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Corina Car

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April 2022

In Memory Of:

Gifted By:

Tom Bensel

Associated Veterinary Medical Center
John & Sharon Eaton
Cal & Judy Kees
Michael McQuary & Dallas Dickenson
Marilyn Putney

Bette Fread Jeff & Jane Kreitzberg
Paul J. Grove  Andrew & Rosemary Dressler III
Ardell Klicker Paul & Pamela Castoldi
David & Carol Gordon
Tom & Dianna Mosher
John Marshall Robert & Cathy Burlingame
Greg Olson Alba Grajales
Beverly Sams

We Are Still Here

Life as we knew it has drastically changed for all of us. It seems each new day brings more uncertainty. But despite the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic, the Christian Aid Center is still here serving some of the most vulnerable members of our community—people experiencing homelessness, hunger and need. 

Because of this crisis, we’ve had to make a lot of changes to protect the health and safety of our guests; such as keeping them on campus 24 hours-a-day and screening them daily for COVID-19 symptom. These efforts, in turn, also protect the health of our community and have established CAC as an “essential” service. 

To follow appropriate physical distancing, we closed our community dining room and now provide meals in a “grab-and-go” format for our guests and for anyone in our community in need of food. These changes bring additional costs, and that’s why the support of our community is so appreciated and needed more than ever before.

 

Masks for the Community

As the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order continues, guests staying at the Christian Aid Center have found some meaningful ways to reach out beyond our walls and give back to our community. The ladies have been sewing face masks for our guests, volunteers and staff to use. Thank you Gia for teaching them and thank you ladies for keeping us healthy!

Ernie's Story

Ernie* is a quiet, thoughtful man who came to the Christian Aid Center after his relationship with his family fell apart.  He didn't have anywhere to go until a helpful stranger told him about our mission.  Ernie describes himself as "broke down."  When you talk with him, it's clear he is hurting deeply.  His leg shakes uncontrollably and he is tormented by nightmares--symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from serving in the Vietnam War.

 
Of the estimated 630,000 homeless people in America, about 67,500 are veterans--that's more than one out of 10.  Seventy-six percent are experiencing issues with alcohol, drugs or mental health after returning from the war zone and not receiving adequate treatment for the trauma they experienced.  In addition, many veterans struggle to maintain jobs and find it difficult to find things in common with their families and friends. How tragic the people who fought for our freedoms are particularly vulnerable to the causes of homelessness.
 
At the CAC, we regularly have veterans in our shelter.  Most are here for a short period of time as they wait to be admitted to the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Hospital for medical procedures and other services. Then there are others who stay with us more than a year by joining our long-term recovery program that provides counseling, classes, spiritual encouragement, life-skills training and more.
 
It will take time some time for Ernie to heal, but for now, we are thankful to be able to help him with food, shelter, and friendship until he receives additional care from professionals specifically trained to help veterans with mental health issues.
 
*Not his real name
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