You may have read Sunday's Tyler Courier-Times - - Telegraph articles by Religion Editor Patrick Butler. They are prominent, top of the fold on the cover page. One is titled TEARS ON THE PATH, the other Director: "We Need People To Pray For Us Now" (Please follow the hyperlinks to read the articles)
Yes, there are tears on the PATH. Most often it is the tears of those whom we serve; they often start as tears of sorrow and hopelessness and end as tears of joy and hope. Recently we’ve added a few more tears – those of PATH staff and volunteers.
On Tuesday of last week I met with our Board of Directors, and on Thursday I met with all PATH staff; what I had to share with them was difficult. We had all been working hard, knowing the weakened economy would undoubtedly reach us. I had prayed that this day would never come; “PATH has only one month’s worth of operating funds," I said. Both the board and staff were concerned, visibly shaken; their first response was to ask questions, lots of questions - then brainstorming ensued. “We’ve worked so hard, what haven’t we done?”
The response - “Let our community know. They will help!”
We know and pray that you, our neighbor, will find a way to keep our doors open. The Tyler Telegraph leadership was first to respond assuring us that they would do what they could to help – Patrick’s article tells our story; the prominent placement demonstrates their belief in PATH and their commitment to our community.
At a time when PATH has become refuge for thousands of families each month, closing PATH programs is simply not an option. Please prayerfully consider how you can help, PATH functions thanks to four resources: prayer, money, in-kind gifts, and volunteers. Please read through our website and find a way that you can help. Then share our story with others who may be able to help.
Many are paralyzed by the magnitude of poverty, especially in today’s economy. Know that there is an answer; it is addressing our neighbors’ needs, one at a time. Each of us has something to offer, each of us can make a difference. PATH is here as a tool for you to help our neighbor.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Blessings,
Some of us of need figures -
click here to see how we've grown over the past decade.
Helping out this summer...
We're holding our annual fan drive throughout the summer.
Please donate new box fans to PATH. We give them to people in need while supplies last.
Read more about the fan drive here.
Help keep our neighbors cool and safe making a donation for utility assistance. Find out more here.
July 1-31 we'll be holding the annual School Supply Train. We donate school supplies to Smith County schools prior to the beginning of the '09- '10 school year.
Read more about school supplies here.
Please donate now online or you may mail a donation to PATH, 402 W. Front St., Tyler, TX, 75702. Phone 903.597.4044, ext. 125, or email mitzie_avera@tylerpath.org for more information.
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