I-HELP provides nightly shelter, meals to the homeless
BY ALISON STANTON
Every night, up to 20 homeless men and women enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal, safe and comfortable lodging and a warm shower, all thanks to the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program, or I-HELP.
Trinity Donovan, chief executive officer of Chandler Christian Community Center, said the I-HELP program started in Chandler in 2013.
“It originated in California and in 2006 an I-HELP program launched in Tempe and in 2010 Mesa started one too,” Donovan said.
For Our City—a group of representatives from Chandler worship houses and nonprofits—expressed concern about the local homeless population.
Thanks to For Our City, Chandler Homeless Advocacy Team was formed and, subsequently, Tempe’s I-HELP was studied.
“We said, ‘This is something that we can do here in Chandler,’” Donovan said.
When Chandler’s I-HELP launched, local houses of worship provided overnight shelter three nights a week. Now, Donovan said, safe lodging is offered nightly.
“Chandler Christian Community Center is the intake site, and there is an intake process for our guests and rules that they must follow,” Donovan said.
Participants must be sober and not possess weapons.
A shuttle bus then takes the group to the host site. Seventeen worship houses provide shelter, Donovan said, ranging from one night a week to once a month.
A team of volunteers help with laundry,
transportation and cooking dinner for the group, as well as fixing sack lunches that the guests can take with them in the morning.
“It’s a true collaborative effort and community effort,” Donovan said.
Last year, I-HELP began to provide case management to the guests; the case managers meet with the guests and help connect them with housing and employment assistance and mental health services.
“I-HELP is not just about offering shelter, but also about how to help people get out of the shelter and into employment,” Donovan said.
“Within the last nine months, 32 people have gotten housing and 44 got employment. We definitely see this as a success.”
In addition, Donovan noted, since last July, 178 different people have been I-HELP’s guest, and 377 have received case management services.
Grants, donations and support from organizations like Dignity Health, the City of Chandler and Valley of the Sun United Way help fund I-HELP, Donovan said.
For example, the Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department donated a hazmat trailer. Donovan said it was retrofitted with showers and a washer and dryer, so guests can also take a shower and do laundry.
Called the Chandler Clean Machine, Donovan said it travels each night to the host site.
“Many times, the barrier to employment is personal hygiene, so a shower can really make a difference for
people to gain and maintain employment,” she said.
Kathy Nyetrae, a member of Chandler Presbyterian Church and ad hoc coordinator of the volunteers from the congregation who assist with I-HELP, said her worship house has enjoyed being a host site on the first and third Friday of each month.
“Since we started volunteering for I-HELP in January we provide volunteers on Friday afternoon who come in to make 20 sack lunches; they provide the food and assemble it so the guests can take it the following day.”
The volunteers then set up a room for dinner, and church members take turns signing up to make meals and cook.
“We sit down and eat dinner with them and it’s just so awesome. We ask everyone how their days were, how work was, and if
they would like us to pray for them, they may fill out a prayer request sheet that is on the tables.”
After dinner, Nyetrae said the guests can watch movies, or just relax, read and rest.
“They are so respectful of our facility and they always leave it cleaner than they find it,” Nyetrae said.
“They are delightful people who just need some extra help right now. They are so grateful for everything and could not be any kinder and more respectful.”
For more information or to volunteer or make a donation, call Bill Rotondo at (480) 963-1423, extension 112 or visit www. chandlerfoodbank.org.
Alison Stanton is a freelance writer who lives in the East Valley. She can be reached at alison@santansun.com.
I-HELP volunteers and guests gather in front of the shuttle bus that takes up to 20 homeless individuals to a safe shelter for the night. Submitted photo
Monks Tour makes stops in Tempe, Mesa, Chandler
Tibetan Monks from Gaden Shartse Phukhang monastery program in Phoenix will tour the Valley between Saturday, May 2, and Tuesday, May 12.
The monks hope to be of service to the world by spreading peace, harmony, compassion and tolerance, as well as raising funds needed to preserve the Tibetan culture and education at Gaden Shartse Phukhang Monastery located in the Tibetan Refugee Settlement at Mundgod, India.
From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 2 “Empowerment: Buddha of Compassion” will be held at Southwest Herb, 148 N. Center St., Mesa. This Buddha (Chenrezig in Tibetan) pledged to delay Buddahood until all sentient beings were liberated from suffering. In this era of violence and mental instability, the blessings and protections of Chenrezip help one to become more peaceful and compassionate. The ceremony initiates one into the ancient mantra: OM MANI PAME HUM.
The next tour stop will take place from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 3, for “Healing Ritual,” at Shrine of Holy Wisdom, 5025 S. Ash Ave., Suite B-15, Tempe. The Tantric ritual of Vajravidarin is the focus of this group healing. There are three stages: purification, removal of subtle negative imprints and offering protection. It assists in purifying sickness, mental disturbances, disputes, defilements, misfortunes, victimization
by others, negative influences, and other obstacles against congenial life.
“Medicine Buddha” will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, at Interfaith CommUNITY, 952 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 102, Mesa. Confirmed by western and eastern scientific research, strength of the mind and will has a major role in the process of healing. During this ceremony, participants connect with Medicine Buddha and strengthen their ability to receive benefits of the healing powers of all the Buddha’s. Each participant’s three doors—body, speech and mind—are purified of negativities and blessed individually.
The following day, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 7, “Medicine Buddha” will be held again at Southwest Herb, 148 N. Center St., Mesa. The strength of physical medicines and herbs can be complemented with spiritual practices.
The last tour stop is from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, for “Empowerment: Buddha of Compassion,” at Unity of Chandler, 325 N. Austin Dr., Suite 4, Chandler.
Although there is a $20 suggested donation per event at the door for the monks’ fundraiser, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
For those unable to make these events or want to schedule a private healing or a house blessing call (480) 710-4355. Suggested donation for private healing is $75, and house blessing is $350.
King of Glory Clarinet Choir will present program May
A musical program, presented by the KOG (King of Glory) Clarinet Choir, under the direction of Cyndee Chafee, will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3, in the Ahwatukee Recreation Center.
Drums, piano and San Tan News publisher emeritus and vocalist Laurie Fagen will join the choir. The program features pieces by Mozart, Bach,
High Tea Luncheon and Fashion Show scheduled for May 12
The last function for the 2014-2015 season for Shalom Hadassah will conclude at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the Oakwood Clubhouse in Sun Lakes with the High Tea Luncheon and Fashion Show.
An array of outfits will be presented by Chico’s.
For reservations, make a check payable to Shalom Hadassah for $28 and send to Marilyn at 25803 Eastlake, Sun Lakes, 85248, or call (480) 895-7750. The cutoff date is Tuesday, May 5. Indicate if there are seating arrangements for a group. Tables are for six or eight.
Registration open for G-Force Vacation Bible School at CUMC
At G-Force Vacation Bible School, kids will have the opportunity to explore how to put their faith into action. Children will experience God’s unstoppable love and discover how to fuel up and move in and through life with God during the mission-focused Bible school that is interactive and energizing.
The week-long Bible school will be held from Monday, June 15, through Friday, June 19. It will feature activities, games, music, crafts, science projects and more as the youngsters explore their faith and how to put it into action.
The camp will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Chandler United Methodist Church, 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd. Check-in will be held from 8:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. and pick-up will begin at 12 p.m. Parents and guardians must sign in and out each day and have their photo IDs ready to show at checkout.
Children, preschool to fifth grade, are invited to attend. The G-Force Vacation Bible School is limited to 55 students for kindergarten through fifth grade and 10 students for preschool, 4-year-old, students.
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Tchaikovsky and Gershwin. Also included are special arrangements of music by local musicians, sing-alongs, small ensembles, movie tunes and patriotic songs. Refreshments will be served after the concert.
For more information, contact Chafee, King of Glory Lutheran Church, at (480) 838-0477 or visit www.kogaz.org.
Spiritual Reflections
Share your spiritual reflections...
The spiritual leaders of SanTan Sun area churches, temples, mosques and other religious and spiritual gathering places are invited to contribute their Spiritual Reflections in essay format by sending their thoughts, enlightening insights and other writings of a spiritual nature to News@ SanTanSun.com.
Be certain to put “Spiritual Reflections submission” in the subject line, and keep your articles around 200-300 words, or they may be edited for length. Include your first and last name, title and facility name, address, phone number and website.
Spiritual Reflections are printed on a space-available basis, and submission does not guarantee print. The opinions represented in this column are those of the author and not that of the SanTan Sun News.
It is $15 per student and $25 per family before Sunday, May 31. The price increases to $20 per student and $30 per family after Sunday, May 31. A 50-percent discount for family members who are onsite volunteers is
First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes
A Church of Joy Committed to the perfect Word of God, living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and worshiping with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
Dr. Marc Drake, Senior Pastor 9535 E. Riggs Road Sun Lakes, Arizona 85248 480-895-1088 www. csl.org
Sundays: Bible Study: 8:30 am Worship: 10:00 am
available. Full scholarships are also available. Registration ends on Sunday, June 7. Registration forms are available at www. chandlermethodist.org, or by stopping by the church office during regular hours. For more information, call Steve Gregory at (480) 963-3360 or email steve. chandlerumc@gmail.com.
Community invited to service
Everyone is welcome to attend worship services at Chandler United Methodist Church at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sundays. Fellowship hour with light refreshments is enjoyed between the two services. The church is celebrating more than 100 years in Chandler. It is a full-service, multigenerational, multicultural church, with ministry, services, programs and small groups for every age group. Sunday school for children, youth and teens is also available at 8:40 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. Sundays.
Adult Sunday School class, the “Spirit Seekers” is held at 9:45 a.m. Sundays. A nursery for young infants and children is provided.
A complete listing of activities can be found by visiting www. chandlermethodist.org or by calling (480) 963-3360.
SPIRITUAL
CONNECTIONS
Call ahead to confirm information, as details occasionally change after print. If you have a recurring monthly support group or meeting you would like listed in Spiritual Connections, email complete details to News@SanTanSun.com.
The Art of Parenting
7:30 p.m. Mondays
Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life
875 N. McClintock Dr., Chandler or 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays
Chandler Jewish Community Center
908 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler
Six-session a from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques.
Cost is $99.
Info: (480) 855-4333 or rabbi@ chabadcenter.com
Bible Study
Meets twice a month
Members of the Women’s Life Group study the Bible and discuss how the lessons can relate to their lives.
Sun Lakes United Church Of Christ, Chandler
Info: Jan Olson at (480) 802-7457 or Joy King (480) 588-1882
Career Connectors
9 a.m. to noon, fourth Tuesday of month Nonprofit organization connecting professionals in career transition to highquality resources and hiring companies; each event includes professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits.
Central Christian Church, Gilbert Campus/Student Center, 965 E. Germann Rd., Gilbert Info: www.careerconnectors.org, (480) 442-5806
Christian Business Networking, Tri-City Chapter—Chandler, Tempe, Mesa
7:15 a.m. Tuesdays
Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.
Crackers and Co. Café 535 W. Iron Ave., Mesa Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com
Christian Business Networking, Chandler Bi-Monthly Chapter 7:30 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays each month
Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.
Chandler Christian Church, Room C100 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Maia, (480) 425-0624, www. christianbusinessnetworking.com
Christian Business Networking, East Valley Chapter
7:30 a.m. Wednesdays
Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.
5:30 p.m. Sundays Gender-specific accountability groups that meet for 28 weeks and use the eight recovery principles.
CrossRoads Nazarene Church 2950 W. Ray Rd., Chandler Info: (480) 722-0700 or celebraterecovery@crnaz.com
8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
8:40 a.m. and 10:10 a.m.
Sun Lakes
United Methodist Church
9248 E Riggs Road, Sun Lakes 480-895-8766
Sunday Worship Service at 9 a.m.
Adult Sunday School at 9:40 a.m.
Saturday Worship at 5 p.m. in Chapel
“Cabs for Christ” - Free cab ride to/from Worship Service. Call for reservation. www.sunlakesumc.org
East Valley Jewish Couples Club Offers once-a-month social activities such as dining, movies and plays for Jewish couples in the 45- to 65-year-old age range.
Info: Melissa, (480) 785-0744, beadlover@ cox.net
Empower Model for Men
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays
The three-class series is taught by author Scott E. Clark and designed to offer practical wisdom and tools to help men shift into their higher consciousness, based on the seven-step empower model detailed in Clark’s book, “Empower Model for Men.” Cost is $85.
Unity of Chandler
325 N. Austin Dr., Chandler Info: (480) 792-1800.
Forever Marriage Ministries Marriage Restoration Support Group for Wives Offers hope to the hurting Valleywide through one-on-one Biblical marriage teaching, God-honoring wife discipleship and marriage restoration mentoring to wives seeking God’s will in the restoration of marriage.
Info: Lisa (602) 377-8847, Marriage@lisacmyers.com, www. forevermarriageministries.com, www. facebook.com/forevermarriages.
Grief Care
6:30 p.m. Wednesdays
A place to come share your feelings or just listen to others as we try to navigate through our grief. You don’t have to do it alone.
Epiphany Lutheran Church, South Campus, old church building
800 W. Ray Rd., Room 325, Chandler. Info: www.griefcareaz@gmail.com
Grief Share
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays
A combination seminar and support group that meets weekly with people who understand because they have “been there” themselves. Fee for materials is $15, but scholarships are available.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 739 W. Erie St., Chandler Info: (480) 963-4127, www.htlutheran.com
Healing Prayer & Meditation Circle
7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays
Guided prayer, affirmations and visualization for those facing physical, emotional, mental or spiritual issues in their lives. Love offering requested.
Unity of Chandler
325 N. Austin Dr., Chandler Info: (480) 792-1800
Let the SanTan Sun News help you publicize your church or temple’s events and activities in the Spirituality section by emailing details to news@santansun.com. Include a brief description of the event, times, days, dates, cost or free, if registration is required, venue, address, publishable phone number, website if applicable and contact information for verification purposes. We welcome photos, which must be 300 dpi JPEGs or taken on a digital camera on the “best” or “highest quality” setting. Information is due 10 days prior to publication date. Submission does not guarantee placement.
WebXtra:
WebXtra: For a complete list of Spiritual Connections, SanTan Sun area monthly support groups, study groups and spiritually stimulating meetings, visit SanTanSun.com and click on “Spirituality.”
