LOVEfranklin // EA Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE (rev.20240319)

Dear friends, community members, and all who #LOVEfranklin,

I want to start by offering my apologies for being so long in updating you on the Franklin Interfaith Council's efforts to support the families placed at the EA Shelter in Franklin. The population at the shelter is relatively stable and most services and supports put in place by the state are operating pretty smooth. Work permits are being issued and families are becoming more integrated into the community we all love so much. Regular meetings of stakeholders, convened both by the Town of Franklin and by the Franklin Interfaith Council, have ceased and are meeting only as needed.

As I have mentioned in past posts, our support is evolving. Due to changing needs, and the challenge of securing volunteers, we have discontinued the After-School Program. Many thanks are due Rev. Kathy McAdams and her team of volunteers for rapidly getting this program off the ground and filling an important need at the shelter. For those individuals looking to volunteer in a similar way, we encourage you to consider volunteering with the ESL classes and other outreach being offered through the Franklin Public Library.

As we move from winter into spring, and as most of the families are receiving supplemental income, the mass distribution of emergency clothing will be evolving. The need for clothing persists beyond the shelter. The effort facilitated by the Franklin Interfaith Council will be continuing but under the umbrella of the Franklin United Methodist Church. This new ministry is tentatively being called the Community Closet @FranklinUMC. Regular hours are being established for all community members, not only those living at the EA Shelter, to come and pick out the clothing they need, free of charge. As we make this transition, I am looking for volunteers to help sort and fold donations. We are no longer looking for donations of winter items, but would welcome spring/summer clothing. If you'd like to signup to help with the sorting, click the dates/links below:

• Friday, March 22, 10-11:30a
• Tuesday, March 26, 10-11:30a
• Tuesday, April 2, 10-11:30a
• Tuesday, April 9, 10-11:30a
• Tuesday, April 23, 10-11:30a
• Tuesday, April 30, 10-11:30a

As we evolve into this new community ministry, the Franklin United Methodist Church (FranklinUMC) will continue looking for volunteers to help. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at jacob@franklinumc.org. You will be able to find updates and opportunities to volunteer with this effort at franklinumc.org.

The Franklin Interfaith Council is continuing to look for ways of supporting our new community members. As new opportunities arise, we will do our best to keep you updated. We have several things "in the works" so "stay tuned" for those announcements.

Thank you all for the many ways in which you have supported our work over these last (almost) six months. The work we have done together in support of the families at the EA shelter has been nothing short of miraculous and life-transforming. Personally, I am humbled by your generosity and compassion and immensely proud of you and this community for the ways in which we sought, and continue to seek, to welcome these new members of our community. Thank you, from the deepest part of my heart, for the many ways you have and will continue to #LOVEfranklin.

Peace.

Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker

President, Franklin Interfaith Council

Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church

To sign up for one of the volunteer options, follow this link ->

https://franklininterfaith.org/lovefranklin-ea-shelter-humanitarian-aid-update-rev-20240319/

LOVEfranklin // EA Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE (rev.20240319)

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE for Dec 29, 2023

As we role into year's end, we have been busy maintaining programs and beginning to shift our focus from emergency management to long-term sustainability and support for the families in the Emergency Aid (EA) Shelter in Franklin.

The After-School Program continues to offer a weekly outlet for children in elementary, middle, and high school. The program runs weekly on Wednesday afternoons (when there's not a holiday). The program is working with the hotel staff so that the program can run on days when Franklin Public Schools let out early for a half day. If you would like to learn more about the After-School Program or volunteer to help, contact Rev. Kathy McAdams at rector@stjohnsfranklinma.org.

Over the last two weeks, we have made major transitions with donation sorting at the Franklin United Methodist Church. Due to construction in the sanctuary and the inability to continue to use that space as additional storage and a walk-thru, all donations have been moved to a new, bigger location within the church on the second floor (the old balcony). This expanded space allows for more storage and a better working environment for volunteers. All volunteers must (still) be able to navigate stairs in order to enter the space.

new, bigger location within the church on the second floor

In addition to moving spaces, volunteers have also been able to pack bags of underwear, socks, and hygiene supplies to all but about 20 families that we have information for. Many thanks to everyone who has donated to the Franklin Interfaith Council's Humanitarian Aid Fund. Your contributions paid for all the socks and underwear! And, many thanks to Stop & Shop for donating the paper bags.

many thanks to Stop & Shop for donating the paper bags

As we move into the new year, the needs at the shelter are shifting. Most of the families are now receiving services that afford them with basic necessities and (in some cases) a modest income. Donations are now being used to supplement the services families are receiving. We are working to figure out what that looks like. We are trying to figure out how donations can be accessed by families in a way that brings some amount of personal agency and choice to the process. We will do our best to keep you up to date as to what those transitions look like as they are happening.

All of that being said, the Franklin Interfaith Council is continuing to solicit donations and regular volunteers to help sort the donations. You can signup to help by going to franklininterfaith.org/donation-sorting/. If you have any questions about the donation sorting or would like to sign up a group at a special time, please contact Pastor Jacob Juncker at jacob@franklinumc.org.

Below is the updated flyer detailing the specific donations we are looking for. As a reminder: all donations should be dropped off inside the main entrance of the Franklin United Methodist Church and NOT at the EA Shelter/Best Western Hotel.

Thank you all for your continued support. The work we have accomplished together is nothing short of monumental and life-changing. Thank you! If you have any questions, please email info@franklininterfaith.org.

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE for Dec 29, 2023

Shared from -> https://franklininterfaith.org/lovefranklin-ea-shelter-humanitarian-aid-update-rev-20231229/#

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE for Dec 7, 2023

Everything is settling into a routine at the Emergency Shelter in Franklin. Many of the residents at the Emergency Shelter are beginning to receive state services that were, initially, slow to start. This means that our efforts will slowly begin to move from emergency meeting of needs and service gap-filling to long-term support that will ultimately help families transition out of the shelter (which is still going to be a long, slow process).

The After-School Program is now a regular part of community life and providing a helpful outlet for support and play for children in elementary, junior high, and high school. It is offered Wednesday afternoons (when there's not a half-day or holiday). If you'd like to learn more or potentially help out, contact Rev. Kathy McAdams at rector@stjohnsfranklinma.org.

The initial push for donation sorting and packing is over. Just about everyone has received warm clothes and at least one coat. That being said, there are still needs to be met and plenty of opportunities to help. 

Next week, there will be opportunities to volunteer Monday through Friday. We need to move all the donations to a new location inside the Franklin United Methodist Church (82 W. Central Street, Franklin)--from the basement to the balcony. This new location is slightly larger and will be much more convenient, especially as works begins on the church's sanctuary ceiling. You can signup to help by going to franklininterfaith.org/donation-sorting/. 

If you have any questions about the donation sorting/packing/moving or would like to sign up a group at a special time, feel free to reach out directly to me at jacob@franklinumc.org.

The Franklin Interfaith Council voted today to bulk order new socks and underwear. Once received we will pack socks and underwear to go out to everyone at the shelter. Over the next several weeks, we will be doing our best to fulfill needs that were partially fulfilled (or not at all) in the first round of donation distribution. As such, we're asking for a new list of donations. See the attached flyer (.pdf and .jpeg)

Please note: we are not taking furniture donations nor are we taking toy donations at this time. Christmas gifts for emergency shelter residents have already been taken care of separately from this effort.

Thank you for your on-going support! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Peace.

Jacob

PS ~To stay up to date on all that is going on with the Franklin Interfaith Council, subscribe to our website by going to franklininterfaith.org and submitting your email address at the bottom of the page.

><O><O><O><O><O><O><O><

Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker

Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church

President, Franklin Interfaith Council

Download the flyer to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cD8x5M58kzwqqSR1cpQK9wguV1SYrBSG/view?usp=drive_link

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE for Dec 7, 2023

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE (as of 11/22/23)

The population at the Emergency Shelter in Franklin is stable. Here's the quick update regarding volunteer opportunities and donations.

The After-School Program has been on a two-week hiatus due to parent teacher conferences and school vacation. It is scheduled to resume next week. If you'd like to volunteer for this program, you must first be screened and trained. Please reach out to Rev. Kathy McAdams at rector@stjohnsfranklinma.org for more information.

Donation sorting and packing for distribution continues at the Franklin United Methodist Church. We have provided clothes and supplemental hygiene products to just over 100 people. We are going to do a major push next week to get donations out. The (ambitious) goal is to distribute to another 100 people next week! We have five packing days scheduled. All volunteers are asked to register. Due to the abundance of donations and the limited space in the rooms where items are being stored, we are limiting the number of volunteers per session to six people. You can signup to help by going to franklininterfaith.org/donation-sorting/. If you have any questions about the donation sorting/packing or would like to signup a group at a special time, please contact Pastor Jacob Juncker at jacob@franklinumc.org.

Below is the updated flyer. Our donation needs are shifting a bit. We are looking for donations of suitcases and large duffle bags. We are packing items in them (when we have them) for distribution to the hotel. Families keep the bags. We are also asking for new (in the package) socks and underwear (all sizes). Please note: we are not taking massive lots of clothes, furniture, or toys at this time.

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE (as of 11/22/23)

Thank you! What we are accomplishing together is impressive. Your generosity is inspiring. You are making a huge impact in the lives of the 90+ families placed in the Emergency Shelter. I really cannot say it enough: thank you for your continued support.

Download a (.pdf) of the flyer here and distribute as you see fit.

You can also find this update online -> https://franklininterfaith.org/lovefranklin-emergency-shelter-humanitarian-aid-update-5/#

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid Update as of Oct 27, 2023

The Emergency Shelter in Franklin is nearing compacity. As of Monday there were over 90 families, representing roughly 300 people, including approximately 100 children placed in the shelter here in Franklin. To view current numbers, view the dashboard setup by the Franklin Department of Public Health.

This past week has been busy as we updated our process for assessing needs and collecting donations. This new collaboration with the SAFE Coalition will help insure that we collect items that will be used in a timely manner by those who need them. All donations are being brought to the Franklin United Methodist Church to be sorted, stored, and then distributed. If you'd like to help sort, you can signup here. If you are part of a group/organization that would like to help sort, please email me to schedule a time to help.

The After-School Program is slated to begin next week! Thank you to all who have volunteered and gone through the necessary vetting. If you'd like to learn more about this program and volunteer to help, please reach out to Rev. Kathy McAdams.

The Franklin Interfaith Council has setup a new designated fund for "Local Humanitarian Aid." 100% of these funds will be used for local humanitarian efforts in the Franklin-area. In the near-term, these funds will be used to help meet the needs of the families placed in the Emergency Shelter. Donations can be made online here (designate the fund as "Local Humanitarian Aid Fund)."

Follow the link for the updated flyer. Please download and distribute as you see fit. ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b-UK2ENFVfq75ZG1VoAX7wh-qCivQr3a/view?usp=drive_link

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to #LOVEfranklin!

Peace.

Jacob

><O><O><O><O><O><O><O><

Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker

Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church

President, Franklin Interfaith Council

 

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid Update as of Oct 27, 2023

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE - 10/23/23

Hello!

Thank you for being patient as we took a brief pause to evaluate our process to make sure that we are asking for donations people actually need. There have been a lot of disparate community asks for donations and many of those asks overlapped which created a glut of some things and a scarcity of others. 

While the outpouring of donations is immensely appreciated, we want to make sure 1) that we receive things that will be used in a timely manner and 2) that we don't put too many asks out at one time and burn people out. 

This is not a "short term project." This is a long-term effort. We need to make sure that the process of assessing and meeting needs is sustainable. So, we needed to take a pause, meet with all the stakeholders, and create a new procedure. 

Here is how we are operating as we move forward:

1. The SAFE Coalition will do intake interviews for new placements and assess needs upon arrival. They will also be giving out welcome/hospitality bags that will provide basic supplies. Most people arrive with little to nothing.
2. Needs will be regularly communicated to the Franklin Interfaith Council who will then ask for donations via its email list and through the various communities of faith. Drop-off points will be at St. Mary's and the Franklin United Methodist Church (details of hours will be provided when the ask is issued). Note: moving forward please do not drop-off clothing donations at the Franklin Federated Church. No donations should be dropped off at the hotel.
3. Items will be sorted and stored at the Franklin United Methodist Church.
4. Volunteers will gather needed items from the Franklin United Methodist Church and deliver them directly to the individuals/families.
5. The SAFE Coalition will do regular visits to individuals/families to assess any new or changing needs. They will also remove items that may no longer be of use. Remember: there isn't a lot of room for storing accumulated items in the hotel rooms. At that point, we loop back to step two (2) and the process keeps repeating.

If you have any questions about this process, please don't hesitate to ask. I'll do my best to answer any/all your questions. The Franklin Interfaith Council, SAFE Coalition, and others are meeting weekly, outside of the town-called stakeholders meeting, to communicate and collaborate with one another. I hope to send out an updated call for donations by the end of this week.

In the meantime, we are continuing to train volunteers for the After-school Program which is anticipated to begin on Wednesday. If you'd like to help with that, please contact Rev. Kathy McAdams (rector@stjohnsfranklinma.og). 

We will need volunteers to help sort and put things in storage at Franklin United Methodist Church. We are finalizing lists of donations for the welcome/hospitality bags. And, we are making plans for a weekly sit-down meal for emergency shelter residents that will include a "carry-out" option for those not able to be seated for the meal (space is limited).

Thank you for your patience during this pause. And, most importantly, thank you for your generosity as seek to meet the needs of those placed in the emergency shelter so that they might come to #LOVEfranklin as much as we do.

Peace.

Jacob

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid UPDATE - 10/23/23

#LOVEfranklin: quick update RE: the emergency shelter in Franklin

To those who #LOVEfranklin:

Here’s your quick update RE: the emergency shelter in Franklin. A few more families have arrived. The Franklin Interfaith Council (FIC) is beginning to think long-term hospitality and distribution of donations. 

All persons placed at the shelter are being signed up for SNAP benefits, Mass Health, and school quickly. The Town staff has worked hard to hone this process and it is working smoothly. 

As people are signed up for essential services, our focus is shifting to welcome, hospitality, and community—social well-being. We are continuing to organize volunteers for an after-school program. Contact Rev. Kathy McAdams for details.

Also in the works from the FIC are Intake/Hospitality bags (to meet the   immediate needs of people when they arrive), a discretionary fund for   transportation via GATRA, and a weekly communal meal. We’ll release more
information about these opportunities once details are firmed up and we
get the final go-ahead from the town.

Attached to this email you will find the updated donation/volunteer flyer (.pdf and .jpeg versions). 

NOTE: we’ve provided more details about where to drop off donations as there has been some confusion. Clothing can be dropped off on the back porch of the parsonage of Franklin Federated Church (183 Main Street); and, for those who don’t know, St. Rocco Square is the side entrance (off of Church Street) to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Thank you for being part of this long-term effort to support the evolving needs of those being placed in the Emergency Shelter in Franklin! 

Feel free to share this information; and, if others would like to be added to this distribution list, have them email  info@franklininterfaith.org.

Peace
Jacob



> <O><O><O><O><O><O><O><

Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker
Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church
President, Franklin Interfaith Council

#LOVEfranklin: quick update

PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VWMSNFBjGb5_-UCz8dIQIlQWBkHTfyn6/view?usp=drive_link

#LOVEfranklin: quick update RE: the emergency shelter in Franklin

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid Update & Call to Action

To those who #LOVEfranklin:

Nearly two years ago you signed onto a "A Call to Our Community," written by the Franklin Interfaith Council (FIC) in response to several incidences including targeted hate speech and vandalism against members of the LGBTQIA+ community, racial slurs at public events, and anti-Semitic graffiti. The FIC issued a call to #LOVEfranklin. Part of that call was an expressed commitment of each signer to "create a beloved community where all persons regardless of their gender, identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnic background, stature, ability, creed or faith can find a home."

As most of you are aware, the State of Massachusetts has opened some 80 emergency shelters across the state, including in Franklin, to help support "homeless families in crisis."  You can find a copy of the town press release here. Currently the emergency shelter in Franklin is housing some 120 people. The shelter is expected to fill over the next few weeks to a capacity of 400-500 people. Over half the people currently placed in Franklin are native English speakers. While the state is providing most of the basic needs for these individuals and getting them setup with social services, many needs remain unmet as people try to make a new home for their family.

This is where you come in. The Franklin Interfaith Council will be regularly communicating the needs of the families placed in the emergency shelter in Franklin, providing local drop-off points for you to make donations, and distributing the donations at the shelter. In addition to tangible donations like food, clothing, and hygiene products, we will also help communicate volunteer opportunities. There are many ways you can help.  See the attached flyer for a listing of current needs and volunteer opportunities. We will update and distribute this flyer regularly.

If you know of people who would like to be added to this distribution list, please have them email info@franklininterfaith.org. If you would like to be removed from this distribution list, please respond to this email and let me know.

Thank you for your on-going commitment to #LOVEfranklin and your efforts to help others make a home and fall in love with Franklin too!

Peace.
Jacob

 

><O><O><O><O><O><O><O><

Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker

Pastor, Franklin United Methodist Church

President, Franklin Interfaith Council

><O><O><O><O><O><O><O><

Flyer -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DI6Xtcy2Q-tcaG6LYsfeCpcJypqbDuze/view?usp=drive_link

#LOVEfranklin // Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Aid Update & Call to Action

Additional Links:

• "A Call to Our Community: #LOVEfranklin" (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/a-call-to-our-community-lovefranklin.html)
• Town of Franklin Press Release from 8/24/23 (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZrtRuZM0DyW9gbQ1K5GPRaKD2-1iMokO/view).
• Town Administrator's Report on the Migrant Housing Status – 9/06/23 (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant.html)
• Town Administrator's Report on the Migrant Housing Status - 09/20/23 (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant_20.html)
• "1,000 families now arriving in Massachusetts shelter every month, officials estimate," WCVB.com, September 8, 2023 (https://www.wcvb.com/article/migrant-crisis-massachusetts-emergency-shelter-rapidly-growing/45049626)

#LoveFranklin - Open Mic Night at THE BLACK BOX - 12/08/21 (audio)

FM #689 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 689 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the #LoveFranklin Open Mic Night held on Wednesday, Dec 8, 2021 at THE BLACK BOX.  

The evening master of ceremony duties were shared by MacKenzie Atwood and jamele adams.

The original raw recording runs an hour and 36 minutes. You’ll be listening to the edited version which is shortened by about 12 minutes. 

Key reasons for shortening the recording (1) to spare your ears the jarring sound of cleaning the microphone between performers. (2) A couple of the audience participation exercises were shortened. (How much indistinct audience/crowd noise can you listen to?). 

One percussion performance added at the last minute during the evening was also shortened. The percussion exercise was good to be in while it happened but would have been headache inducing to listen to. So we spared you that. No other performance was shortened or edited in any way.

Let’s listen to the Love Franklin Open Mic Night of Dec 8, 2021.

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-689-lovefranklin-open-mic-night-12-08-21

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The lineup for the "Love Franklin" Open Mic Night at THE BLACK BOX

1. jamele adams - poem

2. Mia Magliari - All I Ask by Adele

3. Audrey Olmstead - She by Dodie

4. Hope Guanga - If I knew by Bruno Mars

5. Mackenzie Atwood - Back In (self written poem)

6. Joe Maple and Audrey Olmstead - Can't Help Falling in Love with you

7. Meghan Whitmore - Her Personal Story

8. Andrew Mitchell - Crisis by Joshua Bassett

9. Maria Zaki - Complainers by Rudy Francisco

10. Steve Sherlock - Poem: Variations on the theme of "A dark and stormy night"

11. Hope Guanga - Crocodile Rock by Elton John

12. Judi Perez - percussion exercise

jamele closes with a recap of some of the audience inspirations

More information about the Freedom Team can be found online -> https://www.franklinfreedomteam.org/

More of my poetry can be found at quietpoet.com/ 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

for the 'selfie exercise' with Meghan Whitmore

Pantherbook article on this event -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/pantherbook-lovefranklin-open-mic-night.html

Pantherbook: LoveFranklin Open Mic Night - Dec 8, 2021