AARP Gets the Job Done

Howard Lusane a former roofer and U.S. veteran found himself without employment simply due to his age. After a year of frustrating attempts to find employment, he went to the AARP Foundation Worksearch located at 529 Court Street in Reading, PA (suite 200.) The Foundation is a work training program for people 55 years and older. It was here that Howard was welcomed as a valuable member of society. He was given temporary employment though the Foundation at the Humane Society. After only a few days of work, the Humane Society recognized Howard's talents. They offered him a permanent position with insurance and benefits. Howard is pictured here at his new job as a maintenance man. He is grateful for the AARP, and very happy with his new employment. Damon March the Operation Director for the Humane Society says, "Howard is an excellent employee and a fine person." Damon went on to praise AARP for their efforts to help the elderly find a sense of security and self-worth.

Howard is a true success story. With the help of our community, we would like to see more people get the chance to shine.

The AARP Foundation Worksearch literally pays low income elderly for their work while non-profit organizations get their work for free. AARP is also looking for businesses to hire these exceptional men and woman. For more information contact Lisa Quinby at # (610) 375-2576 or visit their web-site: www.aarp.org/scsep

Free Hugs: One womans' story

more photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/Berks.Unity.Solution/FreeHugs

I packed up the kids and headed out for the Free Hug event today. We walked around the city streets and held signs that said "Free Hugs".

What a wonderful thing! In the 2 hours I was there - I gave (and received) well over 100 hugs. At one point, I approached an elderly woman and asked her if she would like a free hug. She said yes. As soon as I hugged her, she began to cry - needless to say she got a second hug. It was pretty clear that a lot of people are really missing human connection in their lives. The time flew by. Getting to meet that many people, and connecting with them on such a personal level was an incredible experience. I hugged people waiting for the bus, old people, young people, people on cell phones, people who spoke my language, people who didn't. We wandered into shops and offered hugs, which were happily shared. We walked to the Police Headquarters and hugged the uniformed men and women. It was a very enlightening experience. Channel 69 news covered the event. My son Morgan and I were interviewed by the Channel 69 newsman. The newsman was wonderful and followed us around and we traveled the streets of Reading, offering hugs to everyone.

By: Amy Madsen

The Berks Humane Society 30th Annual Walk for the Animals & Walktoberfest last Saturday was a huge success. Hundreds of dogs and thier companions came to walk and support our local Humane Society. This event raised $100,569 for the aide of four legged friends. A special thanks goes out to the sponsors of this event as well as all those who attended and contributed to the love and well-being of our fellow creatures here on Earth.

The Goggle Works Center for the Arts and the Arbor Career Center dedicate mural to Beacon House at 812 Schuykill Ave.

Artists Team: Janna Carrozza and Marianna Burkard; Alexander Colon, Francisco Ramirez, Tyieshia Smith, Stacy Santos, Brenda Russell, Michelle Ray, Janet Hernandez, Carlos De Jesus, and Dalinda Donato

Community Partners: The Arbor Career Center, Beacon House, DSS, The Hammel Family, Neighborhood Housing Services of Reading, and Mike Miller

After the Parade and Fair

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of your for your support and friendship over the last few months. Saturday’s parade and fair was a complete success. One hundred members of community organizations came out to walk the streets of Reading showing a unified effort to support non-violence. Over forty organizations participated in this community fair disseminating information and opening new pathways of communication in our county. Participants came from four surroundings counties to offer their support to this Initiative. We achieved our goals in setting precedent. Where else could you see Muslims banding together with Native Americans in a drum circle? or Latin dancers sharing a space with Zen Buddhists? This was a time for all community non-violence groups to meet with global non-violence groups to send the message that violence is not the answer. Communication is the only positive way to resolve conflicts. This is what the Berks Unity Solution is about. This is what we have achieved. This is a new beginning built upon the labor of all community members. At a close look, one can see that violence thrives on fear. We have taught tolerance and respect. Gangs flourish because they fulfill a need for a sense of belonging. We have offered better opportunities. Gangs also persist because they simply unify. If we want to have an impact on our children and our community, we must unite. The Berks Unity Solution is an ongoing project. Again, thank you everyone. You have all truly touched my heart. Lisa Kneer Director/Event Coordinator