Jeff Smith
EF3
Good afternoon,
I am writing to my fellow stormchasers to raise awareness of a local youth shelter that is in imminent danger of closing without funding help. I volunteer at Rogers County Youth Services, an emergency shelter for youth ages 8-18. Their state funding has been cut badly and other funding has dwindled to the point of they are out of money and cannot continue to care for kids without help. I understand that many of you already give to charities, churches, etc. and please continue to do so but maybe there is someone in our community that has the means to make a difference. They are 501c3, so any donation is tax-deductible and I can send you Paypal info via PM or you can send a check directly to RCYS. Let me share a personal story of a young lady and her brother that were shelter residents:
Their father was abusive and in jail, mother was an addict, they were wards of the state, basically. They had an option of going into immediate foster care, but not together. RCYS took them in until a compatible foster family was found. Without the shelter, they would have been separated into different foster homes. I have a “Jesus loves me†paperweight that she made for me on my desk at work to this day, reminding me of all the kids that go through the doors at the shelter, reminding me to pray for them, and reminding me of my calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Here are a couple of news stories concerning the shelter:
http://claremoreprogress.com/local/x278369220/Out-in-the-Cold-RCYS-Emergency-Shelter-doors-could-close-if-funding-isn-t-found
http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=13640355
Here is their website:
http://rogerscountyyouthservices.org/
I have already made a donation and I ask that you consider this worthy cause. I know that many have their hands out, especially near the holidays, but I am very passionate about youth, and it would be tragic if this shelter closes. Thank you for your time and your help!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Smith
I am writing to my fellow stormchasers to raise awareness of a local youth shelter that is in imminent danger of closing without funding help. I volunteer at Rogers County Youth Services, an emergency shelter for youth ages 8-18. Their state funding has been cut badly and other funding has dwindled to the point of they are out of money and cannot continue to care for kids without help. I understand that many of you already give to charities, churches, etc. and please continue to do so but maybe there is someone in our community that has the means to make a difference. They are 501c3, so any donation is tax-deductible and I can send you Paypal info via PM or you can send a check directly to RCYS. Let me share a personal story of a young lady and her brother that were shelter residents:
Their father was abusive and in jail, mother was an addict, they were wards of the state, basically. They had an option of going into immediate foster care, but not together. RCYS took them in until a compatible foster family was found. Without the shelter, they would have been separated into different foster homes. I have a “Jesus loves me†paperweight that she made for me on my desk at work to this day, reminding me of all the kids that go through the doors at the shelter, reminding me to pray for them, and reminding me of my calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Here are a couple of news stories concerning the shelter:
http://claremoreprogress.com/local/x278369220/Out-in-the-Cold-RCYS-Emergency-Shelter-doors-could-close-if-funding-isn-t-found
http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=13640355
Here is their website:
http://rogerscountyyouthservices.org/
I have already made a donation and I ask that you consider this worthy cause. I know that many have their hands out, especially near the holidays, but I am very passionate about youth, and it would be tragic if this shelter closes. Thank you for your time and your help!!
Sincerely,
Jeff Smith
