My wife Sandy and I volunteered at Wheeler Mission in Indianapolis for the first time on Sunday afternoon. We had been wanting to for quite some time but never got around to actually doing it and boy am I upset that we had not till now. We had so much fun interacting with the men of Wheeler that I want to go back every Sunday that we can.
We met several men during the couple of hours of playing games and hopefully opened dialogues that can be taken further. I played domino’s with Leon, George, and Darryl. Although I don’t think Darryl was a homeless man in the Wheeler program. We played for about and hour and a half and enjoyed each others company. I tried to ask questions of the men with the hopes of them opening up. I thought they responded well to me and I hope I displayed a level of respect to them.
My wife and two sons played Yatzee with Kieth. Keith was tauted as the Yatzee king. They played for about two hours and I believe Keith won.
My youngest son actually played a game of Chess with a man named George and beat him pretty good, but at least Julian, being seven, gave it the college try and made Georges day. Julian went on to actually beat a 26 year old in checkers. I forget his name. I did not really get a chance to meet him myself.
All in all, it was a very positive experience and my family and I look forward to going back very soon. We saw the need in the faces of the men their that are going through various problems and addictions and it is our hope that we made the short time we were there memorable.
I pray that all the men of Wheeler have a great week, especially those we interacted with.
Matt
November 13, 2009 at 5:08 pm
Hi, Matt,
I was just wondering lately how you’ve been. Not much blogging lately, I see…
Anyway, it’s wonderful that you and your family have been volunteering to help the homeless and addicted (and especially wonderful that you bring your son along, as I try to do when I do those kinds of things). It’s a gift (and very Jesus-like) to show respect to people to whom respect is almost never shown, and to treat them as people worthy of attention and care. I hope you’re still doing it! (On my blog recently I’ve been writing a lot about the people I’ve been meeting at AA meetings, which I attend as a support-person for a friend with an alcohol problem. I’ve been thinking a lot about God’s feelings for and intentions for some of the very “lost” people I’ve met there, so it was good to see this post!)
Anyway, I hope you’re doing well.
Nancy (“Sara”)
http://saradode.wordpress.com
November 30, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Thanks Nancy (Sara)
. No, I have not done much blogging at all. I will and need to though. Alot on my mind to let out. I am still volunteering at the mission. I am also in the process of starting an organization that will feed the homeless and low income on the streets using rescued food. We should be up and running by 2010. Look up New York City Relief and my organization will mirror what they do on the streets of New York here in Indy.
I will check out your recent posts about the people at the AA meetings.
I hope you had a good Thanksgiving! and that you are doing well!
November 30, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Matt, that’s wonderful! You just made my day. I just read a little about NYC Relief (I happen to live just a couple of towns away from Elizabeth), and it sounds great.
I’ve often thought that I’d love to open up a home for the homeless and addicted (I used to be a counselor for people with AIDS in NYC; of course, many were homeless and/or addicted). But, having seen how judgmental some social service agencies/employees can be toward those they mean to serve–some of the arbitrary and harsh rules that end up being obstacles rather than bridges to helping people–I envisioned it as a place where someone with substance issues wouldn’t automatically be put out of his home if he relapsed, or subjected to rules intended to do anything other than keep all of the residents and staff healthy and safe. It would be a real home, and open to all regardless of past incarcerations, religious beliefs (or lack thereof), accrued sobriety time, etc. I truly belief that in almost all cases, when you offer unconditional love and respect and care to people who have never had enough of any of those things, and who are thought of by many as worthless, it will make all the difference. And, of course, that was Jesus’ way…
I wish you all the best with your project–keep us posted!
Take care,
Nancy