By helping the homeless as a member of an outreach group called The Dignity Center I see more than my share of the homeless and down-and-out. We see them all over the Twin Cities, in suburbs, under bridges, in parks. Some of the homeless even have jobs. I used to think, “How can they live [...]
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One client’s perspective about Dignity Center’s help…
When I first came to the Dignity Center in August, 2007, I was a hopeless case. Some might say I was homeless, drug addicted and full of despair. Working with the volunteers at the Dignity Center, especially my Guardian Angel, Sue M., has helped me make accomplishments that are worth living for. I completed construction [...]
One story of my day’s advocacy at the DC
My first client this morning was a man who has been my client for a number of months. He has Glaucoma (which will eventually blind him), as well as other physical ailments together with psychological issues. In addition to the General Assistance and Medical Care he receives, he works part-time at Target Field to supplement his [...]
Posted in Dignity Center Life Tagged advocate, Challenge, GAMC, General Assistance, health care Leave a comment
Dignity Center reception area
Here are a couple of the many reception area volunteers. This is probably the most important area of the DC where clients are welcomed, fed, and given the information they need to meet with an advocate.
It takes a village to help a homeless person regain stability!
Last week a client came in to the Dignity Center to report on his life changes. We had been working with him off and on for more than 4 ½ years, but we hadn’t seen him for the past year. He was estatic about his new found stability. Here’s what’s happened in two years: He [...]
Posted in Dignity Center Life Tagged chemical dependency, church, community organizations, family, housing, Success Leave a comment
Certificates of achievement
Clients are given certificates of achievement for recent accomplishments and copies are posted on a door at the DC. Recent certificates include “One year sobriety” and obtained “apartment and job.”
New Volunteer Coordinator
Mary became the Dignity Center’s new volunteer coordinator in June. She replaced Kristyn Ebert who developed the position of Volunteer Coordinator for the DC. Kristyn began a new position at Hennepin Church as director of outreach and shared ministries. Mary has been volunteering at the DC as a receptionist and has worked with the DC [...]
The Church
A couple weeks ago Ann asked the staff to write a blog entry for the site; today I hope to accomplish that. Be warned though, there might be a few tangents along the way. I love writing about the meaningful things in life, thinking deeply about all its complexities and, if I’m lucky, simplify them [...]
And more client experience survey comments from Spring 2010
I see the DC as a valuable resource in establishing a new life for myself. My advocate, Evelyn, is a very good person to talk to as she is very understanding. Thank you for the bottom of my heart! I have some areas that need improvement, but it is so hard to see them. God [...]
Success board
A success board is prominently displayed in the hallway of the Dignity Center. Clients and advocates write positive notes about recent successes in their lives. I’ll often notice clients, DC staff members and visitors spending several minutes reading the board. Some recent notes: “David found a job working at Goodwill – Hooray!” “Norm is making [...]