April 2005

Greetings from the Executive Director

The music was delightful (we kinda’ have “adopted” Lee Stoffregen and the Starlights as “our” band), and the company was so pleasant, as about 200 of us celebrated ACTS’ 36th Anniversary at the VFW Hall on March 12th.  We owe a special “welcome” and “thank you” to our wonderful new friends from the Four Seasons Community about 70 of whom graced us at this event – and, of course, we owe thanks to all of the other ACTS partners who too spent this evening with us honoring ACTS, St. Patrick’s Day, and all those we can serve because of the generosity of our partners.  By the way, everyone should mark on the 2006 calendars right now our 37th Anniversary Dinner/Dance on February 11, 2006.  I spoke with Lee during one of the band’s breaks at the 36th, and we have agreed that he and the guys will be back with us next year.

Let me climb up on my “soapbox” for awhile.  There is a wonderful story that Bennett Cerf told about Fiorello LaGuardia.  It seems that, while a NYC police court judge (before he was elected Mayor), an old man came before him charged with stealing a loaf of bread, because, as he told the judge, his family was starving.  LaGuardia replied that “The law makes no exception for just cause.  Thus, I will have to sentence you to a fine of $10.”  LaGuardia then reached into his wallet and gave the defendant $10.  He then said “I remit your fine”, and tossed the money into his hat.  He then declared that “I am going to fine everybody in this courtroom fifty cents for living in a town where a man has to steal bread in order to eat.”  The hat was passed, and the fines were paid.  “Mr. Bailiff”, the judge said, “give this collection to the defendant.”  A shocked old man left the courtroom with $47.50, which was a princely sum in those years.

Is this a true story?  Or is it a myth?  I do not know, but it is true that we tend to create wonderful myths about our leaders of consequence, and we can never have too many leaders such as the LaGuardia depicted in this story.  One of the obligations of leadership is to lead, even if such leading at times is unpopular.  One of the obligations of leadership is to be prepared to take risks for just causes because the strong voice of a leader cannot be stilled even by unfavorable elections or by the anger of others.  Pretenders to the mantle of “leader” are remembered with sarcasm, if, indeed, they are remembered at all – true leaders, on the other hand, are remembered with gratitude and affection and, yes, even with myths.

It is not acceptable to us that, in the midst of all the plenty around each of us, a man can work all day and still not be able to afford to feed his family, let alone to house them.  It is not acceptable to us that, in the midst of thousands of loving and stable families, too many other families are ripped apart by intimate violence in the home, violence that too many in our community have too little interest in confronting and resolving.  It is not acceptable to us that, on a bitter cold night, only about 150 of our homeless neighbors are able to find shelter in one of the shelters in our County, while hundreds of others shiver in their cars, or in the tents, or out in the elements.  It is not acceptable to us that so many of our neighbors are one sick day away from losing their jobs, and, then, their homes.

Each of us can be a “leader” in our own way – sometimes all of us are fortunate because the results of the ballot box produced a leader – but we should not rely for our leadership solely on the vagaries of the electoral process.  Every time I have the honor of signing a “Thank You” letter to one of you (and, yippee!, I have that honor many, many times during each year), I know that I am applauding one of the true leaders in our community.  Our neighbors in need know well the truth of Martin Luther King’s words:  “I fear more the silence of my friends than I do the words of my enemies.”  And, because of you, they also know that their fears in this regard are groundless.  Thank you.     

C. John Turnquist, Executive Director

Success, Success, Success!!!!    

Many of the things we do often go unnoticed and at times seem in vain.  This is mostly because we are planting seeds; some take longer to grow than others.  But on rare occasions we get to see clients bloom into beautiful flowers.  These are the occasions that confirm that we are doing some good and truly making a difference. We had a young woman who came to the shelter about six months ago with her small son.  She was only 19 years old and had never been on her own.  Due to circumstance with her family she was no longer welcome.  This young woman was angry and resentful.  She was also very rude to the staff and other residents.  I was not sure that she would make it in our program and she did not want to be here.    During a mandatory meeting I told this young woman that her attitude needed to change.  I explained that this may not be the best possible situation but it was not the worst.  I let her know that I was there for her.  I planted seeds.  I gave her tasks to accomplish so that she could get closer to her goal of self sufficiency.  I praised her accomplishments.  I watered the seeds.  She began to grow.  Instead of being angry she became empowered.  She chose to thrive.  I pruned and nurtured the plant.  She exited the shelter ready to take on the world.  I was proud her hard work paid off. She calls often just to talk.  When she accomplished something or needed advice she does not hesitate to pick up the phone.  She came to the shelter to visit about two weeks ago.  She was no longer a bud but a bright beautiful flower.  This young woman started out here with no job, no driver’s license, and a chip on her shoulder.  She returned happy.  She had left her job at Wal-Mart and is now working as a receptionist  making a decent wage.  She has her driver’s license and was about to get her first car.  She was still saving money and her son is doing well.  This young woman is a success story because she is making it and doing it with a smile.  She even offered to come back and speak during a life skills class.   While she was here a resident who is here with her mother had come home from school.  The young woman told her the story of how she was able to leave ACTS.  She promised it would get better and offered some tips on how to make the most out of this situation.  I sat back and watched my flower planting seeds.  Success means many different things to different people.  To me it is the confirmation that what you are doing is truly making a difference.  Impacting the lives of others has a domino effect.  Hopefully, the people who planted seeds in my life know that it was not in vain.

Aletha Martin, Homeless Shelter Director

"Witnessing the many gifts, tangible and intangible, that volunteers bring to our work with battered women, children, and men, I am humbled by those gifts..."  

April is traditionally the time of year we acknowledge the contributions of volunteers.  As I reflect on the service of Turning Points volunteers, I am reminded that volunteers come in all shapes and sizes.  I am reminded that many of us find our origins in this field through our own volunteerism.  My road, my commitment to do this work was fomented in 1984 as a volunteer answering a rape crisis line in Lincoln, NE.  Beatrice Lee, Men’s Program Coordinator for Turning Points began as  a volunteer in our Women’s Program.  Our Children’s Program Coordinator, Beth Lewis, became a member of our staff after several years as a faithful volunteer to the Children’s Program. The list goes on… each of us, each of you finds your own volunteer path and you cannot know where that path may lead you.  Further reflection reminds me that not all volunteers are created equal.  While many have given years, others have given days.  While some present us with resources and material goods, others donate money, and still more offer up their prayers. Upon close examination, each carries a value that cannot be measured or weighted, as they are each indispensable to the mission. Witnessing the many gifts, tangible and intangible, that volunteers bring to our work with battered women, children, and men, I am humbled by those gifts.  In our material world there are those with much and those with little, but when it comes to volunteers there is only one commonality shared with the general population; each starts the day with the same twenty-four hours.  Many of us say we have more time than money, or more money than time, but the in truth, we have all been given the same time…volunteers just spend it better.  Thanks for choosing to “spend” it on us.

Kay Mathews, Turning Points Director

"Week of the Young"

April 3rd – 9th is a special time as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and many communities celebrate the “Week of the Young Child.”  Children, teachers, and parents will participate in special activities, field trips, and other festivities oriented around the development and education of young children.  The staff and children at ACTS will decorate their centers, prepare an art display, enjoy a picnic lunch and host a celebration luncheon with parents.  On April 8th we will attend a free concert sponsored by the Prince William Association for the Education of Young Children at the Neabsco Elementary School.  The show will feature stories, songs, finger plays, and rhymes.   Taken from a pamphlet produced by NAEYC, here are some useful suggestions for making the most of a child’s early learning years: (1) take time to really watch, listen and appreciate your children,(2) recognize the learning potential of play and everyday activities,(3) work with teachers and others to improve the quality of early childhood services, and(4) do what you can to make your state and community more attuned to children’s needs.

Michell Farley, Child Care Directo

Free Suicide Prevention Conference is Scheduled!

On May 6,  Helpline and Prince William County Office on Youth will host a suicide prevention conference:  Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan. It will be held at the McCoart Building on the Prince William Parkway. Mr. Jerry Reed, Executive Director of SPAN (Suicide Prevention Across the Nation), will be the keynote speaker. There will also be break out sessions and a panel of suicide survivors who will share the stories of their loss and healing. The conference is free, but registration is required. For more information please contact Vicki Graham at (703) 368-7886 or Office On Youth (703) 792-6095.    

Vicki Graham,  Helpline Director

Emergency Assistance

Another winter is passing and we at Emergency Assistance would like to thank all of our contributors to LEAP, the DVP Energy Share Program, and the NOVEC Membershare Program.  Through these funds you helped 251 families with an average bill of $174.00.  I want to share one story to give you an idea how we do need to combine our efforts to help our neighbors.  Barbara (not her real name) suffers from Lupus and has lasting effects from toxic shock syndrome.  She is usually able to cope despite her suffering, but during January was hospitalized for complications from Lupus.  Normally, through her SSI payments and Social Security for her 10 year old daughter, she is able to cover her normal expenses.  Her disconnect notice when she came to us was over $1,500.  She was on a payment plan and was not able to keep the schedule during her relapse, so was sent a disconnect notice.   Through our energy assistance funds, additional help from our faith partners, the Salvation Army and the Dumfries Potomac Lions Club, her bill was paid and she is back to her normal payment schedule.  She is very grateful for this safety net in the community.

Frances Harris,  Emergency Assistance Director

We Invite You To
SerenAid 2005
Dinner / Silent Auction / Dance
A joint effort of the
New Dominion Choraliers & Woodbridge Rotary Club
VFW Post 150314631
Minnieville Road
Dale City, VA  22193
June 25, 2005
For information call
ACTS @ 703-441-8606
Proceeds benefit ACTS & Woodbridge Rotary Charities

Important News!

For the seventh straight year, the Alan Shawn Feinstein Foundation in Rhode Island is offering $1 million to anti-hunger agencies throughout the country to help them raise funds.        

From March 1 through April 30th - some of the Feinstein money will be added right on to your food designated donation.  The more you give, the more of the Feinstein money we'll get.  Any questions, just visit: www.feinsteinfoundation.org.    Please contribute to this program - all cash, checks or food item donations count.  Together we are going to feed more people than ever before - Thank You!    

Joann Barron, Deputy Director