Minutes: January 14, 2014

At our January meeting, we continued discussing A Framework for Understanding Poverty, and the lessons we could take away from the book concerning community involvement. Particular attention was paid to Payne's thesis that moving out of poverty requires the development (and sometimes the replacement) of significant relationships in one's life, and the recognition that children increasingly rely on relationships with institutions or with people filling institutional roles (e.g., teachers). This raises the difficult question of how and whether institutions can successfully foster the relevant sorts of beneficial relationships.

Following our book discussion, Chris and Haley presented a grant opportunity, offered through the City of Dubuque's "Sustainable Dubuque" initiative. The grant application and requirements may be viewed here. Most if not all of the various ideas we have considered for forms of action or involvement would easily fall within the requirements of the grant. These range from rather straightforward educational events (e.g., a film screening and discussion) to more complicated initiatives that would require partnering with St. John's Parish. Among the ideas discussed were the following:

1. Computer literacy and job training center. At the most recent Fifth Sunday Dinner, Haley spoke to a gentleman who explained that one of the difficulties he faces is finding a place to access the internet and apply for jobs. He bemoaned the fact that almost every job requires an online application, which requires knowledge of how to use a computer. If the demand for free computer access and training exceeds the current supply (as offered, for example, by the public library and Multicultural Family Center), perhaps the EPJF could step in. With funding from Sustainable Dubuque and through a partnership with St. John's, we would be able to purchase 2-3 computers and set up a center which would have regular weekly hours and special training sessions.
2. Diaper dispensary. It has come to our attention that many existing assistance programs do not cover the expenses associated with disposable diapers; moreover, laundromats do not allow customers to wash reusable diapers in their machines. Again, through a partnership with St. John's (providing space and/or funding), EPJF would be able to purchase bulk quantities of diapers and make them available to qualifying families for free. Update: this option may not be compatible with the Sustainable Dubuque grant requirements, though other grants could be explored.
3. Sewing workshop. Haley and Chris know of numerous people in the community, aside from themselves, who would be interested in participating in sewing workshops and training sessions, particular if they focused on how to reuse or "upcycle" old clothes and fabric. A community grant could be used to cover the purchase of machines (perhaps used machines sitting in attics?) and other equipment, advertising/marketing, and perhaps instructor fees.

John rightly pointed out that it would be valuable to gauge the likely level of demand or need for any such proposed programs or initiatives before pursuing grant funding. He volunteered to gain input from contacts who work closely with the populations in our church neighborhood. Upon hearing their thoughts, we will either make a decision to go forward with one of these options, or go back to the drawing board. 

John and Becky will not be present at the February meeting, so we will plan to communicate about this project via email and this website in the coming weeks.

January Meeting Reminder

Our January meeting will be held tomorrow (Tuesday, the 14th) in the St. John's Parish House library at 6:30 PM. We will continue discussing A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby Payne.

Last month, we began reevaluating how we should understand the mission of our group, and we will continue this discussion tomorrow. In particular, we discussed the question of what our primary aim should be, in light of the fact that (1) we lack a regular source of funding, aside from our own personal contributions, and (2) we do not want to compete with, nor duplicate the efforts of, the St. John's outreach committee.

On a related point, Chris and Haley will share information concerning a grant program administered by Sustainable Dubuque, which might be worth pursuing, particularly since one proposed aim of our group was to provide education and foster discussion within our church community about peace and justice issues.