Theme weeks prove popular with clients

We continue to adapt our delivery of services to the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions on the size of gatherings have limited the opportunities for partner groups to volunteer, but we've come up with a great idea to counter that -- theme weeks.

Most recently, 12 clients participated in the first activity day of Fashion & Jobs Week, at which they were encouraged to pursue their dream jobs. (see photos) Between now and the end of the year, the following weeks will have themes:

Sept. 28 -- Self-Care Week (eat well, rest well, care for your body, care for your mind, care for your soul)

Oct. 12 -- Exploring Your Identity Week (loving yourself, your heritage, who you are, finding yourself and your community)

Oct. 26 -- Halloween Week (includes All Saints Day

Nov. 1 -- Day of the Dead, goblins and fun)

Nov. 9 -- Favorite Foods Week  (food foods, comfort foods, practical foods)

Nov. 23 -- Feast/Gratitude Week (it starts the last two days of the prior week -- gratitude, plenty, harvest, feasts of all sorts)

Three and a half weeks of Christmas: Faith 11/30, Hope 12/7, Love 12/14, Peace Out 12/21-22.    Exactly what happens is really up to our partners and volunteers as we brainstorm together how to best help our clients explore and engage each theme in fun and uplifting ways. Partners also can help collect and deliver the needed materials, and -- if all parties deem it's sufficiently safe -- participate outdoors with our clients, remembering to wear masks and observe social distancing.

No Pranks Here; Only Blessings Raining Down!

Supplies ready for clients dropping by

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we are not able to operate the Drop-in the same way as before. But, we have adopted. Our 'drop-by team' receives clients outside our gates with a smile, with a meal, usually hot, and with supplies. We are trying to fill the gap created by temporarily disappearing services, so we are doing things like food bags and toilet paper. The 'drop-by team' chats with clients outside (observing social distance) about life and challenges ... hope and hardship in these coronavirus times. They also help drop-by volunteers unload supplies. Meanwhile, our "home team" works the phones, seeking resources.

Donation from One Chapel

Wonderful members of One Chapel stay true to their church's belief that "our faith is practical and our lives are meant to be lived in service to others" as they deliver in-kind donations for SYMin distribution outside the Drop-in Center.