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 CEO's Blog: Education...A
Pathway Out of Poverty
Over the years, I have often quoted the book Toxic Charity by Dr. Robert Lupton, which has become a manual of sorts for our industry. In the book, he states, "We cannot serve others out of poverty." He goes on for the entire book talking about how we must develop people to the point they can lift themselves out of poverty. In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing wrong with serving people, and serving them at high levels. But, and this is Dr. Lupton's point, personal development that gives capacity for growth is what will lift poor families out of poverty and towards self-sufficiency.
Read the rest of the blog...
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Houseless to Housed!
The journey from houseless to housed has been a long one for Lexi and Cuntree...and it is just beginning. After living outside for 7+ years, the couple opened the front door to their very own "house" last month.
CSL identified the couple in January, and began outreaching to them at their encampment near the West Bottoms. Three months after building their trust, we helped them identify a house to move into, and we secured donations to fully furnish their new house. Because the couple was deemed chronically-homeless, and because one of them suffers from a disability, they qualified for CSL's Permanent Supportive Housing Initiative, which we operate in conjunction with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. CSL will be able to pay the majority of their monthly rent; helping them to remain stably housed.
While living in their outdoor camp, Lexi turned to painting to help survive the brutally cold winters, and to express to the world that something beautiful can be made from the things most people throw away. Tonight, at First Fridays in the Crossroads, Lexi's art will be featured in her "Houseless Never Homeless" Exhibit downtown! Join her as she shares her story with the world.
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Thank You, Mary Gabriel - Grain Valley Volunteer
Volunteer staff are the lifeblood of CSL. Collectively CSL
volunteers save the
organization more than $750,000 annually
by giving 35,000 hours of their time at our locations and helping us best serve our neighbors.
Mary Gabriel is Grain Valley's longest serving volunteer. She has been volunteering for over 35 years. Mary began volunteering in 1983 at the front desk and also worked at preparing the boxes of food for the clients. Mary was also working at the local post office during this time. She would work at the post office until the CSL office opened, volunteer at the CSL office all day, and then return to the post office to finish her shift. What true dedication to helping her neighbors! Mary also ran the Christmas Store each year. Mary continues to keep client files in tip-top shape. She always welcomes each client and makes them feel at ease. Because she has been here so long, she knows many of the clients by name and asks about their families. Mary loves to bake her ranger cookies for us and she is always asked to bring her famous fruit salad when we have luncheons. Mary continues to be a ray of sunshine at the CSL Grain Valley location. Our office is beyond blessed to have her continued support.
Join us in thanking Mary
for her compassion for her neighbors and setting such a positive example for her peers!
Follow Mary's lead by volunteering at your local CSL office today
!
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National Volunteer Appreciation Week
Next week, CSL will participate in the national effort to recognize volunteers by hosting special celebrations at each of our locations to thank and honor those who tirelessly support our mission to push back against poverty. Please join our team in thanking these wonderfully, selfless individuals for their incredible generosity and support.
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Ooh! 2018 Presenting Sponsor
Stewardship Capital: Giving Back Brings Fulfillment
Community Services League is proud to partner with Stewardship Capital for the second consecutive year as the Presenting Sponsor of Ooh! Stewardship Capital and its employees are steadfast champions of philanthropy in Eastern Jackson County, and great supporters of the work we do for our neighbors in poverty.
When Ron started the firm in 1997, he believed that by helping clients succeed financially, they would have greater resources - including time and money - to invest in improving the lives of others. Through the years, he has never wavered from this goal.
Read more...
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Ooh! Sneak Peek - Live Auction Items
The Ooh! 2018 Auction will have something for everyone!
Check our website often; we are updating it daily! Here are a few live auction items:
Rockport, Maine Vacation - Gorgeous 3 BR/2BA condo for 7 nights,
plus $400 airline credit (
Donated by: Dennis and Terry Clinefelter
)
Beautiful lady's 14k yellow gold and
diamond pendant and matching ring
. Will be auctioned separately(
Donated by: Kennedy's Custom Jewelers
)
Brad Paisley Signed Acoustic Guitar (
Donated by: GEHA
)
Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina Vacation - Glorious top-floor beachfront 1 BR condo at Shell Island Suites for 7 nights - TripAdvisor 2015 Certificate of Excellence winner.
(Donated by: Hartsook Companies
)
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Ooh! Food and Drink Vendors
We are pleased to welcome these vendors to Ooh! 2018. Get ready to be wowed by the wide array of fantastic tastes!
Tickets
are still available - get them before they are sold out!
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