Dallas' anti-panhandling rule causes concern for Street Zine vendors

StreetZine is Dallas' premier homeless newspaper published by The Stewpot. Streetzine vendors had cause for alarm after Dallas City Council passed an broad solicitation free zone in downtown and other neighborhoods, which many believed infringed on right of free speech. Read the Dallas Morning News story.

"Food for the Soul" Art Show Opens Sunday

The Stewpot Artists
Bradshaw Gallery Show Opens Dec 5th
at
Dallas Public Library Downtown

This is the 15th annual "Food for the Soul" exhibit.

Admission is free

90% of the proceeds go to the The Stewpot Artists

A special opening is December 5th 1:30 - 4:00. You are invited to come visit with the
artists and view their creations. The show will be on display through December 28th.

The J. Erik Jonsson Central Library is located at 1515 Young St, Dallas, TX 75201.

Hours are 1:00 - 5:00 on Sundays, closed on Monday,
open 10:00 - 5:00 Tues and Wed., 12:00 - 8:00 on Thurs and 10:00 - 5:00 on Fri and Sat.

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Adopt-A-Family for Christmas

During Christmas, The Stewpot hosts families from our Saturday School program who need additional assistance during the holidays. We are currently serving approximately 110 children in Saturday School. For the most part, these children's families are working poor and their parents struggle to provide financially for them. The need is particularly acute at Christmas time.

In an effort to spread joy and festivity at this special time of year, The Stewpot has had an Adopt a Family Program to give others an opportunity to assist these families during the Christmas season.

We hope to provide each qualifying family with a Target gift card. This will give the parents the opportunity to decide what their children receive for Christmas and to experience the joy of shopping for their children.

Please send donations to: The Stewpot, c/o Suzanne Dwight, 408 Park Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201 or donate by credit card. Designate Adopt-A-Family on your check or credit card donation. For more information contact Suzanne Dwight, Director of Children & Youth Programs at (214) 746-2785 ext. 238.
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Celebration of Community Ministries Outreach and Global Missions At The Old Stewpot Dining Room

Sunday November 21, 2010
Noon - 1 pm

The congregation of First Presbyterian church has historically designated the Sunday before Thanksgiving as Community Ministries Sunday. Worship highlights this shared ministry of the church. Following worship, a light lunch will be served in the Stewpot in the Community Ministries Building. This year, the after worship festivities will include a Celebration of Community Ministries Outreach and Global Missions. Enjoy the complimentary light lunch and explore the alternative holiday gift opportunities that benefit a variety of local, regional and global missions.

The Stewpot served its first meal in the hallway adjacent to the Koinonia Room in October 1975. This fall, 35 years later, the 4 millionth Stewpot meal was served at the 2nd Chance Café.

The Stewpot has, from its inception, been more than a place to eat. A wide variety of community resources and the talents of a multitude of volunteers have helped create valuable programs for homeless and at risk inner-city children and youth.

The strength, vitality and success of the Community Ministries programs is a credit to the ongoing commitment of First Presbyterian Church to provide a "home" and leadership for the program. Community wide financial support funds its $1.6 million budget and over 1,300 volunteers every month help provide services.

The Stewpot Open Art Studio is a most colorful example of resourceful programs that showcase "outsider art". Painted canvas, jewelry, stain glass, ceramic and fabric art is on display across our city. The annual Downtown Dallas Library gallery show of stewpot Art opens the afternoon of Sunday, December 5th to the public.

Hundreds of Dallas homeless daily access the full time casework services, alcohol and drug outreach, HIV testing, full time primary and prosthetic dental care, weekly legal, medical and mental health clinics, daily Bible study, employment counseling.

The Stewpot provides 700 voice mail phone numbers to Dallas not-for-profits and our own clients to assist in job searches. STREETZine newspaper is distribute throughout Dallas. Providing income for its vendors and a medium for creative expression. It's modest goal of becoming the paper of record for the City of Dallas is progressing.

The Community Ministries Children and Youth Programs provide educational
enrichment programs for 1st grade thru High School. Saturday school, Summer Day Camp, Summer Visiting Youth Program, Scholars Program, ESL classes, adopt a Family and Venturing Crews (Jr & Sr) have helped to grow and encourage several generations of talented young people. Becoming role models for youthful eyes to emulate.

Recently, as a part of the extensive renovation and building expansion of First Presbyterian a longstanding "Stewpot" landmark surrendered its pride of place to the emerging new structures at the church. The basement mural reminded all of the Stewpot's fundamental mission and the Biblical imperative which gave it both roots and wings. "Bread for myself is a worldly matter; Bread for my brother is a spiritual matter." Located alongside the exit ramp of the former home of the Stewpot in the basement of the church activities building (Byrd Hall) the mural's black highlighted letters were framed in a red background. Its message still reminds us all of our calling. As was the case 35 years ago, so now, our city needs Good Samaritans.

Rev. Dr. Bruce A. Buchanan
Executive Director/The Stewpot
Associate Pastor for Community Ministries/First Presbyterian Church

Many thanks from The Stewpot to our 2011 “Celebrity Chefs” for Soup’s On! Luncheon to be held January 25, 2011:  Brian C. Luscher of The Grape; Keith Hanks of The Capital Grille; Joel Harloff of The Green Room; David McMillan of MCM Restaurants; Kevin Garvin of Neiman Marcus Restaurants; Nathan Tate & Randall Copeland of Restaurant AVA; Bruno Davaillon of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek; Abraham Salum of Salum; and Jim Severson of Sevy's. We urge you to support the restaurants of these generous chefs by eating at their establishments!

The Stewpot Alliance & Soup’s On! 2011

in Partnership with
David Dike Fine Art Gallery

Invite you to an
ART EXHIBITION
Featuring works by The Stewpot’s Artists

Honoring
Soup’s On! 2011 Patrons and Committee Members

Tuesday, November 9
6 - 8pm

David Dike Fine Art
2613 Fairmount
Dallas, TX 75201

Enjoy an evening of art, food and inspiration. 

Art will be available for purchase with 90% of the proceeds benefiting The Stewpot artists.

RSVP gret84@swbell.net or 972-381-6006

* Complimentary Valet Parking

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Dallas Community Court for the Homeless - Fall 2010

One of the most critical issues facing many in the homeless community is the need to resolve legal problems. To meet this need, the Dallas Municipal Courts, the Dallas City Attorney’s office, and private attorneys in collaboration with The Stewpot provide complete Class C misdemeanor case resolution (other than thefts and assaults). A significant aspect of the Class C misdemeanor resolution is the alternative sentencing program. Community service organizations provide counseling and volunteer work opportunities to satisfy conditions of the alternative sentencing program imposed as a result of a guilty plea.

The next Community Court date is Nov. 6, 2010

Deadline to submit applications at The Stewpot is Oct. 15, 2010

Applications can be picked up at The Stewpot, 408 Park Ave, Dallas 75201 or 

Download and print an application

Please read the first page of the application carefully for procedures and instructions. 

This application is for homeless participants only.

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Don't miss the Art Show at The Stewpot

Art Show at The Stewpot
Saturday, September 25th
3:00 pm - 8:00 pm

1822 Young Street

Explore our large 2nd floor gallery displaying Acrylic paintings, watercolors, oil pastels, mixed media works, jewelry, ceramics and more. All works for sale with many marked 50%-90% off.

90% of each sale goes to the artist with remaing 10% going towards art program supplies.

Refreshments will be served and free parking in the garage will be provided.

Click here for additional information.

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Celebrate at The Angry Dog and benefit our homeless friends

The Angry Dog, a Deep Ellum bar and restaurant, is celebrating its 20^th anniversary (e.g., 140 dog years!) for the entire month of September by donating 50 cents to selected local charities each time during the month of September they sell one of their top 20 food items. The 4 selected charities are The Stewpot, Paws in the City, ArtLoveMagic and the Children's Cancer Fund.  Join us over at the Angry Dog for wings, hamburgers, hot dogs, cheap eats and more this September!   Only 3 minutes away from First Presbyterian Church, head east on Young/Canton, left on South Good Latimer Expressway, and then take the first right on Commerce.  The Angry Dog is on your right at 2626 Commerce Street.  www.angrydog.com

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Stewpot Artists showing at the Lakewood Summer Arts Faire

_
Saturday, August 28, 10:00am - 6:00pm and Sunday, August 29, 11:15am - 5:00pm

2443 Abrams Rd. Dallas, TX 75214
in the Family Life Center at Lakewood United Methodist Church

There will be a large showing of work from Dallas area artists,
live entertainment and a children’s art workshop.

Come see us!
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Stewpot Community Ministry Scholarship recipients recognized for their hard work

42 college students from The Stewpot's Children and Youth programs were recognized for the Community Ministries Scholarship this past Sunday at the First Presbyterian Church worship service. Two recipients have graduated in the last few months from college and we are expecting 12 more to graduate in the coming year. Many of them are the first people in their families to attend college!

Each scholarship recipient must actively participate in The Stewpot's Children and Youth programs for a minimum of 2 years and then if they maintain their grades they are eligible for $2,000 a year for up to five years!

Congrats to all of them!

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DART Community Court for our homeless friends

The Stewpot offers many services to their clients in an effort to help them transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency.  One of the services offered is Community Court.  Community Court is a program designed to offer homeless persons the opportunity to take care of misdemeanor citations and violations in the City of Dallas and for DART.  Our homeless friends are often times the subjects of certain types of citations from DART officers including most often fare evasion.  Since many of our homeless friends are financially strained as it is, the cost of these tickets can be difficult to afford.  If the tickets are not dealt with and one of our homeless friends gets arrested for a warrant, they go to jail and often times lose their identification (which often times The Stewpot has helped them obtain as vital records assistance is one of the services offered at The Stewpot). Hence, this court held at The Stewpot with the help of volunteers from the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, clerks from the court houses, and judges and justices of the peace from various districts affords the chance to the clients to handle their legal affairs rather than getting a warrant issued for their arrest.

On Saturday morning August 14, 94 individuals showed up to thank the lawyers, see the judges, get assigned hours of community service, and then set out to perform the community service tasks for their allotted hours in the Downtown Dallas area.  Work crews spread out to the north, east, south, and west to pick up trash, sweep the sidewalks, and help clean up the neighborhood.  Some crews focused on specific areas like the Farmer’s Market and City Hall.  At the end of the day, areas were cleaned up, court dockets were cleared of tickets dating back many years in some cases, and the participating clients of The Stewpot got to go home relieved knowing that there would not be a warrant issued for their arrest.  The Stewpot would like to thank Mike Haney, Justice of the Peace Judge Seider, Justice of the Peace Judge Sepulveda, and Justice of the Peace Judge Ellis for their services.  Also, The Stewpot would like to thank the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers, Brandy Baxter-Thompson and Jennifer King for their hard work and dedication to our homeless friends.

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Stewpot Road Warrior spreads the miles

Long-time Stewpot/2nd Chance Café Meal Service volunteer Caryn Carson graced the cover of American Way magazine in March and was featured in the August issue of the American Bar Association Journal. Many fellow volunteers voted for Caryn during the American Airlines Road Warrior Competition and enjoyed her promotional videos. We’re proud of her award and recognition and appreciate her sharing her prize with The Stewpot. In addition using miles to help clients return home, The Stewpot plans to award the miles to a subscriber of our Stew News list.

Grape opportunity to benefit The Stewpot

Grape opportunity! Savor the culinary delights of Chef Brian Luscher at his legendary wine bistro in Dallas. And $5 of each meal will benefit The Stewpot. 

Make your reservations while they last -- July 29 - 31! http://thegraperestaurant.com/

All seats taken for Bob movie

The response for tickets to see "His Name Is Bob" has been overwhelming...all 350 seats are reserved and we have a wait list for over 50 more. Thank you everyone for your interest and support!

"Burgers and Bob with The Stewpot" at Studio Movie Grill on July 27

 

You are invited to enjoy a night of
"Burgers and Bob with The Stewpot"
at the Studio Movie Grill

Stewpot friends & advocates are invited to attend 

a free private screening of the film His Name is Bob by Filmmakers Lisa Johnson, J. Sebastian Lee and Heather Lee

 

Join us Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at Studio Movie Grill at Royal Central
Doors open at 6:30 pm, Film begins at 7:00 pm - $2 off Burgers & Draft Beer! Stewpot Door Prizes!

Tickets are limited, so please RSVP to jean.jones@thestewpot.org (no phone calls, please!)  

by Thursday, July 22nd: include your name and the number of seats you would like reserved.

The filmmakers spent six years discovering Bob's amazing life story, revealing in the process, the sometimes shameless manner in which we treat our homeless citizens and also celebrating the community which became Bob's family. Filmmaker Lee says "Bob is one of the most well-known and polarizing personalities in town, often called the most famous wandering person in east Dallas. The myths and legends surrounding him are numerous - tales of a mother who hit him over the head with a frying pan, of a childhood spent in a mental institution, of a missing $86 million inheritance. What is undeniable is that Bob is a 57-year old man who has spent his life defying the odds. He has been betrayed, abandoned, beaten and abused, lived for years on the streets, yet though all of this, Bob refused to live in fear".

*There will be a Question & Answer Session with the filmmakers and 
Rev. Bruce Buchanan, Executive Director of The Stewpot, following the film.

Previously this movie has sold out at the Angelika Theatre during the 
40th USA Film Festival. Information can be seen at www.hisnameisbob.com.

This film is suitable for youth 12 years of age and older. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Mental Health Day at The Stewpot

On Wednesday, July 14th at 2:00p.m. The Stewpot caseworkers will be sponsoring another Mental Health Day for homeless and at-risk men and women. A relaxed, healthy environment will be provided at The Stewpot for meeting with participating agencies who will be on hand to initiate the intake process, make a direct connection with clients and initiate relationships with persons in need of their services. The goal of this event is to reach out to homeless and at-risk men and women in need of mental health services and help break down obstacles that stand in the way of treatment and recovery.

The new Stewpot website has been launched

Take a look and let us know what you think.
http://thestewpot.org


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Community Court for homeless held at The Stewpot

175 homeless participants came ready to work off Class C misdeamanor violations by performing community service work offered through a City of Dallas Community Court for the homeless held at the Stewpot on Saturday, June 26. Community service organizations provided counseling and volunteer work opportunities to satisfy conditions of the alternative sentencing program imposed as a result of a guilty plea.

One of the most critical issues facing many in the homeless community is the need to resolve legal problems. A criminal record can prevent individuals from getting employment or qualifying for housing. To meet this need, the Dallas Municipal Courts, the Dallas City Attorney’s office, and private attorneys in collaboration with The Stewpot provide complete Class C misdemeanor case resolution (other than thefts and assaults) with periodic Community Court opportunities.

Fort Worth’s Directions Home Plan and Permanent Supportive Housing

The City of Fort Worth released a report on the success of their Directions Home Plan. The Impact Of Permanent Supportive Housing On Fort Worth Neighborhoods report indicates Fort Worth has had positive outcomes with their program and a positive effect on neighborhoods where permanent supportive housing is located, concluding that the presence of permanent supportive housing neither detracts from nor flat lines the growth in value of parcels in closest proximity.

Read the report

DHA announces good news on housing homeless

Some very positive news was released yesterday in this DMN article. Dallas Housing Authority plans to open 160 homes for homeless, formerly jailed With help from DHA, Dallas is gaining ground reaching it's goal to end homelessness in our city. Read all about it.

Need for housing at critical point

An article of interest is in today's DMN placing emphasis on the immediate need for housing to relieve the increasing number of people seeking help at the Bridge homeless assistance center. The Stewpot/First Presbyterian Church is planning to help through development of their proposed EVERgreen residences.

Mornings at The Stewpot

If you were to drive by the Stewpot before 8 o’clock any weekday morning, there’s always a crowd. I’m often asked about all the women and children. What’s that all about?

I answer this frequently asked question by saying look at the Park Avenue side of the building, the line that extends from the entrance door north; the line with the women and children is the line for our Methodist neighbors on the 2nd floor: Crossroads Community Services. The people are there for the food pantry.Crossroads operates the largest food pantry in the City of Dallas. Last year they distributed over 2 million pounds of food.

Now the line that extends from the south side of the Park Avenue entrance to the building, is the line for the Stewpot. Together, well over 300 people are waiting for the door to open; some start to line up around 5 or 6 in the morning.When the door opens there is a rush of humanity. Into the Stewpot surges that southside line. Many come in for morning coffee; 200 cups disappear quickly on one side of the main room. But those who need help forego the coffee and line up on the other side of the room. They are there for all sorts of reasons: help to get a state id card; they need clothes; or hygiene products; they need to make a dental appointment, they need to see a caseworker.

When the door opens and the outside crowd makes its way inside there is often three long lines formed inside at points merging. I guess waiting in line is simply a fact of life wherever life finds you. But I think it’s safe to say there’s far more waiting in line at the bottom than there is at the top. The day after President’s Day as the lines were formed to lighten things up, we were going to honor our Presidents and I asked if there were any former living Presidents of the United States in line. After some shock and of course no response I asked if there were any dead former Presidents, and then called out specific names: Is George Washington here? Is Warren G. Harding present with us today? I avoided paging Woodrow Wilson, because we actually have a Woodrow Wilson, but when I called for Millard Fillmore, I’m pretty sure I heard someone croak: “Here I am.” Last week I paged Donald Trump and Jennifer Aniston; both were no shows. But Donald Trump was given several additional pages on the PA system and after his final no-show page the room was instructed that if he’s spotted at the Stewpot: “Tell’m he’s fired!”

I’ll often stand near the front desk when people arrive and try to direct people to the correct line and try to answer quick questions that never seem to have quick and easy answers. I’ve gotten into a routine when the lines are settled in place, to take five of so books from the free book and magazine shelves. Much thanks to Trent Briscoe and his Eagle scout project we have been blessed with an incredible variety of books. The featured books get highlighted; sometimes if there’s someone who stands out -- a man with red shoes, maybe someone we know who’s facing some real difficult challenge --they’ll be singled out and awarded a special book. “This wonderful book with a brilliant silver cover will be bestowed on anyone who happens to be wearing red shoes and has a blanket over their head.” And someone we have known for over 20 years shuffles up beaming with pride and from under the blanket I hear in all sincerity: “I didn’t know this was Christmas and I was never given a book by a church.” Then the bright silver covered book disappears under the blanket and he walks away beaming.

A couple of weeks ago I got a letter from someone in prison. These letters come all the time and I always write back. This one letter stands out because it began. “Rev. Buchanan, you’ll remember me because when we were all crowded in the Stewpot waiting for lunch to begin you asked over the microphone if there was anyone in the Stewpot with blue hair.” The writer was thrilled to remind me that he was the guy with the blue hair and I told him that day his meal was free.

At a quiet moment, between President recognition day and red shoe specials and book moments, I found tucked away in the shelves just the hardcover binding of a book. The innards -- all the printed pages that make a book a book -- were missing. What was left was the front, spine and back cover to a Bible. We’ve featured Bibles in the book moments before but this was a unique opportunity. I announced: “Here we have the front and back and spine of the Holy Bible. Maybe, it’s a do it yourself Bible; what you put between the covers is going to be up to you!” A hand shot up from one of the crowded tables and a gentle man who we’ve known for years wore the biggest smile and called out: “I want that Bible cover”.

And I have a good idea what will go back within the remnants of that skinned Bible.

Part of homeless solution in Dallas may be EVERgreen Residences

In partnership between Graham Greene, an architect known for building two of Dallas's most successful supportive housing projects and First Presbyterian Church, The Stewpot is addressing housing of formerly homeless individuals in developing the EverGREEN supportive housing complex. Read the Street Zine article posted online at Pegasus News describing the proposed housing. The article details the planned housing to dispel a rumor that it is a shelter.