Good Works Indiana Thankgiving Message: Got breath? Give Thanks!

“Now Lord don’t move my mountains but give me the strength to climb, and Lord don’t take away my stumblin’ blocks but lead me all around.” – Black Gospel Spiritual

It’s the month of November and while the marketplace would like for us to focus on the more lucrative Christmas holiday, I hope we each take a moment to reflect on what Thanksgiving really means.

While a few of us refuse to admit it, we do live in a free and prosperous nation where even the most impoverished among of us would be considered wealthy in any other part of the world. Still, on daily basis many of us manage to find something to grumble and moan about.

Lately, I’ve come to the realization that for all of the problems I thought I had, there are literally thousands who’re dealing with life-altering situations everyday and doing so without a grumbling or despair। And while I don’t know all of them, I can mention three individuals who are climbing mountains and negotiating stumbling blocks with a unique combination of outer steely determination and inner spiritual peace।

They are a living testimony of what Thanksgiving is really about. First there’s Susie Thompson, wife of a very close friend of mine Indianapolis firefighter Earl Thompson. On November 11, 2000 Susie a mother of three, was diagnosed with breast cancer. As she and her family began to engage in a battle for her life she also labored to comfort her mother Betsy Wilson who had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer. For the next two years Susie and her family fought a two-front emotional and physical war. While dealing with chemotherapy treatment and multiple operations, she tirelessly traveled three times a week to North Vernon to care for her dying mother.

Yet through it all Susie never lost faith or her zest for life. In February of this year Betsy finally found everlasting peace, however with the support of her family Susie stands alive and triumphant atop her mountain of adversity. Then there is Patricia Henderson-Brown, a young lady whose life reads like a textbook of faith and perseverance. After eloping at the age of 18, she soon found herself a single mother of three without a high school degree. Yet through it all she overcame these stumbling blocks.

Today she has a daughter studying Russian and Psychology at Texas A&M, a son mastering computer technology in our military and a daughter who will soon make her mark on the world. As for Patricia? Well she’s finished her doctorate degree in E-commerce.

Finally there’s someone I’ve literally watch grow from a baby into a man. He’s my youngest brother, Vincent Randolph. He was born the day after Christmas in 1977. Soon after his birth, Vince was diagnosed with a mild case of cerebral palsy. Over the last 25 years I’ve watched him face his own personal challenges with uncontested courage. He’s more focused than I was at his age and possesses a mind and wit as sharp as a blade.

Admittedly there were times I lamented the fact that he would never able to play sports or even become a firefighter like his two older brothers. At the time I really didn’t understand that his goals were greater than I could’ve imagined. You see, my brother while exercising due diligence, is working to become a fine attorney one day. And for him nothing as minor as a slight walking disability is going to stand in the way.

Contrary to popular belief, no one is guaranteed a life without hardship. Each of us must climb our mountains and navigate our stumbling blocks. Each of us has a thousand reasons to be thankful, however, sometimes we just need a little reminder.
Not in your dream house? Right now someone is sleeping under a bridge

Is your desk or office not big enough? Right now someone is wishing they had a job. Annoyed by your spouse’s habits? Right now someone is going home to an empty house. Kids not always perfect angels? Right now someone wishes they could have just one. Overbearing parents? Right now someone wishes they could find theirs. Not as young as you want to be? Right now there’s a child is on life-support.

If by some chance you still can’t relate, I’ve got a simple one for you: Got breath? Give thanks.

Good Works Indiana Announcement: Lt. Governor Skillman Accepts 145k Poultry Products for Distribution to Needy Hoosier Families

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and for the last 62 years that has meant incredible generosity from the Indiana State Poultry Association. On Monday, Lt. Governor Becky Skillman accepted 145,000 pounds of Indiana poultry products to be distributed to food banks throughout the state to help feed hungry Hoosiers.

Members of the Poultry Association gathered at her office in the Statehouse to donate high protein eggs, chicken, turkey and duck. These products are given to Shepherd Community Center and to food banks throughout the state. The Lt. Governor also accepted a traditional Pysanky Egg, which was created by Spiceland, Ind., Artist Sharon Day. The egg was decorated with the background of the Indiana flag.

The generous donation from the Indiana Poultry Association, year after year, brings a lot of attention to the great things Indiana's agriculture leaders do for our communities and the world.
Other groups are also calling attention to the importance of agriculture to our communities. The National Farm-City Council is dedicated to educating urban residents about agriculture. I was the keynote speaker at their annual Farm-City kick-off luncheon last week.

"It's never been more important to bring people together, to give agriculture and suburbia a chance to connect and understand each other." Skillman remarked. "In Indiana, closing that gap is one of our priorities. In these uncertain economic times, we can't afford to leave any industry out of our plans for a complete economic rejuvenation. Agriculture is the heartbeat of our state's economy, and everything we can do to strengthen the industry is a step toward that ultimate goal."

As Hoosiers, we are thankful for the strong agriculture industry that exists in our state. While hunger rates are going up, modern agriculture in Indiana is helping us stretch our charitable resources to feed more people and provide an abundant supply of affordable food across the state.

Good Works Indiana says "Thanks to our agriculture industry partners for all you do! And keep up the good work!

Good Works Indiana Announcement: 14th Annual Feed my Sheep Thanksgiving Dinner in Muncie!

The 14th Annual Feed My Sheep Thanksgiving Dinner is set for Thanksgiving Day 2009 at Muncie Central High School. Free Thanksgiving Meals are being served from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm to area residents.

Guests will be served a hot, traditional holiday meal and enjoy entertainment throughout the afternoon. In addition, each family will receive a bag of groceries to take home.

MITS will also provide free shuttle service during the day to and from Muncie Central High School. For a schedule of shuttle stops, go to http://www.feedmysheepmuncie.org/.

For those homebound or without transportation, Feed My Sheep will again deliver free meals. There are NO requirements or criteria to be eligible for a delivery. Anyone can request a meal by calling 765-741-7511 or submitting a request online at http://www.feedmysheepmuncie.org/.
For questions about Feed My Sheep, contact us at 765-741-7511, info@feedmysheepmuncie.org or visit our website at http://www.feedmysheepmuncie.org/.

Good Works Indiana Announcement: Lt. Governor Becky Skillman Celebrates Huntington's 'Indiana Main Street Program'

From the Desk of Lt. Governor Becky Skillman:

The heart and hub of any community is its downtown area. Improving those important districts is why I created the Indiana Main Street program. Recently, I recognized the success of Indiana Main Street communities, and welcomed new communities to the program. I welcomed Huntington and Warren to the Indiana Main Street program in a ceremony at the Statehouse.

The day before the ceremony I was in Huntington speaking at the Kiwanis and Optimist luncheon. Later in the day, I spoke at a ceremony to celebrate Huntington Downtown Revitalization Initiative's induction into the Indiana Main Street Program. It was great to see so many people come out and support this program. There are many enthusiastic people in Huntington improving the downtown area. The goals of the group include: promoting downtown Huntington as a destination, establishing downtown Huntington as an economically viable marketplace, developing economic tools and resources that will assist with redevelopment and rehabilitation in the downtown, and rehabilitating the historic buildings located within the downtown district.

(photo-Lt. Gov. Skillman welcomes members of the Huntington Downtown Revitalization Initiative to the Indiana Main Street program).


Warren also has some dedicated people working to improve the downtown area. The Warren Area Economic Developmentis a committee of area business owners, managers and employees that have a vested interest in seeing the community continue to thrive. They work with the Warren Area Chamber of Commerce and the town government to bring businesses and shoppers back to the downtown. The goal of the group is to make their downtown an active and thriving part of the community. In 2008, new sidewalks, light poles, benches and flower planters were placed in the downtown.
There are 92 Indiana Main Street communities, including Huntington and Warren. The program is administered through the state's Office of Community and
Lt. Gov. Skillman welcomes members of the Warren Area Economic Development to the Indiana Main Street program.

Rural Affairs (OCRA). OCRA provides technical assistance regarding economic revitalization and community development in local downtown districts to participating Indiana cities and towns.In state government, we are committed to revitalizing the economy all across Indiana - small towns and big cites alike. But we know that the residents and leaders of those communities are the best architects of your own economic recovery. And a key part of that recovery is a thriving downtown.

I appreciate the tremendous partnerships and local leadership that are keeping your community growing and thriving. As your community makes the plans a reality, I look forward to celebrating your successes. Congratulations!

I'm Back.....

Well folks in case you didn't figure it out, I went on a little vacation with the family last week. Now I do want you to know that I missed you guys - really I did. I wanted to post, honest...but as you can see from the photo I couldn't find an outlet for my laptop anywhere or a wi-fi for that matter...and I looked, and looked and looked....All I kept running into is palm trees, surf and sand....I became so distraught I just sat there...and felt sorry for myself...honest...

Good Works Indiana Announcement: New Mentoring Webiste Launched

The Indiana Mentoring Partnership has recently launched http://www.abetterhour.org/.

The Web site assists Hoosiers in locating mentoring opportunities while also providing programs and communities with valuable tools and resources.Check out the site today and tell us what you think by emailing.

The Indiana Mentoring Partnership is a program of the Indiana Youth Institute that promotes and supports quality mentoring to foster positive youth development andacademic success.

It is our vision that no Indiana youth shall be denied the inspiration of a quality mentor. We seek to accomplish this vision through strategies that are simple, yet critical:

Expanding public involvement by increasing public awareness of the need and benefits of youth mentoring,

Facilitating community collaborations and investments in mentoring and,

Providing responsive and effective technical assistance and trainings.

Good Works Indiana Announcement: 2009 Governor’s Award for National Service Winner Julie Brawner of Hanover.

Julie Brawner’s commitment to providing support to residents of Scott County in Hanover has yielded significant results in helping the community reduce the drop-out rate, and has distinguished her service as a member of the Scott County AmeriCorps program.

In the short time Julie has served, since October of 2008, she has assisted the Scott County Attendance Review Board in developing a system for tracking students and their subsequent attendance after receiving a review. Julie follows-up with all students and their families at several week intervals after their Review Board appointment, to verify that students are going to school and following their actions plans. Julie also helped with the GED program and the high school credit recovery program as part of the Drop Out Prevention comprehensive plan.

Julie’s impact and service to this community has been significant. Her follow-up with the over 90 families referred to the Scott County Attendance Review Board required extra effort and has made a difference. While often follow-up only meant a few phone calls to the school, Julie would sometimes track down families by doing home visits, and doggedly searching for students. In all, Brawner has assisted over 130 adults working on their GEDs during her year of service. The GED students appreciate Julie’s caring attitude, and her encouraging spirit. Julie also assists Second Chance alternative education program, supporting approximately 55 high school age students, who also praise her for her helpful, non-judgmental, and encouraging attitude.

It is no surprise that Julie’s volunteerism extends beyond her AmeriCorps service. Other service activities include; IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, student aid with Reality Stores at both middle schools in the county, EDGE after school program at Scottsburg Middle school, Big Sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program, Habitat for Humanity, “Circles Campaign” of Scott County, and teaching English to Spanish-speaking residents of Madison, IN.

Jene Bridgewater, educational services director of the Scott County Partnership and Julie’s nominator, sums up Julie’s commitment by stating, “Julie demonstrates a “can-do” attitude. She consistently displays a positive, encouraging attitude wherever she serves. This attitude has encouraged struggling GED students and high school alternative education students.” Bridgewater continues, “Her willingness to do whatever needs to be done means that Julie’s services were requested and sought for many activities/programs over the course of her year with AmeriCorps.”