{"id":537,"date":"2014-11-07T03:15:18","date_gmt":"2014-11-07T03:15:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/?page_id=537"},"modified":"2014-11-07T03:55:03","modified_gmt":"2014-11-07T03:55:03","slug":"june-2014-minutes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/?page_id=537","title":{"rendered":"June 2014 Minutes"},"content":{"rendered":"

EASTSIDE INTERFAITH SOCIAL CONCERNS COUNCIL MINUTES<\/strong>
\nP.O. Box 662<\/strong>, Bellevue, WA 98009-0662<\/strong>
\nJune 10, 2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

The meeting was held in Bristol Hall of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church beginning at 12:00 noon.
\nWELCOME: <\/strong>The meeting was called to order and conducted by EISCC President Warren Marquardson.
\nOPENING REFLECTION: <\/strong>Sandy Lewis provided the opening reflection.
\nSELF-INTRODUCTIONS<\/strong> were made by 25 representatives and guests.
\nMINUTES <\/strong>of the May 13, 2014, meeting were approved as submitted.
\nTREASURER’S REPORT: <\/strong>The Treasurer was not present at the meeting.\u00a0 Warren reminded our member organizations to forward their dues payments for the current year \u2013 if they have not already done so.
\nREFRESHMENT COORDINATOR: <\/strong>Many thanks to Sandy Lewis, Elizabeth Maupin, Danielle Prince, and Nina Weaver for providing the day\u2019s refreshments.
\nREPORTS:<\/strong>
\nCongregations for Kids: <\/strong>Nancy Jacobs was not present but reported by e-mail that Congregations for Kids is moving right along with this summer\u2019s project and is having a meeting Friday to finalize plans.\u00a0 They welcome more congregations who would like to become involved.\u00a0 Interested parties can e-mail her at bnjacobs@frontier.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Backpack Meals: <\/strong>Jan Starr offered thanks for all of the support that has been given to this project over the last year and enabled them to provide over 3000 meals to Bellevue school children.\u00a0 They are in the process of gearing up for the school year ahead.\u00a0 This year, they will be looking to provide food that can be prepared by the kids themselves.\u00a0 Lightweight items are especially welcome (as they travel lightly in the backpacks).<\/p>\n

Legislative Coordinator:\u00a0 <\/strong>Jean Harris reported that Sen. Elizabeth Warren was promoting a national bill that would enable students to refinance their student loan debt.\u00a0 For more information, visit her website.\u00a0 A petition is available there if you wish to show your support for the measure.<\/p>\n

There will likely be two competing initiatives on the Washington State ballot this year dealing with gun control issues.\u00a0 Initiative I-594 calls for background checks on all gun transfers, whereas I-591 would limit such checks to those required nationally \u2013 which do not require background checks for private transfers such as sales at gun shows or over the internet.<\/p>\n

MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHTS:<\/strong>
\nNorthlake Unitarian Universalist Church:\u00a0 <\/strong>Suzanne Grogan and Fran Wessling provided an update on the work that they are doing at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma.\u00a0 The center is the third largest such facility in the country and is run by a private, for-profit corporation under contract to the US government.\u00a0 The contract guarantees them $43 million per year at 90% occupancy of their 1575 beds.\u00a0 If the facility is full, they are guaranteed $52 million per year.
\nA total of 400,000 immigrants were deported in 2010, the most recent year for which we have available statistics.\u00a0 Over 2 million have been deported during the Obama administration.\u00a0 Many of these are parents who have been here 10 to 20 years and have US citizen children\u00a0 who only know life in America.
\nUntil Congress is willing to change our current immigration laws, many human beings who have been productive members of our communities will continue to live in fear and tremendous stress.\u00a0 Some very good people that want a second chance for a better life for their children and families are suffering greatly.
\nSince July, 2012, volunteers from churches in Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond have set up tables at the center on a monthly basis to provide coffee, cookies, hot chocolate, printed information, and a caring ear for those visitors coming to see family members detained there.\u00a0 They have designated themselves the 4th Saturday Eastside Interfaith Vigil.\u00a0 There are usually vigils on other Saturdays featuring other local groups protesting the US immigrant detention policies.\u00a0 The vigils are present at the center from noon to 3 pm most Saturdays, with the 4th Saturday group staying until 4 pm.<\/p>\n

The 4th Saturday Eastside Interfaith Vigil enthusiastically welcomes others to join them, whether for a one-time event or an on-going basis. \u00a0\u00a0They carpool from the front of Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church in Kirkland, gathering at 10:45 am. They arrive back in Kirkland at 5:30 pm, tired but feeling very fulfilled. \u00a0 Individuals may also drive their own cars and create their own schedule for arrival and departure at the Detention Center. \u00a0Driving directions to the church or to the Detention Center are available on request from\u00a0SuzanneGrogan99@yahoo.com<\/a>\u00a0–\u00a0425-803-9570<\/a><\/p>\n

The group also welcomes donations of food (soft drinks, bottled water, cookies, fruit, protein bars, etc.) for the vigils.\u00a0 They request that gluten-free items and recipes with nuts& dairy be labeled. A church in Monroe sometimes sends handmade baby quilts via a member who attends our vigils. Inexpensive toys, pencils, stickers, and other thoughtful gifts always delight the many children who come to visit persons in detention. \u00a0\u00a0There is also an opportunity to provide more direct support through visitations with a detainee with the AID (Assistance to Immigrants in Detention) program, if you would like to be more involved in this issue.\u00a0 They also welcome financial donations to help cover the cost of gas, ice, and printing costs.<\/p>\n

If you would like more information please contact Suzanne Grogan by phone at 425-803-9570<\/a> or by e-mail at SuzanneGrogan99@yahoo.com<\/a>.\u00a0 Checks can be made payable to Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church with ‘Immigration Vigil’ in the memo line.\u00a0 Checks can be mailed to the church at 308 4th Ave. S; Kirkland, WA 98033-6612.<\/p>\n

St. Louise de Marillac Catholic Church <\/strong>Jackie Rial reported on some of the current outreach programs at her church, which is located at Main St. and 156th Ave SE in Bellevue.\u00a0 The parish has about 8000 members and is currently in transition \u2013 they will be getting a new pastor on July 1.<\/p>\n

The church serves those in need through various parish and local organizations such as Senior Lunch, Congregations for the Homeless, Congregations for Kids, Crossroads Meal Program, Eastside Interfaith Social Concerns Council, Friend to Friend, Giving Tree, Housing at the Crossroads, Holiday Food, Kids at the Crossroads, and St. Vincent de Paul.\u00a0 They support local, regional, national and international service organizations with parish donations.\u00a0 The church fosters a closer relationship with other churches, synagogues and mosques through interfaith dialogue and cooperative action, such as Hearts and Hammers.<\/p>\n

Hearts and Hammers is an annual one-day community work blitz to repair and rehabilitate homes of the infirm, the elderly, the disabled and those with limited resources, in our community. It began in 1994, as a pilot project under the sponsorship of the Langley United Methodist Church. The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in joined in 1996. St. Louise and Cross of Christ joined the program in 2006.\u00a0 They do whatever repairs and renovations are possible within the scope of a one-day work party, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, painting, plastering, weatherization, heavy cleaning, roofing, and trash removal.\u00a0 There is no charge to the homeowners for labor or materials. Local fundraising and donations of labor and materials cover costs.<\/p>\n

St. Louise Parish Conference of St Vincent De Paul Society is a volunteer organization inspired by Gospel values to live and grow in faith through prayer and personal involvement in charitable works. It provides assistance to those in need that live within the St. Louise Parish boundaries, regardless of creed. They supply food, rent and utility assistance and give referrals to other agencies for further assistance. At the Parish office, Team members meet face-to-face with \u201cclients\u201d in need of help with rent, energy bills, food, clothing, or other issues. They review each situation with the client and, as appropriate, provide funding and\/or referrals to other organizations. Teams rotate weekly. Training is provided.
\nOne weekend each year a St. Vincent de Paul truck is available after all Masses for receiving usable household items and clothing. \u00a0Donate food to the St. Vincent de Paul bins located in the Church vestibule. Food is stored in a food pantry in the Parish office and dispersed to the many that come to them for food help. Food drives at St Louise School, initiated by teachers and\/or students are also a wonderful source of support.\u00a0 To donate your useable household items or clothing, call St. Vincent de Paul dispatch at 206-767-9975<\/a> option 1 to schedule a pick up.<\/p>\n

For more information, visit the church website at http:\/\/www.stlouise.org<\/a>.\u00a0 For information about specific projects, try the following contacts:
\n1)\u00a0 Social Concerns: Jackie Rial, Chairperson, 425-649-8643<\/a> or jackearlrial@q.com<\/a>2)\u00a0 Senior Lunch:\u00a0 Jeanne Duncan, 206-552-4202<\/a> or jeanne.duncan130@yahoo.com<\/a>3)\u00a0 Saint Vincent de Paul:\u00a0 Carole Cote, 425-747-4450<\/a> or caroleandbill@frontier.com<\/a>4)\u00a0 Hearts & Hammers:\u00a0 Gary Makowskie (St. Louise), 425-641-8303<\/a> or gamakowski@aol.com<\/a>Vee Drummond (Church of the Resurrection Episcopal), 253-929-6310<\/a> or durvee@aol.com<\/a><\/p>\n

PROGRAM: Social Services and Humanitarian Aid from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints<\/strong>
\nJerry Hatfield, the Public Affairs Director of the Bellevue stake, provided an overview of the social service work and humanitarian aid provided by the Mormon church.\u00a0 Jerry also works for the church with Deseret Industries, the thrift store and training center associated with the church.<\/p>\n

Jerry began his presentation with a short film, ‘You Have Done Unto Me,’ that provided background on the international humanitarian aid projects run by the church. These international aid projects are generally run in partnership with other organizations with active presence in the target area, such as the Red Cross or Red Crescent. They have approximately 12,000 humanitarian missionaries in the field serving communities all over the globe.\u00a0 He will be going on a humanitarian mission himself when he retires from his current job.
\nLocal welfare efforts center around Deseret Industries, which was introduced with another short film.\u00a0 They have thrift shop locations in Federal Way and North Seattle.\u00a0 Through the local employment center in Renton, they are able to place roughly 50 people per year into new jobs.<\/p>\n

The church has a Community Partnership program which works with local non-profit organizations to reach those most in need.\u00a0 They provide approximately $250,000 worth of vouchers that can be redeemed at the Deseret Industries thrift shop for clothing, furniture, household good, etc..\u00a0 Bishops of the church provide orders for such goods and even family services.\u00a0 Potential recipients are screened by the partner organizations.\u00a0 Goods beyond what can be distributed locally are sent to the Welfare Center in Utah for broader distribution.\u00a0 They have shipped about 50,000 pounds of clothes as well as computer supplies and equipment to the Welfare Center this last year.<\/p>\n

If your organization would like to partner with this program, contact Jerry Hatfield for a Community Partner application.\u00a0 He can be reached by phone at 425-392-2651<\/a> or by e-mail at jerryjhatfield@comcast.net<\/a>.\u00a0 For more information about Deseret Industries, visit their website at http:\/\/deseretindustries.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

ANNOUNCEMENTS:<\/strong>
\nDiane Richards reminded all representatives and guests of EISCC<\/strong> that we have a table near the entrance of our meeting space in Bristol Hall where flyers and other information sheets about social concerns issues in our area may be displayed and distributed.\u00a0 This space is there for you!\u00a0 Feel free to use this space \u2013 no prior approval required.\u00a0 And check the table for interesting resources when you arrive or leave our meeting.<\/p>\n

Karina O’Malley had to leave the meeting early, but Warren Marquardson related that Karina had once again been appointed to serve as the Interim Director of the Sophia Way <\/strong>while the search for a new Executive Director continues.<\/p>\n

Elizabeth Maupin of the Issaquah-Sammamish Interfaith Coalition<\/strong> reported that the Sammamish Council is considering a restrictive ordinance that would limit homeless encampments in their city.\u00a0 She welcomes any input and resources that people could provide to her dealing with similar ordinances proposed and passed or rejected in other Eastside cities.<\/p>\n

Sandy Lewis reported that the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection <\/strong>will not be closing its doors soon as had been reported at our March meeting.\u00a0 Their Fourth Annual Neighborhood Faire will be held on Saturday, September 6.\u00a0 Watch for details.<\/p>\n

Hero House<\/strong> will benefit from a special promotional event with the Seattle Storm basketball team.\u00a0 Flyers for the event will be available at our next EISCC meeting.
\nCLOSING REFLECTION: <\/strong>\u00a0The meeting ended with a closing reflection by Jean Harris.<\/p>\n

THE NEXT EISCC MEETING will take place on Tuesday, July 8, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.\u00a0PROGRAM: Camp Unity.\u00a0<\/strong>
\nLOCATION: BRISTOL HALL, ST. MARGARET\u2019S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 4228 FACTORIA BOULEVARD SE, BELLEVUE (ACROSS FROM NEWPORT HIGH SCHOOL)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

EASTSIDE INTERFAITH SOCIAL CONCERNS COUNCIL MINUTES P.O. Box 662, Bellevue, WA 98009-0662 June 10, 2014 The meeting was held in Bristol Hall of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church beginning at 12:00 noon. WELCOME: The meeting was called to order and conducted by EISCC President Warren Marquardson. OPENING REFLECTION: Sandy Lewis provided the opening reflection. SELF-INTRODUCTIONS were … Continue reading June 2014 Minutes<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":242,"menu_order":6,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-537","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P4dwA2-8F","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/537","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=537"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/537\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":555,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/537\/revisions\/555"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=537"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}