It’s an old saying with a timeless message: “We’ll keep the lights on for you!” It suggests a warm welcome and an open door, a promise that someone stands ready to help in times of need.
Yet when it comes to the essential operations that undergird the day-to-day work of Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park, the fact is that paying the light bill rarely seems much like a worthy cause. Staff salaries, building maintenance, copier costs, and the like, can sometimes be perceived as obstacles that drain resources which should instead be used to directly address the many basic needs of persons struggling with financial insecurity in our community.
As I move through a second year of service at Crossroads, however, I’ve come to a deeper appreciation of what it means to “keep the lights on.” Consider our partnership with the Estes Park Extension of the Salvation Army, for example. Thanks to the generosity of the many volunteers and donors who support the Salvation Army locally, Crossroads Ministry was able to administer about $43,000 worth of assistance on their behalf in the past year. This makes the Salvation Army one of our most vital partners.
But imagine the administrative costs the Estes Park Extension of the Salvation Army would incur if they were forced to hire their own staff to do the kind of case management that is necessary in order to effectively provide individualized assistance for local households in need. Because our humble Crossroads facility is here with the space necessary for receiving and distributing food, and because we have the personnel and office space necessary for qualifying clients and determining the best ways to help, 100% of those Salvation Army funds are in fact able to provide direct assistance to persons struggling to make ends meet. Similar partnerships with non-profits like Bright Christmas and other local organizations and businesses enable us to multiply the effectiveness of caring persons and the time or financial resources they generously commit to further the well-being of less fortunate neighbors.
At the same time, we literally help persons “keep the lights on” by providing assistance to prevent eviction or shut-off of utilities, as well as food, transportation, limited medical needs, and much more! In the process, we often provide compassionate “light” to brighten dark days and difficult times, too.
I continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of our neighbors and our friends across the country. The need is great, and we are grateful for your help. Every gift matters. Every donation counts. Every hour of volunteer service makes a difference.
Whether it’s serving about one out of every 12 persons in the Estes Valley each year, providing a place for volunteer service, or helping partner organizations and individuals most efficiently and effectively apply charitable gifts and services, Crossroads Ministry is thankful for the privilege and the responsibility of “Keeping the Lights On” in the Estes Valley!
This post is from our December 2016 newsletter.
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(Photo courtesy lockandstockphotos.com)
