How 'bout them Cowboys?

You can probably guess where most people will be this Sunday at noon... in front of their televisions watching the Dallas Cowboys take on Tampa Bay. Nothing rivals football season in the fall. Especially the Cowboys. But what about those loyal fans who don't have a tv or a place to watch the game? They miss out on something they really enjoy and an opportunity to hang out with fellow fans.

The Stewpot opened its doors for the Cowboys' season opener a couple of weeks ago. Over 100 people attended. They enjoyed the first victory of the season, good food, and camaraderie. This is something we'd really like to keep going for a couple of reasons: 1) It gives the people we serve an opportunity to hang out and have some fun. 2) It provides another volunteer opportunity on the weekends.

We'll open up for game day watch parties on Sundays (only for 12PM or 3PM games). The 7PM games cause an issue with curfews and getting beds at shelters. So this is where the opportunity comes in for you! We would love to have volunteer groups come in and provide snacks, pass out drinks, pop some popcorn for everyone to enjoy, and hang out and get to know our clients.

If you have a group of friends, church group, work group, etc. interested in sponsoring and volunteering one of the games, contact Stephanie McKee (stephaniem@thestewpot.org). We'd love to have you as early as the game this week! This week the Cowboys play Tampa Bay at home at 12PM. If you're a fan, this is an incredible opportunity for you!

Art Show

The Stewpot Artists will be showing their work at Lovers Lane Methodist Church’s new gallery called ArtReach Gallery during the month of April.  The opening reception will be April 1^st from 12:15 to 1:30.  The name of the show is Thorns and Light and many of the paintings are inspired by the Easter season.  


The church is located at 9200 Inwood Road at the corner of Northwest Hwy.  The gallery is in Watson hall right by the sanctuary (enter on the Northwest Hwy. side). 


Come see what our artists have been working on!

Volunteer with 100K Homes

Volunteer Opportunities for the

100,000 Homes – Dallas Campaign

Downtown Dallas Registry Week

There are several ways to be part of the Dallas Registry Week.  The project will take place over a six-day period from Sunday, March 25^th through Friday, March 30^th, 2012. 

During that week, we anticipate needing upwards of 70 volunteers, most of which will be needed to conduct the surveys with homeless individuals on the streets downtown.  However, there are other vital roles to support the efforts of the survey volunteers and to conduct the data entry.

Important:  Food and drink will be provided to you at the volunteer training and during every volunteer shift!

Contacts: Daneille Tooker (214.926.9544) dtooker@citysq.org
               Ashley Farha (214.741.5100 ext. 6) ashley@hamiltonproperties.com

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

1. SURVEY VOLUNTEERS:  We need approximately 60 volunteers to work in teams of four to interview homeless individuals for the Registry.  This is a four-day commitment and, due to the manner in which the outreach is conducted, the same team of four must survey their designated geographical area all three days.  To be part of a survey team, you will need to participate in a half-day training session related to interviewing homeless people and completing the survey forms. 

 §  Sunday, March 25^th – Overview and Volunteer Training, 2-5 p.m.§  Monday, March 26^th – Meet with Team/Survey, 3:30 a.m.-6:30 a.m.§  Tuesday, March 27^th – Meet with Team/Survey, 3:30 a.m.-6:30 a.m.§  Wednesday, March 28^th – Meet with Team/Survey, 3:30 a.m.-6:30 a.m.

Volunteer Headquarters location is TBD. 

      

2. DATA ENTRY:  We need volunteers to fill 5 shifts per day (a total of 15 shifts for Registry Week).  Volunteers will enter the data collected after each survey day.  This can be a one-shift or one-day commitment or multiple days and times.  The hours needed are:

§  Monday, March 26^th – 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

§  Monday, March 26^th – 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

§  Tuesday, March 27^th – 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

§  Tuesday, March 27^th – 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

§  Wednesday, March 28^th – 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

§  Wednesday, March 28^th – 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m                  

*The data entry lab is located at CitySquare at 511 N. Akard Street, Dallas, TX 75201 on the 3^rd floor.

  

3. HEADQUARTERS VOLUNTEERS:  We need 10 volunteers during the week to staff Volunteer Headquarters.  Headquarters volunteers will help set up for the initial volunteer training on Sunday, March 25^th and/or assist at volunteer headquarters each survey morning (food/supplies setup, cleanup and help with survey volunteer questions).  We also need help breaking down the headquarters on Thursday, March 29^th.  It would be good to have a few volunteers who are willing to supervise or who have experience supervising volunteers to be in charge of overall management each morning to help get survey volunteers out the door and download photos/collect surveys when they return.

§  Sunday, March 25^th – training event setup, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

§  Monday, March 26^th – 3:00-5:30 a.m. – food/supplies setup; volunteer assistance

§  Monday, March 26^th – 6:00-8:00 a.m. – cleanup, help download photos/collect surveys

§  Tuesday, March 27^th – 3:00-5:30 a.m. – food/supplies setup; volunteer assistance

§  Tuesday, March 27^th – 6:00-8:00 a.m. – cleanup, help download photos/collect surveys

§  Wednesday, March 28^th – 3:00-5:30 a.m. – food/supplies setup; volunteer assistance

§  Wednesday, March 28^th – 6:00-8:00 a.m. – cleanup, help download photos/collect surveys

§  Thursday, March 29^th – volunteer headquarters tear-down, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

4. OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO CONTRIBUTE:  If you are an individual, business or corporation that would like to sponsor or provide any of the following, please contact Daneille Tooker with CitySquare at 214-926-9544 to obtain our specific sponsorship materials.  Sponsorship opportunities include:

§  Sponsor the volunteer training session dinner on Sunday

§  Sponsor the food coupons that are provided to the homeless individuals as a “thank you” for participating in the survey (we are waking people up to talk with us each morning!)

§  Sponsor breakfast and coffee for the survey volunteers any of the three survey mornings (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)

§  Sponsor snacks and drinks for the data entry volunteers

§  Sponsor bright-colored T-shirts for the volunteers to wear (for identification and safety purposes as well as event participation souvenirs)

§  Cases of water

§  Sponsor office supplies (clipboards, pencils, etc.)

§  Sponsor printing of survey forms

***

For volunteers and sponsors who would like to be updated on the final results of Dallas Registry Week:

§  Friday, March 30^th – Community Brief-Back on Survey Results for the Registry Week, time and location TBD.

www.facebook.com/100kdallas 

To register or volunteer: http://100kdallas.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3x5/

2011 Stats

Overview of 2011 services and outcomes tracked by The Stewpot include: 

· 5,167 contacts for ID documents, an important step for those seeking jobs and housing;

· 12,105 meals served to 470 children;

· 195 participants in our Community Court program, clearing Class C Misdemeanors;

·  5,312 visits for Rep Payee clients; this program enables physically and mentally challenged    people to support their housing and basic living costs;

· 979 subscribers to Community Voice Mail with 101 individuals successfully finding work;

· 406 individual sessions for 58 participants in STEP (Stewpot Transitional Employment Program); 

· 177 homeless vendors sold 72,000 issues of Street Zine.  This monthly newspaper on homeless issues provides income for individuals seeking to earn their way out of poverty; 

· 2,588 individuals received 40,349 dental procedures provided; 395 individuals received 1,976 medical and substance abuse counseling sessions;

· 3,899 participant sessions in Art Classes that offer creative experiences, build self esteem, and often provide an income stream when Stewpot clients are able to sell their work.  Daily art classes offer self esteem building, and individual income possibilities.  Other initiatives valued by clients include Community Concerts and The Stewpot’s Annual Talent Show - offering unique cultural opportunities. 

· 470 children and youth participants each year in four levels of age appropriate programs.  Currently The Stewpot is providing college scholarship assistance to 45 former program participants.

·  4,500 individuals volunteered in Stewpot programs, resulting in the agency being one of the largest single volunteer sites in Dallas.

Additionally, The Stewpot successfully completed its fourth year operating Second Chance Café at The Bridge where we served 564,216 meals, and successfully trained 18 formerly homeless individuals in food handling so that they now comprise more than half of our kitchen staff.  As our partner agencies like The Bridge refocus their efforts to assist the chronically homeless over the age of 18, The Stewpot is increasingly focusing its efforts on the underserved segment of the homeless population and on at-risk families living in poverty. 

Birthday Fun

I love birthdays! I love my own, and I love celebrating the birthdays of my friends and family. I get so excited about presents for my husband that I can never keep the gift a secret. Birthdays are so fun!

A lot of people have a birthday tradition they love. It may be a meal at a certain restaurant, or a special breakfast each year. Our staff here at The Stewpot is like a family, and we've started this tradition of funny homemade birthday cards. The cards usually include a funny picture of staff members. We went all out for our executive director's birthday in December. Staff, volunteers, and clients made a book of custom cards for Bruce that will be a great gift to keep and look back at. 

We were thinking about starting a new tradition. Why not include our clients and do a giveaway? So, this morning we started with Suzanne, our Children & Youth program director. Suzanne wanted to hand out warm winter hats to everyone. Everyone was grateful for the gift and Suzanne received a lot of birthday wishes!

We'd like to open this up to volunteers also. If you're interested in celebrating your birthday the same way, you can! Contact me (stephaniem@thestewpot.org) a week or so before your birthday. You can choose what you'd like to hand out. You can bring something (we usually plan on 175 people) or hand out something we have here. It can be a seasonal item (hats, gloves, water bottles, baseball caps, etc.) or food. Any food item must be pre-packaged. Hopefully we can start a new birthday tradition!

Stephanie 

A Day of Celebration!

Last Thursday was truly a special day here at The Stewpot. We had our 24th Annual Stewpot Talent Show and a special lunch honoring Dr. and Mrs. Elgin Ware.

Dr. and Mrs. Elgin Ware were instrumental in bringing medical services here to The Stewpot in 1999. For 12 years, Elgin and Karen served our clients each Friday with the help of several volunteers. In June, Dr. Ware retired, and we were finally able to honor him! We invited past medical clinic volunteers and donors to a lunch. We enjoyed a great meal, great conversation, and a video of client/staff testimonies about the impact Dr. Ware and the medical clinic have had. The lunch ended with a special presentation to the Wares.

Parkland Hospital received a grant to expand our medical clinic. We are so excited about this new season. Construction should begin shortly. When it is complete the "Karen and Elgin Ware Stewpot Medical Clinic" will be open five days a week to serve our clients!

Following the lunch, we had our annual talent show. Clients are able to compete in five categories: performance, poetry, essay, art, and costume. There are cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The theme this year was "Stewpot Hospital: Reflections on Healing". We are always so impressed with the creativity and talent of our participants.

We had a great day celebrating the gifts of so many people here - the gift of writing, the gift of singing, and the gift of healing.

Holiday Project

Can you believe October is almost over? Thanksgiving is just 4 weeks away! Each holiday season we are blown away by the generosity of so many people in our community. Our holiday meal services are already full, however, we have a great opportunity for you and your families (or co-workers, church groups, book clubs, etc.) to serve our homeless friends. Every year we ask for people to donate a "Holiday Box for the Homeless". We collect thousands of these to hand out around the holidays. They make an incredible impact.

How to make a holiday box:

 

1. Use an empty shoe box (standard size). Please only use boxes that have a separate bottom and lid. Please wrap the lid and the box separately. The box should not be wrapped shut when finished.
2. Fill the box with a variety of small, inexpensive gifts. Use the gift ideas listed at the bottom of the page. Please fill boxes with ADULT, UNISEX items only.
3. Once filled, place a rubber band around each box.
4. In a separate envelope you may enclose a holiday card or note from you/your family or group. (Please do not include addresses or phone numbers.) Place your note inside the box.

Delivery:

Boxes may be delivered between Thursday, December 1 – Wednesday, December 14, 2011. Drop off at The Stewpot, 1822 Young Street, Dallas, 75201, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm

 

PLEASE DO NOT DELIVER HOLIDAY BOXES TO THE BRIDGE

 

Gift Ideas

• knit hat
• small flashlight w/batteries
• pens, pencils
• knit gloves
• disposable stick razors
• stationary or cards w/stamps
• tube socks
• small umbrella
• phone calling cards
• plastic poncho
• fast food gift card ($5 or less)
• hard candy or gum
• chapstick
• small hand sanitizer
• travel size Kleenex
• small Bible or book of inspiration

DO NOT INCLUDE:

• used or damaged items
• knives or weapons
• chocolate or food
• liquids
• medications or vitamins
• breakable items or glass containers
• aerosol cans
• money

We've already had a great start to the holiday boxes! 160 associates from the Frito Lay Controller's team in Plano donated holiday box items this week!
Questions? Call 214-746-2785, ext. 320: Jean Jones, Stewpot Volunteer Director

The Value of Volunteers

It's no secret that the staff of The Stewpot is unable to accomplish everything we do on our own. Our volunteers play a vital role in all of our programs. Did you know we have 42 volunteers each day just for meal services?

On top of that volunteers help us:

• sign people up for services
• hand out toiletries
• sort mail
• teach computer classes
• manage budgets for Representative Payee clients
• teach art
• sort donations
• give eye exams
• teach Bible study
• tutor students
• teach ESL and so much more!

We really couldn't do it without you all! According to http://www.independentsector.org/ the estimated dollar value for volunteer time is $21.36/hour. According to that number, the estimated value of our meal service volunteers only for one month is over $54,000!

Thank you for helping us serve second chances each day here at The Stewpot!

phoneless. not hopeless.

Today we want to share some encouraging feedback from one of our Community Voice Mail clients. He receives a free voicemail number through our program.

“Good afternoon, this is Richard Sams.  Listen, I just can’t thank you enough to First Presbyterian Church and Community Voice Mail for providing me this number – it has helped me get into a veterans rehabilitation program, it’s also working right now as I’m on my journey for permanent employment for employers to contact me, and it’s also been a number for my family, by my family being out of town, to contact me and leave me a message if there is an emergency or if somebody gets sick such as my mother since she is in a nursing home now.  So I just want to thank you and I just pray that you continue this service – it helps get homeless people off the street and get employment.  It’s just been a blessing to me – it’s just been all positive.  I just thank you…”

It's hard to imagine that someone might not have access to a phone. So many of us are constantly connected to hundreds (maybe even thousands) of people through our phones - phone calls, texts, Facebook, e-mails. We forget what life was like before the never-ending stream of status updates and mass text messages. Thanks to programs like Community Voice Mail, people are able to stay in touch with family, employers, and health care!

Women's Tea

A few years ago I was reading a book about humanity and how we're wired - why we do what we do, why we want what we want. The book began with a story from the liberation of the concentration camp, Bergen-Belsen in Germany. The story came from the diary of Lieutenant Colonel Mervin Willett Gonin DSO who was one of the first British soldiers in the camp.

It was shortly after the British Red Cross arrived, though it may have no connection, that a very large quantity of lipstick arrived. This was not at all what we men wanted, we were screaming for hundreds and thousands of other things and I don't know who asked for lipstick. I wish so much that I could discover who did it, it was the action of genius, sheer unadulterated brilliance. I believe nothing did more for those internees than the lipstick. Women lay in bed with no sheets and no nightie but with scarlet red lips, you saw them wantering about with nothing but a blanket over their shoulders, but with scarlet red lips. I saw a woman dead on the post mortem table and clutched in her hand was a piece of lipstick. At last someone had done something to make them individuals again, they were someone, no longer merely the number tatooed on the arm. At last they could take an interest in their appearance. That lipstick started to give them back their humanity.

This story forever impacted the way I think about service and meeting the needs of people. We as humans want love. We want to be acknowledged. We don't want to be just another number.

The Stewpot, with the help of other agencies, does an incredible job of meeting the physical needs of people by making food, clothing, and medical treatment accessible. What I also love about The Stewpot is the emphasis on the humanity of the people it serves. Throughout the year there are concerts, birthday parties, talent shows, and movie days.

In December we will the annual Women's Holiday Tea. The tea began in 2000 to reach homeless women who were less likely to access services (the majority of people served are male). Low self-image affects many of the women experiencing homelessness. Each year there is a guest speaker and representatives from other social service agencies in the area. But the great part? A fashion show and gift bags filled with makeup, perfume, jewelry, and other items that become a luxury when you're on the street. If you're a lady reading this you know how great you feel when you get a new lipstick or a new necklace! You feel fresh and beautiful. You feel confident. You feel valuable.

We'll do it again this year! And, as always, could use your help to make this day extra special for the ladies we serve. Currently we are in need of:

            • Small perfumes/perfume samples
            • Hotel soaps and toiletries
            • Hotel sewing kits/small sewing kits
            • Hair ornaments and costume jewelry
            • Purse sized brushes and pocket mirrors

Donations are accepted Monday-Friday, 8AM-4PM. Just pull into our parking garage (1822 Young Street)!

*Quote from: http://www.saturation.org/saturationblog/archives/001186.html

Open House Art Show

These cooler temperatures have been great, haven't they? Fall is just around the corner which means the holiday season isn't too far off. Why not get a jump start on shopping this Saturday, September 24th?

The Stewpot 2nd Floor Art Gallery will be open from 3-7PM for all who want to enjoy several styles of art in one place.  Our "Open Art Studio" is open 5 days a week to artists to come and create works of art. Artists can choose to sell their work. They keep 90% of the profit. The other 10% goes straight back into the program for supplies.

Several artists have been commissioned to paint. One piece even had a home in the White House for a little bit. Each year the art program has several shows throughout the community. The Goodrich Gallery and The Dallas Public Library (downtown) have shows annually.

So come out this Saturday to take a stroll through our gallery. You might just find a painting you can't live without!

The Stewpot is located at 1822 Young Street, Dallas 75201. Free parking is available.

The show was on the Art and Seek blog: http://www.artandseek.org/event.php?id=31950

A little taste of what you'll find here. This painting, by Leon Pollard, has been sold, but lots more available!

Jobs!

It's been a great couple of weeks here at The Stewpot! One of our programs, STEP, focuses on job readiness - resumes, job searches, conflict resolution skills, etc. STEP last 3 months and is coordinated by our casework services team. Our most recent class started in August. Five participants were enrolled and in less than a month 3 have full time jobs and one more has a call back! We are ecstatic for those who are back to work. Employement (specifically for those with criminal backgrounds) is a tough part of the journey out of homelessness, but these success stories show that it's not impossible. With the hardwork of the participants and encouragement from their caseworker, Cindy Bailey, things are looking up! And we couldn't be happier for them.

You can help play a role in stories like this by donating to The Stewpot! Tomorrow (Thursday, September 15) is North Texas Giving Day. Between 7AM-7PM log on to our profile and make your donation. Make your donation go further by giving $25 or more. Donations of at least $25 are matched!

Are you an early bird? Make a donation by noon tomorrow and tag us in a picture on Facebook or Twitter of your "Best Pajama Get-Up". We'll send the picture to Donor Bridge and Energy Future Holdings will pick a winner. The prize is $2,500!

A Volunteer Giving Back

Our representative payee program has grown a lot in the last year! Both our caseworkers and an incredible group of volunteers have worked really hard to successfully advocate for clients in the program.

One representative payee volunteer in particular has been recognized by her employer. Linda Jones was selected from 500 Wells Fargo employee applicants to receive the 2011 Volunteer Service Award. As part of this honor, Linda received $10,000 to give to us!

We are so grateful for Linda's faithful service each Tuesday and for her generous donation to our organization. To celebrate we will have a reception next Tuesday for Linda, her co-workers, Stewpot staff, and clients!

The Stewpot has been blessed with so many great volunteers and donors. Thank you guys for all you do to help us accomplish our mission.

Happy 65th!

Last week was a very special week at The Stewpot. Our very own, Judy Pfenniger, celebrated her 65th birthday! Judy is our intake coordinator and has been working at The Stewpot for over 20 years. She is a special part of this place and it just wouldn't be the same without her. Our clients love Judy. And she loves them. Once you meet her, you'll never forget her!

We started off the week with a surprise cupcake reception. Monday evening some staff members stayed late to decorate the old dining area. When she walked in Tuesday morning she was blown away! At 10AM we all sang to her and enjoyed some cupcakes. Our art program director, Cynthia Brannum, even made a special crown. Volunteers and former employees showed up to share the day with her. Thursday we had a potluck lunch. Bruce brought out some old memories including photos and jokes that really helped make the day special.

We had a great week celebrating Judy! She is so special to all of us.

The Banner

Judy handing out cupcakes to all of our clients



Dallas Area Cooling Centers

SALVATION ARMY COOLING STATIONS

Dallas Temple (Love Field Area)
Open Mon.-Fri; 9AM-4PM
6500 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75235
(214) 956-6025

Oak Cliff
Open Mon.-Fri; 9AM-4PM
1617 W. Jefferson
Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 941-5911 or 5914

Cedar Crest (East Oak Cliff)
Open Mon.-Fri; 9AM-4PM
1007 Hutchins Road
Dallas, TX 75203
(214) 941-7404

Pleasant Grove
Open Mon.-Fri; 9AM-4PM
8341 Elam Road
Dallas, Texas 75217
214-398-6619

Carr P. Collins Social Services Center Open 7 days a week
5302 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75235
(214) 424-7000

RELIANT ENERGY “BEAT THE HEAT” CENTERS

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
Mon.-Fri., 8AM-7PM; Saturday, 8AM-6PM
Dallas, TX 75215
214-670-8367

West Dallas Multipurpose Center Mon.-Fri., 8AM-5PM
2828 Fish Trap Road
Dallas, TX 75212
214-670-6340

Mary.

A lot of people have their ideas about why people become homeless. Or why people can't get it "together". If you become involved in The Stewpot's ministry, or the work of another organization serving the homeless, you quickly realize how hard people are working. I had the chance to sit down with a lady (we'll call her Mary) who had received assistance from The Stewpot and other agencies around Dallas. As I listened to her story I was blown away by her persistence and determination. And reminded of just how fortunate I am.

Mary is 47. She was adopted as a baby and says she was on the streets at 9 years old. For almost 4 decades Mary has been battling to survive. She never really felt like she had a family - which is the case for a lot of people who come through our doors.


In October 2010 Mary was released from prison and put on a bus headed for Dallas. Not knowing where to go she planned on heading to the Salvation Army. When she got off at the Greyhound station downtown someone told her about The Bridge. Mary headed that way and began staying there. One week after coming to Dallas, she walked into The Stewpot. It was here that she was able to begin the process of getting her state ID. With the ID she could start looking for a job and housing. Two weeks into her stay at The Bridge, Mary was able to move out of the pavilion and into a room upstairs. Things were moving quickly!

Another step in her success was working with a caseworker at the Dallas Urban League. They have been helping her because of her felony. As she began setting more goals for herself, Mary joined a program called Back On My Feet. Through that program she started running and receiving some of the benefits that participants get.

Mary was doing an incredible job of getting plugged in and utilizing the resources available to her. Understanding it wasn't a one-step process, Mary took advantage of several programs offered and has achieved incredible goals. Though these organizations are not a real family, she feels “like they are my family. I can call my caseworker when I need help. The Urban League has kept up with me.” Her support system looks a little different than yours or mine.

While at The Stewpot Mary joined our STEP (Stewpot Transitional Employment Program). She graduated from the program in March. For Mary the STEP program inspired her. It was “a good foundation and helped me stay focused and motivated.” She developed a good relationship with her caseworker, Trina, who she still comes to see.

Not only did Mary graduate this spring from STEP, but she also got her own apartment! For the first time she has her very own space. With the help of local churches and food pantries Mary is able to get groceries and help pay bills until she is able to find a job.

In such a short period of time she has been able to accomplish so much. But she knows the journey isn't over yet. Because of her background it will be difficult to get a job. This is the reality for a lot of people we serve. But it's not impossible!

So today we celebrate Mary, her hardwork, and the opportunity for a second chance. We all need one from time to time.

sm

Feast of St. Martha at The Grape

Restaurateurs and service veterans Courtney and Chef/Owner Brian C. Luscher of The Grape on Greenville celebrate the 2nd annual Feast of St. Martha, Thursday, July 28 – Saturday July 30.

Honoring St. Martha, the patron saint of servers and cooks, Chef Brian will feature a 3-course set menu nightly for $38 per person, $55 with wine pairings. $5 from each prix-fixe menu will benefit the Stewpot Alliance which was founded to support The Stewpot in downtown Dallas. The Stewpot prepares and serves three meals a day for more than 700 individuals, 365 days a year at the City of Dallas’ homeless assistance center’s Second Chance Café located inside The Bridge.

“Each month, more than 1300 volunteers help The Stewpot and The Second Chance Café kitchen staff every day to dish up delicious and nutritious meals for clients of The Bridge,” says Luscher. “My wife Courtney and I have been involved with the annual Soup’s On! fundraiser for The Stewpot Alliance for a few years and we wanted to do something special in honor of those in the kitchen cooking and serving the meals.”

Reservations are recommended. Located at 2808 Greenville Avenue, The Grape is open for dinner nightly at 5:30pm and Sunday Brunch. For reservations call 214-828-1981 or visit the website at www.thegraperestaurant.com. Complimentary valet parking always provided.

Media Contact:
Amity Thomas

amity@amitythomas.com
214-669-3355





Do What You Love

The Kingdom of which Christ spoke was one in which the poor, the sick, the grieving, crippled, slaves, women, children, widows, orphans, lepers, addicts, prostitutes, mentally disabled, prisoners, and aliens-the “least of these (Matt. 25:40)-were to be lifted up and embraced by God.


I grew up exposed to adults struggling with a wide range of addictions. After several years of watching them struggle one decided to get sober, and the others followed suit. I came to know Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), and Narcotics Anonymous (N.A.) at the age of 14. For several years I was frustrated with A.A. and N.A. only because I was unable to comprehend the necessity of the meetings. The only thing I was able to understand at such a young age was the time they took my family away from me. I was frustrated with the meetings often because they came first and foremost. I now know the very importance of having a group of individuals who has been where you have been, and who can relate and help keep one accountable, sober, and off the streets. I now understand the vitality of attending such meetings, and encourage other to attend.

I did not know then that God would take my past, and my family's past, and use it for something beautiful to help others.

At the same time when I was first exposed to A.A. I made a new friend , Allie, who later became one of my best friends. Her father was homeless. She would tell me stories of the shelters he lived in and the hardships her family went through. He was able to get married, have four wonderful children, and hold a decent job. Allie was 12 when her father became homeless due to depression. Her father is a wonderfully bright man who is very encouraging and extremely knowledgeable of the Bible. He was homeless for six years.

I attended Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches TX where I was working on getting my Sociology Degree. I became involved in a Bible Study group that worked weekly with GODTEL, a local homeless shelter, where my heart for the homeless was molded by playing cards, talking outback where they were allowed to smoke, and living along side them. I was exposed to homelessness that had a name, face, and story. The homeless in Nacogdoches were then seen as people who just needed someone to listen; they were not a population to be scared of, or angry at. The homeless were then seen as a population that just simply needed love, a love that would surpass all understanding (Eph. 4:17-19).

Today I now work at as a caseworker at The Stewpot which offers a safe haven for homeless and at-risk individuals of Dallas, providing resources for basic survival needs as well as opportunities to start a new life. I was drawn to work at The Stewpot for many reasons. The first thing that drew me to the Stewpot was the fact that First Presbyterian started this ministry and supports it. It was refreshing to know that a church would be so involved in a Homeless Ministry that they would invest in a building right next door to their sanctuary in order to serve the very poor that Jesus mentions throughout the Bible. The Stewpot puts a name and a story with each individual. We speak of the positive things in which each individual has the ability to accomplish and that we as a ministry seek to see them accomplish. The staff at The Stewpot are aware that ‘the poor will always be with us’(mark 14:7), but are still called to love and they all do it exceedingly well.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19

“Preach the gospel always; when necessary use words.”- St. Francis of Assisi

Let's eat!

In 1975 First Presbyterian Church saw a need to start feeding the homeless and hungry. They called the meal service "The Stewpot". By the early 1990s, the program, which now included casework services, had grown so much we moved across the street into our present building. Over 30 years and several additional programs later, The Stewpot is still working hard to make sure our friends on the streets have the most basic need - food.


In May 2008 The Stewpot became the sole meal provider at The Bridge, Dallas' homeless assistance center. Instead of five meals a week, we began serving 3 meals a day every day of the year. A huge jump, but our volunteers and staff have stepped up to the challenge in a big way!


Just to put it in perspective:
Almost 50,000 meals are served each month. So far we've served 19,600 meals in June. With an average of 43 volunteers per day we have approximately 1,300 volunteer slots a month.


Since the Bridge opened in 2008, Stewpot staff and volunteers have helped prepare and serve 1,856,900 meals! Since 1975 The Stewpot began in 1975, we have served over 4,158,668 meals!


It really is incredible! So, how can you be involved? Of course you can always sign up for a meal service. All sign ups are done online through our website.


Another option is to donate to our Loaves and Fishes program. The Loaves and Fishes Program allows you to "underwrite" part of the cost of a meal or a day of meals. Individuals, groups, businesses and congregations are coming together to make this happen. Adopting a meal or a day of meals makes a great gift!  Acknowledgement cards are sent to honorees per your instructions and posted on this website. Our Calendar is updated weekly.  For more information you can call Lee Hutchins: 214.746.2785 ext. 236.


A huge, huge thank you to everyone who has played a part in our meal service!

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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