daviggf@hotmail.com

May 2009
It is quite apparent that the country’s economic crisis has finally reached here. We have seen a tremendous increase in the number of calls for all kinds of help for personal and financial needs. Our rental deposit applications continue to be up from previous years, unfortunate in a year when we have less funding than in previous years.

I have also noted a lot of clients visiting our neighbors at 4-Site Counseling, looking for help in stopping foreclosure on their mortgage. We are fortunate to have this service available in our community.

And some unusual dynamics develop as a result of having the Greyhound Bus Terminal in our building. We had requests for food, transportation assistance, a somewhat stranded individual, people with different needs. We have all been somewhat surprised at the volume of riders this location has attracted. This is another great transportation service provided to our community, thanks to the Cape County Transit Authority.

We will soon be opening a Reentry Opportunity Center, thanks to a grant from the Department of Corrections. This center will provide services, life-skills training, and employment-related information to ex0offenders who return to our community. The center will be operated by our Missouri Reentry Program VISTA volunteer, and also will employ a part-time ex-offender. If you work with any of this population, please tell them of this upcoming opportunity.

Many local service providers and organizations have or soon will be receiving a survey from the Family and Community Trust Board, regarding our role in the community. This is the first part of a comprehensive partnership evaluation that is being developed. If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact the individuals listed in Jefferson City.

Don’t forget the 3rd annual Assets Celebration bash scheduled for May 29th at the Osage Center. Go to our website at www.capecountythrive.com.

Happy spring!

Tom Davisson
Executive Director