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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 1, 2007 18:17:32 GMT -5
Sanctuary Program seeks help to feed laborers during winter
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 01/1/07
BY NICK PETRUNCIO
FREEHOLD BUREAU
FREEHOLD — Organizers of a program to provide the working poor and immigrant laborers in the borough with hot meals during the winter are looking for volunteers to help. Volunteer coordinator Sandra Whitehill said such help is key to the program.
"We rely on people to come and make sandwiches and clean up and make the soup. It just runs on volunteers," said Whitehill, who lives in Freehold Township.
The Sanctuary Program was started three years ago to help day laborers — whose seasonal work slows down during the winter months — and their families.
"We saw a need. We're called to help our fellow man, and in the winter months there are a lot of people who need to get something warm to eat and some fellowship," said Steve Richter, a founding member of the program who moved from Freehold to Philadelphia in July.
Richter said the program provides an opportunity for old-time residents to meet newer residents and ones who "need a little extra help."
"It's a nice opportunity to work with and to meet people I wouldn't otherwise meet," he said.
The program will begin Saturday at the Reformed Church of Freehold, 67 W. Main St. The church will be open from 7 a.m. to noon that day and every Saturday through March 17.
The Methodist Church, 91 W. Main St., will provide breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, starting Jan. 9 and continuing through the winter.
Organizers are looking to add days.
"As volunteers come forward, we'll expand the program as we can," Richter said.
The Freehold Jewish Center on Broad Street has agreed to participate for a second year in a row on Thursday mornings.
"They're offering their facility, but we need to come up with volunteers," said Whitehill, who noticed the program last year and decided to get involved with members of her church, First Presbyterian Church of Freehold.
"We're doing it because we're Christians, and that's what Jesus told us to do, feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty," Whitehill said.
Frank Argote-Freyre directs the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey's Monmouth County chapter, which is involved with the program. He coordinates food pickup and distribution with the help of two other volunteers, Robert Cory and Joe DeLengyel.
"It's been a great program for the last couple of years. We saw that a lot of the immigrants are struggling in the winter months because there's not a lot of employment," Argote-Freyre said.
The program has a core group of about 30 volunteers, and Whitehill hopes to add at least another 30 so they will not get burned out during the course of the program, she said. Those interested in volunteering should contact her at (732) 984-1424.
Saturdays have been the busiest days for the program in the past, attracting 80 people on a slow day and between 160 and 170 on a busy one, Richter said.
The Rev. Ricky Pierce, executive director of the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corp., said in a news release that his organization is seeking contributions to fund the program. Contributions may be sent to the corporation at 133 Throckmorton St., Freehold, NJ 07728.
Other organizations supporting the program include the Hispanic Affairs Resource Center of Monmouth County and New Beginnings Agape Christian Center.
The movement to assist day laborers evolved from the tensions that arose in autumn 2003 when the Borough Council decided to close a muster zone, where day laborers gathered to find work. A coalition of day laborers and immigrants' rights advocates, who claimed the borough harassed the laborers, filed a class-action suit after the muster zone closed. A settlement was reached in November 2006.
This story includes material from previous Press stories
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Post by admin on Jan 2, 2007 6:02:17 GMT -5
Does that make Freehold a santuary town?
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Post by Libyan Sibyl on Jan 2, 2007 9:22:57 GMT -5
You would think if you moved someplace where you couldn't afford to eat, then you should contemplate moving someplace else. (Maybe someone should place adds for work in Lakewood, or further south, like Miami).
But, it is my understanding that many do go back to their homelands in the winter because of lack of work.
Anyway, back to the stale subject of history, look how the article ends - the borough "allegedly" harassed the illegals, then settled.
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jan 2, 2007 11:53:04 GMT -5
Does that make Freehold a sanctuary town? Like Bob Barker says "ADELANTADO ABAJO"! ("Come on down"!) Whats sad is donations of the food (and your time with a good accountant) to feed illegals, is a Tax deductions too! FIGFY |
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Post by admin on Jan 2, 2007 12:09:20 GMT -5
If we got together and bought the illegals bus tickets home, would that be tax deductible too?
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jan 2, 2007 12:22:24 GMT -5
If we got together and bought the illegals bus tickets home, would that be tax deductible too? If they used the tickets, you an keep the deduction!!! ;D Maybe FF can start a drive to have Corp. Execs donate their unused air-miles to send an Illegal home for the winter!  |
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Post by richardkelsey on Jan 2, 2007 15:07:31 GMT -5
Sanctuary Program seeks help to feed laborers during winter Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 01/1/07 BY NICK PETRUNCIO FREEHOLD BUREAU FREEHOLD — Organizers of a program to provide the working poor and immigrant laborers in the borough with hot meals during the winter are looking for volunteers to help. Volunteer coordinator Sandra Whitehill said such help is key to the program. "We rely on people to come and make sandwiches and clean up and make the soup. It just runs on volunteers," said Whitehill, who lives in Freehold Township. The Sanctuary Program was started three years ago to help day laborers — whose seasonal work slows down during the winter months — and their families. "We saw a need. We're called to help our fellow man, and in the winter months there are a lot of people who need to get something warm to eat and some fellowship," said Steve Richter, a founding member of the program who moved from Freehold to Philadelphia in July. Richter said the program provides an opportunity for old-time residents to meet newer residents and ones who "need a little extra help." "It's a nice opportunity to work with and to meet people I wouldn't otherwise meet," he said. The program will begin Saturday at the Reformed Church of Freehold, 67 W. Main St. The church will be open from 7 a.m. to noon that day and every Saturday through March 17. The Methodist Church, 91 W. Main St., will provide breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays, starting Jan. 9 and continuing through the winter. Organizers are looking to add days. "As volunteers come forward, we'll expand the program as we can," Richter said. The Freehold Jewish Center on Broad Street has agreed to participate for a second year in a row on Thursday mornings. "They're offering their facility, but we need to come up with volunteers," said Whitehill, who noticed the program last year and decided to get involved with members of her church, First Presbyterian Church of Freehold. "We're doing it because we're Christians, and that's what Jesus told us to do, feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty," Whitehill said. Frank Argote-Freyre directs the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey's Monmouth County chapter, which is involved with the program. He coordinates food pickup and distribution with the help of two other volunteers, Robert Cory and Joe DeLengyel. "It's been a great program for the last couple of years. We saw that a lot of the immigrants are struggling in the winter months because there's not a lot of employment," Argote-Freyre said. The program has a core group of about 30 volunteers, and Whitehill hopes to add at least another 30 so they will not get burned out during the course of the program, she said. Those interested in volunteering should contact her at (732) 984-1424. Saturdays have been the busiest days for the program in the past, attracting 80 people on a slow day and between 160 and 170 on a busy one, Richter said. The Rev. Ricky Pierce, executive director of the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corp., said in a news release that his organization is seeking contributions to fund the program. Contributions may be sent to the corporation at 133 Throckmorton St., Freehold, NJ 07728. Other organizations supporting the program include the Hispanic Affairs Resource Center of Monmouth County and New Beginnings Agape Christian Center. The movement to assist day laborers evolved from the tensions that arose in autumn 2003 when the Borough Council decided to close a muster zone, where day laborers gathered to find work. A coalition of day laborers and immigrants' rights advocates, who claimed the borough harassed the laborers, filed a class-action suit after the muster zone closed. A settlement was reached in November 2006. This story includes material from previous Press stories The law specifically permits aid and temporary assistance to illegal aliens under these circumstances. Helping people truly in need, no matter of their status, is quintessentially the moral and American thing to do -- IMHO. Of course, what these people need most of all is repatriation to their home country, together with job skills and education so that their home countries can be prosperous. I am not troubled at all that good people want to make sure that a fellow human being is not left in the cold or left hungry in the street when he or she has no other option. Unfortunately, this program, and its cast of usual suspects is dedicated to setting-up a base of programs and aid directed not at facilitating real help, but at growing a base for illegal immigration in the Borough. I guess these folks are just taking food, shelter, and donations that "Americans just won't take." |
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Post by sonofsilencedogood on Jan 2, 2007 15:46:20 GMT -5
Just a heart-warming article isn't it? Let's see, we have a former Freehold resident who didn't like the way the town was going, moved to Philadelphia but volunteers to keep the illegals here in the Borough, we have Ms Whitehill who lives in the Township, and wants to be sure the illegals stay in the Borough, so she volunteers, and then we have the usual suspects like everyone's favorite Mr Freyre.
I said this before, and it's certainly worth repeating...what is the motivation for someone like Mr Freyre? He's not advocating for making the citizenship process easier, he just wants the illegals to have all of the same rights as every tax paying citizen, without actually making them pay their fair share of the taxes!! In fact, he is expecting us to go out of our way to help those who have no intention of becoming citizens.
Myself, I've had it with the advocates!! People like Mr Freyre are publicity seekers who care more about their own name in the papers than they do about the causes they say they are supporting.
How many of these illegal aliens, Mr Freyre, are you sponsoring to become legal citizens through the current process?? How many illegal Mexicans are you handing out the paperwork to start their citizenship, rather than a pamphlet telling them how to beat the local housing inspectors when they come to inspect their rental apartment or home? How many of these illegal Mexicans are you trying to lift up instead of keep down? You and all of the advocate groups are, quite frankly, full of it, and I have had it with the lot of you.
The article above mentions that key phrase, of "being good Christians"...BULL!!! Whatever happened to "Give a man fish, and he'll eat for a day, teach him how to fish and he'll never go hungry again" or something along those lines.
These volunteers and these advocates are full of it!! You want to help them, drag them out of the poverty that you love to see them in. These are exactly the people who don't want the illegals to become legal because they know d**n well that once they are legal, the "cheap labor" idea goes right out the window, and the yard that's getting landscaped for $100 now will suddenly be $200, and the steak that costs them $20 now will cost $27 dollars, and the little bit of work they wanted to have done around the house won't cost $1200, it will now cost over $2500.
Wake up!!! Stop living in fear of political correctness and being called a racist simply because you are opposed to locusts who are bleeding our town for every free handout they can get. Stop electing the same officials over and over again who have a track record of doing nothing to really challenge the problem. Stop posting your thoughts only on this site. Stand up and be heard at a town council meeting, in a newspaper, or in letters to your other elected officials.
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 2, 2007 16:27:50 GMT -5
FF:
We know you're watching us...
How about offering a little Bike Safety training when these 100+ people come for a free feed? I know that more than the 3 people, who came to Bike Safety Day will show up for a free breakfast and lunch - without the need for 700 flyers inviting them.
While you are at it, why not talk about not overcrowding homes; not running illegal home restaurants that serve alcohol and not jumping on cars when soliciting work. Give some thought to the many other topics that need to be addressed
All those safety vests given out and none being worn. What kind of way is that to show respect for our laws? What kind of way is that to show respect for our town?
Use the time to educate these people when they come to you for a meal. Ever think about how we came to the phrase, "there is no free lunch?"
Marc
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Post by sonofsilencedogood on Jan 2, 2007 17:37:00 GMT -5
Marc,
Your efforts are noble, but I think we all know that there isn't a snowball's chance in you-know-where that Frankie or his fellow followers are going to do any of that...which is precisely why we have to stop trying to work with these advocacy groups. There is no "compromise" in their minds, it's either what they want, or they go screaming to the media calling us racists and profilers.
On another note, I have still not heard back from the State Attorney General's office regarding the idea of "deputizing" one of our town police officers under that Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 as a federal immigration officer. I remeber you said you wrote a letter as well...have you heard anything as of yet??
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Post by Xenios Zeus on Jan 2, 2007 17:56:53 GMT -5
Leave it to some of the members of PEOPLE to turn something so positive into a negative. It’s not surprising to see some of you trying to distort and undermine a program design solely to feed those less fortunate souls in town. This must be a new low even for some of you. Sad situation!!!  |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 2, 2007 18:01:36 GMT -5
No, I do not expect conciliation. But, I sure as heck enjoy reminding Frank and the others that they have an invisible support base that does not respond to them. Believe me, they are plenty embarrassed that they put out a call for action last July and were virtually ignored by their flock.
Also, it can't hurt pointing out to VIPS and to others how all these people rebuffed the town's attempts to reach out to them, especially regarding their own safety and the safety of others. The excuse has been lame - they don't trust the town. I don't trust the IRS, but that's the first check I write when I owe them money!! Why? Because, its my legal obligation to do so and I recognize their ultimate authority with respect to tax collection.
No, I have heard nothing from the Attorney General in answer to my/our question. Thanks for reminding me of this, though. Perhaps, I'll use a more direct approach (phone call), while awaiting the inevitable and non-committal form letter that usually arrives months after the fact.
You would think that an answer to one, who represents 11,000 other people, would earn a speedier reply.
I'll keep you posted.
Marc
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Post by admin on Jan 2, 2007 18:03:19 GMT -5
Leave it to some of the members of PEOPLE to turn something so positive into a negative. It’s not surprising to see some of you trying to distort and undermine a program design solely to feed those less fortunate souls in town. This must be a new low even for some of you. Sad situation!!! Lighten up and don't get your panties so twisted. Many of us, if not in this thread, have been supportive of churches and charities doing what they do--feed the poor and needy. As far as the rest of this thread, there is a bit of humor, but that aside, where are the participants wrong? Instead of emoting like a two year old, put forth some honest comeback. |
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 2, 2007 18:22:24 GMT -5
Really. It's not a bad program and one can respect the donations and volunteerism that takes place. I observed this, first hand, last year. I do not want to see anyone go hungry or freeze out in the cold.
My issue is that the opportunity to educate these people about issues that matter to us all is either not attempted or often falls on death ears. We see no behavioral change in town as a result of advocate relations. Frank and company would be respected more if they did something to lessen the negative effects of illegal immigration in our town. And, I don't mean by teaching the folks how to beat code enforcement inspections to protect overcrowding. Instead of this - TEACH THEM NOT TO OVERCROWD!
Don't tell us that the people haven't heard, by now, that they can't overcrowd their houses. Don't tell us that word has not been shared that bright colored clothing is required on bikes, at night. Don't tell us that intelligent people can't understand that jumping on strangers cars is absolutely inappropriate behavior, as is littering, blasting radios and public urination. And, who created the practice of hanging out on the streets looking for work in Freehold Borough and Lakewood. I don't ever remember seeing this in my youth. My parents sought work at the employer's location.
Feeding the people bread is a good thing, but feeding the rest of of BS is what triggers the gag response in all of us.
Marc
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 2, 2007 19:16:59 GMT -5
Sorry. Deaf ears. My brain is faster than my two typing fingers, which run a few words behind and are always racing to catch up. LOL
Marc
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jan 2, 2007 21:30:32 GMT -5
Marc, . On another note, I have still not heard back from the State Attorney General's office regarding the idea of "deputizing" one of our town police officers under that Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 as a federal immigration officer. I remember you said you wrote a letter as well...have you heard anything as of yet?? Then write to your state sen. and our two Assembly People, and GET them to engage the AG. |
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Post by sonofsilencedogood on Jan 3, 2007 5:20:03 GMT -5
Marc, . On another note, I have still not heard back from the State Attorney General's office regarding the idea of "deputizing" one of our town police officers under that Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 as a federal immigration officer. I remember you said you wrote a letter as well...have you heard anything as of yet?? Then write to your state sen. and our two Assembly People, and GET them to engage the AG. The letters have been written, Fiber, on this and many other issues, with no response from them either. Actually, not true, I did get a pamphlet on working towards a unified community (or something to that effect) from Karcher way back at the end of last summer. I wonder...how do you propose I "GET" them to engage the attorney general? Shall I take some time off of work and stalk them in Trenton?? Well, now that the new year is here, I do have a fresh set of vacation time from work...so perhaps I will. Though I'll say this now, I don't expect anything from any of them. None of our elected officials in the state or federal government are willing to do anything that might get them some negative press. Heck, the state representatives don't even want to do something positive like coming up with a realistic plan to better fund education in this state. If they won't fix something like education, how can we expect them to fix a volatile issue like illegal immigration?? |
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Post by sonofsilencedogood on Jan 3, 2007 5:21:02 GMT -5
...and I'll address Xenios when I have more time later this morning...
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Post by fiberisgoodforyou on Jan 3, 2007 6:13:04 GMT -5
SONOF..."Heck, the state representatives don't even want to do something positive like coming up with a realistic plan to better fund education in this state. If they won't fix something like education, how can we expect them to fix a volatile issue like illegal immigration?? "
Then you get on the phone and SPEAK with their Chief of Staff, and TELL them you are a local elected official, as well as a constituent, and you expect the courtesy of a 10 min conversation, that you WANT to get onto his, or her calander!... And politely do not take NO for an answer!
And as far as the AG goes....start a partition and run it up the flag pole, frankly this too should be something that out Local Chief of Police as well as the county sheriffs office need to initiate too (especially the sheriffs office)
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Post by Marc LeVine on Jan 3, 2007 20:33:55 GMT -5
Food, shelter to be offered in Freehold
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD — Members of local clergy will once again open their arms and their doors to help those in need.
A sanctuary program for those in need will once again be offered in the borough this winter. The program offers food and hot beverages for those who need it from January through March.
According to a press release, this will mark the third year a program that provides food and hot beverages several days a week has been sponsored and implemented by local religious organizations and volunteers.
The sanctuary program will begin on Jan. 6 and run through March 17.
“The key to the program is volunteers,” said Sandra Whitehill, volunteer coordinator. “It is always more difficult to attract volunteers during the week. I am recruiting from my own church, the First Presbyterian Church of Freehold, and any and all other congregations and organizations.
“We are very excited to assist the needy in our community,” Whitehill said. “Seasonal work slows down in the winter and our goal is to help those struggling to provide a few extra meals a week to their families. There are some weeks when some residents may be struggling to put food on their table.”
The sanctuary program, although provided primarily for the borough’s population of immigrant day laborers, offers a safe haven and food to anyone in need.
The program will begin at the Reformed Church of Freehold, 67 W. Main Street. This church will host the sanctuary program, including breakfast and lunch, every Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon.
The First United Methodist Church, 91 W. Main Street, will provide breakfast every Tuesday from 8-10 a.m. beginning Jan. 9.
The intention of the civic organizations involved is to expand the program to a third day once more volunteers are recruited.
The Freehold Jewish Center, 59 Broad Street, has agreed to participate for the second year in a row on Thursday mornings but, according to Whitehill, the program needs more volunteers to staff that location.
“We are in desperate need of volunteers,” Whitehill said. “We know they are out there, they just don’t know it yet.”
The Rev. Ricky Pierce, executive director of the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corporation, said his organization is seeking contributions to fund the program.
“We are called to serve all of God’s children,” Pierce said. “We pray that this program will ease the suffering of those less fortunate and looking for a temporary escape from the cold.”
Borough resident Frank-Argote Freyre, along with Robert Cory
and Joseph Delengyel, travel to the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties in Neptune on a regular basis to pick up food and deliver it to the appointed location for guests.
Steve Richter, who recently moved from the borough to Philadelphia, has been involved in the program since it began. Richter said he believes in the program so much he is still helping to coordinate the effort long distance.
“Work slows down at this time of year and it becomes very difficult for some people to put food on the table. We are trying to help them during this slow period by providing shelter and food.
“It is one more effort for longtime borough residents to meet and interact with our newest neighbors,” Richter said.
According to Richter, last year’s sanctuary program provided food and hot beverages for 85 to 150 people per day.
Anyone who wishes to contribute money or food (canned goods and/or nonperishable items) may bring or send their donations to the I Beseech Thee Community Development Corporation, 13 Throckmorton St., Freehold 07728.
Anyone who is interested in helping to staff a sanctuary location may call Sandra Whitehill at (732) 984-1424.
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