Home > Gwinnett > Rick Badie / My Opinion > Archives > 2006 > June > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHomeless kids can eat healthfully, and you can help
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s summertime. School’s out. There’s no cafeteria lunch or breakfast to be had for the nearly 2,000 homeless children in Gwinnett.
For those who live in extended-stay motels, there are vending machines — filled with candy, chips and colas.
Little fruit, if any.
Maybe that’s why fresh fruit is the first item kids take out of their lunches once Davida Baker delivers them. It’s usually the first thing they eat, too.
“It tells me that they are craving nutrition,” Baker told me.
On Wednesday, I accompanied her to Intown Suites off Indian Trail Lilburn Road. It’s home for a dozen or so school-age kids who, under federal law, are categorized as homeless.
Campus Church of Christ, at Greater Atlanta Christian School in Lilburn, helps fill the void. The church provides free lunches as part of Project Kids Eat. The program isn’t some ruse to proselytize or pad church rolls. A Scripture that’s placed in each sack lunch is as preachy as it gets.
To receive a meal, just sign up in the motel office. There’re no strings or commitments. Maybe one request.
“You have to pay me,” Baker told Brianna Parker, a pretty 8-year-old who popped into the Intown Suites office with her mother and sister.
Brianna, smiling, gave Baker a hug.
The motel clerk showed us a letter Brianna had written.
“It’s pretty cool how you guys don’t give the same thing for lunch, but I wouldn’t care if it was the same thing,” she wrote. “I still appreciate it.” So does her mother, Terri O’Grady.
“It’s needed,” she said.
Kids Eat stems from Baker’s benevolence. The Tucker woman’s son, Andrew, is a graduate of Greater Atlanta Christian School. One year while a student, he volunteered at the Norcross Cooperative Ministry.
Davida Baker saw families struggling to put food on the table. She saw that school lunches, in many cases, were the only square meals consumed by many children.
So she started delivering meals here and there, depending on donations from friends and others to cover costs. Last year, her church took over the operation, which now costs about $17,000 to operate. This summer, 150 children will receive lunches. The church also hosts Christmas and Easter dinners for the needy.
Baker deflects any credit. She simply wants other churches to pick up the mantle.
If you don’t believe there’s a need, drop by an extended-stay motel and talk to the staff.
You may want to pack some fruit to take along.
For more information about Project Kids Eat, call Baker at 770-493-1723.
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Comments
By cliff zeider
June 22, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this
Hey Rick, Its a sad state of afairs when kids aren’t taken care of by there parents. This is just plain child abuse and the parents should arrested. Cliff
By Jo
June 22, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this
I COMPLETELY agree with Cliff! And why do people who are homeless & dirt-poor insist on breeding when they know they can’t even take care of themselves, let alone a defenseless child??
By leave us not forget
June 22, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this
cliffsajerk
By leave us not forget
June 22, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this
sosjo
By Swangirl
June 22, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this
That just breaks my heart. Thank goodness for people like Ms. Baker, who remembers giving “unto the least of these.” She’s an angel on earth. Thank you for sharing, Rick.
By jim d
June 22, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
It is abundantly clear that a few readers here have never been down and out. Nor have they been hungry. I guess Jo and Cliff would prefer these parents were out stealing to feed their kids.
Kudo’s to Ms. Baker and Campus Church of Christ for their efforts.
By Jo
June 22, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this
No, Jim, I HAVE struggled & that’s what makes me know I should be responsible enough to NOT have children when I know I can’t feed them. And unlike the lazy scum who breed yet don’t want to work, I’ve ALWAYS worked. Do you REALLY advocate dirt-poor people having kids & shirking their responsibilities to those childen? That’s awfully ignorant. And selfish. The problem with today’s society is no one wants to take responsibility for their own. Instead they rely on other, LESS LAZY folks, to take up the slack.
By nikki
June 22, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this
@jo - We aren’t talking about the parents, we are talking about feeding the kids. The parent issue is another issue. Do you feel the need to ruin everything you see with your negativity. Just once I would like to see good responses with helpful attitudes. Everything is not coming from YOUR pockets jo AND cliff
By John
June 22, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this
It’s not as simple as some of you would like to believe….I volunteer with an organization called StandUpForKids and they provide assistance to homeless children too. You would be very surprised to find that groups of children who have run away from home due to neglect, sexual abuse, and physical abuse or due to their sexuality (and thus have been kicked out of their homes) are living either on the streets or in groups at these extended stay motels. This is not something that they do by choice. It is something that has been done to them. I applaud the actions of the the Campus Church of Christ for doing this work. I’m sure all the holier than thou folks here would be accepting of their children announcing that they are gay and embracing them, right? Or would they kick them out of the house as has been done to so many of the street kids. And what about the sexual and physical abuse of kids near and dear to them? Are you holier than thous reporting that or offering to help kids you know about who are living in such situations? If not, you’re part of the problem not the solution. That’s how these kids end up on the street.
By Cory
June 22, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this
Admit it, Jo, you have a horrible disdain for poor people. You condem without all the facts. Are you aware that discrimination against the poor is disgusting in God’s sight? But for the grace of God go you and I. No one knows what tomorrow will bring.
By Cosmo
June 22, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this
Acually Nikki it is coming from their pockets (the pockets of everyone one who works for a living) through taxes. Wake up and smell the coffee.
By jim d
June 22, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this
Actually Jo, you’re assuming a lot.
These parents obviously are working or they wouldn’t be at an extended stay motel. And how are you so sure that they couldn’t afford them when they had them? I’ve known people making 6 figure salaries that lost their jobs, every thing they owned and had to start over.
By Jo
June 22, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this
Some of you are missing the point. Read the first post. Cliff is concerned that these kids are living in abusive situations. Well, he’s right. I know these bleeding-heart organizations MEAN well but all they’re doing is putting a Band-Aid on a wound. They need to get to the root of the problem, determine WHY these kids are in that situation & get them OUT of it. As for kids who take to the streets, let the bleeding hearts take them in & put themselves at risk of HIV infection & being robbed & murdered. Street kids, if they’re not like that already, become completely hardened & immoral with no regard for human life. Lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas.
By leave us not forget
June 22, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this
TAXES?
Where the h-ll did that come from. Read the story, it’s from donations you dolt
By nikki
June 22, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
@Cosmo - so what if it is. You can’t take it with you. Or maybe you can and would rather than feed children who can’t help themselves. What in the world is wrong with you and those other two. I hope I don’t ever need anything or any help and come accross you three. You three need to get together and form a negative group cause you are really good at it.
By jim d
June 22, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this
Jo, do you have kids? Do you have a job? Do you have someone supporting you?
By Jo
June 22, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this
Cory: I judge case by case. A lot of poor people ARE poor because they WANT to be. They don’t feel like working & would rather get handouts. Jim: Yes, that’s true that a lot of folks are down & out because of unfortunate circumstances but I’m referring to the ones who insist on breeding when they ARE in these dire situations. Cosmo, you’re right. That’s EXACTLY where our taxes go, to subsidize lazy scum. We work, & have no choice but to support trash that would just as soon kill us for the few dollars in our wallets as look at us.
By John
June 22, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this
Jo - You know, I do understand what you’re saying - and in part you’re probably correct: these kids can become hardened and immoral, but the hope of charitble organizations is that they can get to these kids BEFORE they get that way. Many of the kids we’ve come in contact with are at the cusp of becoming homeless. They’ve been forced into a situation that they feel there is no way out: sexually or physically abused. Some of these kids come from wealthy or at least middle class homes. Others are from underpriviledged homes where their parents have turned some of them into prostitutes. Surely you don’t think that because someone is abused that we should just end their life? Also, not all these kids have HIV. Not all are on drugs. Not all are criminals unless you think that selling their bodies only to be able to keep food in the bellies is really a criminal offense.
By Jo
June 22, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
Jim: While my private life is certainly no one’s business, I shall be happy to answer your questions. Yes, sir, I work full time. I have a boyfriend but he does not SUPPORT me, I am self-supporting. We have no children, one reason being we wouldn’t be able to afford to care for them the way we feel children SHOULD be cared for & we feel it would be wrong to have kids & either let them starve, or shirk our responsibilities & let strangers support them. Nikki, I can’t speak for either Cosmo or Cliff (both of whom sound extremely intelligent) but I have no intention of “taking it with me”. I intend to leave whatever I have to loved ones, not to a bunch of low-life strangers. I’m already doing enough of that with my taxes. That’s not “negative”, it’s “reality”.
By jim d
June 22, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this
Jo, we’re talking two different things here.
Those that are down and out, trying to improve and make things better and those that are leaches on society. Judging from the article, these kids belong to the first group.
Get a heart my friend.
By John
June 22, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this
And for the record, Jo - this blog wasn’t regarding the “first post” but rather Mr. Badie’s article which sought to highlight and inform the community about the benevolent practices of an organization. I can only assume his intent was to inform and educate readers that such sad situations do exist and that others are out there trying to help. Should we try to help too - when we can put and honest to God face on the problem? I think so. This isn’t a foreign nation that we don’t know whether our relief actually ever gets to those in need - this is literally in our back door. Surely you’d help a neighbor out if they were in need.
And if you support our troops, you must know that one of the primary directives of military service requires servicemen and women to take care of fallen comrades.
Are these children not fallen comrades? Are they not the least of us (as spoken about in the Bible)? Are they not the helpless? They can’t vote and they can’t rent apartments, but many extended stay motels will let them stay there - and it isn’t cheap when you consider that many of these kids are too young to work legally in Georgia. So what is the alternative for them? They either get charitible assistance or sell their bodies or if they contact the government, they’re put into a foster system that may have already had them in the abusive situation from which they just escaped.
Many of these kids don’t trust adults because of the abuse they’ve received at the hands of adults. It is up to charitible organizations such as this and StandupForKids to address this situation in an sympathetic and understanding way rather than the brutish tactics often employed by the government programs or the abusive parents.
By Jo
June 22, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this
John, it doesn’t look like these organizations are doing ebough to forstall the problem & yes, prostitution IS illegal & causes the spread of STD’s. While we’re on the subject, why aren’t there any organizations to help kids that are bullied, assaulted & tormented daily through no fault of their own?
By jim d
June 22, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
Jo,
One other observation from this old timer.
If we wait to have kids until we feel we can afford them, humanity would cease to exist.
There are no Guarantees in life and every one of us could find ourselves in a similar situation.
By nikki
June 22, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
@jo - now let me get this straight. Churches (aka bleeding hearts) are just putting a band aid on but should assume all responsibility because your tax money shouldn’t be involved.
Since churches are doing something why do you gripe. ITS NOT YOUR MONEY.
Go take a long look in the mirror and ask yourself if you really like what you see. Do you complain all day long endlessly.
Do you find yourself with less friends? I feel sorry for you and anyone like you that you can’t see any good in anything.
By Jo
June 22, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this
John, the difference is that our troops in Iraq are serving our country, not spreading STD’s (we hope!). Jim, I’m frustrated because as a taxpayer, I’m already being forced to give a good chunk of my salary to a bunch of thugs & welfare abusers I don’t know or WANT to know.
By jim d
June 22, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this
So why get upset when someone voluntarilly helps these kids. It’s saving you money
By nikki
June 22, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this
Save your breath jim. It’s not about the money. It’s about hate and greed.
By Bruce Wilcox
June 22, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
The Greater Atlanta Christian Schools campus shows a stark contrast between the have and the have nots. Right across from it’s beautiful campus sits Meadowcreek Grade School stuck between a truck terminal and the rock quarry, I always wondered about the air quality around the school.
The wrought iron fencing that surrounds the campus makes it look like like fortress, to seperate them from ‘Those’.
Little did I realize that the church had such a community outreach program to offer a much needed hand to ‘Those’ less fortunate than the rest of us. It’s nice to know that it’s not all about them, but helping ‘Those’ as well.
By Jo
June 22, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
Jim, it’s true there are no guarantees in life but if you KNOW you can’t afford kids (& I’m referring to the editorial “you”, noy “you” as in Jim!), is it right to do it anyway & foist them off on others? Nikki, you assume a lot. I’m happy with myself &7 my life & have plenty of friends. The churches can do what they want but a lot of waste comes from our taxes as well
By Rob
June 22, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this
So we should just breed uncontrollably with no regard as to how we’ll take care of them or support them? Sounds like where my wife works in labor and delivery in Clayton County. She see’s 22yr old coming in having their 3 and 4th kid. Of course that’s from multiple fathers as well. Sounds like a good plan to me.
By John
June 22, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
Jo, I don’t mean this cruelly, but you really need to find your soul. You may have sacrificed in your life, but so have I. However, the merit of a person’s life isn’t necessarily the life they lead, but the life they don’t lead. Think about it.
These kids didn’t ask to be abused. You’ve complained about the situation here, but you offer no solutions. I can complain about a lot of things, but at least I’m trying to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. If you continue to complain and do nothing then you’re part of the problem.
Prostitution is known as “the world’s oldest profession” and many do not believe it should be illegal. Do I condone it for these kids? Of course not. But then I have a roof over my head and a job. These kids are too young to work and have little hope - the adults in their lives have not been there for them. They didn’t ask for their lives…Yes, their parents are to blame…but should the children be forced to suffer?
Jo - if you struggled, then I’m sure somewhere along the line, someone helped you. But this is a charity at work. It doesn’t take money from your pocket. So if you don’t like their works, then don’t donate to them. The End. You don’t have to worry about anything other than yourself for the rest of your life. But God forbid you should ever be on the other side…and be faced with people who think the way you do.
By jim d
June 22, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this
Jo,
I’d be the last one to argue that there’s not a tremendous amount of waste in Governement. But this article has nothing at all to do with that. It has to do with people choosing to help the less fortunate with their own money or money that was willingly donated to the cause. This has absolutely nothing to do with taxes or governement extorting money from your paycheck.
By nikki
June 22, 2006 10:31 AM | Link to this
@rob - we can’t control what people do. But we can make an effort to take care of children and try to teach people responsiblity. Unless of course you want every aspect of your life dictated by the government.
@bruce - yes there is wealth in that school, provided by tuition fees. But they are trying to help others. Why do you care that they have money
By Jo
June 22, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this
Rob, you & your wife should take a drive around the North Ave/Boulevard area in Midtown (but during daylight hours & even so, lock your car doors & windows). You’ll see teenage girls with big bellies, trailed by filthy, neglected toddlers of various ages & sizes. And where are the men? In front of the liquor store, guzzling booze out of bottles in paper bags. See, that’s why these gals should breed uncontrollably. So they & their AIDS/crack kids can be subsidized by you, your wife & me.
By John
June 22, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this
And for the record all….all the “bleeding heart” diatribe I’m spewing…it’s coming from the mouth of a registered Republican…
By khs
June 22, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
Enough. You all need to zip it. Anyone who truly cares, step up and become a foster/adoptive parent. No excuses.
By Jo
June 22, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this
John: Maybe the churches should round up all these street kids & put them in a “lock-up” situation where they can get the discipline that’s lacking from their lives. And yes, you’re righ. When I’ve struggled, there were 2 people that helped me: God & myself. I wouldn’t feel right stealing from the pockets of working people. It was never THEIR fault that I struggled.
By jim d
June 22, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this
khs,
Some kids can’t be reached that way.
Any other thoughts?
By John
June 22, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this
Jo - you’d be surprised…those fat bellied women and the absent fathers to whom you’re referring….they’re not the ones whose kids are usually out on the streets homeless. Those kids are being taken care of the government via social programs. The kids being spoken about in this article are NOT being taken care of by any programs, because the kids are afraid to get back in the system that already abused them (put them in foster homes where they were raped or beaten).
Although you’ve gotten ahead, it sounds like you don’t do a lot of deep thinking. Look below the surface. Things aren’t always so black and white.
By Jo
June 22, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
John, see my 10:37AM post. Sounds harsh? Maybe. But street kids NEED discipline. We didn’t have nearly as many problems like this decades ago because we did not, at the time, live in a child-centric society like we do now where kids are catered to & pandered to, all in the names of (misused term!) “self-esteem” but that’s anoher issue altogether.
By nikki
June 22, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this
Hopelessness is abound simply because no one cares. Obviously, there are a lot of people who don’t care about anything other than themselves and their world.
I’ve learned over the last year that good people get themselves in trouble and it spirals down from there. People look down on you and if someone doesn’t give you a chance, you stay down.
Thank God I know the difference.
By John
June 22, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this
khs - Already am a foster parent and an adoptive parent….
However, the kids Mr. Badie is talking about are NOT in the system. The system has been failing them and they’re trying to hide out from the system so that they are no longer abused.
Jo - Why would you “lock up” children who have been abused? You must be insane! These kids aren’t criminals. They aren’t stray dogs and cats. These are living breathing young children who you and I have allowed to slip through the cracks. These are children trying their very best to survive in the only way they know how. Most of them are NOT criminals. They are only trying to survive day to day. They aren’t taking any of YOUR money through social programs because they are desperately trying to stay OFF the radar of any government agencies that would automatically put them back into the “system”. Please stop making me repeat myself. You’re not paying any attention. You aren’t subsidizing any of this so stop complaining. Many of these kids - when they reach legal working age - are assisted by charities so that they can get a license and a social security card so that they can go out and get a job. However, in order to get a job, they must have a legal address. That is why many of the charities put them in the extended stay hotels and pay for them so that the kids can get jobs and become self sufficient. I would think that these charities should be commended for their dutiful efforts to help these outcast children become self sufficient citizens like all of us and keep them safe from harm.
By Jo
June 22, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this
Nikki, I care about those who deserve to be helped, i.e. are doing what they can to get out of an unfortunate situation. At present, I have several very close friends who are currently unemployed & are doing everything they can to find work. Are they sitting around getting drunk & popping b——-ds? Noooo, they’re pounding the pavements looking for work & I do what I can to help them because I see they’re genuinly trying
By khs
June 22, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
I agree, some kids can’t be reached that way, but it could free up funds that could otherwise provide meals, clothes, etc. for those children who can’t be reached through adoption or fostering. There isn’t an absolute solution, but at least it’s a thought in the right direction. And made without slamming the system, people in need, or mentioning only the terrible fraction of foster parents who abuse the children in their care. It’s a lazy person who does nothing because they can’t fix everything.
By Jo
June 22, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this
John, by today’s standards, my brothers, peers & I were all “abused children”. When we misbehaved, we were reprimanded & even spanked, if the transgression called for it. There were no bleeding-heart organizations to help US. Know how we turned out? We’re all self-supporting, HIV negative, not on drugs, not alchoholics & don’t have hordes of illegitimate kids. Prostitutes ARE criminals, especially in this day & age of deadly STD’s. But, again, we live in a society that rewards bad behaviour & punishes GOOD behaviour.
By nikki
June 22, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this
@jo - since you don’t know these kids, don’t judge them. If they are trying to work and make a life for themselves, that is good. Who are you to judge anyway. You keep talking about pills. Sounds like you have had or have a drug problem yourself. I am so tired of people like you. Never giving any body any slack. You will go to your grave with bitter in your mouth.
By jim d
June 22, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this
Jo,
Since you brought up god, I respectfully point you towards his word.
John 8:7 Titus 2:14 Luke 10:33-35
By Bruce Wilcox
June 22, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
All it takes is a few ignorant commenters who miss the point of the article and rather attack ‘Those’ who find themselves in difficult straights to destroy what should be an intelligent discussion. Kind of makes you wonder how those who attack the weak would handle themselves in a similar situation.
By Jo
June 22, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this
Jim, yes, I believe in God but am not a religious fanatic. Nikki, I judge those “earning a living” ILLEGALLY & because I earn my living within the law, I CAN judge. I consider myself better than criminals & if you’re a law-abiding citizen who doesn’t sponge off the system, so are you, even though it pains me to admit that! No, I never had any sort of substance problem, but I’ve seen what it can do. As for not giving others slack, read my 10:50AM post about giving slack AND help to those who deserve it.
By jim d
June 22, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this
Agreed Bruce,
I fear we’ve allowed Jo to take us a bit off track.
According to the article an 8 year old young lady appeared in the lobby with her mom. This would clearly indicate these kids aren’t walking the streets and the parents are making a valiant effort to take care of their children. I’ve always found Helping people, that are trying to help themselves, an easy task.
By jim d
June 22, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this
Ok Jo,
Me either. Just thought you might find those passages helpful.
Have a wonderful day. :-)
By Jo
June 22, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this
Jim, there are a number of Bible verses I take to heart. OK, I hope & pray that 8 year old girl never finds herself on the streets or really in any situation where she’s a danger to herself and/or others. If the mother HAD the child when she was in a position to properly look after her, & is truly trying to get out of that situation she is certainly not at fault. However if she had the girl while homeless/destitute & is relying on others to subsidize her, then shame on her; I don’t know the situation, the article did not say (you have a great day too, dear!) Bruce, those who are helpless & not hearming anyone, yet are BEING harmed are weak. Criminals, prostitutes/spreaders of HIV are not.
By nikki
June 22, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
I work in public safety. Thank God we never ask or consider before we help someone injured or in trouble what their moral and social status is
By Michael H. Smith
June 22, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this
This article brings to mind another one from the past. A homeless shelter wasn’t it… nearly 2,000 homeless children in Gwinnett?
Success lives here.Oh but of course it does.
Then again Mr. Badie, do you think any of the County Commissioners or Chamber of Commerce members will dare to tell, what lives right next door?
Now that it is election time and memories have a strange way of recovering from temporary amnesia do you think the local power hounds, who are only now returning phone calls and remembering our names, have heard what you’ve just told them?
I’m sure when the campaign mailers find their way to my house every politician’s flyer will have at the top of their agenda addressing the nearly 2,000 homeless children in Gwinnett. You do share my confidence in them…. don’t you Mr. Badie?
Oh but of course you do.
By oldteacher
June 23, 2006 07:46 AM | Link to this
As a teacher of a lot of years, I have always worried about certain children during the summer. I knew that the lunch meal at school was sometimes the only meal the child had. I kept crackers in my desk for the one who ate almost nothing over the weekend because there was no food in the house. I am so glad that Mrs. Baker and her church are doing something to help. It isn’t the child’s fault if they have sorry parents. We just have to show them what good people do to help others and maybe we can make a difference in their lives.
By Pfffttttt
June 23, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this
I totally agree with Cliff. Why would a woman, who can’t even feed herself, even CONSIDER bringing a child into that mess? It should be considered child abuse of the highest degree, and the parent punished accordingly. At least if the child is put into foster care, he/she will have food and clothes and a somewhat normal homelife instead of living from motel to motel or, even worse, on the streets.
I know this next comment will bring a lot of negativity, but it’s the truth…many young women these days have baby after baby to receive welfare, a large percentage of which the children never see. It is used to support the selfish parent and their boyfriends/girlfriends, their drug habits, their booze, etc. Any parent who is young and able to work should be able to receive welfare for the first child, but after that, they should be on their own. They should learn from their mistakes…and YES, having a child you can’t care for is a HUGE mistake.
By Grandma
June 23, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this
Good point! If you are young enough and healthy enough to bear a child, then you are young enough and healthy enough to get a job and support your family. Even working minimum wage would show the world that you are, at least, trying. (Yes, there are MANY workplaces that offer free childcare.) Welfare should be used only as a boost to those whose “career” doesn’t pay enough…not to completely and solely support a family for the rest of their lives. I resent my hard-earned tax dollars paying for some lazy jerks who don’t care to work and feel ENTITLED to receive aid. If you aren’t even trying, to help yourself, why should I pay your way?
By Michael H. Smith
June 23, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this
On average, 11 percent of a Gwinnett middle school’s enrollment are students with disabilities, 14 percent have limited English proficiency and about 34 percent qualify for the federal free and reduced-price lunch program, according to state data from the 2004-05 school year.
But at Radloff Middle, about 26 percent of the students have limited English language proficiency and about 78 percent come from low-income homes. About 33 percent of the children at the GIVE Center are students with disabilities.
Very interesting article appeared in the Gwinnett Section Mr. Badie, that kind of ties into your present blog. Of Gwinnett’s middle schools enrollment about 34 percent qualify for the federal free and reduced-price lunch program. Can’t hide this success story!
What do you think Mr. Badie, how about embellishing the truth for justice sake; you still got ol’ Spooky’s phone number don’t ya? You know ol’ have spray can will paint. He’d be just the guy to pull it off. Besides, it’s close to his former ESL art studio just a couple of blocks up across I-85 at the water tanks. Tell him it’s a community improvement venture for the village district. Now here’s the tag – disclaimer in keeping with truth in advertising standards – to aptly place below and how it should read when completed: Success Lives Here …where about 34 percent of middle school students qualify for the federal free and reduced-price lunch program.
Past this parody on one of Georgia’s most affluent counties remains what has been nationally spoofed for years — our poverty. There’s a real difference between “poor quality people” and “The Po’ People”, if you don’t know the difference then shame on ya. There’s also a real difference between Success that talks the talk and the Success that walks that talk. As Dizzy Dean said, if you can do it, it ain’t braggin’.
With nearly 2,000 homeless children in Gwinnett, many of them living in extended stay motels feeding on charity fruit and about 34 percent of middle school students in Gwinnett qualifying for the federal free and reduced-price lunch program, I’d have to say Commissioners, Chamber of Commerce…. We’re just braggin’.
By nikki
June 23, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this
To the reading challenged: This article is about feeding people from a church’s money, not tax dollars
To the compassion challenged: I will pray for you and forgive you
By Michael H. Smith
June 23, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
To the superficial narrow minded superiority conflicted: This is really about addressing poverty.
By Karen
June 23, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
It’s sad we have to go through all this because of a good deed story. It is not important how they got where they are. If you are going to help then help. We are not to judge people. I really feel sorry for you Jo. I really do. I am going tofervently pray that you keep your job, your boyfriend, and what you feel is the pefect life. I hope that FOR YOUR SAKE whatever higher being you believe in is real.
Because, the God I serve teaches me love, compassion, and gratefulness.
By nikki
June 23, 2006 10:45 AM | Link to this
Mr. Smith: I know you are impressed with your vocubulary, but it seems to me that you have many words to say that are a whole lot about nothing. You want to address poverty? Then do as these churches do. Go and help and teach people how to live. Other than that, your words don’t mean anything. Have a great day.
By Jan
June 23, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
Suffer the little children, to come unto me…………….
remember that one?
Be nice or go to hell!
By nikki
June 23, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this
Jan - go to hell is nice? have a good day
By Michael H. Smith
June 23, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this
Shallow short retorts are meaningless to me nikki with no last name. That says you’re a whiner who dishes what you can’t take, who just got some of your own medicine and didn’t like taste.
By nikki demus
June 23, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
Didn’t taste a thing. Let me make myself clear. Youa re continually babbling to Mr. Badie about things that are not the subject of his blog. My point is to the point. Help or shut up.
By Bruce Wilcox
June 23, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
I like this one, “Even working minimum wage”, fact the minimun wage in this great nation is $5.15 an hour. By working a forty hour week, never missing a day of work and before taxes it comes up to a grand total of $10,712 dollars. Free Day Care offered by companies, please, there are few and the few that do usually is looking for skilled workers. What about health care, what company do you know that pays minimum wage and health insurance, the giant Wal-Mart doesn’t even do it. Considering the facts welfare doesn’t look all that bad.
An aside…the Republican Senate just killed a Democratic amendment to raise the minimum wage to a whopping $7.25 an hour over a three year period.
By Michael H. Smith
June 23, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
Why nikki demus you’re as clear as mud in your blathering drool. It is to control discourse. What I do, what I say or how much I say, is beyond your narrow point of control and focus on a church’s money to define giving help. Its call free speech according to the 1st amendment, so I’ve no intention to, shut up.
But truly I do suppose I should thank you in a way. If my antagonism is ruffling a few Commissioner and Chamber feathers as much it has yours, then this exercise may not be so futile after all; should they decide to bring jobs to the county with better paycheck to put in pockets that might keep some families together and their kids out of motels.
By nikki
June 23, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this
If you are waiting for the government to do anything, you are wasting time. The churches are helping because no one else will. Which brings me back to my point. Talk is cheap. Action is better.
By Michael H. Smith
June 23, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this
Ya know Bruce usually I’m dead set against a minimum wage, being laissez-faire but the marketplace is truly not free now either, is it? Rather it is being manipulated to suppress wages. What’s not considered manipulation by one party in offshore outsourcing and illegally importing cheap labor to drive down wages should be fair game for the other party to consider non- manipulative in raising wages by law.
There is no dispute money problems destroys marriages and most hurts the kids.
By Michael H. Smith
June 23, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this
If I were silent then I’d be waiting on government but I’m not, now am I? There many helping organizations throughout this county who are helping others that have no church association. Which brings me back to my point, where I help (which means what,how and where I do it) is none of your damn determinate business. Thank You.
By nikki
June 23, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this
my life is complete. he used a 4 letter word
By Michael H. Smith
June 23, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
Always happy to make someone’s day. Have a “good one” :) you pain in the behind.
By Jan
June 23, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this
Well nikki, IF you (meaning anyone) are not nice, you COULD go to hell………………. I think you are bored and just like to attack any and everybody, and who made up that spelling of your name?????
Besides I was quoting the Bible, and they used the word hell, alot!!!
By Brian Paone
June 23, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
This is a terrific project. My only hope would be that other churches would notice the terrible poverty here in the U.S. before thinking about doing an overseas mission trip. I see hungry kids in the public schools where I work all of the time, and it’s downright depressing. We, including myself, have to do more. Perhaps this is a wake up call for us to take care of our own.
By nikki (my mother made it up)
June 23, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this
Pardon me madam. I was expressing my dislike for people who are always saying their tax dollar pays for some low life. I just don’t happen to share that opinion and was speaking my mind. Telling people that are calling people jerks and drugs addicts that they are negative is calling it how i see it. Perhaps you should read matthew 7
By Jo
June 23, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
Gee, I want to thank all you ignorant bleeding hearts for praying for me. I don’t need forgiveness either. I never did anything to harm bums & low-lifes. In fact, I’ve had to bite the bullet & support the scum with my taxes. And not condoning drug addiction isn’t “negative”, it’s called having STANDARDS. I DO have compassion, but for those trying to better themselves, not lazy filth ripping us off deliberately; Wake up, people!
By Jan
June 24, 2006 12:24 AM | Link to this
I think I will just call the number Rick gave at the end of the article and make a donstion, I can’t afford a large one, but IF we ALL did that, it would probably HELP then we could All feel a little better, and so would the kids.
I challenge you ALL to do the same, after all, it is NOT the fault of the children!!!!!
By Jan
June 24, 2006 12:27 AM | Link to this
oh!! I misspelled DONATION
By Michael H. Smith
June 24, 2006 04:07 AM | Link to this
Nothing wrong with giving whatever you want to give. Wherever you want to give it; if this is your choice go for it, your money is your business and “NO ONE ELSES BUSINESS.”
But with all due respects please don’t be so shallow minded to think this one isolated church and case comes close to a remedy. It is only treating the immediate need of a few children in this county, who for whatever reason, are in the grasp of poverty. Treating an immediate symptom is stopgap at best, a band –aide approach to stop this hemorrhage:
It’s summertime. School’s out. There’s no cafeteria lunch or breakfast to be had for the nearly 2,000 homeless children in Gwinnett.
Of Gwinnett’s middle schools enrollment about 34 percent qualify for the federal free and reduced-price lunch program.
Not all of these 2,000 homeless children or this 34 percent qualifying for taxpayer assistance are the result of drug and alcohol abuse, illegal immigration or bad choices. Bad circumstance can befall most any family in a matter of about a paycheck or two; where many incomes were inadequate to begin with, to provide stability in a home.
All the churches all the safety nets conceivable can’t create an adequate income and they were never meant to. It takes some real heavy lifting, the kind Governments and Chambers of Commerce were meant to do in order to provide a climate conducive to job creation and when poverty lives right next door to success, it’s a wake up call to the elected and the selected. Get busy!
It is election time and every candidate that solicits my vote will certainly face this question: What have you done in job creation? I don’t want to hear about hamburger flipping jobs at minimum wage, I want to hear about private sector jobs at a meaningful prevailing wage.
By Bruce Wilcox
June 24, 2006 04:41 AM | Link to this
Mr. Smith it does seem like we’re agreeing more and more of late. I think we both just what to see a little balance put back into the process. I couldn’t agree more about the illegals and outsourcing destroying any chance of a decent wage for those who are more than willing and able to work. The county turns a blind eye to the problems facing a certain sector of the community while giving a wink to the other. Election time is coming near and for intelligent voters it’s time for a reality check.
By Michael H. Smith
June 24, 2006 07:15 AM | Link to this
As it was stated some time back we are basically reaching out to obtain the same prize. For you Mr. Wilcox this means reaching out with the left hand. For me it means reaching out with the right hand. Admittedly at times, it means reaching out with both hands, as now serves the case in point. Something unfortunately our politicians on either side of the isle seem physically, politically and fiscally challenged to do.
By robert
June 24, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this
Wow , living in an extended stay hotel. When I was homeless I lived in a park. My how the world has changed.
By Jan
June 24, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this
Mr KNOWITALL, I did NOT suggest that it was a Cure All, I just thought it would be nice to help SOME children have some lunch and I will give some.
And since when did wanting to help anyone out, make anyone Shallow!!!! ??????
IF you KNOW So Much, why don’t you just write a book??? I know, Screw that chapter and call it a romance!!!!!!!
By Michael H. Smith
June 24, 2006 06:14 PM | Link to this
Have a nice day Jan.
By Bruce Wilcox
June 24, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
Good for you robert, not only are you not homeless anymore but you also have a computer. It just shows everyone falls on hard times and many overcome it.
By A Silent Publican
June 24, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
By Dave
June 25, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this
“Silent Publican” you are too wrapped up in a book that was written by old men years and years ago, and therefore can’t see the trees for the forest. Stop all the religious quotes and run to your church and make a MONETARY donation to this worthy cause. Your spewing mumble jumble from a book will not feed a needy kid, nor will it exhort people with the means to support a group of children to do so. I respect you beliefs, but kindly put your up your money or shut up with the bibical quotes.
I suggest you read the post of “Michael Smith” and beome somewhat more informed about todays world. Now go make a donation and have a “heady day”
By fran
June 25, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this
going to hell, preying, scripture quoting, shut up and donate. yup its church.
By notso
June 26, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this
WOW
What a bunch of humanitarians posting to this blog.
NOT
May you never fall upon hard times.
By Davida Baker
June 26, 2006 07:19 PM | Link to this
Your comments have been amazing. All we are doing is feeding between 145 to 161 kids Monday thru Friday for 8 weeks. The number changes weekly based on input from the 7 hotels we go to. We give the kids hugs and food , the kids give us heartfelt thank yous and radiant smiles. WE love what we are doing. The kids love what we are doing. The stressed out parents love what we are doing.
Some of you have offered money to help our project. Thank you. We will probably add more breakfast items to the meal bags. Some of you have offered paper and pencils, coloring books and crayons, and small notebooks for the pre and young teens to use as a journal because we learned recently that the kids have a pent up need to communicate with us.
WE just want the summer break to be pleasant for all kids.
By c.mcmillan
June 27, 2006 12:28 AM | Link to this
This church, Campus Church of Christ, will not be able to solve the problem of homelessness or hunger, but it is making a significant difference in the lives of those 150 children. As a Social Worker actively involved with this population I continually remind myself and others that we want to reach out to and help these homeless children in spite of what their parents are or are not doing. Campus has not only conducted this feeding program to help the children but it feeds homeless families at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter in addition to offering an educational program at Meadowcreek Elementary (the HOST program). These programs matter to the children. Hopefully other churches will follow the example set by Campus. Gwinnett residents - There are “missions” here in our own backyard.
By Angela
June 28, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this
Campus Church of Christ does help out at Meadowcreek A LOT! There was a comment about the “rich” school being next to the “poor” school, about the haves and have nots. Campus Church of Christ runs mentoring programs, food drives and school supply drives for the children at the school. Yes, the school has many “rich” children that go there, but two things need to be noted. First, I know specifically of parents that work any job they can find, and sometimes 2 of them, to put their children there. They are not “rich”, they just want a Christian based education for their children. Second, believe you me, there are issues in that school just like any other. They can relate to the world around them as well.
This program is a very worthy program. I know of a family that ended up there due to job layoffs and a landlord that needed rent on the house they were in. They didn’t have as much money as they needed to pay the rent on the house, but could afford this place. They are working and trying to do their best, and programs like this help immensely. Keep up the good work and God bless you all.
By Pam
June 29, 2006 12:41 AM | Link to this
I just wanted to “Ditto” on Angela’s comment.
This church has several “hand UP”(not hand OUT) programs for those in need.
You would not believe what some of these families are going through: terminal illnesses in either one of the children or one of the parents, medical bills and medical supplies that take all of the income that should be going to mortgages; fires; death of breadwinner, spouse disabled; trying to live as frugal as possible because all of your money is being sent overseas to take care of family that has not made it to America yet. This is just a sampling.
Davida saw the situation, as most of us did/do. However, instead of just talking/complaining about it - she did something to try to help make the situation better. Will it ‘fix’ the situation completely? No. Will it let the people know that they are cared for and that they are worthy people? Yes. Will these people then feel stronger and will they push harder to improver their life? Hopefully. But, I am pretty positive that if they DON’T ever feel loved or worthy, then they probably won’t put as much effort into improvement.