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"Caring about People & Working for Change" |
Churches United in Ministry 102 W. Second Street Duluth, MN 55802 Phone: 218-720-6521 FAX: 218-722-6042 |
YMCA School's Out youth and staff beautify CHUM with flower power |
CHUM Staff MemberDoug Happy runs Grandma's Marathon to support services to neighbors in need |
Part of the YMCA School's Out program involves conducting service projects around the community. Youth from the program came to CHUM one day to plant flowers donated by the Lake Superior Garden Center and have been watering the flowers ever since. Speaking of water, the group also conducted a car wash that raised nearly $150 for CHUM's Food Shelf. School's Out Coordinator Bridget Maruska, far left, discusses some of her group's service projects with CHUM Executive Director Jim Soderberg, second from right. |
CHUM Community gathers to bless, dedicate and celebrate opening of four supportive housing apartments developed through RUAH Project |
Doug Happy, center, with Drop-In Center colleagues James Barker, left, and Tony Smith. |
Happy runs to help people in need to discover and stabilize their footing |
CHUM employee and recently “retired” Grandma’s Marathon runner Doug Happy knows from deep personal experience that many paths lead toward healing, that the journey unfolds step by step, and that process vastly overshadows destination in importance. Doug also knows that the journey toward healing involves helping others; when Doug ran his last Grandma’s this summer he accepted pledges of support that have been divided between the Gabriel Project’s Emergency Discretionary Fund and the Homeless School Education Fund. “There are many paths to healing,” Doug explained. “The path can involve acting, music, poetry, nature, running, or any number of things. Running and nature have been two of the bridges for me to overcome some of life’s challenges. The key is for a person to find the things that fit with themselves.” Doug has also discovered during his many years of running that the marathon serves as an apt and powerful metaphor for his personal as well as the general journey of human growth and healing. |
Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Gary Platteter puts on finishing touches in a kitchen. |
Duluth Habitat for Humanity Executive Director John Miller consults with Prioress Lois Eckes from the St. Scholastica Monastery in planning the blessing & dedication ceremony. |
Gabriel Project Social Worker Veronica Gaidelis-Langer mops in preparation for the gathering. She will provide supportive services to families in these apartments. |
CHUM staff members enjoy the shade at the RUAH apartments Fifth Street entrance. Left to right are: Ian Heaslip, Max Proetz, Kim Crawford, Steve O'Neil and Ben Small. |
Sr. Maria Volk and CHUM Executive Director Jim Soderberg marvel at the gorgeous view. |