Community Generosity in 2006 Overwhelming – Thank You All and Best Wishes
Dear Editor,
The staff of St. Joseph’s Family Center would like to extend our sincere thanks to the many friends and supporters who made our holiday season so memorable.
As the year winds down, we can reflect on the success we had in providing much needed emergency services to low-income families and the homeless in our community. Whether it is providing hot meals to seniors or the homeless, nutritious food baskets, employment services to individuals with barriers to employment or intensive case management to families in crisis situations, we humbly realize none of this would be possible without the generosity that the communities of South County provide us.
Local businesses, churches and individuals have stepped forward to donate hundreds of turkeys, canned goods, clothing, toys and other wonderful gifts that can be shared with those less fortunate. Many times, these folks simply say “Merry Christmas” and depart without worry of a thank you or recognition. This compassion is overwhelming and our heartfelt appreciation goes out to all who have helped this year.
We are privileged to have a group of volunteers that dedicate their time and hard work to help improve the lives of others. With their unconditional faith in our mission, our jobs become more productive and much easier.
We also are blessed by the many partnerships we have in the local area, working together with Community Solutions, MACSA, Gilroy Unified School District, FIRST 5 – Santa Clara County, South County Collaborative, Rebekah Children’s Services, Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, St. Louise Regional Hospital and the United Way to make families safer, stronger and more self-sufficient. We are honored to be collaborating with them.
Finally, a special thanks to our local papers and their stewardship. The papers have advocated about the needs in our communities – not only in the holiday season, but timely reminders that the need is year-round.
Peace and best wishes for a joyous New Year!
David Cox, on behalf of St. Joseph’s Family Center staff
South County Housing Has Broken Numerous Promises, Including Shuttle Service
Dear Editor,
I have been reading with interest articles concerning the cancellation of shuttle services for seniors to the Nob Hill grocery store by Raley’s after nearly 12 years. The cancellation date is scheduled to be Jan. 3. This service was utilized by residents at Wheeler Manor. Then today I read a letter to the editor suggesting the community support the purchase of a van for this service.
Let us all recall promises made by South County Housing, owners of Wheeler Manor’s two buildings, back in 1991 when Marie Juncker headed the organization.
The 1991 brochure of services to be provided included a fully equipped, handicapped van to bring seniors to and from locations for various needs. Another promise made at the same time was to provide the residents with three meals a day in the dining room that can hold more than 100 seniors and utilize the beautiful fully equipped kitchen. However, it is only being used twice a week, Monday and Wednesday nights, and St. Joseph’s Center provides this service. The van services to the various stores would alone help this situation.
Maybe this is the time, for South County Housing, as a community organization, to be accountable and fulfill promises you made to the residents and the community.
Mary Jane Pattie, Gilroy
