Divine Tasting for Community Resource Center to help neighbors in need Sept. 17
Supported by the Lewes-Rehoboth Association of Churches, various federal and state assistance programs, and local businesses and individuals, the Community Resource Center has continued to thrive because of the generosity of the local community. A fundraiser, Divine Tasting for the Community Resource Center, will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17, in the parish hall of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Lewes.
Since its founding in April 2011, the Community Resource Center of Rehoboth has provided assistance to 9,500 eastern Sussex County residents, helping to address hunger, homelessness, housing, medical needs and other issues facing the less fortunate. With dignity and respect, the CRC helps individuals and families, regardless of race, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation, get to the next step of their journey toward self-sufficiency and stability.
Most have heard the phrase, "the face of poverty." It is a phrase that is intended to remind that there are real people and real lives behind the statistics. Meeting those who've faced challenges - meeting them face to face - forever alters people's response to what would otherwise be just another story about a person needing assistance. Here are two stories of two individuals seeking assistance at the CRC.
A young mother of three came into the center after losing her home due to reduced work hours at both of her jobs. An onsite Adams State Service Center worker was able to place her in an emergency motel, and CRC was able to help her move into a rental unit where she thrived and was able to save a little money. Today, this woman has worked her way up to store manager and now is a homeowner.
Another young woman who was homeless and without a job came to the center for assistance. Some nights she slept on benches close to stores and other times in a corner away from the wind at a building with good lighting. She was afraid of being beaten or robbed. She needed a shower, a meal and some clean clothes, and the CRC was able to provide these to her. Volunteers were struck by her persistence and her willingness to do whatever it took to get on the right path. To her, the right path meant she had a job, subsidized housing, personal safety and something to eat. She had terrible credit, an outstanding educational loan and a criminal record.
Though the record was limited, it was enough to keep her from getting the stable job she needed to resolve some of the issues she faced. Some weeks later she came to the CRC Job Center to hear what the possibilities might be for employment. A volunteer helped her form a career path based on her values, her skills and her desires for employment. What struck the client the most was that strangers would be willing to help her. Armed with 25 copies of her resume, she went out and talked to anyone she thought might need her skills. Often she would be turned away due to her inability to pass a background check, but it didn't stop her from continuing to find employment. She would return to the CRC, review what had happened in each interview and set out again. Finally, she found employment in a fast food restaurant.
She purchased the uniforms she needed from a thrift shop. Her employer found her to be reliable and asked her to work additional hours. A year later, she was working two jobs; neither by itself would support her, but the two together made housing seem possible. She connected with the Advancement through Pardon or Expungement program and cleared her record. Today, she has paid off her debt and she lives in a safe place.
Attending the fundraiser will show support for neighbors in need. There will be heavy hors d'oeuvres prepared by Gary and Lorraine Papp of the Palate restaurant in Rehoboth. Attendees can see, smell, and sip the wines of R&L Liquors, unwind with the music and participate in the raffle and silent auction.
Businesses and individuals who would like to donate an item for the silent auction can call Ronnie Leitz at 302-947-4635 by Friday, Sept. 9. The silent auction is an excellent opportunity for businesses to support the local community and to promote their businesses. All donations to the CRC are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Tickets for the event cost $60 each or two for $100. To purchase tickets or to donate, go to www.dtftcrc.eventbrite.com. For more event information, call 302-227-1340.
