Giving Thanks for Timely Press Coverage Locally

On Thanksgiving Day the Fluvanna Review printed a lengthy feature about Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum (IHS) .  We are so very grateful to Correspondent Christina Dameo Guseman for this timely opportunity for further exposure in Fluvanna County, Virginia.   This public charity, located in a small community outside of Charlottesville, Virginia, functions 24/7 with a small core group of no-paid volunteers dependent on consistent supporters. The objective: To serve immediate unmet needs (lodging, food, co-pays, pediatric assistance, etc.) of  indigent patients and caregivers who must travel considerable distances for treatment at UVA Medical Center by making ourselves available to all Social Workers  when no other resource is available to them.   The Goal:  To never have to say NO when a Social Worker calls.    Your review of the article as time allows will offer a solid history of who, what, why and how this effort began in 2008. Please click here for further reading. Thank you ...   From All of Us at IHS

Holiday Helpers

Thanksgiving Week has arrived, and so did several Holiday Helpers. The IHS Food Program has received needed support for both the Full-day Meal Packet Program and the Thanksgiving Day meal at UVA Hospitality House(HH). Special Thanks    to Kristen Rabourdin, Marketing Team Leader at Whole Foods Market in Charlottesville for the Holiday Gift Card of $250 for purchase of turkeys for this special dinner.   to Desire Dawson, Hot Cakes Restaurant Manager, for pastries for the holiday week for Hospitality House.    to Elisheva Clegg, who is cooking the turkeys and making German Potato Salad for 30+ guests at UVA Hospitality House for the Thanksgiving dinner. The Next Holiday meal is Christmas Day at UVA Hospitality House Many of you who live in the Charlottesville area and surrounding counties are certainly invited to participate in making that meal a success.  You may call Mary Jackson, Supervisor at UVA Hospitality House at (434) 924-5722, beginning December 2nd.  Ask what is needed, and then pledge to show up with your items the day before. This allows Mary to fill in the blanks for providing a complete meal. Hospitality House is located at 205 - 14th Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903. Deliveries are made at the rear of the building by just driving around the block. The other alternative is to provide funds to IHS for the IHS Food Program Your donation made out to IHS can be designated for the Food Program which allows us to purchase items needed to fulfill the holiday meals, and continue our twice monthly delivery of food to stock Hospitality House for everyday food needs for the indigent population who are guests in the facility throughout the year.  Remember - all donations sent to IHS will receive a tax receipt letter for charitable donations when filing tax forms for 2013.  Just sharing.  The mailing address is:  IHS  P.O. Box 163  Palmyra, Virginia 22963.   A Note from Margaret Gorman, Meal Packet Coordinator The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church Unitarian Universalist (TJMC UU) children in the first through sixth grade took time in their Religious Education classes to assemble 237 meal packets. The church's ministry theme this month is "Gratitude and Family (family of origin, family of choice, church family, human family, global community)." They were thrilled to learn that the church took up a social action collection in September for funds used to purchase meal packet supplies. After three (3) years of assembling the meal packets, these children and youth are very familiar and proud of their participation in this project. They now teach new children about the work of the IHS and cheer as the empty cardboard delivery boxes fill up with meal packets and cards that express their concern and good wishes for the people who will receive them. It is very rewarding to watch the children at work and hear parents report to the adult leaders that their kids could hardly wait to get to church that day. Making meal packets is a lot of fun and an excellent opportunity to consider gratitude for what we have as well as experience the reward of knowing you have helped someone. A Note from Dawn Cleveland,  IHS Volunteer On November 20, 2013, the Olivet Presbyterian Church Kids Connection youth group completed 41 meal packets for IHS, with some extra supplies left over.  There were 20 kids, from preschool to 5th grade, and each child made 2 cards and 2 packets.  They really had fun making the cards and assembling the bags, and they really understood how they were helping out needy families with their efforts.  This was their final Mission project for the fall, to close out the session on a note of Thanksgiving. Big thanks go to Betsy Dishman, Director of Music and Children's Ministries at Olivet Presbyterian in Charlottesville, VA, for making this project happen. Also, thanks to the families who contributed the food, and to the children who put their hearts into assembling the bags. FROM ALL OF US, TO ALL OF YOU -  THANKS FOR GIVING! Wade & Elisheva Clegg and Sam McLawhorn

October Helpers and Activities

Louisa, Virginia Cub Scout Pack 183 teamed up with Troop 183 for second delivery in 2013! A Note from Katrina Duff Louisa Scouts working like a hive of bees to complete meal packets "Our October 22nd assembly session produced 105 full-day meals. This  is the second gathering of troops this year  for making meal packets for underfunded caregivers who come to  the UVA Medical Center. The March session produced 82 meal packets for a grand total of 182 in 2013. Pack 183 is led by Cubmaster Brad Baber, Committee Chair Elizabeth Thomas, and  Katrina Duff is the Outings Chair for the Pack. We received a lot of help with set up from Alicia Fowler, leader for Bear Den 9, and Jen Baber, assistant den leader of Webelos 2 Den 3. We were assisted by Boy Scout Troop 183, led by Jim Harlow.  The boys that came from that troop are Ben Winslett, Tyler Snyder, Eric Clark, and Colin McCoy. They packed boxes with completed bags, helped the Cubs on their trip from each station, and graciously helped load my car afterwards! Each den within our pack was assigned a different food group to bring in, and everyone graciously volunteered their items, and usually items from other categories as well!  Den leaders supplied the Ziploc bags, Troop 183 supplied us with bowls and spoons, and Xen McCoy (mother of a Cub and Boy Scout) brought us the transport boxes.  The boys looped around our set up room, filling their bags and writing notes of support and encouragement.  Many were glad to make second and third loops around the room, until we ran out of supplies. We thank you for the opportunity to help our Scouts follow their oath, and "give good will!" The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Youth Group adds to October Supply! A Note from Sarah Rainey in mid-September C'ville 2nd Ward LDS Youth Group complete their service project "My Charlottesville Second Ward youth group  at our LDS church was interested in doing meal packets as a service project. The person who organized a project for my Key Club told me to get in touch with IHS. I'm the Laurel Class President for 16-18 year old girls, and it is our time to plan an activity. We collected donations for food items from members and stores in our area. The night that we put the packets together was originally advertized as an "etiquette dinner," where the youth would enjoy a nice dinner. We surprised the participants with this service activity so they would get a small taste of what it means to be hungry. When they arrived at church there was no dinner for them, but they were presented with some facts about hunger in our area and told specifically about the activity. Rather than moan and complain (they were surprised) they jumped up and eagerly got to work. We had one boy racing through the line to complete as many packets as he could in our given time.  It was an opportunity to do something meaningful and think about others." A special thanks to Sarah and the youth group for their delivery of 75 full-day meal packets. IHS  attended two Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign (CVC) Fairs in October The first CVC Fair in many years in Albemarle County was hosted on the Campus of Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) on October 14th. The outdoor activity was provided excellent weather for staff and students to mingle and learn of charitable activities by about twenty (20) CVC listed  charities. On October 15th we attended a very intimate CVC Fair in the Office of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in Glen Allen, Virginia. Regretfully, due to sickness, we had to cancel an October 24th visit to the CVC Fair at the Commonwealth Center for Children & Adolescents (CCCA) in Staunton, Virginia. The Center is the only state facility for acutely mentally/behaviorally ill children and Adolescents. The new CCCA Director of Community Services is Noel Dianas-Hughes, formerly Manager of Social Work at UVA Medical Center. CVC Fairs are an excellent opportunity for Virginia state employees to learn of those charities who are registered with the CVC Program, and where hosted, employees are encouraged to attend and meet those who seek to make a difference in the lives of so many in the Commonwealth. T. Wade Clegg III, Elisheva Clegg & Sam McLawhorn

The Big Question

There is a question asked on every grant application which may be answered in different ways for different groups who have received funds for projects. That question is:  How do you know if you have successfully accomplished your project or mission? This following short story is somewhat of a composite in order to protect the privacy of a family or individual. It is one story among many over the year.  THIS IS HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS! One night not so long ago ... I received a call at 3 AM on a Friday morning from a UVA Social Worker in ER.  She said, "Please forgive me for calling so late or early, but there was no one else." I said, "Talk to me."      She continued, "We just received an infant, transferred by taxi for a critical situation. Mother and Father are with their child; however, they are not alone." I asked, "How many children are with them?"   She replied, "Four additional children, several are infants, and Ronald McDonald House is full and not open at this hour.  The family is exhausted, and we can't make arrangements for this number in the hospital. They have so little, and certainly can't afford a hotel room. I will access those full-day meal packets you provide in the Social Work cabinet so they have something to eat, but I really need a room for them."   I remember saying, "I need ten minutes, and I will get back to you."  I called our closest hotel partner, and the overnight clerk recognized me immediately.  After all, how many people call from 12-3 AM with some regularity?  The overnight desk clerk said, "Good morning, you keep some funny hours. I assume you need a room NOW."  After a quick "You betcha, just til normal check-out time, or perhaps you can stretch it until noon. The guest has a lot of babies with her, and needs a place for all to rest and recover. Can you check on a crib and secure a room with two beds?"  The desk clerk simply said, "Give me a name for the registration. Here is the reservation number. I'll check on the crib. Send them on over. Just e-mail the rest."  I blew kisses into the phone; she laughed and hung up. I was back with the  ER social worker in less than 10 minutes. The family was placed in a taxi for transport to the hotel. An immediate temporary need was accomplished. A Reflection: By 3:45 AM, having sent an e-mail to the hotel and social worker documenting details for the record, I closed my notebook, and just sat and focused on all those photos of my grown children and their children.  Some situations allow for an outpouring of emotions. This was one such time.   I kept thinking about this indigent family, caught in an economic downturn, transported with all those kids with no one to assist them, a distance from home,  a critically ill child, and inadequate funds for lodging and food, until the next day or two to work out a plan for them. The social worker still had her work cut out for further assistance .. BUT FOR NOW ...AN IMMEDIATE SITUATION WAS COVERED... A PLACE TO REST AND SOMETHING TO EAT.   A Final Note: I wish this was a rare situation, but it's not.  The size family may be less; the hours may be earlier in the day; but the stress level for anyone coming to Charlottesville with a loved one in critical condition, and no one at home to assist, and no funds to cover the costs of lodging and food immediately upon arrival is why we are involved. The only reason we are available 24/7 for those calls is because of a group of contributors, mostly small periodic donors, who know what is happening. The least able among us are growing in numbers, and the smallest tragedy can drag them over the edge. If you would care to make a difference, click below to make a one-time donation, or set up a monthly donation for automatic withdrawal: http://www.interfaithhumanitariansanctum.org/donate.php   To ALL of you who provide us with food packets or hotel lodging funds, emergency prescription funds and infant car seat funds for NICU indigent parents ... thank you for allowing me to be able to react so quickly. I know when that phone rings at "funny hours" ... WE are ALL being successful! Much love from all of us ...  T. Wade Clegg III, Elisheva Clegg & Sam McLawhorn

Who's Making a Difference for the UVA Hospital Meal Packet Program

Social Action Day at Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church Unitarian Universalist

On Sunday September 15^th, the TJM Church in Charlottesville dedicated its "Social Action" collection to IHS. Each program which was handed to church members attending both morning services contained an envelope for a contribution which was solely dedicated to buying food items for Sunday School classes to assemble meal packets over the months ahead. Margaret Gorman spoke briefly to the congregation to acquaint new members with the charity's efforts and how the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Church continues to serve as the anchor church for the program since 2010. Church members provided a collection of $1,607.21.  This consistent devotion is so appreciated.

 

Key Club responds again  

This recognition is a few weeks late, but once again Angela Li of the Ivy area and Key Club members met and produced 57 full-day meal packers on or about August 17.  Angela has been active for several years in promoting the meal program, beginning with her Western Albermarle High School Key Club activities.  

Gorman Family added to the August Meals

Margaret and Mike Gorman took advantage of having their sons home during late August and personally made 39 full-day meal packets, then combined their production with the Key Club for a total delivery to IHS of 96 meals. The Gormans never stand down!

Cheng Family is a regular participant at making meals

Elaine Cheng and her pre-schoolers, Alex and Kate, met the Cleggs on September 18th in front of IHS's favorite meeting place, namely Hot Cakes Restaurant in Barracks Road Shopping Center in Charlottesville. This is their third year of shopping and assembling meal packets. Their goal each year is 30 full-day packets, which is accomplished over many weeks as a part of their normal grocery shopping trips. In addition, our thanks to Elaine and David for a lovely donation with a check to provide for six(6) hotel rooms for the IHS Lodging Program. This past three months has been the highest use period for needing hotel rooms since the charity began. Thanks for this wonderful devotion by the Cheng Family.

Meal Packets from UScouts at UVA

The  UScouts at UVA took time at the start of their meeting on Tuesday, September 17 to assemble 24 meal packets and write notes to the people who will receive them. This is the second time UScouts has made meal packets for the IHS. 

UScouts UVA, a university club also registered with the Boy Scouts of America as Venture Crew 1819, was founded in 2011 to give former Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and other interested college students the opportunity to provide service to Scout groups and other service organizations. They meet Tuesday evenings during the University school year at 9 pm in the Astronomy Department conference room at the University of Virginia. Check out their website (http://uva.uscouts.org)  to learn more about UScouts and see pictures of their many activities.

Another Way of Helping

   

Many friends of this charity realize that our second office is actually the Hot Cakes Restaurant in the Barracks Road Shopping Center in Charlottesville. It's a popular location for a lovely diversity of fine food and a comfortable setting for "tabletop conversations" with friends. Keith Rosenfeld is the owner of Hot Cakes and a dear friend of IHS. Earlier in the month Keith approached T. Wade and suggested that the charity might need  some updated handouts for upcoming events. He then proceeded to print 1,200 multi-color large cards in house and provided them for the Barracks Road wine-tasting event on September 5^th and the C'ville Pride Festival hosted in Lee Park on September 14^th.  This excellent show of support with the printing project saved the charity many hundreds of dollars. In addition,  the restaurant continues to donate every other week several boxes of pastries for pickup and delivery for  the guests at UVA Hospitality House.

A special thanks to Keith and the staff at Hot Cakes!

Looking for a Home

 

Friends Helping Friends

Unless you live in Charlottesville, Virginia area, have small children, or had small children who are now adults, then the name Molly Michie Preschool will not ring a bell.  However, for the last four years, the children at this Unitarian Cooperative Preschool, which was founded in 1967, have been a significant part of shopping with their parents and assembling full-day meal packets for the IHS Food Program. The school's present location at 717 Rugby Road will soon be needed for expansion; therefore, by next June 2014, Molly Michie Preschool must find a new home.

What a History!

The Preschool was designed as an outreach for Unitarian-Universalist social and educational values to the community and to meet community need for a semi-structured, multi-racial preschool. It was the first integrated preschool and the first parent cooperative preschool in Charlottesville.  In keeping with the Unitarian practice, no effort to proselytize Unitarian  theological concepts was intended. Children from all religious orientations have been and are welcome, and their various religious and cultural backgrounds have been and are respected. In 1994 the preschool was incorporated and the legal name became Molly Michie Preschool to meet Commonwealth of Virginia requirements.

What is needed to Meet VA Department of Social Services Guidelines/requirements for space

Sheila Currier Chroback provided the following for IHS to relate to potential "space holders." Sheila would be delighted to explore all possibilities, but the following are some absolutes for consideration. 

She said,

"The Preschool requires at least 35 square feet of indoor space per child and when we are at capacity that means 28 total children plus at least 4 adults. So, the bottom line is that we need a minimum of 1120 square feet to even consider a space. Ideally, we would have two classrooms with one classroom having at least 525 square feet and the other having at least 595 square feet to meet our classroom breakdowns. We also require at least 2 toilets and sinks within close proximity to the classrooms, outdoor space or access to a local playground/park, parking spaces for at least 4 individuals for the duration of the school day, and use of the space for meetings outside of school hours."

 The Sooner that New Space can be located ... THE BETTER

IHS friends are invited to contact Sheila and explore. Her email is Sheila.chrobak@gmail.com or phone (434) 327-7121.  IHS is pleased to assist in some small way.

Sincerely ... T. Wade Clegg III 

New Friends Reached Out to IHS in July

New Participant in Meal-Making for UVA Hospital The Enrichment Alliance of Virginia, a non-profit serving Charlottesville,  Albemarle, and adjacent counties held a meeting of its "Hub" on Saturday, June 30, to do their first service project ever. The Hub is a monthly program serving children resettled in Charlottesville from the world's troubled spots.  Five mentors and six students shopped for meal packet supplies at a local grocery store, then used their meeting space to assemble meal packets for IHS to donate to the University of Virginia Medical Center. The young people worked quickly and wrote lovely notes for the packet recipients. In all, with supplement items from IHS Meal Packet Coordinator, Margaret Gorman, the Hub created full-day meal packets for 24 people. Congratulations, and thanks very much! Thank you to Program Director Mary Anna Dunn, Ed.D, for thinking of the IHS and showing the Hub participants one way we can help other people. The Board and volunteers of the Enrichment Alliance of Virginia work together to expand enrichment opportunities for all children, regardless of income, geography or cognitive/physical disabilities. To learn more, see Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Enrichment-Alliance-of-Virginia/295269790273                                                                          Margaret Gorman,  IHS Meal Packet Coordinator A Note from Jessica Kirby ... a friend of IHS in Scottsville, VA I was so touched by the work that you do with IHS that I was thrilled to be able to help in some sort of way. IHS was the first thing to pop in my mind when we were choosing where we would donate our Vacation Bible School (VBS) funds.  Antioch Baptist Church,located at 4422 Antioch Road in Scottsville,  holds a VBS yearly in July and picks a family or charity to help support.   The boys and girls divided each night to see who could raise the most for IHS. We were able to raise $ 273.00 and a box of food for the IHS Food Program. Thank you so much for showing us that just a single person can help make such a big difference in our community. MARK YOUR CALENDAR  for an Important Fund-raising Event September 5, 2013! More announcements to come, but IHS has been invited as the charity to benefit from the wine-tasting event to be hosted at the fountain area in Barracks Road Shopping Center in Charlottesville  from 6-9  PM on Thursday, September 5th. The fountain is located next to Five Guys and Panera's restaurants in the shopping center.  Live music will add to this lovely outdoor gathering for a few hours of relaxing after a busy work day. There is marvelous parking  space so near.  Tickets sold for the wine-tasting purchased at the site.  Mark your  calendar ...PLEASE!