Joseph House of Camden - John Klein

John Klein spoke to us about his journeyfrom a seminary student to executive Director of Joseph House of Camden (JHOC). And how Joseph House was started and how it has grown to what it is now.

He explained their mison: To work collaboratively with others to aid our homeless brothers and sisters by offering a continuum of services including emergency shelter and access to supportive housing and comprehensive social services.

Their overnight café has two goals: first, to provide a safe, warm, and hospitable drop-in center for the homeless; second, to connect the homeless with area social service providers who can offer more permanent solutions to homelessness including, but not limited to: veterans services, connection to benefits, counseling services, job and housing referrals, and prenatal care.

Principles of Practice:

1. Everyone can change their situation in life. We believe in people when they don't believe in themselves. We continue to believe until they also believe.

2. Listening, without judgment, is key. We accept individuals where they are and how they interpret their experiences in the world. It is not our job to advise people on how to live their lives.

3. Every guest has dignity and deserves respect. No matter how someone presents to us, they are treated like an invited guest to our "home".

4. We create a safe and beautiful space. Staff set the tone for the experience of each guest. Despite the way the rest of the world receives and reacts to our guests, they can feel safe and at ease in our space.

 5. We are masters of accommodation. We are flexible when we can be, working to meet individual needs when it does not interfere with others' safety. There are only five rules and everything else is negotiable.

There are Five Rules: 1. No Violence; 2. No Weapons; 3. No Alcohol; 4. No Drugs; 5. No Smoking in the building)

They provide up to 80 beds per night. in 2016 they moved 158 men and women into stable housing.

To learn more about Joseph House of Camden, Click Here

If you are so moved by this work, yu can join their Adopt-a-Cot program. $38 buys a cot for a person for a night.

Avoiding Falls - Dr. Charles Bachi

Dr. Bachi came with his "friend" the human spine to explain how it works and gives us balance.

He also gave us tips on Making Your Home Safer:

• Provide adequate lighting in your home. Use nightlight
• Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the shower.
• Remove scatter rugs and secure carpet edges. Place non-skid rugs in the bathroom.
• Use a cane or walker if recommended by your health care professional.
• Remove things that you can trip over from places where you walk.
• Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.A

And What You Can Do To Prevent Falls:

• Wear your glasses. See anophthalmologist once a year.
• Be careful of pets or young children scurrying under your feet. Remove clutter that you might trip over.
• Wear shoes with non-skid soles.
• Get out of bed slowly to avoid dizzyness.
• Carry a portable phone to avoid running to answer the phone.
• Pace yourself. Fatigue can affect your balance.
• Have your health care provider review your medications.
• See a physical therapist if you feel weak or unsteady.
• Begin a regular exercise program,
• Carry small loads. Heavy loads can throw off your balance.

Growing up in China during WW II - Mary Previte

Mary Previte

 told us her story of growing up in China during WW II. She was attending a boarding school in China while her parents were doing missionary work in northern China and the start of WW II.

To view the video of her presentation, click here

One day, the Japanese soldiers appeared and made their school a detention center. Everything was claimed as property of the Emperor. Shortly after that there were trucked to an internment camp, "Weihsien" where she and all of her classmates where held for the next 5 years.

The teachers that were in the school came with them and continued their education in academics as well as social behaviors.

One day they heard the sound of an airplane flying very low. The airplane had US markings. And they saw men jumping out of the plane and knew that they were finally being rescued. She was then able to reunite with her famliy and she met a new brother that had been born while she was in the other camp.

Many year after, Mary decided to contact each member of the team that have rescued her from the camp and personally tell them her story and give thoise heroes and personal thank you.

She was able to contact all but 2 of the men, including the translator who is still living in China.

Fourth of July Parade

Once again, the 65 club was out in force for the Haddonfield 4th of July parade.  Our Thansk to Mike Underwood and Bernie Shaming.

It was great to get together for our short walk down Kings Highway wearing our hats and aprons...