| A Message from Fr. Bob – Summer, 2008
And of course the grill has been busy this summer. Our volunteers have used it quite a bit to grill up the burgers and hot dogs. We are a diverse community. And it always seems to me that because of that diversity, because of the different ways of looking at things, The Center becomes a place of growth – for all of us. Fr. Bob | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Executive Director's Message - February 2008
Things are busy at The Center! Our holiday season was the busiest and the best ever. So many wonderful people made it happen. We were sometimes almost overwhelmed by the generosity of people with the over-the-top Thanksgiving donations and the Christmas gifts that brought such warmth to so many. Center House is now full with twenty-five residents. While they, of course, have much in common, in fact there is such diversity with them. One year after the opening of Center House the community that has formed adds so much to each day. So many days the noise and laughter of the residents enjoying one another’s company in the dining room for breakfast or dinner reminds us of why we do this. Folks who were not long ago homeless and alone are home. And then there are the wonderful volunteers. In 2007 our volunteers logged over 10,000 hours of service! And each one of the 60 plus volunteers brings her or his own talent, story, sense of mission, and hope to the venture. And now we move on to our Spring events Center a la Carte and the Jersey Shore AIDS Walk. The exciting news is that we move Center a la Carte to Convention Hall on the Boardwalk in Asbury Park. We owe such a debt of gratitude to The Church of St. Anselm for hosting this event for the past fourteen years. We couldn’t have pulled it off without the generosity of the St. Anselm community. But now its good to move it to Asbury Park where our Mission is so focused. And thanks to Madison Marquette we are able to do it. Join us at these events to help us raise the funds to continue living the Mission, to meet one another, to celebrate the community The Center in Asbury Park is. Fr. Bob | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Executive Director's Message - Fall 2007
Once again we gather for World AIDS Day. There are various themes that help us focus on the event this year. One theme is “Keep the Promise” and the challenge is to leadership in our world today to fulfill the various promises that world leaders have made to meet head on the challenge of this disease after all these years. Promises have been made they need to be kept. Locally we are focusing on the theme “One World, Many Voices”. Indeed we need to realize our solidarity with those locally as well as those who are distant from us as we remember and as we attempt to care for one another. This year again we remember those who have passed we hold them still dear and close to us. We remember those who struggle with this disease those who live day by day attempting to navigate the challenges of living with HIV and searching for support and love. We remember those who show love and support those who give of their time and energy to help their brothers and sisters know they are not alone. In many ways this annual observance of World AIDS Day is a time to “re-fuel” to dedicate ourselves to continue the Mission and remember that we are responsible for one another in so many ways. Join us as we remember Let’s support one another in the effort Let’s let our voices be heard. Peace Fr. Bob
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||
| | |
Director's Message - March 2007
In the midst of this cold winter, The Center in Asbury Park has truly been a home for our brothers and sisters in need. Each day approximately fifty folks come for a hot lunch, for some friendship, to use the phone or simply to be warm and cozy. Over 45 volunteers help make it all happen by greeting the folks, preparing the food and just listening to the stories. Of course now with the Opening of Center House we are truly a home for folks who are living with HIV/AIDS, formerly homeless and hoping to be able to turn their lives around. Presently we have 17 people living at Center House. Soon we’ll be full with twenty five folks living in a supportive setting. And so it is an exciting time. We are always looking for folks who can help us live our Mission. Perhaps you have some time to help greet people at the front desk. Or help prepare the midday meal. We also looking for people who might share some special skill or hobby photography, kitting, cooking, painting. If you like to be part of the adventure, please call. Come visit us we love to give tours of the New Center in Asbury Park and Center House. Our building at 806 Third Avenue, Asbury Park is the one with awnings with the hearts. Peace Fr. Bob
| ||
| | |
| | |
Director's Message - Summer 2006 Our volunteers have always been the heart of The Center. Each week more than thirty folks come and spend a day or a part of a day feeding people, answering phones, finding out how they can improve the lives of those who depend upon The Center. And then there are those who just stop by with some extra food, or help with fund-raisers and mailings. Not only does this wonderful community of volunteers make The Center happen, they also assure that the funds raised go to direct service. Volunteers from the beginning have been the main-stay of The Center. And as we open our new building with the opportunity to house twenty-five single adults and expand the services we already provide our volunteers will continue to at the center of it all. One new service we hope to offer is a Volunteer Faculty for Life Skills. As folks move in to Center House we realize that there are things they need to know. We want to offer some information on how to keep an apartment clean and tidy; how to budget funds; how to shop well for bargains and health; nutrition guidelines and cooking skills. We know there is wealth of talent to be tapped. And the information to be shared can be valuable not just to the residents of Center House but to all the Center Folks. I’m sure all of us will benefit! And so, if you’d like to volunteer in some way be in touch. If you have a particular “Life Skill” to share, let us know. We’ll be gathering soon to develop our “faculty”. Join the fun! Fr. Bob | ||
| | |
| | |
Director's Message - Spring 2006 An African proverb says “A keen sense of purpose is not easily overcome by difficulties.” How well we witness this at The Center. Most of our folks struggle with so many adversities that’s really an understatement! Not only do they live with AIDS. They are often the poorest of the poor in our midst. They have struggled with addiction, have been alienated from family, carry the stigma of prejudice. If they have shelter, an apartment or a room, its often a place that hardly provides the most basic comforts. And yet so many have a real sense of purpose of what is essential. So many are driven by faith and a real understanding that, in spite of what might be obvious, they are not alone. Each day we watch the folks who struggle with so much sit with a warm cup of coffee and laugh and tell stories and enjoy one another’s company. When you and I can be rushing by and miss the beauty of what God is doing for us, these folks know it experience it and revel in it. We can learn from it. And we do. Our sense of purpose knowing that what we are called to at The Center is to serve and take care of those in need is not overcome by the difficulties that can be placed in our way. Center House will be grow and provide safe and secure space for those who will live there. Even in the aftermath of a horrendous year when all of us were call upon to respond to the victims of a Tsunami in Asia and the horror of Katrina, the local peole did not forget the folks who come to The Center. The outpouring for out Thanksgiving project and Christmas giving program was greater than ever. The generosity of individuals in our annual giving campaign once again overwhelms us. The months ahead are exciting ones. Center a la Carte, The Jersey Shore AIDS Walk, the Building of Center House and the many folks who volunteer to serve The Center Folk will help us to realize our purpose. What focuses us is our purpose the people entrusted to us the folks we serve. Join us in whatever way you can. Be part of The Center in Asbury Park. | ||
| | |
| | |