The November 19th Thanksgiving distribution went very well; a big thank you to all the volunteers and donors as we could not have done this without your help! Over 300 turkeys and food baskets were distributed to those with families and 30 baskets with chickens to singles; we also home delivered 45 baskets to our seniors.
Some Simple Math, and Two Asks
Some updates:
- The Job Fair held last week at the Outreach was very well attended, with over 120 plus candidates and 40 companies; kudos to both the Wyandanch Resource Center, which organized the event, and the GROC staff for their assistance in making sure all went smoothly.
- The Catholic Health Mobile Van will be at the Outreach Center on Thursday, October 27th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to offer flu vaccinations and health screenings like simple blood tests for cholesterol and glucose, blood pressure screening, and referrals as needed.
- We started our winter coat distribution this week, each client can select a coat from the racks in the clothing room. Fortunately, we have many coats in good condition and some new coats to distribute. All of our programs are in full swing!
Job Fair Today!
The Wyandanch Resource Center will be hosting a Job Fair here at the Parish Hall tomorrow, September 30th from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Many top-quality companies will be here to recruit. If you know anyone looking for a job or pursuing a better job or career, please have them come down. Tell them to dress for success and bring multiple resumes.
1434 Straight Path
Wyandanch NY 11798
Stop by the Wyandanch Fall Job Fair!
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A Quick Ask!
A more detailed Outreach Center Update will be coming in a few days, but I have an immediate, simple ask!
A young woman who is 7 months pregnant came to the Outreach for help yesterday. She lives with her sister-in-law and her two teenage children all in one rented room that has one bed and therefore, she sleeps on the floor. There is a dire need here for a bed and mattress; if you have a reasonably clean twin box spring and mattress you are willing to donate, I will pick it up and deliver it to the rooming house. Long, story but there is a real need here.
Outreach Center Summer Camp Update
Friends,
Another successful summer camp ended last Friday and I offer a big thank you to all our sponsors as this year was special. We had more Shelter, Homeless, and Foster children than in years past; the mission of this camp is to care for those in need and that made this year’s camp special. On Friday, we also held the drawing for our 50/50 Summer Camp Golf Outing; you can watch the drawing at https://geraldryanoutreach.org/2022/07/29/50-50-summer-camp-raffle-winner-drawing/ and by clicking on the lower left hand “Watch on YouTube” box. To save you a click, Peggy Mahoney won the 50/50.
Summer Camp, Dr. Mario Craig, and Donations
Yes, that is our Naycha in the half-page photo two weeks ago in Sunday’s Newsday! Summer Camp is in full swing and this year, over 40% of the campers are either homeless, shelter, or foster children. However, they are all extremely happy to be here and love the spirit of the camp as it’s a safe, clean, fun, loving environment and a cool place to be. After two years, weekly trips to the pool are back! As in previous years, we provide bathing suits when needed and each camper gets a new beach towel so that all the children can participate. There is a soft-serve ice cream truck at the pool which we have patronized in the past and he gave us a good deal so that each child could have an ice cream cone. This may not sound like a big deal to you, but to a homeless child, it is pure joy to sit on the grass after being in the pool and eat a whole ice cream cone, uninterrupted, and in a safe environment. Joe and Beth Gibbons sponsored the first week’s cones and Andrew and Lauren DeBardelaben sponsored last week. four more weeks to go.
Baby Formula, Proms, and Soccer
Friends,
Suffolk County First Precinct Captain Kevin Foley heard the call for help with baby formula; he took the time to purchase and drop off two cases of Similac to the Outreach Center. Kevin knows many of the children and their parents from the soccer clinic and wanted to do his part. We still do need all types of formula as we are receiving requests every day for different formulas from clients, agencies, even health clinics, and we just do not have enough of any at this point. In need at this time: Enfamil Neuro Pro, Enfamil Gentlease, Enfamil Neuro Pro Sensitive, and Enfamil (or CVS brand) Nutramigen Hypoallergenic infant formula with Iron. Today a client ( who has limited funds and without transportation) was crying and desperate since her baby can only digest the Hypoallergenic with Iron formula because the baby is Colic. We found 4 cans of CVS’s brand and the client was absolutely elated and again cried. The pressure on these mothers is unrelenting.
Two Quick Data Points…
Attached is a picture of some of the younger soccer clinic players last night, we had perfect weather.