June 29, 2011

Dear Friends:

How often have you had the chance to make a difference? At Downtown Daily Bread we make a difference every day. We make a difference when someone comes to us hungry and leaves with a full stomach. We make a difference when someone comes to DDB in search of food for his family and leaves with a list of food pantries. We make a difference when a homeless mother comes to us with her baby and is driven to a shelter. We make a difference when a man comes to us in search of a job and leaves with an employment plan. We make a difference when someone comes to us covered in a layer of filth and leaves, after showering, in a clean outfit.

Christine, the DDB counselor, makes a difference every day. A few days ago, an inebriated client walked into her office. Chris knew that “Sue” struggled with depression which was made worse by her alcoholism. Chris did a quick assessment after Sue showed self-inflicted razor cuts on her arms, chest, and stomach. Chris called the appropriate treatment center which did an intake over the phone. Then Chris took Sue to the hospital where she was met by a crisis intervention caseworker. The client is now in a mental health and drug rehabilitation facility.

At Downtown Daily Bread we make a difference. We help people every day in big ways and in small. Sometimes we help with a meal or a kind word of encouragement. At other times, our help can be life changing. With your help, we will continue to be here when people need us. With your help, food will be on the table and clothes will be in our closets. With your help, showers will be operating, lockers will line the walls, and people will be connected to the services they need.

If you are able to help Downtown Daily Bread by making a tax-deductible donation, we thank you in advance for your generosity. Together as partners we can all make a difference. My staff and I send warm summer wishes your way.

Sincerely,

Elaine StrokoffExecutive Director