Volunteer News | January 27, 2022
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Dear CRC Volunteer,
January is the month in which I take stock of the volunteer program, establish the calendar of events and trainings, look at goals and the big picture, and set the tone for the new year. 2021 is behind us, so what lies ahead? I feel as though we have been treading water for nearly 2 years and I want us to go deeper in 2022. I want to share more of what CRC does in the community, learn trauma-informed care, make small changes to provide more dignity to those around us, and maybe even become healthier versions of ourselves while we serve others. These newsletters are a great tool to meet a lot of those goals and I hope you check them out each month!
Read on to see ways in which you can and DO provide dignifying and personal compassion to those we serve. I am encouraged, and I hope you are too!
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Warmly,
Sara Rosenbaum,
CRC Volunteer Manager
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The Latest Volunteer News |
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Point In Time Count on February 24th
The 2022 Point-In-Time Count is coming up next month. This is hosted by the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) and is described this way:
The purpose of #WeAllCount is to collect data on the needs of people experiencing homelessness in our community. The count also provides an excellent opportunity to increase awareness of homelessness and to spark action. A successful and accurate count is an essential component to informing our regional response and to ultimately making homelessness rare, brief and one-time in San Diego County.
CRC is a host site for this valuable event. Please consider signing up on the RTFH Website here: We All Count Volunteer Sign Up. You will need to specifically choose CRC as your site option. We hope to see you there!
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An Important Shift: Homeless vs. Experiencing Homelessness |
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Please see the below excerpt from the Regional Taskforce For Homelessness (RTFH), that expresses what is also CRC’s desire to redefine the narrative surrounding homelessness.
Homelessness is most often a brief situation in someone’s life; it’s not an identity, it’s something people are experiencing.
The RTFH believes that such phrases as “the homeless” or “homeless person” help to mischaracterize homelessness as a character trait, as opposed to a difficult, unexpected life event. People who become homeless are just people experiencing a loss of housing. They are dealing with the trauma of circumstances and are mothers, fathers, families, veterans, students, teachers, seniors, a friend or family member.
The RTFH’s mission is to ensure that person’s homelessness experience is brief and non-recurring and reducing any misconceptions of the experiences helps create clearer pathways to housing with better public understanding.
“One of the challenges we face in the work of ending homelessness is that often times people assume that those who are experiencing homelessness are in their situation by choice,” said Ray Ellis, Chair of the RTFH Board of Directors. “We want people to understand that homelessness can and should be a brief experience in someone’s life. We’re working to address the complex issues many of these individuals face so that they get through their period of homelessness.”
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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month |
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Join us next month for Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. We can all prevent teen dating violence from happening by raising awareness in our schools, homes, workplaces and friend circles.
On Tuesday, February 8 wear orange to raise awareness about teen dating violence. Snap a selfie or take a group picture and post on social media with the hashtag #tdvamteamorange.
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Staff News: Karen Largent Honored as Staff of the Quarter |
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Congratulations to Karen Largent, Encinitas Store Manager, for receiving recognition as CRC’s Staff of the Quarter this month! Her nomination is a great reminder that the volunteers and staff at the stores make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Karen has worked with CRC since May of 1997, and will celebrate 25 years in May.
She is being recognized for her work with our clients, particularly women and children from Carol’s House (our Domestic Violence Shelter).
Karen shows empathy and compassion, helping clients feel comfortable. Some clients ask for Karen specifically when they come into the store, and often return to work with her.
Thank you Karen for living CRC values in all you do! If you are a volunteer at the Encinitas Store or just happen to stop in to do some shopping, be sure to congratulate Karen!
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Lori Dilley
Congratulations, Lori!
From nominating staff person Cindy Collins:
"Lori Dilley encapsulates CRC’s core values by offering each and every client a dignified and caring experience during their visit to the Food and Nutrition Center. She gives each client her full attention and works with them individually on what foods are best for them based upon their cultural, religious and dietary needs. She listens to them and laughs at their jokes, asks questions about their pets and really cares for each person. She treats people, who society sometimes think of as invisible, as valuable and loved. Her work goes beyond just giving out food to really caring and developing relationships with those we serve."
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No new opportunities at this time. Please check emails and social media for updates! |
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If you have a good story of volunteering, please share with me at srosenbaum@crcncc.org. I can include those stories in future newsletters as an encouragement to our team.
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Community Resource Center
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