The Most Wonderful Time of Year
In all of the manufactured debate over terms such as 'Christmas', 'Holiday Season', and 'Wal-Mart'; a critical point is often forgotten - who cares? The debate is essentially one of little to no consequence. Christmas in America is a secular event that has very little to do with religion in this cultural landscape. Because of this, both those who support the imposing presence of Christmas in popular society and those who back the political correctness of the all encompassing holiday season must really stop making religious freedom the focal point of their conversation. Jesus Christ has not been anywhere near Christmas since Jimmy Stewart found his will to live again.
In no way is this meant to devalue Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, the Feast of Saturnalia (if you're into that kind of thing), or any other festival or holiday. Rather, it is in hopes that we re-evaluate the things that make this season so important to so many people. This time of year is cherished because of the good will, love, and peace that it invokes. In that spirit, the following are just some of the avenues in which Cleveland can truly promote the Christmas/Holiday season.
Bishop William M. Cosgrove Emergency Assistance Center
1736 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
(216)781-8262
-Formed by the combination of two downtown hunger centers, the Cosgrove Center works as a part of the Cleveland Catholic Charities network to feed breakfast and lunch to the hungry 5 days a week, offer clothing and showers, assist in job training and placement, and provide medical services, mental health counseling, and substance abuse support to those in need. Volunteers are needed to aid in preparing and serving hot meals to hundreds of hungry people each day, and the center is in great need of donations of personal care products and clothing, especially during the cold winter months.
2100 Lakeside
2100 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
(216)566-0047
-2100 Lakeside stands as Ohio's largest homeless shelter, providing services for 400 men each day, with an additional 200 beds at the former Aviation High School. In conjunction with the American Red Cross, the men's shelter houses the homeless for 90 day periods, assisting clients in finding stable, more permanent living situations. In its mission, 2100 is in need of donations, both monetary and materials such as bedding, kitchen appliances, and furniture. In past years, many issues and concerns have been raised regarding the unsuitable living conditions of the shelter, as well as the questionable quality of care and service that is provided at 2100. Because of this, quality assistance is in great need here. In January 2005, the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry took upon administrative responsibilities at the agency and hopes to continue and improve its service to the community.
The West Side Catholic Center
3135 Lorain Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
(216)631-4741
-WSCC, located on Cleveland's near west side in Ohio City, includes both a shelter for women and their children and a Drop-In center. The shelter houses 32 individuals in transition, providing crisis intervention, job training, assistance in locating permanent housing, youth advocacy, and a two year aftercare program. The Drop-In center serves meals 6 days per week, distributes clothing, provides showers, phones, mailing addresses, health screening, and legal aid, and includes an outreach and advocacy program that helps clients to obtain bus tickets, identification, prescription drugs, as well as assists in filing applications for jobs and social security benefits. While the center normally has a very steady supply of clothing donations coming in, it requires a constant staff of volunteers to prepare and serve meals, sort and display clothing, play with children while their parents receive other services (so much fun), and to spend personal time with the people who walk through the door, conversing and playing checkers with those who often times lack consistent positive social contact.
Providence House
2037 West 32nd Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
(216)651-5982
-Down the street from the West Side Catholic Center, the Providence House is Ohio's first and only residential crisis nursery, offering around the clock care for babies and children 5 years and younger, who either have been victims of abuse and neglect, or are in imminent danger of such treatment. With 26 available beds, the Providence House provides a home-like setting for these children and serves as the first step in crisis intervention, prevention, and resolution. The house is licensed to care for these children for up to 60 consecutive days, in which time they sing, nap, snack, and finger-paint, while the agency provides aid for any traumatic experiences and developmental delays, as well as assistance for the family, preparing a healthy home for which the child to return. Qualified volunteers are needed at Providence House to keep the ratio of staff to children low, and offer the attention, love, and care these little ones need. Volunteers are also needed to provide clerical and inventory assistance. Also, 'I am loved' buttons provided by Helzberg Diamonds jewelry are currently on sale, with 100% of these proceeds going towards the Providence House. Leave a comment if you would like to make a donation and receive a button.
Historians do not know the exact date that the baby in Bethlehem was born. But this time of year can be used for good regardless of faith, tradition, or culture. The best way to defend the integrity of Christmas and any other day is to serve and love. Use this time to start.
HAPPY SATURNALIA!!!
In no way is this meant to devalue Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, the Feast of Saturnalia (if you're into that kind of thing), or any other festival or holiday. Rather, it is in hopes that we re-evaluate the things that make this season so important to so many people. This time of year is cherished because of the good will, love, and peace that it invokes. In that spirit, the following are just some of the avenues in which Cleveland can truly promote the Christmas/Holiday season.
Bishop William M. Cosgrove Emergency Assistance Center
1736 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
(216)781-8262
-Formed by the combination of two downtown hunger centers, the Cosgrove Center works as a part of the Cleveland Catholic Charities network to feed breakfast and lunch to the hungry 5 days a week, offer clothing and showers, assist in job training and placement, and provide medical services, mental health counseling, and substance abuse support to those in need. Volunteers are needed to aid in preparing and serving hot meals to hundreds of hungry people each day, and the center is in great need of donations of personal care products and clothing, especially during the cold winter months.
2100 Lakeside
2100 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
(216)566-0047
-2100 Lakeside stands as Ohio's largest homeless shelter, providing services for 400 men each day, with an additional 200 beds at the former Aviation High School. In conjunction with the American Red Cross, the men's shelter houses the homeless for 90 day periods, assisting clients in finding stable, more permanent living situations. In its mission, 2100 is in need of donations, both monetary and materials such as bedding, kitchen appliances, and furniture. In past years, many issues and concerns have been raised regarding the unsuitable living conditions of the shelter, as well as the questionable quality of care and service that is provided at 2100. Because of this, quality assistance is in great need here. In January 2005, the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry took upon administrative responsibilities at the agency and hopes to continue and improve its service to the community.
The West Side Catholic Center
3135 Lorain Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
(216)631-4741
-WSCC, located on Cleveland's near west side in Ohio City, includes both a shelter for women and their children and a Drop-In center. The shelter houses 32 individuals in transition, providing crisis intervention, job training, assistance in locating permanent housing, youth advocacy, and a two year aftercare program. The Drop-In center serves meals 6 days per week, distributes clothing, provides showers, phones, mailing addresses, health screening, and legal aid, and includes an outreach and advocacy program that helps clients to obtain bus tickets, identification, prescription drugs, as well as assists in filing applications for jobs and social security benefits. While the center normally has a very steady supply of clothing donations coming in, it requires a constant staff of volunteers to prepare and serve meals, sort and display clothing, play with children while their parents receive other services (so much fun), and to spend personal time with the people who walk through the door, conversing and playing checkers with those who often times lack consistent positive social contact.
Providence House
2037 West 32nd Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
(216)651-5982
-Down the street from the West Side Catholic Center, the Providence House is Ohio's first and only residential crisis nursery, offering around the clock care for babies and children 5 years and younger, who either have been victims of abuse and neglect, or are in imminent danger of such treatment. With 26 available beds, the Providence House provides a home-like setting for these children and serves as the first step in crisis intervention, prevention, and resolution. The house is licensed to care for these children for up to 60 consecutive days, in which time they sing, nap, snack, and finger-paint, while the agency provides aid for any traumatic experiences and developmental delays, as well as assistance for the family, preparing a healthy home for which the child to return. Qualified volunteers are needed at Providence House to keep the ratio of staff to children low, and offer the attention, love, and care these little ones need. Volunteers are also needed to provide clerical and inventory assistance. Also, 'I am loved' buttons provided by Helzberg Diamonds jewelry are currently on sale, with 100% of these proceeds going towards the Providence House. Leave a comment if you would like to make a donation and receive a button.
Historians do not know the exact date that the baby in Bethlehem was born. But this time of year can be used for good regardless of faith, tradition, or culture. The best way to defend the integrity of Christmas and any other day is to serve and love. Use this time to start.
HAPPY SATURNALIA!!!
posted by clavin at
7:06 AM
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