Posted: 1 Jul 12
Brought forward: 7 Feb 13 -- (to raise awareness and, perhaps, to help inspire more volunteerism, consistent with Pittsburg Mayor Nancy Parent's 2013 theme -- next EBSD event will be 2014 -- but many others are awaiting our help, now)
EAST BAY STAND-DOWN!A Very Big Humane Act That Makes One Even Prouder to Be Human
I didn't hear of this magnificent event, the "East Bay Stand-Down," until two years ago, when I had the privilege of volunteering and seeing for myself. The inspiration carries a long way -- I can't wait to do it again. Here is the Google-link which accesses their website (and a whole lot more). And here is the direct link to the actual site, which says it all, much better than I ever could -- but, I needed to add a personal testimony (a work-in-progress, with more to be added, as circumstances permit -- just didn't want to hold off telling, until I perfected my statement). Maybe you'll help pass the word?
THE 2010 STORY
Every two years, toward the end of summer, the Alameda County Fairgrounds is taken over by more than 1,000 professionals and us "ordinary" volunteers -- under auspices of the Veteran's Admistration. Denver Mills, the dynamic leader of the Concord Vet Center, orchestrates and energizes this HUGE, compassionate undertaking, masterfully.
NOTE: This is not unique to the East Bay. It is a Veterans Affairs system-wide service, as can be seen at this link. We are blessed to belong to a compassionate nation. You'll note a glaring over-sight not to see the Eastbay event listed there -- but, believe me, it happens like clockwork -- and here is their local site to prove it. (We're working to correct the record)
A TINY GLIMPSE AT ITS PURPOSES
It is a way to save the human future -- nearly 1,000 struggling veterans (usually homeless) at a time. I know it's sad to have to exclude anyone, when you consider that EVERYONE has much value -- and EVERYONE who stumbles is worthy of the effort it takes to get them sorted out. But the Veterans Administration has to stay focused -- and is counting on others to take care of the rest of our people (like passing the word TO EVERYONE IN CRISES about dialing "211" to begin their rescue process). We all should know about this -- because it's a beautiful, inspiring story which shows what is being done -- AND WHAT CAN BE DONE -- to make a HUGE difference.
THEY THINK OF EVERYTHING
Huge tents, equipment, and supplies are set up, everywhere. Then, hundreds of veterans, down on their luck -- often with little families in tow -- are bused in, to spend four productive days, living in many of those tents -- hot showers, clean beds, good food, new clothes, service to most every significant aspect of life, entertaining fun, and more. The attention to virtually every detail is almost super-human -- and gets better, every single time!
Lots of active military, retirees, veterans, fire and police officers, medical teams, chaplains, civilian volunteers and more -- all good-hearted souls -- take part to render needful, individualized aid -- at kiosk type tents and all around the grounds.
Of course, there is a full range of physical and mental health services provided -- including a mobile dental office; even acupuncture, massage, and the holistic panoply! Hair cuts and beauticians, of course.
The children and parents are taken to local shopping centers to equip the little ones with new clothing and school supplies, and much else they need.
Retired judges are gathered in one of the big tents and are authorized to review and clear up all sorts of misdemeanors which hinder the "clientele" from making an unfettered new start. THEN, in the very next tent, the DMV helps them get vehicular licenses, often so crucial to normalcy and employability.
In the evenings, there are live entertainment and singing, relaxing, and communing together around bonfires.
At the end, each "client's" photo is taken, to add to the great album. Smiles abound. The record of success is astounding. Lots of lives turned around. Absolutely breath-taking and pleasing. You'd be proud of the whole, wonderful thing!
And many, many of the rescued return, each time, as volunteers, to help pull their remaining "brothers and sisters" forward -- to "give back" -- to keep the great human chain-reaction rolling onward, favorably, toward the best possible future. Goodness is contagious!
There's so much more -- but, you almost have to see it to believe it. It seems especially appropriate to do this on the fair grounds, for a fair is exactly what it feels like -- a fair to end all fairs!
David Nelson
Tag: "Human Crises, Homelessness, Veterans Admin"
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