Poverty stole your golden shoes, It didn't steal your laughter And heartache came to visit me, But I knew it wasn't ever after We'll fight, not out of spite, For someone must stand up for what's right 'Cause where there's a man who has no voice, There ours shall go singing My hands are small I know, But they're not yours, they are my own In the end only kindness matters -Jewel

Dear Friends:

Your kindness does matter. For the past seven years I have had the task of writing the Petaluma People Services Center (PPSC) annual letter; each year I hope to share how your kindness has mattered to your neighbors. For the past 38 years, PPSC has been helping people find what they need. No one chooses to age. No one chooses to lose their job or their home. No one chooses to struggle with health or family issues. If we become frail and want to stay in our home, or need employment help or counseling, we know that the services that PPSC provides in Petaluma and southern Sonoma County will be here for us. When PPSC began providing services the mission was simple, and remains simple: “people helping people.”  Compassion is nothing new to those of us who serve the less fortunate of Petaluma. We have felt your kindness. 

It is simple but powerful. People cannot feel hope or dignity if they are hungry or lonely. Food and friends are the means by which people can maintain hope and strength to take the next steps to empower themselves. Many of our neighbors are in trouble. Families across Petaluma are finding themselves in crisis. Rapid increases in the cost of food, utilities and gasoline are presenting a triple threat to the well being of many senior citizens and families. These challenges are not limited to the chronically unemployed. All too frequently, employed middle class families are falling victim to increasing expenses and limited income opportunities. These are our neighbors. They may easily be our grandparents, parents, siblings and children. They are often senior citizens, living on a fixed income; being forced to make hard choices among necessities like medication, heat for their home or food. Even some families where the wage earners work multiple jobs are finding it’s just not enough to cover basic expenses. Remember that every dollar you give will help keep someone from being cold, will help keep someone from being hungry, or will help someone to receive the counseling they need to survive.

My hands are small I know…when you reach out your hand to one, you can influence the condition of all. We need your help so we can make sure that no one is turned away. In fact, your donations help fund over 34 programs to support people in breaking the cycles of poverty and dependency. By supporting one another we can empower individuals to help them face problems and handle their lives. It is important that we as a community come together to make sure a senior will not have to decide between filling their prescription or having enough food to eat, or that a young mother will not be forced to live in a home where she and her children are not safe, or that a youngster who is looking for attention and a sense of belonging will not be forced to find harmful activities.

They are our mothers and fathers, grandparents and maybe even us. In years past, their lives were full, and their dreams and aspirations unlimited. You may already be familiar with our successful Meals on Wheels program that, with the enormous help of our volunteers, served more than 40,000 meals and kept the dreams alive last year for many of our frail elders in Petaluma. Without this program, it would not be possible for many seniors to remain independent in their homes. You may not be aware that PPSC has successfully provided a variety of services to over 9,000 residents last year. We count on the support of the community to continue all our programs. Our core services include Senior Services, Counseling, Homelessness Prevention, Fair Housing, Employment & Training and Paratransit.

You probably know someone who has benefited from our services. Your donation of $70 will help to feed a senior for a full week, while $300 will help to provide meals and companionship for a full month. Your donation of $80 will help three at-risk youth to get much-needed counseling. For seniors in peril of being shut off from the world, or a youth looking for guidance, these are more than just “programs,” these are reflections of your support for the concept of togetherness.

It is during adversity when one can really make a big difference. But making a difference is not about being a big hero. I am going to be blunt; we need your help – more than ever before. We all know these are not the best of times. People all over Petaluma, perhaps even our neighbors, are struggling to make ends meet. PPSC has been the safety net for thousands of southern Sonoma County residents for decades. This safety net catches the young, the old, the unemployed, the homeless, the abuse victims and just about everyone else looking for a hand up. During these times, an unprecedented number of our community members need PPSC’s help. We need to ask for your donations, so that together we can provide that help…We’ll fight, not out of spite, for someone must stand up for what’s right.

You have opportunities each and every day to reach out to those less fortunate. Don't let those opportunities pass you by. If you have supported our programs before, we are deeply grateful for your continued support. If you are a first time donor, we welcome you as a new friend. Your investment will make a big difference in the quality of life for your neighbors. It is a simple act of kindness and compassion. We want to thank you in advance for your support; your kindness does matter.

Sincerely,

Elece Hempel
Executive Director

Contact

Main Center:
1500A Petaluma Bl S
Petaluma, CA 94952

Ph. (707) 765-8488
Fx. (707) 765-8482

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