#exoffender

 GROUND AND POUND By Rick Mathes Satan is a formidable opponent and is the champion of all unbelievers. He has won all his matches with those that train in the flaming camp of this world’s kingdom. Prejudice is his number one weapon for becoming the forerunner of many future victories: fools fall so easily for it stealth blow. It doesn’t matter if it sex, skin color, faith, natural origin,…

Monday, September 30, 2012

Today was the second time in two weeks where David/CSR Direct Link was able to provide me with immediate viable information which will help me assist and refer clients to resources in the community. Collaborating and having a website available for all twin cities resources in one place is going to make my job 10 times easier. Thank you!

Jessica Marshall, SNAP Coordinator Catholic Charities, Higher Ground Minneapolis, MN

Catholic Charities Opportunity Center

p.s. from David

The subject Jessica and I were talking about today was resource information for ex-offenders.  Since I’ve been living in the Minneapolis shelter system for the past 3 years focused on this project work, and laying the ground work for this project, and making connections, I’ve talked to many ex-offenders, lived with many ex-offenders, be-friended many ex-offenders.  And, hear a great deal of frustration from ex-offenders committed to turning their life around.  Often enough, just digging down and holding onto the good, kind, productive person they already are.  And, often enough learning to, struggle to handle deep painful feelings from years of abuse, being devalued, disenfranchised, harassed, and more.

Jessica and I have had many conversations regarding the homeless community, and where and how the ball gets dropped, so to speak, regarding genuinely helping people in this community.  Every Monday I do Voice Mail Outreach for Open Access Connections from 8:30 to 10:30am, at the Catholic Charities Opportunity Center.  Jessica comes in on Monday’s as well, to work with clients there.  Her office is right behind where we set up, so we’ve had many opportunities to chat.

Jessica had made a list of resource information for ex-offenders as a task/project for Catholic Charities.  I took a look at it and knew there were resources not listed, and suspected there were several others we hadn’t even learned.  So, I showed her what I knew of regarding some links and information online.

Jessica’s comment, compliment above refers to that conversation, and information yet to be posted on my websites.  The project development has gone through many twists and turns, and is still at the ‘prepping for content’ stage.  Or, design stage. The adding content stage is just getting started.

One thing you will learn, especially regarding this project, my work is NOT half baked.  It is and will be the best clean, clear source of information online.  And, with deeper moral integrity to boot.

I have also found just listing a bunch of “stuff” does not really provide a resource service.  It is the mission of CSR Direct Services to facilitate complete information, as well as explanation and interpretation of said information, where it is possible. That is where CSR MN Forums comes in.  The CSR Minnesota message board where the community can come in and add resource information, and build The Need Be Network ~ Need a Resource, Be a Resource.

Also, we are NOT responsible for the services provided by others, but were are capable of genuinely doing a good job, that is not half baked.

Here is what I learned, when I looked into it further, this evening.  Right now, I’m at the Higher Ground shelter.  I’m posting this from the shelter.  I can because of the new hotspot donated by someone named Carson.  It’s lights out, and I’m working to finish this, so I can get to bed.