Letters to the editor

Shelter needs your help

I am a shelter manager at New Directions Center. Our organization is non-profit and relies on grants and donations in order to stay open. We were generously donated a house in Waynesboro that will greatly reduce our overhead operational costs. We need the support of the community to help us with this project. The Waynesboro City Council has denied our request to use this house as a shelter.

Our shelter takes in women who have been physically and/or sexually abused. We provide them a safe, secure place to stay, counseling, and also resources to get jobs and find their own places to live. They come to us to find peace and healing.

Confidentiality is the utmost important aspect of our shelter. It appears that some people are concerned with problems that may occur with having such a home in their community. It is a reasonable concern, but let me assure you most people are not aware of where we are located. The women we take in do not tell their abuser where they are, and even staff does not disclose the location.

Our ability to help more women get out of abusive relationships depends on the help we get from our community. So we are reaching out to the Waynesboro community to help us help your friends, neighbors, families - or perhaps even you -break free from abusive bonds.

Lynnette Coffey
shelter manager

Gratitude for helping those in need

I'm taking this opportunity to try and raise our community awareness and express my personal gratitude to the Valley Charities Organization, formed approximately three years ago in an effort to support families in need.

Having worked as a supervisor of social work for this community and presently as the home/school liaison for the Waynesboro Public Schools, I have seen first hand the struggles that many face on a daily basis: Sudden loss of employment, grave medical concerns, lack of food, shelter and clothing … problems that sometimes result in loneliness and despair.

That's why when I first heard of this organization through Kay Wooten, I was encouraged. This community has always responded to the needs of others once it becomes informed. This response can be seen through our exemplary churches, schools and other community agencies.

But here's another wonderful example of people pulling together to help. John Johnston, Bernie Barnhart, George Dygert and Merv Wooten became aware of the growing number of people who were living without what others maybe take for granted.

They gathered resources and organized fundraising events to aid families that I have worked with this past school year, donating eyeglasses, paying utilities, buying food and complete household furnishings.

I have seen the transformation of these families' mental, emotional and physical state from the realization that others cared. I feel fortunate to live in a community that uplifts others, especially during the changing times in our society.

Thea Jordan
Waynesboro

A special thanks to the community

The Waynesboro Branch NAACP recently celebrated its 28th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet at the Holiday Inn.
This year's theme was "One Vision: One Voice."

Linda J. Thomas, president of the Virginia State Conference NAACP, provided a timely, insightful and challenging speech to the crowd in attendance. This was evident by the many applauds received. Indeed, the attendees were thoroughly delighted with her speech.

Since June is National Black Music Month, it was noted by one of the local members, the various contributions made by African-Americans in all genres of music. Some of the local musicians also showcased their talents to an enthusiastic audience.

Finally, we thank those organizations, companies, businesses, churches and individuals who contributed to the support of this notable organization's largest fundraiser.

Rev. Mildred D. Middlebrooks
President
Waynesboro Branch NAACP