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Meals for the Hungry in Ann Arbor
February 4, 2007, FORUM Testimonial
Our first experience helping to serve dinner to the working poor and homeless
occurred in 2001 when dinner was being served at St. Mary's Student Parish.
We had moved to Pittsfield Township, joined St. Francis Parish and wanted
to become involved in the parish and community. Participating in
the parish and community in this way has been a wonderful experience and
opportunity to learn, grow, give and receive: I've learned that there
are hard working people who simply do not earn enough to provide for all
of their basic needs.
The growth has come in being able to look past the first impression and recognize the multi-dimensional personalities of the people who come for dinner regardless of outward appearance. I've learned that we all have the need to give, as I've watched the people who come for dinner reaching out to help others at their tables who are unable to come through the line to receive their meal. I can best sum up the receive aspect from the second time we served a meal. As my husband and I were leaving St. Mary's, there was a group of men who had finished eating and were standing outside. They thanked us for being there. To this day I regret that I did not say what was in my heart. I wanted to say to them, "No, thank you. We are new to this community and feel very alone and disconnected, and your acknowledgement makes us feel welcome." I believe that we are all in need in some way and that we all have something
to give and share. The third Friday of every month at the Delonis
Center from 3:00 - 7:30 p.m. is an opportunity to meet those needs.
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