Posted by ken on November 19, 2010 · Leave a Comment
The evening the kids have been preparing for had finally arrived. It was time for the ‘Passion for Youth’ art show at Dominion Chalmers. There was sufficient space for each artist to choose five pieces of their work to show, and it was a challenge for some to decide. Hustle, bustle, the staging of sofas and tables from the art room on the second floor, the preparation of the interactive art table where guests could be creative, coffee, tea and snacks set near the entrance all combined to accelerate the excitement and anticipation.
In the end, all was readied. The stage was set, the players were ready, last minute adjustments to the easels were complete, the live entertainment arrived ( Max and August), and the mood was set.
Guests enjoyed the ambiance, the artists and the art work. Ahh, the art work. For some of our guests, the time had finally come when the art work that was ‘for display only’ at our auction, was finally available for bidding. There were pieces of art work that captured hours and hours of devotion, had become a labour of love, and were now revealed to the public.
But there was something here far greater than what initially captured the senses. There was a clear demonstration of a Master Artist at work with figures of moving clay.
The real demonstration of art was that of the artists themselves.
Initially, many of these youth never had any idea that they could create anything beautiful at all. The images of childhood that are so familiar to us were either non-existent or so overshadowed with such painful memories that it would have been better not to have had them at all. Years of repeated abuse served to reinforce their belief and image they would never amount to anything. They were told as young children that they were losers, worthless and discarded and treated as less than animals. They had eaten from the garbage bins, slept in the bins or wherever they could, experienced cold and discomfort that are beyond description. They were survivors, despite it all.
Tonight was different. People they didn’t even know told them over and over again, that they had created something beautiful. So beautiful in fact that they would like to buy the items and remember the artists. The youth were the ones encouraging the younger guests and showing them how to hold a paint brush, how to mix the colors, how to ‘let themselves go’ and be creative. Photos were taken. The young artists were congratulated for work well done, praised for their choices of color or texture, and one small bit at a time, I believe some changes began to occur.
Maybe the voices of the past were wrong. Maybe I’m not useless, after all, someone likes what I have created. Maybe there is something good about me. Maybe this is not the end. Maybe, just maybe, I can do something good. Maybe there is something good about me.
That was the real exhibition of art. It wasn’t the paint on the canvas, or the music that filled the air: it was living, breathing, young people experiencing hope and a promise for the future. And, maybe, just maybe, that might be enough to change a life.
Filed under ABCD, About OIM, Addictions, Alcoholism, Assets Based Community Development, Breaking the cycle of poverty, Dignity, Drop In Services, Events, General Poverty, Homelessness, Justice, justice canada, mental health, Miracle on the Streets, Personal Experiences, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Recovery, Respect, Social, Street Outreach, Street Youth, Street Youth in Canada, Street Youth Ottawa, Uncategorized, Volunteer Ottawa, Volunteering · Tagged with ABCD, Addictions, art therapy, Assets Based Community Development, biblical justice, break cycle poverty, Dignity, drop in, drop in service, help the poor, Homelessness, homelessness canada, homelessness ontario, homelessness ottawa, injustice Canada, Justice, living on the streets, Make a diference, poverty Canada, poverty ontario, poverty ottawa, Respect, social justice, Street Outreach, street work, Street Youth, street youth outreach, Volunteer, Volunteering, walk the streets
Posted by ken on October 15, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Just after the Thanksgiving holiday. Wednesday drop in. Friend after friend came up to me and spoke with me very candidly about how much they appreciated what we were doing at the drop in.
Billy Bob told me that last week, he was given six eggs! What a blessing for him! He said he budgeted the eggs on a daily basis and they lasted all week. He couldn’t believe that we would give out fresh eggs. While he was speaking I was thinking about his complimenting us when, about two and a half months ago, we were able to include a pound of ground beef with the food hampers. He recounted to me on several occasions since then, on how he had measured the amounts very carefully, and had fresh hamburger for the entire week. THEN, Billy Bob reminded me of the same thing I was thinking – and again, how very much he appreciated this.
Jeremy walked by, stopped, turned around and told me how much he appreciated all we did at the drop in: the friendly volunteers, the hot meal, haircuts… everything was so great. He lowered his voice and quietly said, “This is one of my favourite places.”
Susan came up to me directly and thanked me profusely for having so many fresh vegetables to hand out: tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and peppers (donated by a local produce store and distributed to our guys the next day). She said this was the only place to come and get some fresh vegetables – which she could not afford on her limited budget.
I went upstairs and sat and talked to Brent while he got his feet washed (we do this regularly: soak, massage, rub with lotion and ‘clean sock’ those guests who enjoy this service) and visited. I noticed the volunteer massage his feet and also the shin and calf, up to the knee. “What’s this new service?” I queried. Brent quickly explained this extra service was such a blessing, since he was diabetic and had poor circulation in his legs. The caregiver smiled and said, “I do this for Brent each time he comes.”
While she was giving this explanation, Peg came up to me, dressed in loose fitting sweat pants and sweater. “LOOK! LOOK at my back. SEE? See? My spine is straight” she exclaimed. I looked as hard as I could, but I really could not see anything. “See?” she asked as she directed my attention to the lower part of her back with her hand, “See? It’s straight! Just after two treatments with Dr. Payne!”
“Oh, so you have been to visit our chiropractor?” I asked. “You are feeling much better, are you?”
“Oh yes! ALL my pain is gone and my back is straight now. Can you see it? It’s straight,” again directing my vision with a sweep of her hand up and down her lower back.
Our friends/guests who come to receive our services are so very thankful and grateful for these seemingly small bits and pieces of service that we are able to provide.
It’s such a small thing for us, but such a great gift to them!
At Thanksgiving and throughout the year, we are thankful TOGETHER for the many gifts we are able to receive and enjoy!
Filed under Breaking the cycle of poverty, Dignity, Homelessness, Personal Experiences, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Respect, Uncategorized · Tagged with break cycle poverty, Dignity, drop in, help the poor, Homelessness, homelessness canada, homelessness ontario, homelessness ottawa, Justice, living on the streets, Make a diference, poverty Canada, poverty ontario, poverty ottawa, street work, Volunteer, Volunteering
Posted by ken on September 17, 2010 · Leave a Comment
It sometimes takes years to build enough trust for some of our street friends to talk to us about their lives. Red is thirty-six and we have spoken fairly regularly over the past eight years.
Most of our conversations revolve around things that are of concern to Red. He is preoccupied with the spiritual world and speaks of his battles with demons, and even the devil himself. Wisps of hair from his bangs fall down over one eye, both eyes glisten and he speaks of the devil coming at him with a gun, but he is stronger and uses his own power to beat him up. That would be God’s power in him. His world is complex and difficult. He stays at the local shelter mostly, but has taken to the streets when that doesn’t work out. He suffers from schizophrenia and his endless conversations with the voices that are inside his head lead to sustained self-medication.
This week we had opportunity to talk once again over coffee. There were the usual demonic and satanic battles that he was waging, with strong testimony that he will not be overcome. Then his tone changed.
He told me that one of the staff at the shelter want to talk to his mother who lives in the Maritimes. He refused to allow this because, well, what would she tell her? He said his parents know he is on ‘skid row’ and he doesn’t want to bother them about his own problems. He told me his dad is a retired firefighter and he has a brother four years older than he.
We spoke quietly about his family relationships and about his drug use. He has seen it all on the streets, the back alleys and everywhere in between. The people at the shelter remind him to take his meds, which are working quite well for him at this time. In fact, he hasn’t taken any pills (street drugs) for four days.
Red doesn’t stay in any one place for any lengthy period of time. He was on his fourth coffee, downed it and said it was time to go. On his way out the door I wished him a good weekend, and hoped that when I saw him the next time he would be able to say he hadn’t taken any pills now for seven days! He smiled and agreed.
Seven years. I found out more about Red in the forty minutes we spoke together this day, than I have in seven years. We can build on this. We can talk more, and maybe… well, anything could happen.
Filed under About OIM, Addictions, Alcoholism, Breaking the cycle of poverty, Dignity, Drop In Services, Events, General Poverty, Homelessness, Housing, Housing Canada, Housing Ontario, Housing Ottawa, injustice Ontario, Justice, mental health, mental illness, Personal Experiences, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Recovery, Respect, Street Outreach · Tagged with Addictions, break cycle poverty, crystal meth, Dignity, Homelessness, homelessness canada, homelessness ontario, homelessness ottawa, living on the streets, poverty Canada, poverty ontario, poverty ottawa, Recovery, Respect, street work, Volunteering, walk the streets
Posted by ken on July 16, 2010 · 2 Comments
Speaking with Brent at the drop in last week, I discoverd he had an aptitude and interest in writing. I asked him to write about our Wednesday drop in and describe from the front lines, what it was like. Without editing, here is his report:
One of the best kept secrets amounge people of limited income, who live in Ottawa, is the Ottawa Innercity Mission’s (OIM’s) Wednesday Drop-in. I have been a semi-regular at these drop-in’s since before they took up residence at their present location. I will try to explain here most of the reasons for my attendance at this particular function..
The drop-in is held every Wednesday year round at their new location on Gladstone Ave. between Bank and Kent streets.in the Salvation Army Church building and easily accessible by several OC Transpo bus routes. It is free and open to everyone who cares to attend. I like to attend because of the relaxed atmosphere which is well organized, clean, well maintained and usually quite quiet and very well run. Although OIM is a Christian based organization, there is no lectures, chapel services or religious readings at these drop-ins. The people who attend maintain an atmosphere which is quite controlled, friendly and easy going. Staff members and volunteers mix freely with the patrons. There are several aspects to the program throughout the day which I will explain here.
The door is open at at 10:00 am and the entire building is utilized. The first 25 people through the door are offered food bank tickets, which I will come to in a moment. On the lower level coffee, tea, milk and juice are available all day. At opening time there is a selection of breads, muffins, cookies and the like (breakfast) available. People gather in groups to talk, play cards or other games, read or just generally socialize. It is a great place to meet old friends or make new ones. At noon a hot meal is served at the tables and there is always enough food that seconds are regularly offered The volunteers serve up the food and everyone is encouraged to eat their fill. After lunch is served the volunteers and staff usually circulate throughout the room offering a selection of sandwiches and some type of desert. Promptly at 1:00pm one of the staff members begins to call numbers for the food bank offerings and groceries are distributed in an orderly fashion. Many people stay on to chat, socialize and play cards until 3:00 in the afternoon.
On the second level there is a barber who, on a first come first served basis, will cut your hair for free. Rudy usually does between 12 and 15 haircuts throughout the day but he does take the summer months off. There is also a foot care clinic there where you can get your feet cleaned and once dried you will receive a new pair of socks. A chiropractic doctor is available afternoon for those who need his services.
The third level of the building has a room which offers a selection of used clothing and footwear. This is quite popular first thing in the morning as that is when selection is best. If you can’t find what you want, come back again next week as there are always new offerings available.
All in all OIM runs a great, fun, safe and much appreciated program. I would encourage everyone of limited means to come out and participate in a great weekly event. It is well worth the price of admission.
Hope this meets your needs. I will get the other article bout the good samaritan written this afternoon or evening. I am making preperations to get away for the weekend so am very busy. Cheers.
Brent
If you would like to read Brent’s article about the good samaritan, let me know by responding to this blog. Cheers!
Filed under ABCD, About OIM, Addictions, Breaking the cycle of poverty, Dignity, Drop In Services, Events, General Poverty, Homelessness, Justice, justice canada, Personal Experiences, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Recovery, Respect · Tagged with Addictions, break cycle poverty, Dignity, drop in, drop in service, help the poor, Homelessness, homelessness canada, homelessness ontario, homelessness ottawa, Justice, poverty Canada, poverty ontario, poverty ottawa, Recovery, social justice, street youth outreach, Volunteering
Posted by ken on July 2, 2010 · 2 Comments
Just a few weeks ago we initiated chiropractic care at our drop in. What an amazing outreach!
Dr. Greg Payne from Ottawa came to us last fall and offered his services to our guests at the drop in. He took our Urban Intervention Training, and just a few weeks ago, he came with his portable adjustment table and a heart to serve the poor. Calm and unassuming, Dr. Payne spends time with each of our street friends who are suffering in their bodies, and makes appropriate chiropractic adjustments.
What a hit! Our street friends have warmly accepted the treatments and the kindness of the good doctor. More than ‘treating patients’, Dr. Payne genuinely cares for each of his new patients.
No hassles. No appointments. No penetrating ‘interview’ about the history of each injury. No fees.
I sat and watched for three or four of the treatments. Dignity, respect, compassion and help are the mainstays of this new development at Ottawa Innercity Ministries. When things slowed down somewhat, I took time to visit with the doctor and noticed the sign up sheet had two columns: ‘New patients’ and ‘Returning Patients’. Interesting that the ‘Returning Patients’ had more names – probably about twenty-eight in all.
Words of appreciation warmly spoken. One man just could not believe that he could feel so much better immediately after his first treatment!
Some of the participants moved right from the chiropractic table over to the Touch Care area and enjoyed a relaxing light back massage.
I marveled at the beauty of it all: people sharing their gifts and talents and abilities with those in need. At the other side of the room, two volunteers were doing foot care and Rudy was faithfully cutting hair at the entrance to the room.
We have been given so much. When I see how others ‘Pay it Forward’, it strikes a chord deep in my own heart. It just seems so just, so right, so good to pool our resources and do what we can to change our own, and others’ worlds.
How do you think you could do your part, with your own gifts and talents? Call me. We can talk.
Filed under ABCD, Assets Based Community Development, Biblical, Breaking the cycle of poverty, Dignity, Drop In Services, General Poverty, Homelessness, Justice, justice canada, Personal Experiences, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Respect, Social, Uncategorized, Volunteer Ottawa, Volunteering · Tagged with biblical justice, Dignity, Homelessness, poverty Canada, Recovery, social justice, Street Youth, Volunteer, Volunteering
Posted by ken on June 4, 2010 · Leave a Comment
As we work among people experiencing poverty and homelessness, we have discovered an unusually powerful component that has become one of the foundations of our outreach – volunteers.
It never ceases to amaze me how people will leave the warmth and comfort of their homes and families and brave all elements to ensure that the relationships they have established with their friends on the streets or at one of our drop in programs, are maintained and strengthened. Truly amazing.
Our street friends notice! They are students of human behavior. They watch people all day, and can quickly tell the difference between an imitation and the real thing. Volunteers are in this latter category. If there were such a thing, our street friends would each qualify for an honorary Ph.D. degree in the study of human behavior. They know when someone is ‘out to help’ for selfish, personal reasons or because they genuinely care. This is the power of a volunteer.
We have our Urban Intervention Training program three times a year, and a volunteer social typically occurs at the conclusion of these training sessions. It gives the new volunteers an opportunity to meet with people who are experienced in the area, and it also provides increased opportunities to meet new people with similar interests.
Tonight was great. Our BBQ social was a great success. People were talking and laughing while meeting new friends and hearing our stories. The food was great, but the friendships – ah- that’s the thing.
We model genuine transparent relationships with each other and then take it to the streets. Seasoned volunteers, new graduates, staff and work skills participants all pulling together to move this mountain called ‘homelessness’, and making a difference – one person at a time.
Ever wanted to be a part of a group that together was doing something so much bigger than any of us could do alone? Come and join our team of volunteers. You can make a difference!
Filed under About OIM, Breaking the cycle of poverty, Dignity, Drop In Services, Homelessness, Personal Experiences, Poverty, Recovery, Respect, Social, Street Outreach, Uncategorized, Volunteer Ottawa, Volunteering · Tagged with Homelessness, Make a diference, social justice, Volunteer, Volunteering
Posted by ken on May 21, 2010 · Leave a Comment
“Urban Intervention Training” is the name of our volunteer training program which we host three times a year. It’s a full Saturday, followed by a weeknight session for each of four weeks. The last evening consists of a walk in downtown Ottawa, where experienced staff/outreach workers take our new volunteers and show them the sights of the city. It’s not an interactive evening with our street friends, but rather an education for volunteers to help them understand a little of the culture of our city.
Parts of our walk are not too pretty. Groups of people milling about outside shelters, the drug deals going down, the pushers and the takers, many ‘faceless’ homeless that someday might be new friends to our volunteers. It’s about light penetrating darkness, caring for humanity, justice and advocacy and a host of other issues swirling all around and calling out for attention.
Last night I lead a group of new volunteers in a walk downtown.
Here’s a look at the streets of the Nation’s Capital from the perspective of some people who have already spent considerable time in a fast track to learn about poverty and homelessness. Here’s how they responded:
Q: What were your observations?
- It was really enlightening. As a person with a disability, I wouldn’t have a chance on the streets.
- It was a nice night – I can’t imagine what it would be like if it were raining or snowing.
- A lot of bridges have fences around them. They are inaccessible.
Q: How would you survive?
- If I had to do it on an on-going basis it would be physically and mentally draining.
- I saw the fences, the restrictions, and the attitudes reflected by that message. I was torn between thinking, ‘It’s too bad to have fences,’ and ‘Why are they there in the first place?’
- I felt very unwelcome and scared. I spent the whole time trying to figure out where am I going to sleep? Where will I be safe? Where could I find peace and quiet? I was caught between those thoughts – especially because I am a woman.
- I don’t know. It was very unwelcoming: Don’t stop here. Don’t come here. Bars and fences everywhere saying, not you, not here.
It is a dark and unwelcoming world, but one that needs to first be seen and then be addressed. The final question, “How can we help?” was succinctly answered by one of our new volunteers: “It’s not about fixing anything. It’s about caring. It’s about coming alongside, it’s just to ‘be’.”
In many respects we are very limited in what we can do. On the other hand, we can make a significant difference in people’s lives through our caring, our touch and our ‘walking alongside’. It’s all about people and all about relationships, dignity and respect, and caring enough to go beyond our own comfort zone.
Ready? Let’s go?
Filed under About OIM, Breaking the cycle of poverty, Dignity, Homelessness, Personal Experiences, Poverty, Poverty in Canada, Respect, Street Outreach, Uncategorized · Tagged with Dignity, Homelessness, poverty Canada, Respect, Volunteering
Posted by ken on January 29, 2010 · Leave a Comment
The Backgrounder: OIM sponsors the 8:00 am and 5:00 pm news on a local radio station, CHRI 99.1 fm. For one of our 60 second spots, I interviewed a young lady (we’ll call her Rachel) from our Passion for Youth art program. In this interview, she commented on how much she enjoyed participating in the program, so much so that she says that she dosen’t even think of drugs while she is involved in the program. This is quite remarkable, really!
The Story: So Rachel came to our office to get some stuff and stays a moment for a visit. She told me this story:
Part 1: She was panhandling on the street when a kind lady offered to buy her some supper. She agreed and the two of them had an enjoyable time together. She felt special because a.) she was noticed, b.) the time over a meal brought a sense of dignity, and c.) somebody actually cared.
Part 2: Two days later, this same lady comes by and Rachel is at the same spot, panhandling. She stops and chats, one of the first questions she asked was: “Was that you that I heard on the radio? I recognize your voice. That was great!”
Rachel’s face beamed with joy as she answered in the affirmative. Imagine, someone recognized her!!
This is huge! We might get a kick of being on the radio, but for Rachel, this is so much bigger. In her part in this little story, she was recognized not just a panhandler, or even as a person who might be ‘down and out’ for the time being. She was someone who was recognized for making a larger, positive contribution to a good cause! Mabye even informing and influencing the way that radio listeners think about people caught in the web of poverty and homelessness.
She was radiant as she recounted this story.
It might be hard to imagine just how much of an impact this would be for someone who calls the streets their home. Think of it for a moment: 24/7 you are struggling to survive, just trying to make it to the next day; the past continually comes before your mind: harsh words (“You are such a loser! You’ll never amount to anything! You are worthless trash!); every imaginable form of abuse (from abusive parents and relatives, residential school system, etc); multiple foster homes; struggling to survive, and well… you fill in the gaps.
THEN someone comes up to you in the midst of your despair and darkened world and brings a burning magnesium light of hope and glory, and says, “Hey, was that you I heard on the radio? I recognized your voice. That was great!”
You never can know the full impact of such positive words and affirmation. It just might be enough to change someone’s life!
Posted by ken on January 22, 2010 · Leave a Comment
Andre grimmaces as he describes his personal agony about Haiti. His pain is evident in his countenance. Twice in our conversation, he has to stop talking and choke back the emotion.
“We have so much here. We are so rich. We have so much.”
Haiti is an unfathomable tragedy. It’s almost surreal, and we are overwhelmed in our thinking by the devastation. The magnitude of destruction and carnage is almost an incomprehensible reality. I can’t imagine what people are experiencing or what they are going through. Everything has been shaken, and people are filled with fear that there may be more to come.
Andre’s words and compassion speak to me. His concern is deepened by his own personal story. He suffers from severe clinical depression, and there have been times when he will go for days without sleeping or eating. Sometimes he is quite beside himself with anxiety and worry. His family has ostricized him, even refusing to take him with them in their car to bury his mother. He has overcome a cocaine habit, but still struggles to take his medication and maintain his own health. He is all alone.
He sits across the table from me, and I marvel at how he is moved with empathy for the Haitians. How someone so impoverished and traumatized in his own personal life, can be so moved with such a deep compassion for others, is an enigma for me. I am dwarfed in comparison to my friend. His selflessness, concern and thoughtfulness for others is miles above and beyond my own.
We walk past people like my friend Andre on the streets all the time and we often look down on them. Why don’t they just get up and get a job? Why can’t they be responsible for their lives? Sometimes we might throw some loose change in a ball cap, but it’s more to alleviate our guilt and make ourselves feel better than to make any lasting change in their lives. We categorize and generalize. We become smug in our complacency, our materialism and self-absorbtion. We miss it, and we miss out.
There are people that do care. At OIM we currently have 91 active volunteers on the roster, and our Urban Intervention Training course (beginning January 30) is filling up fast.
One hundred percent of the time new volunteers come to us to ‘help the poor’ and ‘make transformational changes’ in their lives.
Another one hundred percent of the time: Three weeks after these same volunteers are involved in serving our street friends, they realize that it’s not about their ‘giving’ at all – instead it’s all about how they have become the recipients of blessing and growth themselves. One hundred percent of the time.
