I learned a long time ago, that individually we can only assist a few people at a time. We all have different and varying abilities to offer to work collectively to assist others. Working together we could increase the resources available for those most in need.
With a simple and common belief that love is for everyone, we came together from all walks of life, from varying religions/philosophies, to meet 1 day a week to show love and compassion for all. Some wanted to do more, so I acted on this and started the LIFE Community Project.
With the blessing of all involved, we started to expand our activities to multiple days a week to meet and seek out more resources for those most in need.
Today we are rebuilding the entire network from the ground-up. With more than 15 years of assisting those most in need, with most of that time on the streets of Oshawa, talking and providing a kind smile without judgment interacting with the marginalized and homeless. Times are changing rapidly, we are watching more and more fall through the cracks of government assistance with more needing assistance. Assistance has become a series of long line-ups, and the areas around these support hubs seeing increased violence in and around the areas and are no longer safe spaces for most people. These issues are not just Oshawa issues but issues facing many of our communities across Canada.
More and more are going without, and more and more are fearful of seeking assistance. Fear of seeking assistance is not just from violence around these hubs but more and more are being verbally attacked online for asking for assistance. With more and more social networks allowing fake profiles and anonymous commenting/posting. We need better options for those in need, and we need better options for those providing assistance, more and more are changing how they volunteer not feeling safe on the streets, and finding alternatives.
With the changes in our operations, we are addressing some of these issues, we are bringing more safety and security for those most vulnerable with our activities. We can not assist everyone, we do not plan to help everyone but make changes so that we can reach out to 1 individual at a time.
Working with only a few individuals regularly, you can build a relationship with each individual. You can start to understand their needs from their wants and provide ongoing support. This will bring a loving and caring attitude, for the individual it can bring a greater mental well-being, that there are people that love and care about them, and they are truly not alone.
We will have different sections within our group so you can focus on what interests you most, and what you feel comfortable with, know that you are part of a growing team supporting more and more individuals needing assistance. Even if you are needing assistance, you can still be a part of our efforts to assist others.
LIFE - Love Is For Everyone
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