CAM - Coordinated Assistance Ministries, Inc. - Latest Blog Entries

Super Wash ~ A Local Business to Assist CAM

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:01:00 -0500

Super Wash on Phillips & Jefferson Streets and Super Wash on Morgan Street near Apperson are donating a portion of their profits to assist the homeless through CAM, Inc. the month of May, 2010. A basic wash and polish is $6.00 or 4 washes for $20.00 Special. Every wash you select will be a “special” for CAM to assist the homeless, near homeless, and those financially disenfranchised. We thank this local businesses for supporting CAM. For additional information, you may call Mike Adams, Manager, at 461.0525.

Kaylee Hartman ~ T-Shirt Contest Winner for 2nd Annual Homeward Bound Walk

Mon, 10 May 2010 23:49:00 -0500

Kaylee Hartman, Western Elementary, is the Third-Grade Winner of the T-Shirt Design Contest for Howard-Tipton Counties Homeward Bound Walk, Mary 15, 2010. Her entry was one of 250 entries. The average age of a homeless person in Indiana is 9 years old.

The Second Annual Homeward Bound Walk for Howard and Tipton Counties is May 15, 2010, Tipton Park, 8:00 a.m. Registration. All funds raised stay locally for Alternatives, Inc., American Red Cross of North Central Indiana, CAM, Inc., Habitat for Humanity of Kokomo, Habitat for Humanity of Tipton County, and Mustard Seed. The Tipton County Foundation is the volunteer coordinator of funds collected.

Homeward Bound is a project of the Indiana Association for Community Economic Development (IACED) with eleven walks occurring statewide. Homeward Bound supports local non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations, which provide housing and deliver human services to revitalize Indiana communities and support Hoosier families.

Since its inception in 2003, Homeward Bound has raised more than $2.8 million for over 100 affordable housing and homeless service providers across the state.

To find out more information about Homeward Bound Walk, become a sponsor or donate, visit the Homeward Bound website at http://www.homewardboundindiana.org. or call Melody Imbler, 765. 438-9283, sdmlimbler@aol.com

Encouraging Ministries ~ Following Your Dream

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:13:00 -0600

*”Visions are quite often the simple part, with the hard part being the execution – turningthe vision into reality.”

CAM is a place to encourage dreams, vision, and assisting people called to ministries. Mary and Brenda are two such people. The Kokomo Urban Outreach Hands of Hope have been coming to CAM the 3^rd Friday of each month, setting up outside, and feeding those needing a hot meal – giving blankets, coats, toilet paper, laundry detergent, various items needed by those with little money and/or those living from carts.

Mary and Brenda have also begun to volunteer as Case Managers with our homeless families.

At the last meal outdoors at CAM, these two were given the vision of delivering these meals to the elderly at the Civic Center Towers and Terrace Towers. This vision is in development.

Pray for Mary and Brenda and CAM as we continue to minister to the homeless, nearhomeless, and those financially disenfranchised.

* http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/visions.html

CAM Thanks 1st Baptist Preschool & KUO Hands of Hope

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:18:00 -0600

January 22, 2010 ~ Kokomo First Baptist Church Preschool Presented 94 Mittens to CAM, Inc. Teacher - Ms. Amanda Arbuckle & Ms. Lenora Burtch This is their third year of collecting up to 100 mittens for the community. KUO Hands of Hope Ministry served a meal at CAM tonight and gave out hats, scarves, these mittens & gloves, coats, blankets, and hygiene items.

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Perspective Lifetime Achievement Award 2009: Rev. Ruth Lawson

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:07:00 -0600

The Kokomo has awarded our Executive Director, Rev. Ruth Lawson, with the Perspective Lifetime Achievement Award for the Year 2009. To see the article, go to http://www.kokomoperspective.com/news/article_d908aa5e-f576-11de-817a-001cc4c03286.html.

Thank you to Kokomo Perspective:

I would like to express my gratitude to you, The Kokomo Perspective, for granting me your Lifetime Achievement Award 2009. The Family Hope Center is a community effort and will be a blessing to many families in time of crisis for many years to come.

CAM, Inc. is a wonderful organization. I would personally not be able to reach out into the community, if it were not for Kathy Esslinger, the CAM Supervisor, who keeps all the many components of CAM running. Also, CAM works because of Gwen Melton taking care of over 50 Payees; Darrin Bogue working with supplies, volunteers, and clients of CAM; Teddy White who drives our van; and the many churches, organizations, Volunteers, and CAM Volunteers that keep our doors open.

Imagine the faith of the CAM Board of Directors, seeing CAM scrap by financially like many agencies last year, yet willing to give the o.k. for CAM to reach out and meet the need of our community for a family shelter! They are to be commended, under the leadership of the CAM Board Chair, Rev. Paul Sutherland.

In thanking you for the year of the Family Hope Center, I would be remiss not to greatly credit Pastor James Bradley and Family Worship Center for their leap of faith and concern for local mission to purchase the home at 320 East Walnut and being willing to lease the facility to CAM, Inc. for $1.00 a year.

With sincere gratitude, Rev. Ruth Lawson, Executive Director of CAM, Inc.

Christmas Traditions 2009 - Individual Gifts

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:26:00 -0600

CAM Clients, each year, pick one personal gift from $10 to $15. 401 gifts have been selected that range from perfume, kitchen items, jeans, shirts, to toys for children. CAM, Inc. would like to thank the 27 Churches and Organizations who have taken tags and families – Abundant Life Church, American Legion Auxiliary, Bible Baptist, Brookside Free Methodist, Calvary Baptist, CAM Board of Directors, Carpenter Tools Church, Center Road Church of Christ, Christ Lutheran, Courtland Ave. Friends, Faith Presbyterian, Family Worship Center, First Baptist Kokomo, First Congregational Christian, Grace United Methodist, Greater Mt. Olive Temple, Judson Baptist, Judson Road Christian, Kokomo High School Basketball Team, Main Street United Methodist, Northview Christian, Paar United Methodist, Parkview Mennonite, St. Thomas Orthodox, Second Missionary Baptist, Upper Deer Creek, and West Middleton United Methodist.

Thanks for the work of Paul Hunt, who organized the sign-up for gifts; Darrin Bogue who organized the pick-up and delivery of all gifts and food; and Karen Snow with her Helpers who changed “numbers to names” and made sure everyone had a gift. This year Karen and I were very pleased to have a “Shopper” in our midst – Brittany Maggart from the CAM Family Hope

CAM Christmas Traditions 2009 - Christmas Party

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:24:00 -0600

Over 200 CAM Clients attended the Annual CAM Christmas Party at Grace United Methodist Church. Santa, Girl Scout Troops, school, and church organizations lined up to assist. Dottie Burns organized the food and servers, and thanks to the Realtors Association who decorated beautifully.

For food and serving, thanks to Ameriprise Financial, Bible Baptist, Calvary American Baptist, Christ Lutheran, CAM Clients and Volunteers, First Baptist Kokomo, First Christian Kokomo, Howard Regional Healthcare System, Hillsdale United Methodist, Indian Heights Southern Baptist, Kroger, Liberty Financial, Literacy Coalition, Lutheran Women, Maple Grove, St. Joan of Arc Catholic, St. Patrick’s Catholic, Second Missionary Baptist, Subway, and WWKI.

Northwestern Students of Mr. Aaron Gilmore's Marketing Class

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:44:00 -0600

In these days, when times are tough for everyone, Mr. Gilmore is teaching his Marketing Class that giving back to your community is a portion of a successful and meaningful life.

CAM, Inc. is thankful to be one of four organizations in our community to receive a portion of $4,309.95 raised by this Northwestern Marketing Class.

Through their innovative talents, Brayden Merrell, John Stahl, Devin Reed, Nathaniel Walter, Luke Miller, Trevor Gibson, and Steven McCauley, raised $2,010.48 to donate to CAM, Inc.

With great appreciation in this year of 2009, a year of great recession and need – WE THANK YOU.

Redeemer Lutheran School Contributes Toys to Santa Shop

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:36:00 -0600

Thanks to Redeemer Lutheran School children and faculty for helping the children of CAM to have a Merry Christmas. What may seem like a small gift might be the only gift a child will receive from a parent or grandparent on Christmas Day.

Beginning in 1998, CAM, Inc. became aware that if parents shared custody and the children were not registered in the parent’s home, they could not sign up anywhere for gifts for their own children. Also, it was so sad to talk with so many Clients who were very close to their grandchildren, but could not afford to buy gifts.

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I So, through the years, through the good graces of organizations such as your School, we have a Santa’s Shop where parents and grandparents can pick out a gift for their children. This year, Redeemer Lutheran School was joined by Northwestern Choirs, and Project Hope to fill the room with toys.

Jesus said, “Whenever you did this for one of the least of Mine, you did it for Me.” Their gift was a direct gift to God in honor of Jesus’ Birthday. Thank you for caring about other children in our community they may never personally meet.

CAM Thanks Maple Crest Middle School Student Honor Council

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:39:00 -0600

December 2009 - CAM, INC. wishes to thank the creative Student Honor Council of Maple Crest Middle School for raising $100 for the homeless through a Pajama Party and House Slippers Day.

12th Annual National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:53:00 -0600

On Longest Night of Winter ~ Monday - December 21, 2009 - 6:00 p.m.
Coordinated Assistance Ministries (CAM, Inc.) will be leading a Candlelight Service for Kokomo’s Twelfth Observance of the National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day. At 6:00 p.m., we invite the public to come and gather on the porch at CAM, 210 N. Market, for a candle lighting Memorial Service in memory of the homeless and the CAM Volunteers for the homeless, who have died since last year's service.
Each year, since 1990, on or near the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) have sponsored a National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to remember our homeless friends who have died in America.

In the midst of our prosperity, we are reminded that in every home town, there are people facing the cold long night of winter without a place to call their own.

CAM, INC PRESENTS NATIONAL HOMELESS AWARENESS WEEK NOVEMBER 15 – 21, 2009

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:24:00 -0600

The National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, Co-sponsored by the National Coalition for the Homeless and National Student Campaign Against Hunger & Homelessness is November 15-21, 2009. CAM first brought Homeless Awareness Week to our community in 2001, to raise awareness of the problems of hunger and homelessness in our community.

Grand Opening of Family Hope Center

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:52:00 -0500

GRAND OPENING

FAMILY HOPE CENTER

320 EAST WALNUT

On the North West Corner of Apperson and Walnut

Saturday November 14^th

10:00am - 3:00pm

Sunday November 15

11:00am - 2:00pm

The Family Hope Center IS THE FIRST FAMILY SHELTER built for intake families in the six-county area. While community programs exist for women, women with children, and single men, there is not a family shelter for a couple with children, a father with children, or an adult-extended family. THIS IS WHY FAMILIES CHOSE TO LIVE IN THEIR VEHICLES, rather than be separated. We transport families to Logansport or Lafayette. Consequently, not only does a family struggle with being homeless, they are simultaneously displaced from their community. The FHC is only possible because of the generosity of Family Worship Center and Transitions of Kokomo LLC for leasing the property to CAM, Inc. for $1.00 a year. Also, churches, organizations, and businesses have donated over $25,000 for the remodeling of the facility. This does not include the endless hours of labor of Joe Tackett who has headed up this project, David Brownfield, and Jerry Brady. There have been additional hours of Volunteers and the City of Kokomo COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT of $14,155 is at work to finish the exterior handicap ramp, storage barn, sidewalks, and front window. If you would like more information, call Ruth Lawson 765 434-0687

WIOU Live at CAM for Finish Line of Nickel Mile Race 2009

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:04:00 -0500

FINAL COUNT DOWN! 2009 NICKEL MILE RACE TO THE FINISH LINE

JOIN CAM AND WIOU 1350AM LIVE!

FRIDAY MORNING NOVEMBER 20TH

210 N MARKET, KOKOMO

Beginning in 2004, our community, with Nickel Mile Cans in stores, restaurants, at clubs, and in the hospitals, have raised over $42, 000, which measured in "nickels" is over 11 1/2 miles! The money, measured in nickels, is collected year-round ~ however, the Race is from Easter to Homeless Awareness Week. Need a can at your business? For Information, Call Rev. Ruth Lawson ~ 434.0687

Grate American Sleepout ~ For High School, College, and Up

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:58:00 -0500

GRATE AMERICAN SLEEP OUT!

FRIDAY NIGHT NOVEMBER 20TH - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 21

YOU ARE HOMELESS FROM 10:00PM FRIDAY TO 8:00AM SATURDYDAY MORNING

SHOW UP AT THE YMCA 10:00 PM

FOR AGES HIGHSCHOOL AND OLDER

You are homeless for the night ~ given an identity 10:00PM at the YMCA

10 p.m. ~ YMCA ~ Agencies will be set up to AID you in your plight.
11 p.m. ~ Center Township Trustees ~ We will walk to Center Township Trustees for a tour and understanding of how Trustees can assist.
Midnight ~ Build cardboard boxes to sleep in around CAM ~ (If you raise the most sponsorship, you may be able to sleep in a car or van or on the front porch of CAM!)
6 a.m. ~ Pack up and Walk to Kokomo Rescue Mission for Breakfast at 7:00 a.m.
8 a.m. ~ Pick up at Rescue Mission or walk back to CAM for pick up.
Sign-up Required ~ Ruth Lawson 765.434.0687 or Kathy Esslinger 765.507.0406

CAM Joins the Homeward Bound 5k Walk

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:08:00 -0600

Six Participating Organizations - CAM (day drop-in and homeless shelter), Gilead House, Howard Tipton Red Cross, Visionary Community Development Corporation, Second Blessing Thrift Shop of Tipton and Habitat for Humanity of Tipton have joined in a State Wide Homeward Bound Walk. Save May 15th 2010 on your calendar. Come and walk with us. Awards, entertainment, and activities are being planned for everyone in Tipton Park.

Individuals and Businesses can form walk teams and collect donations for CAM. Go to www. homewardboundindiana.org. Find Howard Tipton Counties Walk site and register to walk, build a team. Donations can be sent to Tipton County Foundation with Homeward Bound in the memo, PO Box 412, Tipton, IN 46072. Contributions are tax-deductible.

The Homeward Bound of Howard and Tipton is looking for additional Organizations and Corporate Sponsors. If interested call Holly Foster at 765 437-9470

Volunteers are also need to work with planning committees and day of walk activities. Call Melody Imbler 765 438-9283.

CAM - Coordinated Assistance Ministries, Inc. - Latest Blog Entries

Super Wash ~ A Local Business to Assist CAM

Kaylee Hartman ~ T-Shirt Contest Winner for 2nd Annual Homeward Bound Walk

Encouraging Ministries ~ Following Your Dream

CAM Thanks 1st Baptist Preschool & KUO Hands of Hope

Perspective Lifetime Achievement Award 2009: Rev. Ruth Lawson

Thank you to Kokomo Perspective:

Christmas Traditions 2009 - Individual Gifts

CAM Christmas Traditions 2009 - Christmas Party

Northwestern Students of Mr. Aaron Gilmore's Marketing Class

Redeemer Lutheran School Contributes Toys to Santa Shop

Thanks to Redeemer Lutheran School children and faculty for helping the children of CAM to have a Merry Christmas. What may seem like a small gift might be the only gift a child will receive from a parent or grandparent on Christmas Day.

SPACER

I So, through the years, through the good graces of organizations such as your School, we have a Santa’s Shop where parents and grandparents can pick out a gift for their children. This year, Redeemer Lutheran School was joined by Northwestern Choirs, and Project Hope to fill the room with toys.

Jesus said, “Whenever you did this for one of the least of Mine, you did it for Me.” Their gift was a direct gift to God in honor of Jesus’ Birthday. Thank you for caring about other children in our community they may never personally meet.

CAM Thanks Maple Crest Middle School Student Honor Council

12th Annual National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day

CAM, INC PRESENTS NATIONAL HOMELESS AWARENESS WEEK NOVEMBER 15 – 21, 2009

Grand Opening of Family Hope Center

WIOU Live at CAM for Finish Line of Nickel Mile Race 2009

Grate American Sleepout ~ For High School, College, and Up

CAM Joins the Homeward Bound 5k Walk

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