Kindness Opportunity #11: The Bridge - Memphis' Street Newspaper (Written by Homeless to Support the Homeless)

WHAT IS THE BRIDGE?

In mid-2013, two Rhodes College sophomores (James Ekenstedt and Evan Katz) launched Memphis' first "street newspaper", which is dedicated to raising awareness around issues of homelessness and poverty in the city.  This monthly publication is completely directed by students, features content written by homeless and poverty-stricken Memphians, and provides a sustainable source of income for contributors and vendors, who are typically also homeless.  The Bridge is distributed solely on the streets by independently contracted homeless vendors who keep the profit from the papers they sell.  

The Bridge typically has approximately 50 active homeless vendors who they interview, train, and certify to be vendors.  The vendors get 20 free copies of each new issue the week it comes out, and 10 free issues for just showing up at distribution (if they've already gotten their 20 free).  Vendors can purchase even more papers just 25 cents each, which they sell for $1 each, and the vendor gets to keep the profit.  There are also more rewards for vendors who purchase additional papers to sell, including bus passes.  With no experience needed and a strict no-discrimination policy, literally any homeless or poverty-stricken individual can learn to be a vendor.

The ability to earn a salary, however small, is vital for members of the homeless population, as many homeless shelters in our city charge individuals as much as $10 per night to sleep in their facility - not to mention the need to purchase food and other necessities.
  

  
RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS #14:
My mother and I were driving west on Sam Cooper Blvd, headed to dinner one Saturday night a few weeks ago.  Getting off at the Perkins exit, we noticed a young African-American man sitting in the dark, He was balled up, trying to protect himself from the cold, while holding up a copy of The Bridge street newspaper to sell.  So, we pulled over to talk to him.  

The man's name was Micheal.  He was in his mid-twenties.  He explained that he was trying to sell papers so he could earn enough money to be able to stay in a shelter that night, as it was very cold.  We had almost no cash on us, but were able to give him $1 for the paper and $1 for a tip. This left him needing $3 more.  Though we didn't have anymore cash, we fortunately had a homeless care packet / goody bag (see http://kindmemphis.blogspot.com/2016/02/january-8-2016-random-act-of-kindness-1.html) in my car (containing food, toiletries, etc), and a warm scarf one of my friends had made for this very purpose. I'm pretty sure I've never been thanked for anything as many times as my mother and I were thanked that night by this man!

I don't know if Michael was able to earn the remaining $3 he needed to stay in a shelter that night, but I pray so.  And wherever Michael is now, I wish him the very best.

If you see someone selling this paper, please be kind enough to purchase one, or two, or three.  Just a few dollars can very literally be the difference between sleeping in an outdoor environment frought with dangers or safe and warm inside, snug in a bed.

Also, please conside donating to The Bridge, and help support this wonderful opportunity they continuiously provide to our homeless community. (http://thememphisbridge.com/)

Inspiration

Kindness Opportunity #10 - Volunteering at a Nursing Home

RANDOM ACT IF KINDNESS #12

It is estimated that 60% of the people living in a nursing home never receive a single visitor during their stay.  Since many stay for years, until God calls them home, this is a very sobering statistic.  

So, let me tell you a little bit about this awesome company I work for. Not only does Benefit Recovery encourage its employees to give back to their community, but a couple of times a year it even sponsors their efforts. Friday was one of those times. 

Benefit Recovery employees purchased 150 beautiful carnations (Thank you Holly & Ivy) to hand out to the residents of Ave Maria Home, along with sweet valentine messages. 

Employees baked lots of goodies and served refreshments to the Assisted Living Community. 

For the Nursing Home community, employees held games that allowed residents to play and win prizes. 

  

Some of our employees even brought their spouses and kids to help, and the residents LOVED all the attention! 





One of our employees, a very talented musician, serenaded the residents with his mad guitar and piano skills.

My sweet husband, Michael, even brought our Geisha along to add a little pet therapy to the mix! For the residents who were too tired or ill to come join in the fun, some of our employees did a little door-to-door flower delivery / visitation.

 
 
 
 
The residents asked us to please come back and visit them again.  Since Geisha seemed to be such a pro and since she has always loved older people, I plan to take her back at least twice-a-month for visits.  

It was such a humbling experience. What a blessing to be able to provide joy to others!

(www.AveMariaHome.org)

Kindness opportunity #9 - Donating Coats

KINDNESS OPPORTUNITY #9

There are many places who accept donated coats in Memphis. I will list them in a future post. However, during the winter months, you might like to keep one of those old coats in your back seat or trunk - especially if it is big enough to fit a typical man.  You never know when you may come across someone who would be thrilled to have it.

RANDOM ACT IF KINDNESS #11:
This is Justin. Justin has been standing at my exit on Houston Levee and I-40 for the last two days when I've gotten off work.  Justin was laid off not long ago and his truck was repossessed. Since that time, he has been staying with his wife and their two kids (ages 5 & 2) in the Super 8 Motel down the street. He has been unable to find a job, but he's desperate to for one. They are literally living day-to-day just trying to raise enough money for the hotel fee for the upcoming night. I didn't have money (I never keep it on me), but I had a couple of warm, wool coats for him & his wife in my trunk that I had planned to drop off at the shelter, along with some homemade scarves for the kids, and some food. Justin said a few people had previously given him some clothes that were way too small, but he wanted to "pay it forward" and so he gave those clothes to the BIBLES FOR CHINA thrift store on Sycamore View. Justin was extremely grateful for the coats, food and scarves. He was also embarrassed about being in his current situation. He asked me to pray for him and then he prayed for me. Tonight, as you lay your head on your warm pillow, in a home that you know you won't be kicked out of tomorrow, please remember Justin and his family in your prayers and thank God for all that He has blessed you with.

Kindness Opportunity #8 - Serving Meals at the Opportunity Center

January, 2016

RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS #10:
Once-a-month, #MergeMemphis serves Saturday morning breakfast to the residents of the Memphis Union Mission Opportunity Center.  On a certain Saturday last month, I was priviledged to join them in this service.  We made breakfast burritos, sticky buns, fruit, juice, and more!  Once we're finished serving the breakfast, we get to sit down and break bread with the residents of the center.  What an incredible group of people!

In addition to opening their doors to the at night when its cold so the homeless have a safe/warm place to sleep, the Opportunity Center, located at 600 Poplar Avenue, focusing on helping men overcome various addictions.  The men are offered free room / board while they are going through the treatment program (which Memphis Union Mission pays them to do).  After the men have been in the treatment program for 2 years and have continually proven to be drug / alcohol free (through random testing), they are allowed to take up residence in the Opportunity Center, where they are taught valuable job skills.  

During this visit, I sat and ate with a man named Fred (Fred is in the bottom right posing with me in the above picture collage).  Fred has had a hard life.  Currently in his late 40's, Fred has struggled with addiction since he was a pre-teen.  Somehow, he ended up in the Memphis Union Mission's treatment program and he has been clean now for many years.  He now works as an RA at the Opportunity Center to help other men who are struggling with some of the same addictions that Fred says God helped him to overcome.  

I could have talked to Fred for hours.  Alas, it was time for us volunteers to clean up and head out.  

If you're interested in volunteering with Merge Memphis to feed breakfast to the men of the opportunity center, click here for more information: https://www.facebook.com/people/Merge-Memphis/100008136078846


RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS #13:
Was blessed to serve breakfast again to the men of the Memphis Union Mission Opportunity Center.  My mom even came along this time!  We were able to meet some new and wonderful like-minded volunteers as we served some very thankful men tasty biscuits and gravy!  

Thank you #MergeMemphis for providing us this opportunity to give back to our community!

 

Inspiration

Interview

February 5, 2016

I was recently honored to be interviewed by Conrad Carriker for his and his wife, Susan's, podcast called "Coffee with Conrad" regarding thsi 52 Acts of Kindess endeavor.  You can check it out here:  http://bit.ly/valerieinterview

Please subscribe to Conrad & Susan's podcast.  It is full of inspiriation, encouragement, and ideas to help your community!  The three of us met through #MergeMemphis at one of the Project Warm Memphis events.  They have such kind hearts and a love for everyone they meet.

Kindness Opportunity #7 - Care packages for the sick and/or hurting

January 28, 2016

RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS #9: It's cold outside. There's a lot of flu and other icky viruses going around. Don't forget your friends and family members who are sick - especially the ones who live alone and have no one to care for them during their time of need. For this kindness, I made a basket of food containing 4 dinners of soup and spaghetti, garlic bread, cinnamon rolls, other pastries, and a small chocolate cake, and took this basket to a family member who was very ill, along with a special note. If she's reading this now, I hope she knows how much I love and appreciate her. 

April 14, 2016

RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS #20: If you follow this blog, you've read about my friend Beth who is battling cancer.  Today, she had her second round of chemo.  Since yellow is the official color of sarcoma awareness, I made a little "happy" to give her.  It includes peppermint tea (to help with nausea), a yellow mug with a little sunflower to brighten her day, and some thank you notes (because she has mentioned wanting to send thank you notes to everyone who has been so kind during this trial).  It doesn't take much to let someone know you're thinking of them.  Sometimes the smallest gestures mean the most.

    
 
smile emoticon

Inspiration

Kindness Opportunity #6 - The Caritas Village

January 25, 2016

RANDOM ACT IF KINDNESS #8: Their mission: To break down the walls of hostility between cultures, to build bridges of love and trust between the rich and those made poor & to provide a positive alternative to the street corners for the neighborhood children. 

If you are not familiar with the non-profit Caritas Village, you MUST check this place out. I recently heard about this awesome little restaurant who allows the poor, hungry, and homeless to eat for free. If you're like me, your first thought is, "Yeah, but how good could the food be?" I learned the answer to that question today - Freakin' delicious! With their professionally-trained chef, it's no wonder I couldn't stop talking about about how good the food tasted.

My co-workers and I decided to check this place out for lunch today. And we were glad we did. Every meal purchased in this restaurant helps to pay for the meals who can't afford to pay, as well as a weekly free medical clinic, after school programs for Binghampton children such as music and painting classes), a lending library, and much, much more - all of which are provided to the community at no charge! My co-workers and I even got to talk with Onie, Caritas Village's founder. Her story is an amazing one. As I sat at my table and ate my meal, I scanned the room and saw people from all walks of life - from the man who asked Onie if it was ok if he had a free bowl of soup (and she immediately agreed), to local artists, to attorneys who were obviously on their lunch break - all breaking bread together. I saw a box full of clothing, a box full of shoes, and a box full of canned goods - just sitting there waiting for someone in need to take some of the items home. I saw a restaurant full of volunteers, trying to do their part to help the community - refusing wages so that money can support the children and others in need. Please stop by and lend your support to this center if only by purchasing your lunch. What an incredible place this is. And, I really can't say it enough - what delicious food!!! www.CaritasVillage.org

 — withBeth Ingram and Teresa Brawner Moeschle.

Kindness Opportunity #5 - Making No-sew Fleece Scarves for those in need

January 23, 2016

RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS #6:
Michael and I made some no-sew scarves out of fleece purchased with money donated from from some kind-hearted friends. We then donated those scarves to Merge Memphis to use for tomorrow's Project Warm Memphis, where they put donated scarves, gloves, hats, & other needs in baggies and hang them in bus stops on Poplar and in public parks where the homeless frequent. 

Making the scarves are easy and relatively inexpensive, if you purchase the fleece on sale.  Simply purchase the fleece in 2 yard increments.  Then, cut the scarves length-wise (each scarf should be 2 yards long) in the width of a standard scarf.  You should be able to get about 6 scarves out of 2 yards of fleece.  After the scarves are cut, use your scissors to cut 1-inch thick strips along each end of the scarf to make the fringe.  Tie a knot in each fringe strip and Bam! Your scarf is complete!
(NOTE:  For children's scarves, I make each scarf 1 yard long rather than 2 yards long.  Everything else remains the same.)

IF YOU HAVE AN HOUR OF FREE TIME ON THE MORNING OF ONE OF THE MANY SATURDAYS IN THE FALL/WINTER MONTHS AND WANT TO EXPERIENCE SOMETHING VERY REWARDING, please consider volunteering your time to help these awesome volunteers distribute these packages for those in need during the designated "Project Warm Memphis" days.

KINDNESS #7
In addition to the homeless goody bags discussed in Opportunity #1, I try to keep some of these no-sew scarves in my car.  A few days ago, I happened upon across a young man holding  a sign requesting help.  Unfortunately, at that time, I was out of goody bags, but I had a couple of scarves in my backseat.  I pulled over and asked the man if he would like a scarf due to the chilly temperatures outside.  He politely thanked me and said, "Ma'am, I appreciate the offer, but I'm warm.  However, there is a man a couple of blocks down that doesn't have anything and I would sure appreciate it if you would give that scarf to him."  So, I drove down the direction the young man had pointed out - and there he was.  I could tell immediately he was cold.  When I called him over to my car and handed him the scarf, you should have seen the tears that came to his eyes.  What a blessing God gave me today - to allow me to witness such joy and gratefullness on the face of someone truly in need!

Kindness Opportunity #4 - Donating Clothes to the Memphis Union Mission

January 22, 2016

RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS #5: 

"A clean set of clothing can restore a homeless person's sense of dignity, and can help to enable them to gain employment." This is why the Memphis Union Mission keeps clothes closets full of fresh shirts, pants, shoes, socks, underwear, coats, and accessories - which they provide at absolutely no charge. Michael (my husband) and I were proud to donate a box and large bag of clothes and shoes to this organization, with more to come as we continue to purge our closets and drawers. 

Please consider donating here instead of Goodwill's thrift store. If you would like more information, click the link below, go to the MUM Facebook page, or ask me and I'll try to find out what you need to know! smile emoticon http://www.memphisunionmission.org/emergency-services
#MemphisUnionMission

Inspiration

To order a copy of this print, click here: http://shop.storypeople.com/products/beautiful-things-masc-cont-prints?variant=1105578596

Kindness Opportunity #3 - Giving Leftovers to the Homeless

January 15, 2016

2016's Act of Kindness #3:
Sometimes an act of kindness requires a lot of time, effort, planning, money, etc. Sometimes it requires nothing but kindness and a willingness to go just a little bit out of your way. My awesome bosses provide breakfast for their employees every Friday. Today, after everyone had their fill, there were leftovers - biscuits, eggs, fruit, & chocolates. So, we wrapped them, along with utensils, napkins, & jelly packs, and delivered the leftovers to one of the many homeless men down the street. He was thrilled to get it and very thankful. 

Never forget - sometimes the smallest thing (giving away your leftovers) can make a big difference for someone. Thank you, Lydia, for helping with this today!

January 22, 2016

Round 2 (Kindness #4): Leftovers from today's breakfast went to a short little bearded man walking in the snow down Poplar Avenue. Added a nice, warm scarf my co-worker, Teresa, made b/c he was shivering. Every day I see how blessed I am when I see those whose problems dwarf mine.

Kindness Opportunity #2 - Volunteering for Project Warm Memphis

January 9, 2016

2016's RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS #2:
Today, I was fortunate to be a part of a group (Merge Memphis) who headed up Project Warm Memphis. 

THE PLAN: Tape/tack ziplock bags containing scarves, hats, gloves, socks, etc. to bus stops along Poplar Ave. and trees in downtown parks / viaducts where homeless frequent. Each bag contained a note explaining these were free gifts for anyone to use who may be cold.

WHAT HAPPENED: It was rainy and icky. But with the temperatures forecasted in the 20's tonight, we couldn't let that stop us. So, after a quick prayer for guidance, we got to work. Not only did we have enough donated bags to successfully place them in all planned areas, but we were blessed enough to meet, interact with, and personally give some of the items directly to some individuals who needed them.

I met some wonderful, like-minded volunteers, as well. One of them, a very sweet girl named Mariah, noticed one homeless man in an Old Navy shirt dragging everything he owned in a small suitcase that no longer had wheels. It just so happened that she had a larger rolling suitcase in her car that she had planned to get rid of. She offered it to him, along with the scarves/gloves. He was so very grateful! The smile on his face warmed my heart. 

Another blessing came in the form of a break in the rain. During the 60-90 minutes we were placing the bags, the rains basically stayed away. What a great way to start a Saturday!

I'm looking forward to working with Merge Memphis in some of my future "Kindness" endeavors!

Kindness Opportunity #1 - Goody Bags for the Homeless

January 8, 2016

RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS #1: 
My friend, Teresa Brawner Moeschle, and I, thanks to some co-workers who donated funds toward this cause, made some care packages for the homeless. 

OUR PLAN: Keep these bags with us in our cars b/c you never know when you'll run across someone in need. 

THE BAGS: Each bag varied, but the contents included mainly the following: Hair combs, Toothbrush & paste, floss, deodorant, thermal socks, hand towel, soap, chewing gum, juice box, anti-bacterial hand wipes, packs of salted peanuts, packs of sandwich cookies, cheese crackers, cream cheese/chives crackers, peanut butter, granola bars, pop tarts, etc.  By purchasing the items at #DollarTree, we were able to keep the cost of each back down to about $7-$8 each. 

TODAY'S KINDNESS: While at lunch, we came across our first homeless man at Park & Ridgeway. I called him over to the car. The poor man seemed ragged, beaten down, and unwell. I explained to him that we didn't have any money to give him but I had two different ziploc bags full of toiletries and food. I further explained that one bag had more food in it than the other and asked him which one he would prefer to have, if any. With drool literally rolling down & blowing off of his beard from the wind, he expressed his gratitude and pointed to the bag that had more food in it. I handed it to him and wished him blessings. The man then mentioned that there was another homeless man a block away at Poplar and Ridgeway. He said, if I wanted him to, he would take that man our second bag. I handed him the bag and thanked him. 

We then drove away. We ended up having to do a u-turn due to traffic. When we did, we saw this worn-down old man, who walked slumped over as if he carried the weight of the world on his back, walk toward the other homeless man and hand him our second bag. How wonderful to see his kindness in helping another in need - even when he obviously has so little himself. And how blessed we were to be a part of it! LOVE THIS!