Reader says people should step up to help shelter



Kelley Curran’s recent column spoke of Haven House hiring highly credentialed people. That would dramatically inflate the cost of operations.

Haven House is a client-centered shelter and relies on people providing services and receiving little monetary compensation. Current workers are building up their treasures in heaven, not here on earth.

As our Lord said, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it unto me.” — Matthew 25:40b

Citizens who may have experienced hard times may be more understanding than folks who have led a financially affluent life, with many family ties and props to support them.

The poor are sometimes blamed for being drifters, addicts, alcoholics or lazy. I’m not so naive to think that those problems don’t exist. However, many poor people are disenfranchised through no fault of their own. Many don’t have a support system. It’s a different ball game if you take away a few components that most of us take for granted.

Even Ms. Curran said the shelter was neat and clean. That’s without proper funding. Mrs. Anderson is doing a great job now! Think what we could do if we all got on board to help her. Wouldn’t that be a marvelous idea! Why don’t businessmen and shopkeepers donate a day’s profit to the shelter? How about the more affluent writing checks to defray operational costs.

Kind acts such as these could create a shelter to be proud of. Mrs. Anderson is a national figure when it comes to programs on housing and helping the poor. With community involvement, Haven House could be a showcase to the nation and highlight the cooperative spirit and noble ideals of the citizens of Jeffersonville and its surrounding communities.

In closing, here are lines to a favorite Stuart Hamblen song:

“Homeless and weak could be I but for the grace of God.

The steel of my soul would have wrinkled and bent had I traveled the byways he’s trod. Oh merciful Father, Oh Wonderful God, Thy hands have spared me these things. May my heart know compassion as the child when she holds a bird with a broken wing.

“Oh Lord, make me strong not to boast of my strength, but to lend to the weak and down-trod. May I always remember things dear to my heart, are mine to hold only by the grace of God.”

Pray for guidance and inspiration. God Bless.

— Judy L. Powlen, Batesville



Taste of Jeff organizer thanks community



The ninth-annual Taste of Jeffersonville was held May 21, and we would like to thank you, the community, who helped make the event a success.

Twenty-one restaurants offered tasty samples of their foods, many of you donated items for our silent and live auction, the Jeffersonville High School Band Boosters helped clean up and hundreds of you were in attendance.

Special thanks to Kye, who offers us the use of her facility. Thank you for saying yes when asked.

Congratulations to the restaurants which won the best of Taste awards: Clark County Hospital, Schimpff’s Confectionery and Our Best Restaurant.

With the community’s help and support, Taste of Jeffersonville gives back.

Some of our previous projects/donations have been the Jefferson statue at Warder Park, the clock on Spring Street, the Celebrating Freedom Parade, Safety Town, the Welcome to Jeffersonville sign and many others. Once again, we will be able to continue giving back to the community, thanks to you.

Join us May 20, 2010, for our 10th Taste of Jeffersonville.

— Pat Elder, committee chairperson, Jeffersonville