All As you may or may not know, we are represented at the Downtown Cluster of Congregations and Social Service Agencys, which meets monthly to address issues affecting the poor, needy and homeless, as well as special service opportunities where we can do hands on work. . Although we are not a "Downtown Church", our devotion to the cause of social justice and aiding the poor makes us a perfect partner in this cause. Several years ago (as a ordained Deacon in the Presbyterian Church) I served on (and even "chaired" ) this committee. I have been active ever since. I asked that we be involved and have been there representing us ever since. The attached article describes some of the needs of the Mentally Ill in Austin, and ways congregations might help. Although we may not be a "good fit" for this, I wanted you to know about it. If you are ever interested in going to these meetings let me know. From now on I will be forwarding e-mails and newsletters from the cluster to keep you informed. Craig --- On Fri, 12/11/09, Susan Morris <danasusanmorris@xxxxxxxxx> wrote: From: Susan Morris <danasusanmorris@xxxxxxxxx> Subject: Cluster: AAS Sunday's article on the needs and service gaps for Austin's mentalsy ill. To: Date: Friday, December 11, 2009, 11:17 AM All--this article in Sunday's Statesman sets up how the Cluster's Medicine Safety Ministry will fit into the bigger picture of needs and service gaps for this population. Thanks to Kim Johnson of Central Presbyterian for leading us in our efforts to provide a safe and welcoming place for mentally-ill clients in the downtown area to safely store and access their medications. http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/2009/12/06/1206mental.html Susan Morris Director Downtown Cluster of Congregations and Social Service Agencies 512-750-0558 (c) 512-494-4031 (o) Downtown churches and social service agencies joining together to improve the quality of life of the poor, the addicted, the mentally ill, the abused, the sick and the homeless who are our neighbors. www.austindowntowncluster.org A proud member of Austin Community Foundation's family of funds. http://austincommunityfoundation.org