Civic Engagement Archives - Crisis Assistance Ministry

November 16, 2023

Stocking the Social Justice Library: Five New Books We’re Adding to Our Shelves

Our recent visit from Matthew Desmond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Princeton University sociologist, inspired us to investigate other perspectives on economic equity and social justice issues. His remarks, focused on his latest book, Poverty, by America., motivated us to dig deeper into how we might encourage our community to begin unraveling the complex threads that keep so many of the people served at Crisis Assistance Ministry from achieving financial security and prosperity. Here are five social justice books on our holiday wish list this year.

April 20, 2023

As SNAP’s Emergency Allotments Expire Who Will Suffer?

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) is one of the most important social service programs in the United States, keeping millions of lower-income families above the poverty line while reducing levels of food insecurity. The program was expanded in 2020 at the onset of the pandemic.

Now that those additional benefits ended, hunger-fighting groups expect a surge in demand at food banks and warn SNAP recipients may fall back into poverty.

Four women who appear to be Black and varying ages hug themselves to illustrate "Embrace Equity"

March 7, 2023

International Women’s Day 2023: Embrace Equity

Observed worldwide on March 8 as a celebration of “the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women,” International Women’s Day is also a global call to action for accelerating women’s equality.
The theme for this year’s observance is “Embrace Equity.”

February 16, 2023

Put Yourself in Someone Else’s Shoes

With two kids to care for, aged 7 and 9, there is a zero percent chance my family can pay these bills on time. Should I fall behind on rent payments and risk eviction? Should I ignore the electric bill and risk the power being cut off? How will I be able to afford groceries for the coming week? All of these questions spiraled through my mind as I came to a harrowing conclusion: my family and I could likely end up homeless very soon.
Suddenly, I heard a whistle blow, and a hush fell over the room. It was over.

October 3, 2022

This Experience Will Make You Rethink Poverty

Participation in a poverty simulation: fast moving, immersive, stressful, real. Everything that can go wrong WILL go wrong. But you will be left thinking.

July 15, 2021

Shavonna’s Next Chapter

Last year, Shavonna’s family struggled through chronic illness, furloughs, COVID-precautions, and more. But Shavonna’s story is bigger than that. She’s a survivor, a mother, a teacher, a caregiver. She’s someone who encouraged others to fulfill their potential while questioning her own. Until now.

November 5, 2019

In Her Own Words: Julia’s Story

Last year, Julia shared her story of Thanksgiving after a visit to Crisis Assistance Ministry. Yet, hidden in that one brief moment were so many more moments of loss, resilience, and hope. This fall, Julia shared her journey with Crisis Assistance Ministry volunteers gathered for their annual recognition dinner. Here, in her own words, is her story.

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