Healing and Cures

July 1st will mark my 12th year as Manna's executive director. Looking back over that time period, I reflect not so much on what we have done as an organization, but on the people we serve. For many of the them, this year is no different than 12 years ago; and the same could be said for their foreseeable future.

All they want is a decent job, good health, strong relationships. Insted, there is the frustration of living on the edge, hoping those things will come about. In the midst of that, Manna is there for them; providing a friendly place for them to come to, a means for the basics of food, and emergency help when the crises come about.

Often, we do not have a cure; but healing is always a possibility...

Ignoring the Balloons

As Manna on Main Street thinks about and prepares for our 30th Anniversary celebration, we take care to remind ourselves why we celebrate:

• We celebrate the vision and dedication of those that came before us, those that laid the foundation for this important work.
  
• We celebrate our commitment to humbly serve.
  
• We celebrate with gratitude the wonderful support of this community.
  
• We celebrate those that come to be fed every day, those that will arrive tomorrow.

Yes, the balloons are pretty; we focus on what lies beyond...

Still Crazy

As Manna begins celebrating the arrival of our 30th anniversary (more details on our web site) we look back to consider our beginning. We think about our founding and consider that at the time, creating a soup kitchen in Lansdale may have seemed like a crazy idea. Soup kitchens were considered a relic, a stigma from the depression era, something relegated to large cities. Getting started was not easy. There was resistance from some myopic community members, but the thoughtful leaders of Manna persevered.

Over the years Manna earned a solid reputation for humility and service, and because of a generous community was able to grow and meet other emerging needs; needs like emergency funding for shelter, utilities and medical costs. Outreach and community involvement was broadened, including all ages, faiths and points of view.

As we look to our future, we envision the expansion of our outreach to a larger geographic area, and becoming more involved in gaining access to food for people in need. There are those that may consider us crazy in trying to do more, but we see the needs continuing to grow and believe we can help alleviate some of the suffering around us.

We are hopeful that you will continue with us on this crazy journey of service, and dreaming with us of the possibilities for the next 30 years…

Faiths Work

One of the real strengths of Manna's outreach and service is the involvement of people of many faiths. Individuals travel from their Church, Mosque, Synagogue, Temple to reach out and serve people in need. They bring food, diapers and financial gifts to lift up those who are suffering.

A popular adage from one faith group is "It's the Christian thing to do." It could be equally said, "It's the Muslim thing to do, the Jewish thing to do, the Bahá'í thing to do, the Buddhist thing to do..."

easy

You may have seen the “easy” button used in the advertisements of an office supply store. The implication is that good things can happen at the push of a button.

Some might think that Manna has access to an easy button. For example, when demand for our food pantry increased by 20% we easily responded to the need. When 45 people show up for a meal, instead of the average 35, everyone is easily fed. When a struggling family on the verge of being homeless comes for aid, we easily write a check to cover their mortgage.

Anything is "easy", when you have the support of a caring community, and the heart to respond…

Following the Need

Now in her 30s, Megan remembers growing up with Manna. Her parents had separated and her mom often came to shop for groceries. Megan fondly looks back at the holidays of her youth, remembering it was Manna that provided her Christmas gifts. Megan grew up, eventually married, started a family and began giving back to Manna, organizing food drives a couple times a year.

But now her family has hit a bump in the road. Last week she stopped in to sign up to receive food. Her husband was laid off, and while he found another job, the pay is very low and does not include health benefits. It was really difficult for Megan to come in, but she has a family to feed and not very many options. As she left with groceries, and diapers for her youngest child, we encouraged her to take heart; in a few years she would be back again, on the other side, giving back, lifting up and caring for another family. As things are, we know there will be others coming along behind her...

Silent Supporters

When you walk into Manna on Main Street, it is best to open the door slowly... chances are that a volunteer will be coming down the hallway with a plate of food, or a client will be standing there asking for information. It’s possible too, that boxes of diapers will be stacked up nearby or that recently donated bags of food will be lying on the floor. At times it can be a challenge, finding a place for things and having a smooth flow of traffic and goods. In spite of that, none of the clients complain about the difficulty in moving about – even the woman on crutches is patient and understanding, knowing that we are doing the best we can with what we have. We continue to be grateful for those we serve and how they gracefully support our work…