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The Open Door
Ministry
OF DOWNTOWN
LANSING
|
Quarterly Newsletter
Fall 2007
THE OPEN DOOR MINISTRY of Downtown Lansing
215 N. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933 517-485-9477 Fall, 2007
WELCOMING ALL, LISTENING WITH COMPASSION, RESPONDING IN
LOVE
Open Door Ministry Receives Award
On Tuesday, November 13, 2007, ODM was honored with the “Beacon of
Light” award; nominated by the Red Cross Regional Food Bank and presented
by the Food Bank Council of Michigan and the Michigan Harvest Gathering.
“Our state is known for the lighthouses (Beacon of Light) that help
guide, give security and hope. Your agency embodies those qualities and
selflessly provides services for your community.”
Welcome Marcy & Vinh
We have added two new part time employees to our ministry, Marcy Carter and
Vinh Tran. Marcy is a member of Central UMC and an LCC student working toward
a degree in Social Work, already having an Associate’s in computer science.
She has been a volunteer minister of presence, every Wednesday morning, and
has great people skills. She will work as an administrative assistant, scheduling
volunteers, organizing donations and recognizing donors. Vinh graduated from
Na Trang Seminary in Vietnam and came to the US in 1980 as a boat person.
He also has degrees from Northwestern University, Garrett Evangelical Seminary
and has been working on his PhD at Ecumenical Theological Seminary. Years
of experience in working with refugees in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Detroit
will help him in his role of counseling, advising and finding purposeful
activity for the men who come to the Open Door every day. Vinh has worked
as a volunteer in the Food Bank and Fellowship Lunch and also has wonderful
people skills. We feel blessed to have such caring individuals on our team
as we remain committed to sharing God’s love with all.
Alternative Christmas Giving
Looking for a different way to honor the birth of Christ, the One who was
rich and became poor for our sakes? For the person who truly does have everything
(and truly doesn’t want another sweater, book, tie, or iPod), Open Door
Ministry has some novel suggestions for holiday giving. In honor of a friend,
colleague, or loved one, why not give the gift of independence for someone
seeking to move out of homelessness? We offer a range of gifts from which
to choose. We are also happy to work with you to tailor a gift for a special
someone.
$ l0 pays for a Michigan ID. A picture ID issued by a government agency is
required to access some shelters and to obtain jobs and housing.
$ 14 pays for a 30 day CATA bus pass for a student or disabled person.
$ 25 pays for a certified copy of a birth certificate needed to get ID.
$ 25 pays for a Michigan Driver’s License renewal. If a person has a
driver’s license they are required to get it renewed and not allowed
the less expensive ID.
$ 30 pays for a regular 30 day CATA bus pass.
$ 35 pays for a housing application fee. Many landlords require this
non-refundable fee to do credit checks on perspective renters.
$ 50 pays for a gas card that would help a working person, with a car, get
themselves to and from work.
$ 75 pays for a pair of work boots and work pants.
$100 pays for one day of hospitality – coffee, cups, condiments, napkins
and snacks.
If you provide us with the name and address of the one you wish to honor
we will send a special Holiday greeting to acknowledge your gift.