DDB Makes It Happen!
The Monday morning of August 24th was a very busy time at DDB. While Kobie, the DDB cook, was preparing lunch for the DDB clients, there was much activity outside of the dining room. This was primarily due to collaborations DDB has in place with many different services and friends in the community.
First, monthly haircuts were being provided by twin sisters who are barbers and come to DDB from the Mechanicsburg area. The DDB-YWCA van provides transportation for them since they do not drive. The hair cuts are always a “big draw” for men and women who are poor or living on the streets and do not have the money to pay for a haircut.
Next, the Pinnacle Health nurses provided free HIV testing for men and women. Fourteen people took advantage of that service. The testing was so well received that the nurses plan to provide on-going HIV testing at DDB.
While the hair cuts and the testing were going on, a recruiter from one of the temporary employment agencies set up a table and began taking applications for temporary jobs in Carlisle and Lewisberry. This agency also provides transportation, which is so important to most DDB clients. He was very busy.
All this was taking place, in addition to showers being offered; mail distributed; food and clothing vouchers handed out, and general casework taking place with DDB counselors. What more could have been happening?
There’s always more. DDB is always looking for partner agencies who share the respect for collaboration and who want to help others by sharing their talents and services with those in need. Please consider how you, your business or organization may be able to share your time and talent to serve those in need.
Thank You To…
To all our volunteers who helped at DDB over the summer months.
The “Bears For Bread” ladies for working at the pumpkin fest on behalf of DDB.
For all the committee members who worked for the “Glee For DDB” fundraiser in March it was a huge success! Thanks to everyone coming together to promote, sponsor, volunteer, and contribute.
Blue Mountain Lotus Society’s 2015 Compassion In Action Award
Congratulations to the 2015 winner, Elaine Strokoff. The award is based on the Bodhisattva ideal, for selfless giving to one's community with great wisdom and compassion. Some recent recipients include Joyce Davis; Professor Alfred Bloom, University of Hawai'i; Professor Christopher Queen, Harvard; Konchog Gylatsen Rinpoche, India and Tibet; and the Rev. Sandy Strauss. Elaine is honored to be joining this distinguished list of leaders.
Did You Know?
DDB served 7,411 during the summer months
Announcing DDB Drop-In Center
The Drop-In Center at Downtown Daily Bread opened on Tuesday, September 8th on the 3rd floor of the Boyd Memorial Building. The hours of operation are Mondays through Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Drop-In Center is a place where the homeless can go during afternoons to find a warm, dry, friendly, peaceful, gathering place rather than remain out of doors in peril and with nothing to do. After eating lunch at Downtown Daily Bread, individuals can visit the Drop-In Center to read, sleep, or play board games. The center also serves as a place where they can learn computer skills and utilize available resources to apply for jobs, housing and other services. An experienced, caring counselor assists clients with case management and provides a listening ear. A registered nurse and medical social worker from Pinnacle Health Community Health Network provides screening and medical health support. Hopefully with increased funding, the center can expand. The Drop-In Center provides an environment where clients trust that no one will harm them as they sleep, and no one will disturb or take their belongings. Please join DDB in making this new project a success.
Drop-In Center Wish List
Compassionate volunteers to assist clients with activities
Commerical coffee pot
Small TV with VCR player
VCR player
• Crossword puzzles, board games, chess, checkers
Coffee, creamer, sugar, styrofoam cups, non-perishable snack foods
Paper towels, napkins, air freshener
All donations are tax deductible.
PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT 2015
Once again DDB will play a part in the annual Project Homeless Connect. The event will take place at the Farm Show Complex on November 20th. The purpose of this event is to match homeless men, women and children to crucial services and housing assistance. Last year 400 guests attended the session, including 40 children. DDB is pleased to partner with Project Homeless Connect as it has done since the inception of the event.
Save The Date
Share The Love Valentine Concert & Fundraiser For DDB February 13, 2016 7:30pm
Pine Street Presbyterian Church Featuring The Whiffenpoofs of Yale University
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