Partnering during a Pandemic - Addressing Basic Needs in Advent
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Matthew 25 and NECAT: Community Partners and Advent Signs of Hope
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Advent, for Christians and others, is a time of hope. In darkness, we look for light. In sadness, we anticipate joy. With the threat of death around us, we look forward to new life. For IVC, that hope is actualized in the dedicated work of our community partners and our small role in being able to help them address basic human needs.
This is not easy during a pandemic but we try.
Shelter. Evictions are back in vogue after a moratorium. Boston Medical Center's Elders Living at Home Program helps search out possible housing for those needing it. Hearth, Inc. provides lodging for potentially homeless elderly. Bethany Hill Place in Framingham and Matthew 25 in Worcester provide affordable, independent housing. Mary House in Providence is engaged in finding shelter solutions for their homeless clients. Ignatian Volunteers assist with these efforts.
Education. The virus has disrupted education for everyone. Many schools that asked our help in prior years have been forced to work with trimmed down staffs. Our volunteers are providing essential help in person and/or virtually, though, in schools such as Cristo Rey Boston, Sophia Academy and Community Prep in Providence, and Cotting School in Lexington.
Casserly House in Roslindale continues to offer ESOL to immigrant adult neighbors and after-school programs for kids virtually. Sister Mary Hart After-School program in Roxbury welcomes kids in person. NECAT (South End Boston) has pivoted to virtual job training. Genesis Center in Providence continues to provide education programs for its adult immigrant population. Project Hope (Roxbury) offers workforce education. A Faith That Does Justice engages in community education around issues impacting the most vulnerable.
In all, IVC New England Service Corps Members assist 26 nonprofit agencies such as these in eight Massachusetts and Rhode Island communities. Each of these schools, churches, and community agencies offer a spark of light in the darkness to those in need. Advent hope!
For a list of all IVC New England Volunteers and Placements click here.
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One Volunteer's Journey at Saint Francis House in Boston
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Rosemary Balady is an IVC Service Corps Member, an IVC volunteer serving in her third year at Saint Francis House in downtown Boston. Her job has changed each year as the needs at Saint Francis House have changed. She shares some of her journey below and shines a light on the good work being done in the heart of the city.
"... during my first year I was able to spend two full days in the Resource Center, where we provided a large, safe, space for the guests, and also telephones, mailing address, computers, showers and meetings with the Case Managers who help the guests navigate needed services... I was able to provide information such as where to find a night shelter, help with transportation, provide directions to the Immigration Center, City Hall, to name a few things....
"My second year I was asked to be a greeter on the floor where many of the administrative staff work... In my new role I was able to get more of a sense of how big the organization is. That floor contained the Dog Care Academy to train people for good paying careers in the animal services industries, the Property Manager who managed the 4+ floors of the boarding house, the AA meetings, and staff from Work Development, Housing Stabilization, HR, and Facilities Management. They are such a joyful group, and there is a tremendous respect for everyone, especially from the CEO and senior staff who know all the front-line staff by name.
"With COVID, so much was temporarily lost... I was able to return in May, but limited to the kitchen. As one of the first volunteers back, I stood in the food line next to the social workers and administrative staff, whose regular work had to accomodate their shifts in the kitchen. I have really loved it - it's my first experience with such a big food service operation.
"The kitchen staff is amazing. They make about 700 meals a day, and sandwiches to send out for the guests at closing time in the afternoon, and they keep control in the dining room. They are professionals who could work anywhere in the food industry, but love what they do at Saint Francis House. There is a lot of laughter along with hard work....
"It has been such an education for me to see the needs of those in poverty and homelessness, those little things that we take for granted. It is also inspiring to be at a place filled with kind, generous, optimistic staff who are making a difference in the lives of people who have lost so much."
The work of Rosemary and other Ignatian Volunteers working nationally on food concerns is highlighted in a recent issue of Corps Connections, the national newsletter of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps. Click here to read more.
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If you like what we are doing in IVC, your support is welcome. We are many people each finding the step or steps that we can take to spread hope during the Advent/Christmas season. You can help us by:
- Telling others about us and sending future volunteers our way. Some openings remain this current year. Click here.
- Mentioning what we do to your favorite nonprofit church, school, or community agency. If they are interested in partnering with us, have them contact us.
- Supporting our year-end annual appeal. Click below.
- Being hopeful, joyful, compassionate, and thoughtful in your interactions with others, and kind to yourself during this holiday season. Best wishes for a blessed and beautiful Christmas from IVC New England. Thanks for your support!
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31 Fairview Street
Roslindale, MA 02131
617-571-3838
newengland@ivcusa.org
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