What If?

Fear. What are we afraid of? What things make us afraid? I don't think of myself as a person that is afraid, but if I am being totally honest, there are a few things I 'worry' about. Is that the same thing? Are fear and worry basically the same emotion with just a little bit of a different twist? I do worry, and no matter how much I try to "give it to God" there always seems to be this little nagging thing that says, "What if?" What I am actually worrying about hasn't even happened yet, but what if? 

I do think fear and worry are the same thing. Do you notice how often God tells us "Do not fear? I will never leave you? I will never forsake you?." He is speaking in to our future. He is speaking in to the things that haven't happened yet. Right now everything is okay, but 'what if?" God knows we are afraid and that we worry and so He tells us to not be afraid. Do not worry about tomorrow. But no matter how many times He tells me that He will take care of me; even though He has proven to me over and over that He is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do, there is still that nagging "what if?".

As I am writing this it makes me angry. When I do that I am ALLOWING fear and worry to steal my joy and thankfulness for NOW. God's goodness and provision are all around me, and I am well taken care of. God has proved Himself to me over and over and instead of recognizing that I think "but what if?"

This is something I have learned and am reminded of daily by the members of the PARC. Even in the situations in which they have found themselves, I hear them say,  "I am thankful for the PARC. I am thankful for a place to come that is safe and positive. Thank you." We hear this every day and it may sound a little simplistic, but what I hear is that right now I am standing in the PARC and I am grateful. Yes, I am homeless. Yes, I have to live in a shelter where I don't want to be. I need a job. I need a home. I need transportation, but right now I am standing in the PARC and I am thankful.

That is how I want to be. Right now this is where I am. Right now I am being taken care of and I am provided for. Right now I am safe. How dare I worry about what MIGHT happen. How rude!!! I am sorry. I repent. I commit to be more intentional about being right here, seeing God's goodness and saying 'thank you.' And when that nagging voice starts to say, "what if?' I will tell it to be quiet and then I will look around and be grateful.

The Power of YOU

I have talked a lot about relationship in the past few weeks. There are so many different kinds of relationships, but we know and have seen that it is relationship that is the key to the successes we see in the lives of our members. What I love about relationship is that it is a two-way street. Relationship is not about what we can GIVE to someone, but more about what each of us in the relationship gives to one another. So often when we think of volunteering we want to GIVE something. What about when we come to just give ourselves. Are we enough? Can just giving myself be of value to anyone? So many times GIVING becomes more about us than it does about those to whom we are giving.

I don't want to preach to you a lesson on giving or volunteering, but I do want to remind you of the value of who you are and what you can bring to the PARC. I hear very often, "at the PARC they treat us like a person and not a piece of trash." Is it really so simple? Is it really as simple as coming in and introducing ourselves, shaking a hand and then calling that person by their name? Is it really as uncomplicated as taking the time to sit down and ask someone to tell you about themselves and then have a conversation with them? Why are we intimidated by that? Why do we feel that there has to be more? 

I am here to say that it is as simple and uncomplicated as that. I have witnessed miraculous change over and over because of this very thing. the PARC is for everyone. the PARC is for you. Those who come to volunteer may be shy, outgoing, talkative, good listeners, confused, or just searching for more, but we all have one thing in common. When we come to just be ourselves and make our self available, we have the honor of impacting a life; a person. We do not have the answers. We don't have to 'say the right thing' or solve their problem. We aren't supposed to. The beauty of what happens is that through relationship, as they begin to feel 'like a person and not a piece of trash', they begin to find themselves. Their confidence grows and THEY find the answers. The change happens from the inside out. 

As our numbers have increased at the PARC our need for volunteers has greatly increased. We need people like you sitting around the tables and having conversation. Do you want to change a life today? Do you want to be changed? Come to the PARC. Come anytime and stay as long as you want. We are open 8:00 - 4:00 Monday through Friday. Some come on their lunch hour. Some just drop by when they have some time in their schedule. Many schedule a time where they come consistently on the same day and at the same time every week. It is up to you, but we need you. It sounds too simple. It is hard to picture, but I promise you that once you see it; the minute you step in to the PARC, you get it. And, I can also promise you another thing. You will not only get the opportunity to impact and change someone's life, you have the opportunity to be changed yourself. There is value in relationship, and I am so thankful that the PARC has given me  the opportunity to have relationship with people I would never have known. I am richer. I am changed. Call or come by. Tell your friends. Our number is 367-8024 and we are located at 413 SW 6th. I hope to see you soon.

The Cost of Relationship

Dear PARC Family,

Relationship. That is the core principle of the PARC. It is behind everything we do and every decision we make. Relationship is the reason Robert and I started the PARC. We knew that those experiencing homelessness needed and wanted to be known; to be valued. They needed to know that they were cared for and cared about. We knew it was a need, but we had no idea how very powerful it would be. The changes we are able to see on a daily basis still catch us off guard. We celebrate victories every day as we witness how the power of relationship brings about things that were not even thought possible before. 

The thing about relationship, however is that it puts you in a place of caring, and that is often not so easy, or rewarding. Yes, we get the opportunity to celebrate often, but what about the times when those for which we have grown to love and care about so deeply make decisions and choose to go in directions that we do not believe are for their best? At the PARC we get the privilege of seeing those that are homeless for who they truly are. The walls come down and we see their hearts and recognize their potential. So, when they go off and do something that we be believe is harmful or 'stupid' we often don't know what to do with those emotions. We believe in them! We are rooting for them. Now what? What do we do? What is our role?

Relationship is hard. It takes a toll on you and requires vulnerability and honesty. It also takes acceptance. We must accept our 'friends' for who they are and walk in grace to allow them to take the directions they choose. Isn't that what God does for us? We must realize that when they leave the PARC each day that they are not our responsibility. They belong to God; a loving Father that won't leave them. He goes with them wherever they go, even to the darkest places, and He cares for them more than we do. That is HARD but it is necessary. 

If we are going to do this, if we are going to choose to walk in relationship with one another we must release them in to the hands of God, and in that releasing keep our hearts ready for their return. We must decide to keep our hearts open so that when they do come back and get on the right track again, we are standing ready to welcome them with open arms and open hearts. We choose to keep believing and keep giving them chances. At the PARC no one ever runs out of chances, but that is hard when we care so deeply. Sometimes we just get angry. Often it hurts. We have to decide to face our pain and grief and release them to walk this path they choose. It is grace. It is the grace that God shows us every single day. Do we choose it? Do we choose relationship no matter what it takes? With a resounding proclamation we say 'YES'! There is power in relationship. It changes us. It changes them. We choose relationship. Thank you for choosing to walk with us and choosing relationship to impact and truly change lives.

The Power of Relationship

Last week I had such a wonderful time of refreshing and renewal. It was restorative. A friend of mine and I went to North Carolina to visit our friend that has recently moved there. The three of us have been together for over 15 years in a group that met weekly or bi-weekly. Our purpose was to live life together; to be honest and vulnerable; to open ourselves to one another to share our pain, struggles, victories and disappointments. We came together each week for advice, encouragement and most of all accountability. We had to prioritize this time and worked hard to be committed to coming together. The result is that our relationship is strong and it is easy. We know each other inside and out and love one another all the way through.

Relationship is important. It feeds and encourages us in ways we are not able to do on our own. It calls us higher and helps us to see ourselves through  a different perspective. It helps to remind us of who we are truly meant to be. My friends have encouraged me to do things I would never have thought possible because they believed in me more than I did in myself. They saw things in me, both good and bad, that I could not see. 

Relationship is the foundation on what everything else is built at the PARC. It is THE most important thing we do, and it is the hardest. Steve works in construction downtown and comes in every day to the PARC on his lunch break. John stops in each morning before he catches the bus for his shift, and last week 2 members of the PARC that live in their own place came by. I was so sad to have missed them, but it is a reminder to me of the power of the PARC. Lives change here because together we help each other to see through different perspectives. The relationships that happen here help people do things they never thought possible because we believe in them more than they believe in themselves. It matters. It is powerful. It is miraculous.

As the PARC has grown our need for volunteers has increased. We need YOU. Look for times in your schedule when you can come to the PARC to make some friends and establish relationships. It will be rewarding and impactful. Yes, relationships take work, but they are well worth the effort. We truly are changing our city one life at a time. I hope that you will come and join us.

For more information about volunteering at the PARC, please call us at (806)367-8024 or email us at theparcamarillo@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Invest in Possibilities

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Becoming an investor in the PARC is simple, convenient, and tailored to meet the needs of you.

We have recently partnered up with the RoundUp App to provide you with a one-of-a-kind investment opportunity.

The RoundUp App is a new and innovative way to become a monthly investor in the PARC. The RoundUp App allows you to automatically donate the change from your credit and/or debit card transactions. With each transaction that you use your card, RoundUp will round up the transaction to the nearest whole dollar amount. At the end of the month, RoundUp will tally the total change of your transactions and send a deposit directly to the PARC! All that you have to do is select the PARC as the nonprofit you would like to donate to and link your banks and cards through the app. Once you create an account, you do not need to use the app while making a purchase. Just swipe your card as usual!

Concerned that you may end up donating more than you hope? No worries! The RoundUp App allows you to set a cap on how much you would like to be donated each month.

Worried about keeping your personal information safe and secure? Secured by Stripe, the same payment processor as Amazon, Facebook, and many other corporations, account security is not a concern with RoundUp.

What are the benefits of using the RoundUp App? The RoundUp App:

  • Provides a critical source of consistent support that allows us to do our work. This is true philanthropy.

  • Makes investing effortless

  • The average investor ends up contributing $20-$30/month

  • Naturally fluctuates up and down with your spending

  • You can set a cap for the maximum amount you will donate in a month

Ready to take the next step towards making a change? You can download the app for iPhone, Android, or create an account on the Web.

As always, thank you so much for your continued support and generosity!

the PARC Literally Saved My Life

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When I first came to Amarillo, I was sent to the Pavilion for severe depression and suicidal thoughts. After 2 weeks, I was released into the wild, homeless and afraid at the Salvation Army. So for the next 2 weeks, I was going to another place to stay during the day. The majority of the people seemed to enjoy being miserable and bitter all the time. There was nothing there to occupy one’s mind, no games and a television. Being there at the other place just added to the bad feelings and suicidal thoughts I already had. I had already planned a couple of ways to leave this world behind. I really didn’t want to be like everyone else. 

Then I found the PARC. I was greeted by the staff who asked me my  name. Then I met Taylor, who showed me the various parts of the building and all the activities the PARC offered. Still depressed, I stayed most of the day and left for home as the staff told me good bye. I came back the next day, and to my surprise, they greeted me by my name, I was so impressed. From that day, any time I entered the building, Will, Valerie, Jimmy, Taylor and Jenna always said hi anytime they were there. All of the time, there were several staff members always watching the floor. Doing activities most of the day along with the group sessions, kept my mind busy during the day. Still depressed, a couple of weeks passed by. Every day started feeling a little better each day with all the positivity that the PARC provides every day. Taylor would always walk around, checking in on everybody and what they were up to, and always “that’s great,” “good job” or “that looks good.” Taylor really caught my attention. I have never met a young lady so mature and full of positive energy. It amazes me how sweet and caring she is every day she is there, towards anybody and everything. Valerie, Jimmy, Will and Jenna, the most outgoing, positive friends I have ever met. 

Every day that I come to the PARC is the most calm and relaxing place that anyone could ever ask for. If it hadn’t been for the PARC, I would have never made it. the PARC literally saved my life from me ending it with a suicide. If it hadn’t been for the staff, volunteers and the other various people that make the PARC possible, I would have never seen the light in the darkness of my mind. If you ever need a place to get away from the stress, depression, suicidal thoughts or just need someone to talk to, the PARC might just save your life one day too.

One Word From God Can Change Your Destiny

Meet Marvin. A man of gentleness and grace, soft-spoken and wise. A man who spends his time seeking and soaking in God’s word and presence which shines through him. To know Marvin, you would never believe his past. 

Marvin's Diploma

Marvin was born in Odessa, TX, and following his parents’ divorce, he moved around a lot with his mother. He had to drop out of high school and when he was 20 years old, his cousin came to visit from Houston. Soon after, police officers were banging on Marvin’s door with a warrant for his arrest. Following a guilty conviction, Marvin was sentenced to ten years in prison for a crime he did not commit. It turns out that Marvin’s cousin committed the crime, although Marvin did not know it at the time.

He made the most of his time in prison, earning his CDL through a local college. And after about five years, he was paroled. When his parole was through, he began moving around with his mom again, until he was arrested again. He was sent to prison for the second time, and he lost his CDL. After five years, he was paroled again. He began using drugs and wound up on the streets. He struggled to get clean, and despite an encounter with God, he continued in rebellion. He violated his parole, more than once, leading to serving more time. 

After he got off parole, he graduated with a CDL again, moving to Alabama to be with his mom until she passed away. Then, he returned to Wichita Falls where he met Gloria with whom he had a daughter. Not long after she was born, he was arrested again. His charges were enhanced due to his record, and the state was seeking to give him 25 years to life. Fearful and afraid, he prayed. God strengthened his faith, and he only received five years of probation.

Just before his probation ended, a neighbor called in false charges on Marvin. He was sent back to prison. Separated from his family, Marvin sought out God. A book he found led him to find deeper hope and faith. According to Marvin, “One word from God can change your destiny.” For him, that word was “expectation.” He spent the rest of his time incarcerated studying the word, learning to trust God, and growing in his faith. Soon he was released on parole, and after being sent to Pampa, came to Amarillo where we had the pleasure to meet him at the PARC.  

Today, Marvin is committed to getting his life back on track and to providing hope to others. I have seen him walk through many trials with his faith and his joy never wavering. Marvin is a new man, steadfast. He brings peace and kindness with him on his days at the PARC. I recently got to watch him graduate from the Christian Men’s Job Corps at the top of his class and celebrated with him as Marvin found a full-time job the very next day. God has big plans for Marvin’s life and testimony, and I am grateful to get to walk beside him along the way. 

 

Hospitable

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the PARC uses a core set of values to fulfill our mission of helping those experiencing homelessness to find hope and possibilities. Hospitality is vital to this mission. 

 

At the PARC, we want both the environment and the people to be hospitable. This means:

  • The environment at the PARC will be warm and welcoming
    • The tables will be painted warm and inviting colors.
    • The room will be clean and in order.
    • Fresh coffee and water will be available.
    • The room will smell good.
    • Projects will be ready, presented in an attractive way on the tables. 
  • Everyone that does through the door will be greeted.
    • If we already know them, we will call them by name.
    • If they have never been to the PARC, a staff member or volunteer will go to the door and greet them.
      • The staff member or volunteer will welcome them, introduce themselves, and learn their name.
      • We will tell them that we are glad they are here.
      • The staff member or volunteer will then show them around the PARC, explain what we do at the PARC, and share the expectations. 
        • Show them the class schedule and let them know that we expect them to attend the classes.
        • Introduce them to the supplies and explain that they will need to find something to do. If there is something they need that they can't find, to let us know and we will try to find it for them.
        • Introduce them to other members.
        • Show them where the coffee and water are.
        • Show them where the restroom facilities are and where and when smoking is permitted. 
    • Throughout the day, we will check on the members, continue to call them by name, and make sure they have what they need. 
  • Maintain an atmosphere of peace.
    • Those that are angry or out of order will be asked/escorted outside until they have calmed down.
    • There will be mutual respect between staff, volunteers, and members.
    • The staff and volunteers are non-judgmental, open-hearted, positive, and encouraging.
  • There is a sense of belonging and ownership.
    • Those who come to the PARC will be called members.
    • As each person participates in activities that keep them productive and at ease, it maintains an atmosphere of peace and relationship.
  • When someone leaves the PARC, we will tell them goodbye and let them know that we are looking forward to the next time that we will see them.

Miracles Happen at the PARC

Rainee started coming to the PARC not long after we opened. One of our values is "You never run out of chances." Rainee is an example of the power that value has. Due to her addiction, there were many occasions Rainee came to the PARC under the influence and had to be asked to leave. When she was ready she was welcomed back each time and given encouragement to persevere. We've been honored to journey with her, to watch her go from the streets, addiction and abuse through the strong battle to just stay sober. We had the privilege of walking with her as she decided to work through her steps of recovery; forgiveness, making amends, and the hard, hard things required to get her life back.

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Last fall, Rainee transitioned to Martha's Home and overcame many obstacles to find a job and begin working. During this time, she cautiously moved towards reconciliation with her children through humility, respect and listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

Recently, Rainee came by the PARC to introduce me to her daughter! This is no small matter. This is God at work in the mightiest of ways. Rainee's life today is a miracle! In her, I see HIS miraculous work, a fulfillment of promises, perseverance and hard work.

I am grateful for the PARC. I am grateful for my unlikely friends. I am grateful for the opportunity to watch God's miracles happen right before my very eyes.

 

 

Coffee for a Cause

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We drink a lot coffee at the PARC. Coffee is important to the PARC. There is always a fresh pot brewed when you walk in, and we take pride in brewing a good cup of coffee for our members and volunteers. Our members especially love our coffee, and many enjoy it all day every day with their preferred fixings of sweetener and creamer. 

So, it was an honor and a perfect fit when Palace Coffee Co. asked if we would like to be one of their monthly causes this year! Like us, they take pride in serving only the best coffee to their customers, and they are trying to make a positive change in our community. the PARC is Palace's March cause, which means anytime someone buys their Cause Latte this month, we receive $1! The Cause Latte for March is "the Matador" which is a delicious blend of sweetened evaporated milk with cinnamon, espresso, and steamed milk. I can personally assure you the Matador is amazing! 

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In addition to the donations from Palace for Cause Latte purchases, Palace Coffee Co. has teamed up with the Amarillo Area Foundation which provides even greater support to their monthly causes! Once each month, if you scan the QR code on your Palace Coffee sleeve and enter your contact information, AAF will donate $5 to that month's cause! If you have not scanned your sleeve yet this month, please do so! (And don't worry, AAF is not going to spam your e-mails each day.)

Thank you Palace Coffee Co. and Amarillo Area Foundation for this opportunity and for all you do in our community, and thank you to everyone who is buying the Cause Latte and scanning your sleeve!!

Impacting People

Valerie speaking at our Spring Volunteer Meeting

Valerie speaking at our Spring Volunteer Meeting

Last night was so much fun! Our volunteers gathered to learn more about the impact they are making in the lives of those experiencing homelessness and in our community. Valerie shared many stories of the positive changes we get to see in our members resulting from our amazing volunteers, the 41% increase in daily attendance we have seen since January, and the continued need we have for more volunteers. In February, we served 102 unique individuals, and an average of 24 individuals each day. 

Below is a chart showing our current volunteer presence. Any box with 0 in the first chart means there are currently no volunteers regularly here at that time on that day. The second chart shows our current class schedule. We would like to have a class every morning and afternoon. The three blank spaces show the times we do not have any classes. We also have room for another Thursday morning class every other week. Take a look and see if there is a place for you! We would love to meet with you and give you a tour to show you more - give us a call (806-367-8024) or email (jenna@theparc.net)!

Volunteer Presence

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

8:00-8:30

1

0

1

0

0

8:30-9:00

1

0

1

0

0

9:00-9:30

3

1

1

0

0

9:30-10:00

3

1

1

0

0

10:00-10:30

3

3

1

0

1

10:30-11:00

3

3

1

0

1

11:00-11:30

3

3

1

0

1

11:30-12:00

1

2

0

0

1

12:00-12:30

0

0

0

0

1

12:30-1:00

0

0

0

0

1

1:00-1:30

0

0

0

0

1

1:30-2:00

1

0

0

1

1

2:00-2:30

1

2

0

2

1

2:30-3:00

0

2

0

2

1

3:00-3:30

0

2

0

2

0

3:30-4:00

0

0

0

2

0

Classes

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Morning

Ashley/Tammy

Jack

DeAnna +

Kaylynda (every other)

Amber/Matt/Scott

Afternoon

Myrl

Krista/Sara

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the meeting! We hope you all enjoyed getting to meet each other and share your stories as much as we did!

Respect

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the PARC operates using a core set of values. One of the most important values is respect.

 

At the PARC, respect means:

  • Each person that walks through our doors will be treated with respect by staff, volunteers, and other members. 

  • As staff and volunteers, we respect their decisions.
    • If they choose not to meet our expectations, we will respect that decision, and they are free to leave. They can come back to the PARC whenever they are ready to abide by the culture of the PARC.
      • This supports the value that they never run out of chances. When we tell them to leave, they will know that they can come back whenever THEY decide. 
    • If they choose to make decisions other than what we deem best when they leave the PARC, we will respect them and allow them to walk the path that they choose, and not the path we would choose for them. 
      • There will be no judgement, and they will be shown acceptance and love for who they are and not what they do. 
  • When addressing an issue, we will be forthright and firm in our responses while still using respectful and kind words.
  • Good manners are expected to show respect and gratitude. These will be encouraged and taught with kindness. 

Answered Prayers

January 15, 2018 was our first Monday EVER to be open, and what a day it was! After three years of prayer and hard work, our dream of being open to serve the homeless Monday through Friday every week became a reality.  Monday morning, our space was filled with members and volunteers who came together to celebrate this huge milestone. We had great food and great conversation and the energy in the room was amazing! 

We are so grateful for all of you who have faithfully supported us with your prayers, time, and money. It is because of you that we are able to fulfill our mission of providing a caring, relational place that promotes a sense of self-worth and helps the homeless to become aware of their possibilities! A place where hope is restored and possibilities are realized!

Dreams Come True

One-on-One 2017 was amazing! Thank you to everyone who sponsored, donated, volunteered, and helped make the event a huge success! Through your generosity we met our goal!  We are excited to announce that we will be opening on Mondays beginning January 15th. Being open Monday-Friday each week is a dream we have had since we opened three years ago. Our members are grateful and we appreciate you helping to make our dreams come true. 

Unlikely Friends

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Our “Unlikely Friends” evening last Friday night was powerful. One of the PARC members wrote me a letter and I believe her words describe the night perfectly.  “I was surrounded by a great community that just showered me with greetings of love, kindness and support. It felt like such a wonderful happening of people who love each other and love me. It was like a family reunion.” That is exactly how I felt!!

It was such a beautiful evening of people in our community coming from various and diverse backgrounds to be together, have conversation and make new friends. I love the way it communicated the heartbeat of the PARC and I was overwhelmed when I stood at the front of the theater and saw the members of the PARC propped up in their recliners with their popcorn and drinks. 

The story of Ron and Denver depicts so powerfully how relationship changes us and how that change then spreads throughout our community and further. That is what we are doing at the PARC. Relationships are formed, lives are changed and the cycle of homelessness is broken. As those that are often unseen find their value and remember who they are, they see the possibilities before them and begin to take the steps to move to their ‘next’.

I would like to invite you to join with us in changing the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Amarillo. For each member, it costs the PARC $25 a day, $125 a week and $500 a month to offer them life’s possibilities. Please consider partnering with us by giving to the PARC on a monthly basis and help provide for a member’s day, week or even month.

Thank you to everyone who came, to everyone who gave, to everyone who volunteered, and especially to Central Church of Christ, First United Methodist Canyon, St. Stephen United Methodist Church, More Church, and John and Karen Walker for sponsoring the night. With your help, we are rebuilding lives and helping the homeless become aware of life's possibilities!

Life Changes When We Volunteer

Jack Dison is a familiar face around the PARC. He comes weekly to lead a discussion group, and we are always blessed by his presence. I wanted to give you the opportunity to hear his perspective and the effect volunteering at the PARC has had on his life. There are many ways to volunteer at the PARC, and if you are interested I would love to tell you more.

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Jack writes:

It seems to me that at the heart of Jesus’ teachings (and other similar traditions) we are called to love one another and to place the needs of others above our own.  That’s a challenging assignment.  How can we do that, especially for those who have been pushed aside and rejected? 

One of the few places that I have found those principles to be embodied, day-after-day, is in the organization known as the PARC. It offers a place where people facing enormous challenges can be and are accepted, encouraged, and supported. 

As a volunteer I get to participate in what the PARC offers.  That happens in at least two ways.  First, I get to witness the love that is available and exchanged in various ways for and among members who find their way to the PARC.  

That reminds me of the place in the Bible where Jesus explains that the two major commandments are (1) love God and (2) love your neighbor.  Someone then asked him “Who is my neighbor?”

Jesus then told the story that we call the Good Samaritan.  The story calls us to be merciful to those who are poor, rejected, and in need.  It calls us to get out of our comfort zones and to cross boundaries that normally would keep us apart.  The Jews and Samaritans were separated by distrust and hate.  But it was the Good Samaritan who showed mercy and love to the Jew who was in trouble and great need.  Obviously it was the Good Samaritan who was the neighbor, rather than the others who passed by and ignored the one who needed help.

In the PARC, members are given constructive ways to spend their days, rather than merely sitting and standing around doing little or nothing.  Those responsible for setting the PARC up and administering it, noticed ways that they could be Good Samaritans right here and right now in Amarillo, Texas. Doing that work is not easy, and in some cases it is quite difficult.

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Second, as a volunteer I have the privilege to facilitate a “class” or group to give the PARC members an opportunity to share conversation which helps them take a deeper look at themselves than most have ever done.  I do this using what is called the “circle method.”  The technique is fairly simple.  We sit in a circle, we use a talking piece which we pass around the circle, and we share parts of our story, which direct us to look at where we have been in our lives, where we are now, and where we hope to be going in the future.  

Most members are drawn to and participate in what we do in the group.  We work together as a group to make it a safe place to share.  An important thing we do for each other in the group is to listen deeply to each other.  That is a gift of love we can exchange in our group process.  It is important to be listened to. 

Being facilitator does not make me the expert in the group.  While I help keep the group on track, I am one among all the others in the group.  I am convinced that the wisdom which emerges in such groups comes from every member of the group as we share our experience, our stories, and ourselves with each other.  

It is a huge honor for me to be a witness to the fine work of the PARC and to be a facilitator in the groups that meet each Tuesday morning.  It adds to my life every time I am there.  

I would not call myself a Good Samaritan, but the PARC gives me a chance to hang out with some people who are.