YWCA of St. Joseph County Wish List

The YWCA serves women and children that are victim's of Domestic Violence, Chemically Dependant, and living in our Transitional and Permanent Housing programs. Most of our clients are young single moms that enter the shelter with nothing but their kids and the clothes on their backs.

Current YWCA Wish List

Due to Indiana Health Laws, we cannot accept used Stuffed Animals

Food Related: Canned & Boxed Foods of all kinds, Non-Perishable items, Food Storage Containers, metal teaspoons, plastic forks/knives, Plastic bowls/cups, Juice, Cereal

Personal Care Products: Deodarant, Conditioner, Lotions, Shower gels, Hand Sanitizer, Combs, Toothbrushes (adult and children), Toothpaste (small and large), Disposal razors, Kleenex, Feminine Care products, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper

Infant Care: Baby bottles, Disposable Diapers (all sizes), Baby Wipes, Baby Shampoo, Baby Lotion, Baby Powder, Baby Food and formula, Sippy Cups, Baby monitors, Strollers, Toddler and Preschool Car Seats

Over the Counter Medicines and First-Aid: Aspirin, Tylenol, Midol, Advil, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Non-Alcohol Cold medicines, First Aid tape

Household Items: Shower curtains, Wash Cloths, Towels, Crib sheets, Twin-Sized Blankets and Sheets, Bed Pillows, Elevated toilet seats, Space Bags for storage, Laundry Detergent, Small Alarm Clocks, Microwave Ovens, Small Kitchen Appliances.

Clothing: Plus Sized Women, Baby Clothes

Miscellaneous Items: Pre-paid Phone Cards, Bus Passes, Wheel Chairs, Office Supplies, Blank Journals, Reading Glasses, Luggage, Heavy Duty Snow Blower, Leaf Blower, Drill Dress, Gas Fryer, Heat Lamp for Kitchen, Commericial Washers and Dryers

Almost anything you use in your household is needed at the YWCA.

Items can be delivered to the front desk between 8-5 Monday through Thursday and 8-2 on Friday.

YWCA of St. Joe County

1102 S. Fellows
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone Number: 574-233-9491

Crisis Line: 574-232-9558

Domestic violence cases up during recession

Posted: 6:19 PM Jun 17, 2009
Last Updated: 6:33 PM Jun 17, 2009
Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com

It's a sad by-product of the slumping economy.

Domestic violence is on the rise across the nation and in Michiana.

In St. Joseph County, the number of domestic violence cases spiked last year when the recession hit.

The St. Joseph County Special Victims Unit recorded roughly one hundred more domestic violence battery cases in 2008 compared to 2009 from January to May.

At the YWCA in South Bend they are slightly over capacity right now but won't turn away women and children in need.

Experts say although the economy doesn't create violence it can be a trigger during an existing cycle.

“For men that are prone to batter, it’s a convenient excuse… that they would have never beaten her up, but for the fact that they lost their job,” explains Y.W.C.A. Executive Director Linda Baechle.

Experts also say victims may have fewer resources to leave an abusive situation when there's a slow down in the economy. They may not have a job or the money to find another place to live.

Recently the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County started weekly informational sessions during the noon lunch hour. Anyone can stop by and ask questions about the center and domestic violence.

The meetings are every Monday from noon to one. The center is at 711 Colfax Avenue in South Bend.

For more information call (574) 234-6900.

YWCA 25th Annual Run Jane Run

JOIN US FOR THIS EVENT

If you and your company wants to sponsor the event, go to http://ywcasjc.org/.

Dave Ramsey: Town Hall For Hope

The Town Hall for Hope has finally been uploaded to Hulu.com. I went and saw it "live" via simulcast with my friend, Stacey. It was pretty inspiring. It is about 90 minutes long, but totally worth the time. Watch it over and over again with friends. Dave is hilarious, yet insightful.





There is hope out there.

Redistribution of Wealth

Source
An economics professor at Texas Tech said he had never failed a single student before but had, once, failed an entire class. The class had insisted that socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich… a great equalizer. The professor then said ok, we will have an experiment then on whether socialism makes for good economic policy.

All grades would be averaged and everyone would receive the same grade so no one would fail and no one would receive an A. After the first test the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. But, as the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too; so they studied little. The second test average was a D! No one was happy. When the 3rd test rolled around the average was an F.

The scores never increased as bickering, blame, name calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else. All failed, to their great surprise, and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great; but when government takes all the reward away; no one will try or want to succeed.

Could it be any simpler than that?

How Can Individuals Break the Cycle of Povery?

Anne Murray:Little Good News

Anne Murray:Little Good News

I rolled out this morning
Kids had the mornin' news show on
Bryant Gumbel was talkin' 'bout the fighting in Lebanon
Some senator was squawkin' 'bout the bad economy
It's gonna get worse you see, we need a change in policy

There's a local paper rolled up in a rubber band
One more sad story's one more than I can stand
Just once how I'd like to see the headline say
"Not much to print today, can't find nothin' bad to say", because

Nobody robbed a liquor store on the lower part of town
Nobody OD'ed, nobody burned a single buildin' down
Nobody fired a shot in anger, nobody had to die in vain
We sure could use a little good news today

I'll come home this evenin'
I'll bet that the news will be the same
Somebody takes a hostage, somebody steals a plane
How I wanna hear the anchor man talk about a county fair
And how we cleaned up the air, how everybody learned to care
Whoa, tell me

Nobody was assassinated in the whole Third World today
And in the streets of Ireland, all the children had to do was play
And everybody loves everybody in the good old USA
We sure could use a little good news today

Nobody robbed a liquor store on the lower part of town
Nobody OD'ed, nobody burned a single buildin' down
FADE
Nobody fired a shot in anger, nobody had to die in vain
We sure could use a little good news today

Something to Ponder

I brought this question to my students!

A father and his, one and only, son love each other very much. The two are nearly inseparable. One day, the son asks his father if he can join him at the bridge. The bridge is where his father works as an operator - raising a drawbridge when a boat must pass and lowering it when the train arrives.
On the one day that his son joins his father at work, a train arrives early and the bridge is up. His son tries to alert his father the train is coming, but his father cannot hear him. So, the boy rushes to the base of the bridge to throw the switch manually, enabling the drawbridge to drop and let the train safely pass. But, as he tries, he falls into the drawbridge wheel and pulley mechanism. At that moment, from the tower, his father sees his son fall and the train coming toward the bridge at full steam. He has only a moment to decide. He must do one of two things .

a. Save his son and let the train wreck with hundreds of passengers on board (who will surely die when it plunges hundreds of feet into the icy waters below).
OR
b. Save the train by pulling the lever at the tower that will lower the bridge, but will cause his son to be crushed.

1. You're the father, what would you do if those were your only two options?
My girls thought the knew the "right" answer. I had to convince them that was no "right" answer. I try to get them to think outside the christian box. The "right" answer would be to save the people on the train and let your son die because that would segway nicely into the crucifiction comparison. I brought it in a little different direction. I asked my girls to ponder what they would really do. I don't have kids yet so i can't know for sure what I would do, but I so have friends that have kids. If it was my best friend's daugher, Kariana or one of my friend Chrissy's kids I dont think i would even hesitate. I have known these kids since they were born. They aren't my children but I would risk my life for these kids. Would watching Kariana die be worth saving 100 people that i don't know...I don't think it would be.
I know if I would be willing to save someone else's child that I would definetly save my own. When God looked down at his son dieing for all of us he could have stopped it but he didn't. God had all the power in the world to stop the crucifiction but he loved us so much that he let his son die. Aren't you glad that God isn't like us. Knowing that I couldnt watch my child die makes what God did so much more special. I can't even imagine how hard it must of have been for God to watch his son die.
I had my girls read John 3:16 and think about what that really meant. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only son so that who ever believed in him shall not perish but have everlasting life."

2. What if you were the son? How would you feel?
Would you understand what your father was doing or would you be thinking about self-preservation? Even Jesus asked God to change his mind about what was going to happen to him, but he was willing to do God's will. He understood why he had to die.

Psalm 23:1-6 -- The Lord is Our Comfort

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Celebrating our 2 Year Anniversary

Today we are celebrating our 2nd year of marriage. It has been a really exciting year. We paid of our credit cards, bought a house, starting working 2 jobs, paid off our cars, starting saving up money to fix the house up, spent time with friends and family...and so much more. It seemed like this year when by SO FAST.

I am so blessed though. God has been providing for us like crazy. I am so thankful for my amazing husband. I'm looking forward to the many years ahead of us. It's been an adventure, but so worth it.

Last Sunday, we went to Famous Daves for our Anniversary. We hadn't been there since they had the fire. I forgot how much I loved their food. It was so good. Tonight after work, we are going to pick up what I got him for our Anniversary. Pictures of them will come once he has it all put together.

Reverse Discrimination?

Why is always only ok to Discriminate against White people and Christians?
Imagine if it was the other way around. Imagine for a second, if they had decided not to promote anyone because only minorities passed the test. ACLU and Al Sharpton would be all over it, but since the only people that were discriminated against are white (and one Hispanic)...then it's no big deal. Right?

Everyone Loves a Good Story

Posers from Granger Community on Vimeo

These are the stories I remember hearing in High School. I love the Classic Beeson Stories.

Fun Tax Day Quotes

If you make any money, the government shoves you in the creek once a year with it in your pockets, and all that don't get wet you can keep. ~Will Rogers

When there's a single thief, it's robbery. When there are a thousand thieves, it's taxation. ~Vanya Cohen

Taxation with representation ain't so hot either. ~Gerald Barzan

Taxes, after all, are dues that we pay for the privileges of membership in an organized society. ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

The taxpayer - that's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination. ~Ronald Reagan

America is a land of taxation that was founded to avoid taxation. ~Laurence J. Peter

I'm proud to pay taxes in the United States; the only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money. ~Arthur Godfrey

The United States has a system of taxation by confession. ~Hugo Black

Why does a slight tax increase cost you two hundred dollars and a substantial tax cut save you thirty cents? ~Peg Bracken

Did you ever notice that when you put the words "The" and "IRS" together, it spells "THEIRS?" ~Author Unknown

I am thankful for the taxes I pay because it means that I'm employed. ~Nancie J. Carmody

YWCA Walk a Mile in Her Shoes 2009

April 4th, 2009

Walk a Mile in Her Shoe 2009 Click above to see pictures.

To all the men who bravely strapped on a pair of heels and marched around Coveleski Stadium...THANK YOU! We had a great time and we hope you did too.

A big thank you also goes out to all those who supported the walkers by pledging a donation in their name. The YWCA is touched by your support but most importantly the lives of women and children impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault will be touched by your generosity.

Click HERE if you would still like to make a donation.

Currently Reading: Bridges Out of Poverty by Phil DeVol

Hello again! I am currently on book 3 of my goal. My goal is to read one Non-Fiction book a month. Dave Ramsey says, "If you want to be skinny, study skinny people. If you want to be rich, do what lots of rich people do, not what some myth-sayer says to do." Apparently rich people read, on average, one non-fiction book a month, so I thought I would try it.

This book has a lot of things packed in it. I might have to summarize each chapter separately just to unpack all of it.

Here is a summary of what I've learned so far from the book, as well as from working with the program. (I'm only on Chapter 1.)

Bridges Out of Povery is a program that the YWCA supports that helps bring bring women out of the cycle of generational poverty. The program is for 3 hours once a week, for 13 weeks, and helps the women gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a Middle Class environment. The YWCA also trains business leaders and managers in poverty, so they can better understand their employees and help them succeed.

Dr. Ruby Payne’s Bridges out of Poverty book brings to the forefront a major problem in America. When children grow up together in poverty it forms a bond that is almost unbreakable in them. Children begin to believe that there is no way out for them. They start to follow the example of their parents and continue the cycle of poverty with their children. Parents are finding themselves unable to support their families. Proper health care and high education are often seen as unachievable. The cycle of poverty will never end unless someone does something about it.

Poverty is defined in the book as the "extent to which an individual does with out resources." Generation Poverty is defined as having been in poverty for at least two generations. Situational Poverty is defined as a lack of resources due to a particular event, such as a death, illness, divorce, etc. Often the attitude in generational poverty is that society owes them a living. In situational poverty the attitude is often one of pride and a refusal to accept charity.

Dr. Ruby Payne’s book is a starting point where one can develop accurate models of poverty, middle class, and wealth. It is a new lens by which we can see and learn from each other. The more people know about poverty, the better chance there is to get people out of it.

There are hidden rules of class that are unspoken cues and habits of the group. Being physically able to fight or having someone else fight for you is important to survival for people in poverty. However, in middle class, being able to use words as tools to negotiate conflict is essential. Teaching people in poverty how to use words is one of the first steps the Bridge out of Poverty. Another difficulty in getting out of poverty is the ability to manage and save money. People in poverty tend to be thinking in the moment, so when they get money or other resources they spend them.

The idea of using money for security and wealth building is mainly seen in the middle and wealthy classes. Relationships are often more important then anything else for people in poverty. Relationships are seens as one of the resources they can't do without. If they come into extra money, they are more likely to give it to a friend in need, then buy something for themself. They see it as an insurance policy of sorts, because if they were ever in need, they would want the person to return the favor.

Being careful not to make assumptions about different classes is often difficult. Many people find themselves in the same class their parents were in so that is all they know about.

There is hope for those in poverty if everyone works together.

Currently Reading: Who Moved my Cheese by Spencer Johnson

Who Moved my Cheese by Spencer Johnson is the book I just finished. I loved it and I totally recommend it to anyone, especially going through big changes in your life right now. I don't recommend reading it when you are hungry though.

• "Cheese" is a metaphor for what you want to have in life - whether it is a good job, a loving relationship, money, a possession, health, or spiritual peace of mind.
• "The Maze" is where you look for what you want - the organization you work in, or the family or community you live in.

Four characters:

• "The Mice" - Sniff (Who sniffs out change early), Scurry (Who scurries in action)
• "The Little People" - Hem (Who denies and resists change as he fears it will lead to something worse, Haw (Who learns to adapt in time when he changing leads to something better
  
• We all have one thing in common, we must all survive in changing times. The world around us is always changing.
  
• The more important your "cheese" is to you, the more you want to hold on to it.
• Sometimes fear can be good. When you are afraid things are going to get worse if you don't do something, it can prompt you into action. But it's not good if it paralizes so much that you can't do anything.
• "Movement in any direction, helps you find more "cheese."
• Haw: "He was letting go and trusting what lay ahead for him, even though he did not know exactly what it was."
• "When you move beyond your fear, you feel free."
• Imagining myself enjoying "new cheese" even before I find it, can lead me to it.
• Think about what you can gain, instead of what you are losing.
• Realizing that you are not living in fear, but instead you are taking a new direction can lead to new strength.
• Change is natural, whether you expect it or not. Change can surprise you only if you didn't expect it and weren't looking for it.
• Haw: "He had to admit that the biggest inhibitor to change lies within himself, and that nothing gets better until you change.
• Fear should be respected because sometimes it keeps you out of danger. But most fears are irrational and keep you from making the changes you need to make.

Change Happens: They keep moving the Cheese
Anticipate Change: Get ready for the Cheese to move
Monitor Change: Smell the Cheese often so you know when it is getting old
Adapt to Change Quickly: The quicker you let go of old Cheese, the sooner you can enjoy new Cheese.
Change: Move with the Cheese
Enjoy Change: Savor the adventure and enjoy the taste of new Cheese
Be Ready to Change Quickly and Enjoy It Again and Again: They keep moving the Cheese

Which character are you?

20 Somethings and Money

Do you ever hear financial advice and think, "Oh man, I wish I would have known this when I was younger." I know I have. In this video, Dave Ramsey takes calls from 20-somethings and gives them advice on money. It's a must see video if you are in your 20's now, will be in a few years, or you wish you were 20 again. :0)

Will Savers Destroy the Economy?

According to MSN Money, People that have stopped spending money and instead are saving could destroy the economy.

Read the story here.
Join the Discussion here.

YWCA Wish List: Let's Make a Difference

The Sears on Ireland is going to be closing in May. That is where Steve and I are currently working part-time. Liquidation will start on May 15th.

I think this would be a great opportunity to make donations to non-profit organizations. It is very sad that my friends and I are going to lost our jobs. Let's turn this downturn into a positive thing.

The YWCA serves women and children that are victim's of Domestic Violence. Most of our clients are young single moms that enter the shelter with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Current YWCA Wish List

Due to Indiana Health Laws, we cannot accept used Stuffed Animals

Food Related: Canned & Boxed Foods of all kinds, Non-Perishable items, Food Storage Containers, metal teaspoons, plastic forks/knives, Plastic bowls/cups, Juice, Cereal

Personal Care Products: Deodarant, Conditioner, Lotions, Shower gels, Hand Sanitizer, Combs, Toothbrushes (adult and children), Toothpaste (small and large), Disposal razors, Kleenex, Feminine Care products, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper

Infant Care: Baby bottles, Disposable Diapers (all sizes), Baby Wipes, Baby Shampoo, Baby Lotion, Baby Powder, Baby Food and formula, Sippy Cups, Baby monitors, Strollers, Toddler and Preschool Car Seats

Over the Counter Medicines and First-Aid: Aspirin, Tylenol, Midol, Advil, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, Non-Alcohol Cold medicines, First Aid tape

Household Items: Shower curtains, Wash Cloths, Towels, Crib sheets, Twin-Sized Blankets and Sheets, Bed Pillows, Elevated toilet seats, Space Bags for storage, Laundry Detergent, Small Alarm Clocks, Microwave Ovens, Small Kitchen Appliances.

Clothing: Plus Sized Women, Baby Clothes

Miscellaneous Items: Pre-paid Phone Cards, Bus Passes, Wheel Chairs, Office Supplies, Blank Journals, Reading Glasses, Luggage, Heavy Duty Snow Blower, Leaf Blower, Drill Dress, Gas Fryer, Heat Lamp for Kitchen, Commericial Washers and Dryers

Almost anything you use in your household is needed at the YWCA.

One Year Later: You are Missed!

Read the Blog from one Year ago here and here.

I can't believe it's been a whole year. Last year, today, I was on vacation with Steve visiting family in Texas and Tulsa. We sang worship songs together, prayed together, just loved eachother. We had no idea that day would be your last day with us.
We miss you, Ben. This last year just hasn't been the same without your friendship.

I have no doubt we will see you again someday.

I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4:7