From The Desk of Kathy Jenkins - August 2023
As summer winds to its abrupt and often unwelcome conclusion, we tend to return to a state of normalcy. Vacations end, children return to school, summer tourism slows, and the days begin to shorten as we resume our normal rhythms. At New Directions, however, our return to “normal” is anything but -
At our Family Shelter: Enrolling 18 children in 7 different schools, ensuring they have all of the back to school essentials, supplies, resources, and support they need to have a great year!
At our Men’s and Women’s Shelters: Facilities are nearly filled to capacity, and we are preparing for more people to be in need of a shelter bed as we approach the time of year where incomes tend to dwindle and seasonal jobs end, resulting in more who might become homeless and need our assistance this fall.
At our Walk-in Center: Record breaking temperatures have increased our total number of visitors and visits to the Walk-in Center with over 25 clients served per day through showers, laundry, hygiene products, or simply, a safe place to get out of the heat.
At Community Dinner: Nearly 100 people are being served a to-go meal each night, in addition to the 190+ clients within our shelters who we provide all meals to daily. We served 11,584 meals in July!
Just last week, we took in a family of nine after the hotel they had been staying in was shut down due to unsafe and unsanitary conditions. This family had been living there for months - two parents and seven children living in a tiny hotel room with no AC and only one bed - a life that was anything but normal. Today, that family has a safe place to lay their heads, beds for each of their children, and healthy meals. Their children have places to play and other children to play with, along with the resources they need to ensure their education, development, and enrichment. The parents have access to the tools they need to become the best that they can be, and create a better life for both themselves and for their children. And for the first time in perhaps quite some time, this family is now in a place where they are welcomed, cared for, and loved.
With your support, when life takes an unexpected turn (as it did for this family) we can stand ready to meet the most immediate and vital needs of those in crisis. To the extent that we have available beds, we remain ready whenever the need for shelter arises. We are so grateful to have been able to help this family along with the 16 other families that are currently staying at our family shelter.
Thank you for your partnership which allows us to give families and individuals in our community the opportunity to rest, regroup, and rediscover hope!
Kathy Jenkins, CEO