How YOU can be a Part of the PARC

the PARC has 5 indicators of success; get a job, go to rehab, go to school, get a place to live or reconcile with their family. All of these are important factors in helping them get out of homelessness. Of those that choose to become a part of the PARC, 67.70% of them find success!

It is baffling to me that a place that doesn't provide any resources or do case management can have such a high rate of success. This past week I had conversations with a few of our volunteers that feel like they aren't doing enough. "Am I really doing what I am supposed to do?" In these conversations I have been reminded of the value and empowerment that acceptance brings. We take everyone where they are and help them move to their next. That is true for EVERYONE!

WHO you are; whether you are shy, outgoing, quiet, chatty or nervous.. is WHO is needed. When we break the expectation of what we “THINK” we should be and just be ourselves, then we create an environment of acceptance. Accepting ourselves and others is powerful, and it is in that environment that success is achieved.

Yesterday I was having a conversation with a member that was going into a recovery program. He said, "Yeah, my problem is that I smoke pot, and I want this job that you have to do a drug test." Another member began to laugh and said, "I think it is so funny that people here just say stuff. They are so honest." They are accepted here.


I don't have the same life experience as many of our members. Sometimes this makes me feel unqualified. But I love that the members accept me as I am. When they talk about things I don't know much about, I just ask questions and they help me to understand. I have never been made fun of or made to feel weird because of my lack of experience. They accept me for who I am, and it has changed me. 

the PARC is doing great and mighty things. We are making a major impact in the lives of those who are homeless. How does that happen? It happens when people like YOU come and be exactly who YOU are. It is in being who we are that everyone is changed. I hope that you will come and be YOU at the PARC.