It's Free???

The woman came in Manna's door, looking confused. She looked to be in her late-60s.

"Can I help you?"
"Someone told me I could come here for food. I live in Hatfield and have been having some health problems." She held up her cane. "I had to give up my car because of the medical bills, so it's been hard for me lately. I'm really hungry"
"There are two food cupboards closer to you; they're in Hatfield - here's the information on how to reach them; but if you're hungry, you're welcome to eat with us now. The food's very good and it's free."
"It's free?" she said, and took off her sunglasses. Her bottom lip began to quiver. "It's free," she repeated, almost a whisper.

Another person, hungry, fed.

Nothing new or different on Main Street...

Eid

To many individuals, this an unfamiliar word. To Manna, it is very well-known. Every year, our friends from the North Penn Mosque celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, the end of Ramadan. And every year as part of their celebration, they deliver Eid baskets to us: baskets filled with various food items and a generous supply of gift cards to be given to families in need.

It is a real joy to be able to share these gifts with people who struggle to make ends meet - it allows them to purchase simple, much needed items like clothing, toiletries, and the other everyday goods that most of us take for granted.

We are humbled to be a part of this unusual work, where both the mainstream and the unfamiliar find their way in making a difference in people's lives...

Small and Safe or Large and Scary

Which one of these describes Manna on Main Street?

Actually, it's both. Manna is a small place: about 15 seats for dining, staff crammed into tight spaces and food everywhere. It's a safe place as well, where people can have a quiet meal without any pressure or hassles. Anyone can find refuge within these walls.

Oddly enough, that's what makes Manna large and scary. Our outreach has no bounds. Anyone can walk in, which means that folks with different, challenging issues find their way here. It can be scary, not knowing what someone has experienced in their life and how they will react to a given situation.

Fortunately, in our 28 year history, we've never had a situation where the large and scary realities have led to anyone being in physical danger. That we attribute to the sense of welcoming, that small and safeness that makes Manna an unusual, yet affirming place to be...

Back From Vacation

A few of Manna's clients were sitting around the table, discussing their summer activities:

• My sister lives in Oregon, so I flew up to see her and the kids. It was great, having the chance to reconnect with family.
• Since my husband left a few years ago, the kids and I have never gotten away, so we spent the last week at the shore. We rented a small condo, went to the beach and got to relax for a change.
• I retired 25 years ago, so to celebrate, my wife and I went to the Virgin Islands.

Obviously, this is absurd. Our clients never really get a vacation or the opportunity to recharge. For them, it is an unending, relentless saga - worrying about food, their health, often wondering if they will have a bed to sleep in for days to come...

32-Love

It would have been easier to just hold a tournament. Instead, the teens from the Upper Gwynedd tennis camp changed it to a food fund raiser for Manna. Sometimes we hear comments about young people doing things only for themselves. At Manna, we find it to be just the opposite...

4,152.3 Pounds of Food

No, that's not what's in the bag (obviously).

4,152.3 pounds of food is what was donated to Manna at this past weekend's community food drive. A part of the credit goes to Dena Fritz (pictured) of The Reporter, who helped promote the drive over the past few weeks with a great article on community needs, as well a some well placed advertising.

As always, the big reason for the success of the drive is the good people in the North Penn area: the community captains that distributed bags throughout their neighborhoods and delivered the bags to Manna, and the wonderful people that donated the goods. What an amazing, giving community we are a part of...

No Parking

Nadja is Manna's case manger - she meets with people that need help, determines whether we can provide any type of aid, and often refers folks to other organizations. At times it can be difficult for people to see her and maneuver around our building. There are steps, narrow hallways and supplies of food stored in random places.

Last week, a client hobbled back to her office. The gentleman sat down, a bit out of breath, and said, "I left my wheelchair outside, do you think anyone will steal it?"

Just another reminder that we need to be vigilant in making Manna a welcoming place for everyone...