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LETTERS FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A Year in the M.O.R.E. Center: Keeping Our Mission
July 2008
August 8 marks a full year in M.O.R.E. Center. It’s amazing how much we have grown in that past year. We went from a handful of volunteers, to more than 80. We have grown in the services we offer and, for the most part, we are very proud of our programs. With this success, however, we have become the “go to” agency, the first responders, in the Marengo-Union area for people in difficult situations.
Over the past few months we have been noticing a large increase in clients needing food and emergency assistance. Not only are our numbers up, but the severity of cases is quite noticeable. The country’s economic down turn, the mortgage crisis and the reductions in social services are all contributing to a growing number of individuals and families entering poverty level. The stresses of losing a house or apartment, a job, a car, your health, your spouse or children and countless other issues can create depression and volatility in individuals. We are seeing many first timers and they are embarrassed to enter our doors, they are upset, emotionally drained, and they don’t know what to expect. We offer advice, food, clothing and household items, and perhaps financial assistance. Sometimes we just listen and console them, but we do it with respect and dignity.
It is difficult for most of us to recognize that in McHenry County, a rich county in many ways, homeless individuals and families actually exist. But they do, and we see it every week. It is difficult for us to give a mother a bag of food that she and her son will be able to eat in their car. But we do it and wish her luck. It is difficult to watch an individual walk away from our Center with a bag of food and that person’s next goal being to find a friend, any friend, with a couch for the night. But, again we do it with hope that we are helping this person make it to the day when a job can be found. That’s what we do.
I mention these things to let you know we are trying to help in the best ways we can with what we have. We are all volunteers. No one is paid. We depend on your continued support even if the only way that you can help is to wish us luck and to speak positively to others of our constant needs. We are immensely thankful for all the generous and caring organizations and individuals in our community.
Sincerely,
Bob Botts
Executive Director
Welcome from the Excutive Director
March 2008
Dear visitor:
Welcome to our website! We hope that as you explore the pages, you are beginning to get a feeling of pride and ownership in the M.O.R.E. Center. After all, this has been and still is a community project that seems to have taken on a life of its own.
From our Board of Directors to our Program Directors, we say “Thank you, Marengo”. Thank you for your donations of money. Thank you for your volunteering. Thank you for donating food to the numerous drives. Thank you for your good used clothing. And thank you for speaking positively about what we do. It takes numerous volunteers to operate the M.O.R.E. Center. Our Program Directors spend countless hours in meeting the needs of individuals and families in desperate situations and our volunteers carry out the many jobs from week to week. So, be sure to thank these people.
Please check our website from time to time. We will keep you posted about our various needs, news and events. Things seem to be happening here all the time. If you want to volunteer, fill out the application provided here and send it in. If you or someone you know is in need of our services, please come in. You’ll be greeted with friendliness, sincerity and discreteness.
Sincerely,
Bob Botts,
Executive Director