Dry Bones Exhibit at the ACU Library

September 22, 2008

The ACU Library is pleased to host the Dry Bones traveling art exhibit.  Dry Bones is a ministry centered in Denver, Colorado and focuses on serving inner city homeless youth.  The exhibit features photographs, poems, and artwork by youth on the streets.  I think the words of Matt, one of the Dry Bones coordinators, best describe the purpose of the exhibit:

Our main goal is to continue to give a voice to our often voiceless friends who live on the streets of Denver.  We’re open to whatever will be a blessing and whatever will help tell their story.  We have photographs, matted poetry, writings, a few drawings, paintings, etc.  Most of the photographs were taken by homeless youth and young adults through the Dry Bones photography classes.  A few of the other photos were taken by a photographer friend of the ministry.

The art itself is displayed on hinged partitions of corregated metal or on some really cool walls created out of red yarn.  Much of it is large enough that you can walk through and around the exhibit, immersing yourself in the images.  Some of the art includes large photographs of cityscapes or street scenes.  Some are matted poems.  You will see the faces of those who give and serve on both sides of that ministry.  You will see their fears and their hopes; you will see them as people.

Dry Bones is an incredible example of a ministry of relationship.  It has attracted the attention of the media.  If you wonder what kind of difference it can make, check out JC and Carol’s story or maybe read about Sarah.  These are gritty, harsh stories of reality but they are also stories of connection and even of redeeming love.

The art exhibit is one way to make us aware of others around us, both near and far.  It will be up in the ACU Library only through Wednesday September 24.  I hope you get to check it out.


Hurricane Ike Volunteers Needed in Abilene

September 11, 2008

Posted on behalf of Abilene Community Resource Center …

URGENTLY LOOKING FOR HELP!

Our 2-1-1 Texas center, at 400 Oak Street, Abilene, is in the middle of handling Hurricane Ike calls.  Special Needs Evacuations are beginning today!  We are getting lots of calls for transportation assistance registry, and general information regarding evacuation.

We are currently taking calls in Abilene 7AM to 11PM, now through the weekend.  We have a great need for Spanish speakers.  We are looking for people to work 4-hour shifts: 7A – 11A; 11A – 3P; 3P to 7P; and 7P to 11P.

If you, or someone you know, could take calls for a few hours, anytime during this “window”, we will train and guide you to be successful.  We are looking for people who can remain calm while talking with people who may be in a highly agitated state.  Provide a comforting voice and sound information is your task.  You will have plenty of support in having “good” information.

Please call  676-7065 x 1 with the day(s) and time(s) that you could volunteer.

Did I mention, we’ll provide all the training you’ll need…and refreshments too!  I hope that you will seriously consider this request to volunteer yourself or recruit volunteers who can help with this very important work.

Mary Cooksey, CRS, CIRS
Community Resource Center Director

2-1-1 Texas A Call for Help
Community Resource Center

400 Oak, 2nd Floor
Abilene, TX 79602
tel 325.676.7065 x1
fax 325.676.7084
mary@unitedwayabilene.org

www.acallforhelp.info