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A Volunteer Said ...
"Over a year ago, Jeanne Warren and my wife, Karen, recruited a very skeptical volunteer who viewed the program as an effort to hold back an avalanche with a small shovel...hopeless.
A year later the avalanche continues, but the hopelessness is replaced by the hope found in the families who are desperately striving to hang on to their homes and each other during our most trying times. In the turmoil of everyday at CCS, many families are kept together and given a chance to have dignity and meaning in their lives through the good works of the people of this church. That gift of dignity and meaning seems to be reciprocal and keeps me returning every week."
Richard S., a First United Methodist Church member
Client Comments ...
A regular client commented: "We are so thankful it you are still getting so much food and clothing. Other agencies have turned us away saying that they gave their resources for the Katrina evacuees."
Another client: "In the summer of 2003 I secured a position as a VISTA volunteer that would effectively end a string of 36 consecutive months of homelessness and provide a 'modest living allowance' enabling me to pay rent and start back on the road to self management. However, there would be a period of one month from the time the project started until my first stipend check would be issued. Consequently, I needed assistance in paying my rent. The social services agency where I would office was directly adjacent to the Crossroads Community Services offices and when I understood their mission I applied to them for emergency rental assistance. I found the Crossroads staff to be very efficient and thorough in processing my request. I was very carefully reviewed to insure that my projected expenses would be covered by my new income and the thing that I like best of all is that even though I was there as a poor person needing financial assistance every time I talked to the staff one on one or by telephone, every time, I was treated with what is to me the utmost dignity and respect. It's difficult to find the words to clearly express what that meant to me at that time and even now. Crossroads Community Services truly conducts God's work of giving freely to the poor and needy and they do it in a manner that glorifies and defines Christianity. Thank you again, First United Methodist Church."
Ben Johnson, Americorps,
VISTA volunteer with Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance. |
