We recently had a meeting of some of the parishioners who have led this ministry. Those present at the meeting: Barb Beatty, Barb Mclaughlin, John Leuenberger, Karen Acker, Michelle Denniston & John Rushe. Our November meeting ended with a consensus to offer $500 to the local Red Cross (earmarked for hurricane evacuees) and then give them the balance in February once our commitments to the Freeman family were fulfilled. All that changed when they introduced us to Heather Vallaire instead of accepting the funds. We moved forward and co-sponsored this second family along with the Diocesan office, the Cathedral of St. Paul, and St. Augustine of Canterbury in Edinboro.

 DORIS LYNELLE FREEMAN & SONS

We have met our stated commitments to Lynelle. In fact, we exceeded our original plan by offering her an additional $300 in gift cards in December.

She was very grateful. She has found full-time employment as a hair stylist at Total E-clips; her older son is employed at McDonalds; her younger son is a student at Strong Vincent HS. She has joined a church on the east side. She has family living on the east side with whom she has become quite close since moving to Erie.

This is basically a success story. Barb Beatty has volunteered to conduct an exit review with Lynelle, most likely in March. The idea is to ask Lynelle how closely we were listening throughout this process. Were there needs that were not fulfilled that perhaps we could have managed? Was there assistance provided that was actually unnecessary? We can learn from this experience and be that much better for future ministries.

HEATHER & SHEA VALLAIRE

We have also met our stated commitments to Heather and Shea. She is very appreciative. She will point around her apartment in amazement to all that we have provided. She has come to worship with us and has expressed a desire to some again. The family members she has in the area actually reside in rural areas outside of Edinboro. This limits contact and support. She is not working nor is she enrolled in an education program at this time.

This is an incomplete story. Heather needs to be welcomed into her new community. This may involve actions as well as funding. Karen Acker has really taken the lead here - welcoming them at worship; taking them on a trip to Presque Isle; babysitting (she loves being a substitute grandma!).We discussed the purchase of a zoo membership, newspaper subscription, Youth Theatre Playhouse tickets and other ideas at our meeting. We could also potentially establish a small scholarship fund to encourage her to take courses, perhaps on the Internet. It is likely that Heather would qualify for traditional financial aid, but we could pay for incidentals that sometimes become barriers to education.

SUMMARY

Our revised sense of mission is to continue to support Heather to make her feel a part of her new community. The remaining funds will most likely be directed toward that support. Please share your thoughts and creativity as we map this course together.

Once again, thanks to all for participating in in so many ways in this outreach ministry!