I may be biased, but I think last weeks graduation for the New Life Program and Tyler Square was our best ever.  So many great stories and lives changed – it was truly inspiring.  We were really blesse dto have Joe Ellis, Executive Director of the Tacoma Rescue Mission from 1980-1992, as our guest speaker and he was great.  Congratulations again to all the graduates.  Special Thanks to Marlene Hamilton for organizing the event and for all the great staff that makes these victories possible.  Tell me what you think….David 

This time of year we typically see a rise in people asking for money/spare change from citizens on the street.  There may be a number of reasons for the increase in panhandling during these months; cold weather, likelihood of getting more favorable response during cold weather, proximity to the holiday season creating a more charitable mood, and economic factors.  But there is no doubt in my mind that giving money to people begging on the street is a bad idea.  Statistics show, and my experience shows likewise, that most panhandlers use that money to sustain themselves in an addiction.  You are most likely enabling behaviors that are destroying that person, drug and alcohol addiction.  There are many great ways to help the poor while ensuring that you are helping them get on their feet.  I am attaching a link to a website that touches on this, but I’m very interested in your feedback.  What do you think?  http://www.popcenter.org/problems/panhandling/ 
dc 

During these busy days between Thanksgiving and Christmas the Need-A-Break Center will be open to receive donations of food, clothing, housewares and other in-kind gifts Monday-Saturday, 10am -2pm.  Please make a note of this so that we can accurately guide and encourage our donors and partners who call seeking this information.  Thanks to Julie, Rod, and Al for their work in the center.  DC