell me: ‘If you don’t mix everything together it’s impossible to make the cookies. I can measure things out and pour them in the bowl, but if you don’t stir them up there will be no cookies’. I felt so important, if it weren’t for me and the role I was playing we could not enjoy our delicious cookies.” This is a story one of my friends told me when we were volunteer camp counselors one summer. As she got older she realized what was crucial to the baking of the cookies was the mixing of the batter, which anyone could do. She was fortunate to experience what it felt like to fulfill the need for someone to mix, but really the value was the action of mixing and it really had nothing to do A volunteer cleans windows at one of with her. the Adelante homes This story has taught me so much about service. It’s not about me, it’s about providing something that’s needed. As we serve our clients the focus is on fulfilling the client’s needs; whether that be providing a warm place to sleep, a meal, finances to allow them to stay in their homes, accountability to the goals they have for themselves, boundaries for the children, or even just a compassionate ear. 22
Service doesn’t require an extensive skill set, it requires a willing heart. It doesn’t require years of experience, it requires humility. It doesn’t require a high net worth, it requires the acknowledgement of the worth of others and the ability to believe in everyone’s worthiness.
A work group member from Fordham University reads to children in the PALS program
I recently heard that Donald Trump values his brand at $3 billion. With Peyton Manning’s retirement, there are Facebook memes addressing his net worth. In many grant applications, funders want to know about the value that will be added for a new position they will help pay for. So often, value is summed up in dollars, but I think the dollar is an incorrect unit when considering the value of service. It’s a flip-flop from what we’re used to as a society. We’re so used to placing value on someone because of what they’ve done, and how they are uniquely capable. Service places value on identifying holes and invites anyone to fill it. The value of service is in knowing that you played a role in making the world a better place. Service provides a new world view, a higher level of empathy, perspectives of understanding and compassion, love for self and others. We ought to see ourselves serving at our jobs, in our homes, with our relationships, and when we volunteer. “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.”
George Bernard Shaw
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PALS
-Donations for sensory kits -Dish soap -Hand sanitizer -Bathroom tissue -New children’s underwear & socks -Snacks
D
La Puente
Food Bank Network -Plastic quart size bags -Canned protein -Eggs -Frozen meat -Baking needs -Kid-friendly food
Rural Outreach
-Used Truck -Aggressive tires 8-10ply (4X) -Cig lighter air compressor -Rechargeable spotlight -Emergency blanket -De-icer/Washer fluid -Tow rope/Tow chain -Gas can (2 gallon) -Camper shell Outreach Services -Jumper cables/ -Donated firewood Battery booster -Labor to collect w/lighter adapter free firewood -Tire snow chains -Labor to block & split -Shovel firewood -Small jack -Beds -Air tank -Tool kit -First aid kit -Cat litter -Motor Oil
Volunteer Coordination/ Communications & Engagement
-Event tent canopy -Work gloves -Vehicle for full-time volunteers 24
Needs List Shelter
D Adelante
-Coffee -Dairy products -Cooking oil -Diapers sizes 3-6 -Men’s and women’s socks -Work gloves -Cans of fruit & veggies -Hygiene kits -Small metal chairs & tables for backyard -Ground beef -Drink mixes -Firewood -Pasta, Rice -Sugar -Travel size shampoo -Underwear -Blankets -Folding chairs
-Permanent bike racks for houses -Life Skills Speakers -Toiletries for all genders and ages -Cleaning products for families -Dishes, pots, pans -Silverware -Gently used furniture (couches, dressers, cribs, beds all sizes) -All sizes of diapers and pull-ups -Anything infant related
VEGI
-Organic soil/compost -Wood chips -Shovels -Wheelbarrows -Floating row cover/ Agribon -Metal hoops for row covers -Volunteers!
Enterprises
Rainbow’s End Alamosa: -XL trash bags -Rubber bands -Lumber for shelving -Quality gloves Rethreads: -Dish soap -Laundry detergent -Hygiene items -Men’s clothing -Silverware & dishware
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10
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Want to Volunteer? There are many volunteer opportunities at La Puente for individuals or groups looking to give back! Much of what La Puente does would not be possible without the support, love, and commitment of our volunteers. Get involved today!
Community Volunteer
We utilize volunteers of all ages and abilities for one-time, weekly, or monthly intervals at many of our programs. -Create hygiene kits for the Shelter -Lead Life Skill classes for Adelante -Work at the front desk at Outreach -Read to or lead a craft for the PALS
Work Group Service
Work groups come from all over the country to help La Puente complete projects and effectively serve our clients. -Chop wood for Outreach Services -Prepare meals at the Shelter -Glean produce for the Food Bank -Be a PALS Big Buddy for the day
Full-Time Volunteer During a year of service, Full-Time Volunteers and AmeriCorps Members obtain firsthand experience serving at one of our programs.
To learn more about volunteering, contact our Office of Volunteer Coordination at 719.587.3499 or click on “Get Involved� at www.lapuente.net 26
We Need Your Support! Financial support is crucial for our efforts to address homelessness and hunger throughout the Valley. La Puente depends on individuals, churches, and businesses for much of our support. We are proud that 85% of our funding is non-governmental and 93% of every dollar goes to direct services! Please consider any size financial gift to help us in service to our community.
Let Generosity Reduce Your Taxes All donations are tax deductable. In addition, cash donations of $100 or more are eligible for one of two Colorado tax credits: 1. The 25% “Enterprise Zone” (EZ) tax credit that supports all our programs. 2. The 50% “Colorado Childcare Tax Credit” (CCTC) that supports our PALS Children’s Program. Tax credits are direct payments towards the taxes you owe, whether or not you use deductions. For example, with a $1,000 donation you can: 1. deduct $1000 off both your State and Federal Taxes 2. Receive a credit worth $250(EZ) or $500(CCTC) towards your Colorado Taxes.
Here’s How: 1. Donate $100 or more. 2. Make the donation payable to: -“The Enterprise Zone” for a 25% tax credit -“PALS Program” for a 50% tax credit 3. Mail us your gift. 4. We’ll send you a certificate of tax credit.* It can be used like a check payable to Colorado’s Department of Revenue. * Credits are only available to Colorado state taxpayers
Contact our Development Department at 719.589.5909 or e-mail development@lapuente.net 27
The Legacy Fund is an endowment, managed separately from other donations, that holds and invests its principle value and contributes only the earnings for the needs of La Puente’s work. Legacy investment proceeds will help La Puente serve our community. Please consider giving to the Legacy Fund on behalf of yourself or a loved one. A gift card acknowledgement will be sent to the family you are honoring with your remembrance gift. For Colorado taxpayers, gifts of $100 or more are also eligible for the 25% Enterprise Zone tax credit.
Consider These Options as You Plan: - Charitable Gift Annuities - Bequests - Charitable Remainder Trusts - Appreciated Stock - Memorial and Honorary Gifts - Beneficiary Designations To learn more contact our Development Department at 719.589.5909 or e-mail development@lapuente.net
Donate a Vehicle!
Every La Puente program relies on vehicle donations. Donate your car or truck and earn a tax deduction for the market value of the vehicle. La Puente will handle the title transfer! We are in need of a pick up truck, as well as a car for our volunteers! To learn more contact Missy Bueltel at 719.589.5909 or e-mail administration@lapuente.net 28
To a social worker, the Master said, “I fear you are doing more harm than good.” “Why?” “Because you stress only one of the two Imperatives of Justice.” “Namely?” “The poor have a right to bread.” “What is the other one?” “The poor have a right to beauty." Anthony DeMello
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P.O. Box 1235 Alamosa, CO 81101 719.589.5909 www.lapuente.net
La Puente
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Alamosa, CO 81101 Permit No. 27