December Drive for Women's & Children's Alliance

The Social Action Committee is asking all CABI members to donate items from the WCA Children's Wish List during the month of December.  Lists will be posted in main building and distributed to classrooms.  All items must be new, and include clothing, toys, books, and gift cards.  For the online list at the WCA website click here.

Please give items to Kat in the office where they will be kept secure until delivery.

Circle of Friends

The Interfaith Sanctuary's Circle of Friends is a small group of men and women who help the homeless make and sustain the transition to permanent homes.   Being homeless presents many problems, but having a home presents a different set of difficulties, especially for those who have never had a permanent home before, and it is made even more complicated as many people have only the clothes on their backs - no transportation and no friends outside of the homeless community.

Step one is finding housing for the person or family.  We then try to find furnishings and get them moved into their new location.  Furnishings isn't even the correct word - it might include silverware, dishes, posts, pillows, blankets, a clock, etc.  We then try to get them involved in setting up their place, hooking up utilities, cleaning up after themselves, and adjusting to a sometimes lonesome existence.  Even more personal items, such as paying bills, making a budget and obtaining food follow that step - we sometimes have to fee them until they get used to actual food shopping.  Trips to get food stamps and assistance takes many hours of us being with them at a location that provides these possibilities. Finding work is the next step - in this economy, not the easiest task.

There are questions to be answered that no one can foresee, and this is another place where we step in - to help make decisions, draw boundaries and check to see that they are managing - all of us involved in Circle of Friends face a new challenge almost every day.

We look forward to February 5, when Rabbi Dan will share the Bimah with some of the Circle of Friends and Sanctuary Director, Jayne Sorrels.

Harriet Badesheim and Jack Bonawitz

Chicken Soup Group

 It's time again to sign up to be a member of the Chicken Soup Group in 2010.  Help us continue our good work in the CABI community and provide for the needs of our members by signing up now!

Here's how it works: When the Rabbi or Kat knows of someone who is in need of support because of illness, hospitalization, a new baby or if they need a ride to the doctor, among other things, they let the Head Hen for the month know. The Head Hen then emails us, the wonderful members of the Chicken Soup Group, and we volunteer to bring meals or give other support by emailing back to the Head Hen and the rest of the group. It spreads the work load out so that no one person is given too much to do. There is no pressure to volunteer if that week is too busy, there will be other chances to be of help. Being a part of this group is an important part of helping each other and our community in times of need.

Please email Pettra Pollack of your interest so that we can continue our good work with your help!

ALL KNITTERS OR WANNA-BE-KNITTERS

 Myrna Herman and Petra Pollack would like to get together with you to discuss how your skills and theirs can be used to benefit the Boise Community and elsewhere.  

Perhaps there is already such a group in existence at CABI.  If so, let us know so that we can join you in your efforts and share in the fellowship and camaraderie while helping those in need and the less privileged.  We have a number of ideas for service and would like to hear your ideas as well.  Please e-mail Mary Hulse if you are interested in being part of this activity.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Mary Hulse, Adult Education Chair