WELCOME FROM HAYWOOD STREET:
UPDATES:
As you’ll read below in his reflection, Michael has decided that now is the right time for him to leave his role as Program Manager at Haywood Street Respite. Michael has been an incredible gift to this community and has helped make Respite the amazing place that it is. He is gifting us even now by offering a generous timeline that allows for a smooth transition. Be on the lookout in the coming weeks for an announcement regarding this job opportunity. You’ll see in the announcements below that we also have an opening for a Hospitality Coordinator in Respite and are accepting applications for that position now.
The Golf for Awareness is sold out! We’re looking forward to a safe and fun day of golfing on September 18th. Because of limitations on registration due to COVID-19, we are inviting our larger community to help boost the fundraising potential of the event by becoming a ‘Friend of Golf for Awareness.’ By doing so, you will be helping to sustain the Downtown Welcome Table and Haywood Street Respite. Please give as you are able. Thank you!
BECOME A ‘FRIEND OF GOLF FOR AWARENESS‘
We know that there are many gaps in our educational system. The pandemic has emphasized many existing barriers and privileges, as well as created new ones. Land of Sky UCC is organizing a faith community response and we are asking each person reading this newsletter to consider volunteering in some way. LEARN ABOUT HIGHLIGHTED OPPORTUNITIES AND HOW TO PLUG IN.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
2. Haywood Street Respite has an open employment opportunity. Click here to learn more about the Hospitality Coordinator position!
3. Become a LOCAL LEADER! There are a few vacancies for the City of Asheville’s Boards of Commissions. The deadline for these vacancies is September 11, 2020 by the end of the business day at 5:00 pm. More…
4. We are excited to announce that our first outdoor worship service will be held on Wednesday, September 9th at noon in the Haywood Street parking lot. Pastor Brian will be delivering the sermon and Edward will gift us with music.
CURRENT WAYS TO SUPPORT THE MINISTRY & OUR FRIENDS:
1. Make a meal for Friends staying in Respite. Click here to sign up!
2. Current donation needs for Respite: reading glasses (all strengths), shampoo and conditioner (full size), deodorant (men’s & women’s), razors, bandaids, and belts (30-38)
3. Current donation needs for clothing closet: deodorant, toilet paper, men’s and women’s underwear, camping gear, backpacks, men’s shoes (10-13) and men’s pants (32-36) *Clothing Closet donations are accepted Tuesdays, 10AM – noon.
A HAYWOOD STREET REFLECTION BY: MICHAEL
Haywood Street is my home. Haywood Street Respite is my Family.
From the first moment I came to Haywood Street, I was drawn to Respite. After 15 years of Hospice nursing, compassionate care was a part of who I am. Becoming involved with Friends who need (deserve) more then medicine to heal, suited me very well. When the opportunity to become a part of the staff arose, I embraced it. It is so much more than I ever imagined.
To be a part of Haywood Street, is to be a part of something more important than any one person; a part of a community that dignifies everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Respite is a microcosm of all the things Haywood Street stands for. At Respite, we have the opportunity to share our lives, day in and day out, with our Friends; to sit together, to share conversations and meals together, to spend 24 hours a day together. We are blessed to get to know each individual and share a life together. The stories are wonderful. But most importantly, we get to affirm each person’s self worth.
Early on, we were challenged to become an intentional community, where everyone that sets foot in Respite is equal, where there are no rules to separate, save to live in community, and where requirements are not used to place barriers between us. We were challenged to not believe the stories society tells us about people living on the margins, but to offer love and caring to all Friends, companions and staff alike — so that healing can begin for all of us.
It has been a beautiful journey. In six and a half years, over a thousand Friends have come to stay with us and one to die with us. So many lives, so many amazing people, so many faces to grace our walls.
We do not do anything special at Respite, but by doing nothing special, we accomplish that which matters most, we accept you as you are. We love you for who you are. We see no need to change or fix anyone because everyone is perfectly who they are.
But none of us can exist alone. We all need love. We all need acceptance. We all need support. We all need community. Haywood Street is our community. Respite is our family.
My time at Respite is at an end. I am stepping down as program manger. I feel blessed to have been a part of something as special as Respite. I am excited to have someone come in to lead Respite to even greater things.
There are no words to express what Respite means to me. What the incredible staff, amazing companions and such dear Friends have given to me. I do not see this as a end but a transition into an other part of the incredible community that Haywood Street is.
Peace and Joy,
Michael
