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What can $25.00 a month do?

What can you get for $25.00 at Reconciliation Services? Here's a report from Mother Nicole, our Emergency Services Coordinator, on one of the many services of RS - document assistance:

I was walking into a local grocery store the other day when a man yelled out “Sister”. I turned and was greeted by a middle aged man with an exuberant face. He was a little short of breath— having run to catch up with me… “I am sure you don’t remember me but I had to stop you and say thank you. I have a job here and it is because of you…you helped me get my ID and that was all I needed.” As a nurse and someone who has known employees of this establishment, my first thought was that this store offered benefits…including health insurance. I mentioned that and he responded “yes, that’s right—this is the best job!”

I felt elated and thoughtful. What a small thing it is, to help someone obtain the needed documentation to get that job. But it is a life changing event to those that are in need. It costs 11 dollars to obtain an ID in the state of Missouri and in order to do that you need a certified copy of your birth certificate (usually 15 dollars). I had never thought about how difficult that could be for the poor—what a barrier not having it is to living life. They need the documents for jobs, housing, to get their children in school, and to be seen by a health care provider when they are ill. In order to get a birth certificate you must “prove” that you are who you say you are. And that is mandatory for obtaining an ID. This can be quite a “Catch 22”. Having an advocate can help surmount the insurmountable… it is such a simple thing… [NOTE: last Thursday 80 people came in for ID assistance!!!].

Greater Kansas City Community Foundation

Location

• 3101 Troost Avenue
• Kansas City, Missouri 64109
• (816) 931-4751
• Fax: (816) 931-0142
• http://rs3101.org

Weekly Schedule

2008 Annual Report now available online in pdf format.

My Story

I am writing this to let you know how Barbara Courtney and Reconciliation has helped me! I met Barbara at Reconciliation Center at the end of April. I was homeless. Barbara helped me find an apartment. They also helped me with getting my ID and with food! They are caring people. Also, every two weeks I go to a women's support group at the center. We make jewelry and just talk and enjoy being with other women. On September 6 was my birthday and the ladies threw me a party - my very first! The center will laugh with you and cry with you. They are there to perk you up and dust you off! Thanks for listening! Gertie Holmes

Donor Story

I am at a time in my life when I need to re-examine my life's priorities. My wife's work takes a lot of her time. My children are all adults and need less of me. My grandchildren are a wonder but also don't need me all the time. My business does not require the amount of time it used to. I had a heart attack five years ago which woke me up to the fact that my time here on earth is limited. So what should I do with the little extra time that God granted me?

I have plenty of hobbies that I could use to fill my time. But my friends who I see doing that don't seem to be very happy or satisfied.

I met Father David (Paisius) at a time I was working with a friend trying to help get a business going around 31st and Troost. Although the business didn't work, I did get to know Fr. David better through the Troost Festival and Thursday morning breakfasts. Father David's devotion to the people in his neighborhood reminds me of my Biblical obligations to use my talents not just for myself but for others.

That in turn led me to get more involved with Reconciliation Services and eventually join the Board of Directors. I know I have just scratched the surface of what I should do but am hopeful that I can make a small difference. Cliff O'Bryan