Another item checked off my life's to-do list!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Program to fix up homes in last phase
By Deborah Hirsh • Courier-Post Staff • May 16, 2009
State, local and church officials Friday announced the third and final phase of a program that grants forgivable loans to Camden residents looking to fix up their places.
The Camden Home Improvement Program, also known as CHIP, offers eligible homeowners up to $20,000 in loans to fix their homes. Priority is given to repairs that affect the safety of residents, such as rewiring a faulty electrical system. However, grants can also be awarded for fixing basic systems, preventing deterioration and enhancing the exterior facade. If the homeowners stay in their home for five years, the entire loan is forgiven. They can sell the home before that, but must repay all or part of the loan depending on how many years they stay.
The idea originated from Camden Churches Organized for People and Concerned Black Clergy, who said the state's $175 million economic recovery plan had not done enough to improve the city's neighborhoods.
Since the program first launched in December 2006, more than 130 homes have been rehabilitated and dozens more are in progress.
An additional 83 are expected to be rehabbed in this final phase. Homeowners in Fairview, Morgan Village, Parkside, Lanning Square, Central Waterfront, Cooper Grant and downtown will now be eligible to apply.
State agencies anticipate eventually giving out $8 million to up to 300 homeowners across the city. Of that money, $5 million comes from the Camden Economic Recovery Board, $2.5 million from the Department of Community Affairs and $500,000 from the city of Camden.
Gloucester City contractor Munawar Bashir, 44, said the program has not only helped homeowners but also kept him and other local businesses afloat.
Bashir said it wasn't long after he and his brother started their company in 2005 that projects began to slow down. Sometimes, he said, people would hire them and then they didn't have the money to pay for the job.
"It's cold winter and no jobs, I'm just crazy running around," he remembered. "I lost everything, house and car."
He heard about the CHIP program in 2007 and applied to be one of their designated contractors. If not for those projects, he said, "I would have lost everything."
On Friday, he and two employees put siding on an East Camden home, one of about 35 grant projects they've worked on so far. Bashir estimated that 90 percent of their jobs come from CHIP.
If there were enough money to meet the high demand for the grants, contractors would have even more projects. Aida Figueroa, who manages the project through Cooper's Ferry, said she has a wait list of more than 250 people who applied for the second phase of the program but weren't able to get funding.
Church leaders said they hope to find a way to continue the program because helping residents improve their homes can trigger a domino effect throughout the neighborhood, increasing depressed property values.
"That one that stands out has encouraged some of the other people on the block to fix up their houses, too, at least on the outside," said the Rev. Willie Anderson, of the Gateway neighborhood.
The program "definitely needs to be done again," he said. "We've got a lot of working poor that's doing all they can just to stay in their homes and pay their taxes. They just don't have the money for a new roof or a heating system."
State, local and church officials Friday announced the third and final phase of a program that grants forgivable loans to Camden residents looking to fix up their places.
The Camden Home Improvement Program, also known as CHIP, offers eligible homeowners up to $20,000 in loans to fix their homes. Priority is given to repairs that affect the safety of residents, such as rewiring a faulty electrical system. However, grants can also be awarded for fixing basic systems, preventing deterioration and enhancing the exterior facade. If the homeowners stay in their home for five years, the entire loan is forgiven. They can sell the home before that, but must repay all or part of the loan depending on how many years they stay.
The idea originated from Camden Churches Organized for People and Concerned Black Clergy, who said the state's $175 million economic recovery plan had not done enough to improve the city's neighborhoods.
Since the program first launched in December 2006, more than 130 homes have been rehabilitated and dozens more are in progress.
An additional 83 are expected to be rehabbed in this final phase. Homeowners in Fairview, Morgan Village, Parkside, Lanning Square, Central Waterfront, Cooper Grant and downtown will now be eligible to apply.
State agencies anticipate eventually giving out $8 million to up to 300 homeowners across the city. Of that money, $5 million comes from the Camden Economic Recovery Board, $2.5 million from the Department of Community Affairs and $500,000 from the city of Camden.
Gloucester City contractor Munawar Bashir, 44, said the program has not only helped homeowners but also kept him and other local businesses afloat.
Bashir said it wasn't long after he and his brother started their company in 2005 that projects began to slow down. Sometimes, he said, people would hire them and then they didn't have the money to pay for the job.
"It's cold winter and no jobs, I'm just crazy running around," he remembered. "I lost everything, house and car."
He heard about the CHIP program in 2007 and applied to be one of their designated contractors. If not for those projects, he said, "I would have lost everything."
On Friday, he and two employees put siding on an East Camden home, one of about 35 grant projects they've worked on so far. Bashir estimated that 90 percent of their jobs come from CHIP.
If there were enough money to meet the high demand for the grants, contractors would have even more projects. Aida Figueroa, who manages the project through Cooper's Ferry, said she has a wait list of more than 250 people who applied for the second phase of the program but weren't able to get funding.
Church leaders said they hope to find a way to continue the program because helping residents improve their homes can trigger a domino effect throughout the neighborhood, increasing depressed property values.
"That one that stands out has encouraged some of the other people on the block to fix up their houses, too, at least on the outside," said the Rev. Willie Anderson, of the Gateway neighborhood.
The program "definitely needs to be done again," he said. "We've got a lot of working poor that's doing all they can just to stay in their homes and pay their taxes. They just don't have the money for a new roof or a heating system."
Monday, May 11, 2009
Community Garden (a.k.a. What Joshua Does with His Days)
Vacant city lots transform into family-tended gardens
By Lavinia DeCastro • Courier-Post Staff • May 10, 2009
Less than a year ago, 9-year-old Alex Checo came home from a school field trip clutching a small tomato plant. "He was so excited," said his mother Martha Checo. "He said "Mom, let's go. We have to plant it.'" Checo didn't share her son's excitement. "At my house, we don't have the space to grow a garden," she said.
She did it anyway, setting the plant down in the small patch of dirt at their Cramer Hill home.
"We had so many tomatoes, if you came in and took a couple, we wouldn't even notice," said Alex, a student at the St. Anthony of Padua School.
Although the family's garden is still small, they now have room to grow as many vegetables as they would like. The Checos were among the first families to sign up for their own plot at a new community garden in a city-owned lot on the corner of 29th Street and River Road, across from Von Neida Park. "We're going to have more throughout the city," said City Council President Angel Fuentes during Saturday's groundbreaking ceremony. "This is just the beginning."
The garden, one of about 20 sprinkled throughout the city, is the result of a partnership between the city, a group of local churches and the Camden Children's Garden. About half of the community gardens in Camden are on city-owned properties, said Children's Garden Director Mike Devlin. The other half belongs to faith-based organizations, he said.
"This is a good partnership with the churches," Fuentes said. "Imagine if each church could select an empty lot near them and beautify it. I think it would make a huge difference in the city."
The lot in Cramer Hill is among the 5,000 to 10,000 abandoned properties in Camden.
For the past five years, the lot was a neighborhood blight. Trailers that served as a police substation from 1994 to 2002 still sat there, abandoned. "We put up the trailers and within a couple of days, folks came here and firebombed it," Fuentes said, blaming the damage on drug dealers who sold their wares on the corner of 28th and Heyes streets. When the city restructured its police department the trailers were no longer needed.
Tired of seeing the abandoned structures, four Cramer Hill churches belonging to a group called Camden Churches Organized for People decided to do something about it.
"We got together with the Children's Garden and asked: "What can we do with this site?' " said Mandi Aviles, director of youth ministries at St. Anthony. With the help of a group from Volunteers of America, the staff at the Children's Garden prepared the first nine plots to be planted then used part of a $250,000 Robert Wood Johnson grant to supply seeds and plants. Those who participate in the program have to sign an agreement with St. Anthony and the Cramer Hill community garden committee to take care of the land. "The first step is to get the gardens going," Devlin said.
On Saturday, volunteers were busy planting the more than 500 plants and seeds bought with grant money. With a little help getting started, neighbors usually stick with it, Devlin said.
"Gardening is popular in every culture," Devlin said. "It's as popular in Haddonfield as it is in Camden." And the demand is growing. There are more community gardens popping up this year than any other previous year, Devlin said. So many, in fact, that Camden County ran out of the wood chips it has provided free of change for many years. The wood chips are used to divide the plots. "We used them all up," Devlin said.
Membership in the Children's Garden club has climbed to include more than 70 families and 30 nonprofits. For their $25 to $60 annual dues, members have access to free plants, seeds, fertilizers, fencing and other planting materials. The National Gardening Association estimates that 9 million more households will be gardening this year, a 19 percent increase from last year.
For the residents planting the gardens, the benefits outweigh the amount of produce they can harvest.
"I think it's going to restore a lot of the hope that was lost here," Aviles said. "We see so much negative that we forget that there are things that we can do that are positive if we just get together and do them."
By Lavinia DeCastro • Courier-Post Staff • May 10, 2009
Less than a year ago, 9-year-old Alex Checo came home from a school field trip clutching a small tomato plant. "He was so excited," said his mother Martha Checo. "He said "Mom, let's go. We have to plant it.'" Checo didn't share her son's excitement. "At my house, we don't have the space to grow a garden," she said.
She did it anyway, setting the plant down in the small patch of dirt at their Cramer Hill home.
"We had so many tomatoes, if you came in and took a couple, we wouldn't even notice," said Alex, a student at the St. Anthony of Padua School.
Although the family's garden is still small, they now have room to grow as many vegetables as they would like. The Checos were among the first families to sign up for their own plot at a new community garden in a city-owned lot on the corner of 29th Street and River Road, across from Von Neida Park. "We're going to have more throughout the city," said City Council President Angel Fuentes during Saturday's groundbreaking ceremony. "This is just the beginning."
The garden, one of about 20 sprinkled throughout the city, is the result of a partnership between the city, a group of local churches and the Camden Children's Garden. About half of the community gardens in Camden are on city-owned properties, said Children's Garden Director Mike Devlin. The other half belongs to faith-based organizations, he said.
"This is a good partnership with the churches," Fuentes said. "Imagine if each church could select an empty lot near them and beautify it. I think it would make a huge difference in the city."
The lot in Cramer Hill is among the 5,000 to 10,000 abandoned properties in Camden.
For the past five years, the lot was a neighborhood blight. Trailers that served as a police substation from 1994 to 2002 still sat there, abandoned. "We put up the trailers and within a couple of days, folks came here and firebombed it," Fuentes said, blaming the damage on drug dealers who sold their wares on the corner of 28th and Heyes streets. When the city restructured its police department the trailers were no longer needed.
Tired of seeing the abandoned structures, four Cramer Hill churches belonging to a group called Camden Churches Organized for People decided to do something about it.
"We got together with the Children's Garden and asked: "What can we do with this site?' " said Mandi Aviles, director of youth ministries at St. Anthony. With the help of a group from Volunteers of America, the staff at the Children's Garden prepared the first nine plots to be planted then used part of a $250,000 Robert Wood Johnson grant to supply seeds and plants. Those who participate in the program have to sign an agreement with St. Anthony and the Cramer Hill community garden committee to take care of the land. "The first step is to get the gardens going," Devlin said.
On Saturday, volunteers were busy planting the more than 500 plants and seeds bought with grant money. With a little help getting started, neighbors usually stick with it, Devlin said.
"Gardening is popular in every culture," Devlin said. "It's as popular in Haddonfield as it is in Camden." And the demand is growing. There are more community gardens popping up this year than any other previous year, Devlin said. So many, in fact, that Camden County ran out of the wood chips it has provided free of change for many years. The wood chips are used to divide the plots. "We used them all up," Devlin said.
Membership in the Children's Garden club has climbed to include more than 70 families and 30 nonprofits. For their $25 to $60 annual dues, members have access to free plants, seeds, fertilizers, fencing and other planting materials. The National Gardening Association estimates that 9 million more households will be gardening this year, a 19 percent increase from last year.
For the residents planting the gardens, the benefits outweigh the amount of produce they can harvest.
"I think it's going to restore a lot of the hope that was lost here," Aviles said. "We see so much negative that we forget that there are things that we can do that are positive if we just get together and do them."
Monday, April 27, 2009
CCOP Breakfast Fundraiser
The Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP) Annual Fundraiser Breakfast event went well! Located along the Camden waterfront at the aquarium, it was a great time to hear about the recent work of CCOP and get a sneak peek into future projects. Even though I hear about CCOP every night, during the year-end recap at the breakfast, I'm always blown away by the magnitude and scope of the work that is being accomplished by the Camden churches with the backing of CCOP. The list of recent "wins" is always so impressive. I couldn't be more proud of the work that Joshua is doing.
Here is the "team photo" of Joshua and his staff. What a great bunch. (l-r: Joshua, Kaitlyn, Jerri, Edward)
Here's to another year of great CCOP work!
Here is the "team photo" of Joshua and his staff. What a great bunch. (l-r: Joshua, Kaitlyn, Jerri, Edward)
Here's to another year of great CCOP work!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Comps and Conferences
Another hurdle to graduation behind me: I passed my comprehensive exams. Hooray! Now I just need to put the finishing touches on my thesis, finish up my spatial statistics class and I'll be done.
I also found out that I was chosen to present my thesis at the National Institute of Justice's Crime Mapping Conference in New Orleans in August. Four days of my favorite subject, all expenses paid. Awesome!
I also found out that I was chosen to present my thesis at the National Institute of Justice's Crime Mapping Conference in New Orleans in August. Four days of my favorite subject, all expenses paid. Awesome!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Skin and Bones
Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor
Exhibit at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia
April 24, 2009 – January 3, 2010
Skin & Bones - Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor a provocative exhibit that delves into the beliefs, mysteries, traditions, and power of the tattoo in American maritime culture, premieres at Independence Seaport Museum April 24, 2009. Seaport members will preview the exhibit April 23 during an invitation-only cocktail reception. Skin & Bones, which runs through January 3, 2010, is free with general admission or membership and open during regular Museum hours.
This original exhibit, researched and created by Curator Craig Bruns and Seaport staff, will feature traditional and modern tattooing tools, flash (tattoo design samples) and other tattoo-related art, historic photographs and artifacts, a recreation of an old-time "tattoo parlor," and a mini-documentary of the recorded personal stories of tattooed sailors.
The History of Tattoos
The reputation of tattoos has evolved through the psyche of American culture from the sinister symbols of convicts, gang members, and bikers, looked up on by most with fear and disdain, into a generally accepted societal convention. Today tattoos are sported by everyone from sports and movie celebrities to teens and suburban moms and have spread beyond the body to fashion, décor, and art.
While tattooing is an ancient custom practiced by most cultures – famed naturalist Charles Darwin stated there was no nation on earth in which the people did not tattoo themselves – it is not well known that this custom of indelible body marking was introduced to this country in the late 18th century by seafarers.
So, if you have a tattoo today, thank a sailor.
The Exhibit
Skin & Bones traces the origins, functions, and significance of tattoos in American sailors' lives from the late 18th century onward and how merchant and naval seamen have kept this tradition unbroken and alive. It also connects current trends with historic tradition to enlighten tattooed and un-tattooed visitors alike about this often still misunderstood art form.
In early America, tattoos were synonymous with sailors, who learned the practice from their British seagoing brethren. While the tale of tattoos as souvenirs of wild shore leaves is a well-known chapter of nautical history, it is but one small facet of the story.
The true essence of the story, revealed in Skin & Bones, is that sailors have long held a deeply ingrained belief in the power of tattoos. They use their skin as a canvas for inked tattoos to permanently display their values and identifications, protect them against dangers at sea, pay homage to sailing traditions and the fraternity of seafarers, memorialize loved ones, and showcase mementos of significant experiences and exotic locales.
Skin & Bones features the "Who's Who" of the tattoo world – people like Samuel O'Reilly, who invented the electric tattoo machine in 1891; C.H. Fellowes, whose hand-drawn tattoo design books are among the earliest known American tattoo design books; Macy's founder Rowland Macy, whose star tattoo on his arm likely inspired his department store's famed logo; and colorful characters such as tattoo artists Sailor Jerry, Sailor Eddie, and Madame Chinchilla.
A highlight will be a specially created interactive featuring a life-size "tattoo artist" who will "talk" to customers as he "inks" one of four tattoos on their forearms. The "tattooing" will be done through a video projection system.
Skin & Bones Programming
Skin & Bones will be complemented by a stimulating series of public and educational programming, and the Museum Shop will be stocked with a fanciful array of tattoo-related items, including books, posters, temporary tattoos, clothing, and fun trinkets for children. Youngsters will also enjoy posing in the life-size cut-out of a classic tattooed merchant seaman stationed just outside the exhibit.
The Seaport will host two screenings of the cult film Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry, which chronicles the life of Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins, the father of modern American tattooing and himself a sailor. The film, which had a sold-out screening at the 2008 Philadelphia Film Festival and was an official selection at the New Orleans Film Festival, explores the impact and meaning of tattoos in the lives of American sailors. The May 12 screening will begin at 7 pm with a pre-film discussion by director and native Philadelphian Erich Weiss. A second screening will take place October 2 at 8 pm.
On October 22 at 7 pm, the Seaport will present Tattoo Scuttlebutt, a panel discussion with Hori Smoku director Weiss; local tattoo historian Nick Schoenberger, C.W. Eldridge, director of the Tattoo Archive, in Winston-Salem, NC, and U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Office Richard Sambenedetto Jr., whose tattooed feet are the iconic image of Skin & Bones.
Exhibit at the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia
April 24, 2009 – January 3, 2010
Skin & Bones - Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor a provocative exhibit that delves into the beliefs, mysteries, traditions, and power of the tattoo in American maritime culture, premieres at Independence Seaport Museum April 24, 2009. Seaport members will preview the exhibit April 23 during an invitation-only cocktail reception. Skin & Bones, which runs through January 3, 2010, is free with general admission or membership and open during regular Museum hours.
This original exhibit, researched and created by Curator Craig Bruns and Seaport staff, will feature traditional and modern tattooing tools, flash (tattoo design samples) and other tattoo-related art, historic photographs and artifacts, a recreation of an old-time "tattoo parlor," and a mini-documentary of the recorded personal stories of tattooed sailors.
The History of Tattoos
The reputation of tattoos has evolved through the psyche of American culture from the sinister symbols of convicts, gang members, and bikers, looked up on by most with fear and disdain, into a generally accepted societal convention. Today tattoos are sported by everyone from sports and movie celebrities to teens and suburban moms and have spread beyond the body to fashion, décor, and art.
While tattooing is an ancient custom practiced by most cultures – famed naturalist Charles Darwin stated there was no nation on earth in which the people did not tattoo themselves – it is not well known that this custom of indelible body marking was introduced to this country in the late 18th century by seafarers.
So, if you have a tattoo today, thank a sailor.
The Exhibit
Skin & Bones traces the origins, functions, and significance of tattoos in American sailors' lives from the late 18th century onward and how merchant and naval seamen have kept this tradition unbroken and alive. It also connects current trends with historic tradition to enlighten tattooed and un-tattooed visitors alike about this often still misunderstood art form.
In early America, tattoos were synonymous with sailors, who learned the practice from their British seagoing brethren. While the tale of tattoos as souvenirs of wild shore leaves is a well-known chapter of nautical history, it is but one small facet of the story.
The true essence of the story, revealed in Skin & Bones, is that sailors have long held a deeply ingrained belief in the power of tattoos. They use their skin as a canvas for inked tattoos to permanently display their values and identifications, protect them against dangers at sea, pay homage to sailing traditions and the fraternity of seafarers, memorialize loved ones, and showcase mementos of significant experiences and exotic locales.
Skin & Bones features the "Who's Who" of the tattoo world – people like Samuel O'Reilly, who invented the electric tattoo machine in 1891; C.H. Fellowes, whose hand-drawn tattoo design books are among the earliest known American tattoo design books; Macy's founder Rowland Macy, whose star tattoo on his arm likely inspired his department store's famed logo; and colorful characters such as tattoo artists Sailor Jerry, Sailor Eddie, and Madame Chinchilla.
A highlight will be a specially created interactive featuring a life-size "tattoo artist" who will "talk" to customers as he "inks" one of four tattoos on their forearms. The "tattooing" will be done through a video projection system.
Skin & Bones Programming
Skin & Bones will be complemented by a stimulating series of public and educational programming, and the Museum Shop will be stocked with a fanciful array of tattoo-related items, including books, posters, temporary tattoos, clothing, and fun trinkets for children. Youngsters will also enjoy posing in the life-size cut-out of a classic tattooed merchant seaman stationed just outside the exhibit.
The Seaport will host two screenings of the cult film Hori Smoku Sailor Jerry, which chronicles the life of Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins, the father of modern American tattooing and himself a sailor. The film, which had a sold-out screening at the 2008 Philadelphia Film Festival and was an official selection at the New Orleans Film Festival, explores the impact and meaning of tattoos in the lives of American sailors. The May 12 screening will begin at 7 pm with a pre-film discussion by director and native Philadelphian Erich Weiss. A second screening will take place October 2 at 8 pm.
On October 22 at 7 pm, the Seaport will present Tattoo Scuttlebutt, a panel discussion with Hori Smoku director Weiss; local tattoo historian Nick Schoenberger, C.W. Eldridge, director of the Tattoo Archive, in Winston-Salem, NC, and U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Office Richard Sambenedetto Jr., whose tattooed feet are the iconic image of Skin & Bones.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Feeling Blessed
There are a lot of expectations about 30th birthdays -- lots of pressure to do something interesting/exciting/exotic/expensive. I was feeling the pressure a few months ago and kind of bemoaning the fact that my birthday was on Easter this year. Holidays are fun, but I felt like it was stealing my thunder on turning 30. I worried that I've been lucky to spend the first 30 years of my life doing interesting and exciting things, how was I going to "overcome" Easter and top all of that other exciting stuff with one culminating event of awesomeness?
I decided to bag the whole contest and enjoy my favorite things -- camping with my husband and visiting my parents. This made for one of my most favorite birthdays ever.
We went camping at French Creek State Park. Nothing too fancy, but it allow us to take a nice hike in the woods adjacent to our campsite and camp in a section set aside especially for dogs. Simon was a champ in the tent at night, keeping us warm while it rained all night long. This first camping trip with the pup proved that he will be a great backpacking dog, much to our delight.
I decided to bag the whole contest and enjoy my favorite things -- camping with my husband and visiting my parents. This made for one of my most favorite birthdays ever.
We went camping at French Creek State Park. Nothing too fancy, but it allow us to take a nice hike in the woods adjacent to our campsite and camp in a section set aside especially for dogs. Simon was a champ in the tent at night, keeping us warm while it rained all night long. This first camping trip with the pup proved that he will be a great backpacking dog, much to our delight.On Saturday morning, we went to Carlisle to visit with my folks for the rest of the weekend. Of course, it was a visit full of good foods and comfortable beds. To my surprise, Kate showed up on Saturday night with her pup Rio. It was such a great surprise to see my best friend. Simon was overjoyed to have a Rio to play with all weekend.
Unfortunately, we forgot to take many photos that didn't involve the bunny ears my mother picked up for the festivities. How awesome that I have such a fun-loving family! 
Kate, ever the tirelessly creative one, made special shirts for the dogs. I'm so happy that she was able to join my family in celebrating Easter and my 30th.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
CCOP Annual Fundraiser Breakfast
Save the Date!!!
Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP) is hosting its Annual Fundraiser Breakfast This year’s event will be held on Saturday, April 25th from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the Adventure Aquarium on the Camden Waterfront. We expect to have in attendance approximately 200 people representing faith-institutions, businesses and government in the city and region.
As President Obama declared in his acceptance speech, “This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can.”.
For 24 years CCOP has echoed this same message in the city of Camden. Our members bring hope to the hopeless, breath power to the powerless and serve as a vehicle for Camden residents to lift up and act on their hopes, their faith, and their dreams.
This work however would not be possible without the help of many people -- our PICO National Network and most importantly our friends and supporters, who provide the financial support that enables us to do the intense work of leadership development and community organizing. We hope to meet the ambitious goal of raising $50,000 from this year’s fundraiser. We ask you to join with us in that endeavor.
We are also excited to announce that Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. will serve as this year’s Key Note speaker. Congressman Pallone is the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Health subcommittee. Congressman Pallone helped champion the recent passing of the SCHIP bill which provides the opportunity for more then 200,000 uninsured NJ Children to receive health insurance. Finally, Congressman Pallone is one of the primary architects of the comprehensive health reform package that will be moving through Congress this year.
Please RSVP as soon as possible (but no later than Friday, April 10th) by calling the CCOP office. And feel free to invite others you think might be interested in learning about CCOP, all we ask is that you provide us those names when you respond.
If you are unable to attend the breakfast but would like to make a contribution, you can make an on-line contribution at www.camdenchurches.org.
Thank you for considering our invitation – we hope you will be able to join us.
Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP) is hosting its Annual Fundraiser Breakfast This year’s event will be held on Saturday, April 25th from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the Adventure Aquarium on the Camden Waterfront. We expect to have in attendance approximately 200 people representing faith-institutions, businesses and government in the city and region.
As President Obama declared in his acceptance speech, “This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can.”.
For 24 years CCOP has echoed this same message in the city of Camden. Our members bring hope to the hopeless, breath power to the powerless and serve as a vehicle for Camden residents to lift up and act on their hopes, their faith, and their dreams.
This work however would not be possible without the help of many people -- our PICO National Network and most importantly our friends and supporters, who provide the financial support that enables us to do the intense work of leadership development and community organizing. We hope to meet the ambitious goal of raising $50,000 from this year’s fundraiser. We ask you to join with us in that endeavor.
We are also excited to announce that Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. will serve as this year’s Key Note speaker. Congressman Pallone is the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Health subcommittee. Congressman Pallone helped champion the recent passing of the SCHIP bill which provides the opportunity for more then 200,000 uninsured NJ Children to receive health insurance. Finally, Congressman Pallone is one of the primary architects of the comprehensive health reform package that will be moving through Congress this year.
Please RSVP as soon as possible (but no later than Friday, April 10th) by calling the CCOP office. And feel free to invite others you think might be interested in learning about CCOP, all we ask is that you provide us those names when you respond.
If you are unable to attend the breakfast but would like to make a contribution, you can make an on-line contribution at www.camdenchurches.org.
Thank you for considering our invitation – we hope you will be able to join us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)