MODIFICATION OF PUSH MISSION STATEMENT:
PUSH members agreed unanimously to amend the mission statement to include the impoverished, working poor, nearly homeless, underemployed and unemployed. The reworded mission statement will be posted on the website.
FOOD NOT BOMBS SUPPORT:
Terry noted complaints about Food not Bombs operations. He reminded the group that FNB is a collective, has no leaders and runs on consensus. They can be supported by PUSH members dropping off non perishable food at:
275 St George Street, outside the downstairs apartment or
33 San Carlos, outside the garage area. Provisions are being made at San Carlos to accept refrigerated and frozen food and members will be notified.
Al M noted the need for communication linkage between FNB and Inversehalo, given the need for medical attention for some of the people we work with. Terry noted the FNB email: us@staugfnb.org as one possibility. He also stated anyone can just bring food to the plaza on any given night to supplement FNB. Al M noted the Feed the People site is supporting FNB by offering servings at other sites, specifically Holmes and 207. Becca reminded everyone she generally has food to share and just needs to be called. 904.461.5049. PUSH supports other sites and it was agreed that it takes pressure off the plaza serving. Al M stated there are about 30 people living between SR16 and Lewis Speedway. Becca is serving at Holmes and 207 Wed and Sun. Mary noted PUSH supports many organizations working toward alleviating hunger and poverty as part of its mission.
PUSH OUTREACH
Sonda reported Seeds for Afghanistan (zone 4 seeds) is starting up and she will collect and mail any seeds donated. Her email: sonda49@yahoo.com and seeds can also be dropped off to Sandy at 33 San Carlos.
Reporting for Cyndi, Mary noted her research into Learn to Read involves training and then assignment to an adult and may not be appropriate for Armstrong/Hastings outreach in this format. Mary noted the Galimore’s after school program is now charging and may eliminate opportunities for many families in Lincolnville to have their children and grandchildren cared for until an adult is home. Mary will ask Cyndi to follow up with TJ Jackson and Mike Mitchell at the OUR center in Hastings to see how best to proceed with any volunteer activities members may want to offer.
Sonda reported Prof Casey Welch at Flagler responded to her request to have PUSH speak at some classes. She will continue to contact Joseph Law, head of anthropology and sociology for further opportunities. She noted the First Coast Metropolitan Community Church (sharing space with BetYam Temple on Wildwood) has been feeding homeless in the 207/Record corridor every second Saturday and opens a food pantry every Saturday. Their volunteers also serve at the ecumenical food pantry. Their address: is Box 3581 St Aug FL 32085 and they could probably benefit from communication from PUSH, FNB and Feed the People.
Terry continues to follow up with a presentation to the UU. Mary will speak at the Democratic Club 2/23 at 7PM. More volunteers and groups are needed to provide education opportunities in accordance with PUSH’s mission statement. We have video and support to help anyone who wants to speak to their own groups/churches.
Terry reported he is working on a comprehensive list (ever changing) of dates, times and locations of servings to better coordinate efforts.
Sonda noted the Betty Griffin Thrift Store sales on Saturday, once a month, where you can fill a bag for 5$. It was also mentioned the dumpsters behind Goodwill and Betty Griffin often yield usable items. Mary showed the toothbrush kits Sonda found at Big Lots. It was noted these are also available at Dollar Tree and cost 1$ and that clients appreciate these.
Terry reported gathering a few names for his VA outreach effort in Armstrong/Hastings Monday night, expecting there will be more as word gets out. He noted the possibility of a FNB serving in Hastings.
PUSH will be at the Farm Worker Fair with Inversehalo supplies and donations from PUSH members on 2/21. Many other service and agency organizations have signed onto this. Since this is the first year PUSH has attended, we will just distribute our items and observe what is needed, making contact with the migrant workers.
Terry announced Anne Feeney will perform 3/13 and all proceeds will benefit the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, a farm workers rights organization. He also noted the Modern Day Slavery Museum will be in St Augustine 3/25, location to be determined and published.
Al D noted variance in OUR center clothing closet, having delivered items when the shelves were full. Those clothes do not stay on the shelves long and often the client sign in sheet is full before noon. He noted helping Lon deliver the bread pick up on Tuesdays and stated early drop off there is not possible. Mary believes the center opens at 10AM.
Dana noted some FNB nights have been missed and questioned why. She also stated the Florida School for Deaf and Blind have made and will continue to make sandwiches from any donated breads. Al D wanted suggestions for items to carry in his car to pass out as needed. Most concurred that pop top canned goods, like sardines and Vienna sausages, Gatorade, water are good items to have in the car.
CENSUS:
Mary noted the census meeting 2/9 could not answer many relevant questions regarding PUSH’s exact involvement and an operations person will attend the 3/9 meeting to clear those up. She further requested 800 pr socks as outreach materials for people willing to count the unsheltered in the camps. She had materials and website links to pass out for members interested in actually conducting the census for pay. Check out www.stjohnscount.com for pre test, employment opportunities. More detailed information will be given at the March PUSH general meeting. Al M noted March will probably see an influx of 200-300 “rainbow” travelers, which is when the unsheltered count is scheduled to take place. He also recommends a strategy for protecting our current homeless from troubles apparent now down in Ocala.
PRESENTATIONS:
Terry noted the Central Florida Veterans for Peace 501 c 3 could be used for donations solicitations. Jon Gorecki, who with JD DiNarco, redid the Armstrong Sea community center kitchen stove, estimates another $407 will be needed to complete the sink area. They did remarkable quick work on the stove, pictures on the website, and Mary read a thank you email from Malinda Peeples. Mary stated the fundraiser appeal showed up in the Record on 2/17 along with the PUSH meeting notice. She advised Malinda to update her on monies received. Jon already has the sink, countertops ready; just needs the money for the cabinets. Sandy suggested a yard sale to raise the funds. The group agreed. A date will be set and Sandy will approach the First Methodist Church on Riberia and King for permission to use the lot. Details will be published when decided.
OPEN FLOOR:
Al D asked about the progress of the PUSH November survery. Mary stated that UNF still has the data and as a pilot study, has not yet completed analysis.
Al M stated his group is working on emergency evacuation plans for the unsheltered homeless. He noted having spoken with the owner of the icehouse on Riberia as a possible site, as it is above the flood line and block construction. He noted the need for storage of nonperishables, capable of instant usage, as well as honey, for storage capability and medicinal use. Terry reminded everyone of the need to account for pets and Mary indicated a need to get the word out when a final plan is ready.
Meeting adjourned approximately 8:50PM
XML Feeds