We all began to gather at St. Bridget’s on our decided time of 7:00 am. I (Lou) met up with Bob as I biked over. We were the first to arrive.
One by one we came. First a few support folks then each biker arrived eager to begin this year’s ride. First time rider, Claire Dalidowitz didn’t know what to expect but was ready.
Everyone packed their overnight bags and each Support vehicle was stocked with Gatorade and snacks. Bikers prepared heir bikes, pumping up their tires and remembering what they had to bring.
Finally it was time to leave. Fr. Stephen provided our send of blessing and we were off. We headed to Willimantic through Manchester streets and got on 44, biked past Shady Glen and picked up route 85. Route 85 was taken to Route 6. A few fast downhills added to the morning’s excitement.
It was hot and humid. Again that thought of discomfort we felt but it made us think of those in poverty who feel that discomfort everyday. We were only going to feel it for a day here and there.
We biked along route 6 without incident thinking about last year’s trip and what happened along route 6 as we ventured to Willimantic and St. Joseph’s church. Nothing like that happened this day.
We made our way to the Windham Willimantic Child Care & Family Development DayCare and as we pulled in the kids were all excited. “Here come the bikers!!” they shouted. We were warmly welcomed and Johnnie F introduced us all to the kids. These were little “guys” and we told them about the importance of wearing a helmet and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated.
Then we asked them if they wanted to “ride” one of our bikes. I offered my helmet and one by one each child came up to be hoisted up onto the bike and had their picture taken by one of the staff. It was perfect and each child seemed to really enjoy their “ride”.
When we completed that, I asked the kids if they wanted to ring the bell on my bike. Wow, what a response. It was actually difficult to get away as the staff tried hard to gather the children for their next activity.
We left with a bit of joy in our hearts. I think we all really enjoyed our visit.
We then pedaled over to WAIM, Windham Area Interfaith Ministry.
We received a warm greeting as we arrived and Linda Zaccare, the Case Manager for WAIM gave us a nice tour of the facility. We were all again educated about the good WAIM brings to he Windham area. Clients come, no questions asked and request things they need like household items, clothes, furniture.
WAIM services or helps around 7500 people each year. Donors pull up in the cars and unload various items. While we were there several cars did pull up full of items that would most likely help someone in need. The run WAIM quite efficiently. The tour was very educational.
We left WAIM around 11:30 ad headed over to the Habitat house that some of the BTC team worked on. It was nice to see the progress made and hear about the family that would be shortly moving in. This particular home was handicap accessible as the family had two disabled children. Kind of sad but also nice to see what living conditions they would have.
We then biked over to the Covenant Soup Kitchen and met with the clients there and had lunch with them. We had been there a few years ago and it appeared the numbers have not improved and actually have increased. We have seen and heard this over and over. With the economy being what it is, more people find themselves in need of using Soup Kitchens. Some of us were surprised by the number of children who accompanied their parents into the Soup Kitchen.
The food was excellent bt the stories we heard broke our hearts. One man we talked to, Dave, had just begun coming to the Soup Kitchen and it was difficult for him to share his story. He cried as he shared how he got there. He was running a General Store just a year ago, had a falling out and walked away from it. Little did he know he would be living in a tent and eating at a Soup Kitchen less tha a year later. He told us he would be receiving a pension check shortly and hoped the income form his pension would be enough for him to get his own place to live and pull himself out of his current situation. He was very distraught and your heart had to go out to him.
Claire and I also talked to a guy, Steve, who was homeless, living in a tent as well. He was quite upbeat for his situation but his attitude is what kept him going. He couldn’t get a job because he had no references. How did he get buy? He did “canning”. What is canning? You guessed it. He walked the streets of Willimantic collected bottles and cans. He said he averaged around $300 a week. Well that was a good week. He really benefitted from Eastern but now that school was closed he knew his “income” would go down. But he was managing. He asked us for a bike or if we could get him a bike. It dawned on me that I saw a relatively “new” mountain bike at WAIM. I advised Steve to go over right after lunch and ask for that bike. He was a bit reluctant to do so. I told him they would not judge him or ask any questions. I told him to mention our visit, gave him my card and name, and told him to ask for Linda. We hope he follows through on it. With a bike he could cover more territory faster.
You know, he told us the “canning” was competive and many were out her collecting. It was a first come first served thing so you really had to hassle. He did but has recently been robbed of $25 which is a lot of empty cans. That was something he was really bothered by because it happened right in the soup kitchen. Quite a sad thing but Steve seemed elated that we offered encouragement and a way for him to get the bike.
We left after a good lunch and a lot of sharing and listening to clients’ stories. We again became their voice. We would bring their stories to Hartford the next day as we spoke with our Federal legislators.
Finally we ended our visits at Holy Family shelter and Sister Peter sat us down and gave us the ;attest information on how much the Shelter was helping single women and their familes. It was an encouraging discussion. Sister Peter remarked about the good they were doing and we responded by telling her that we hoped some day she would be out of that job. Again we were educated in a way that would help us become more aware.
We began our rid to Hebron and St. Peter’s Episcopal church but first stopped at the Community Health organization office and ACCESS office and had a great conversation with Leigh Duffy from Generations Family Health Center about their programs and how we can engage with them at some future point. They do a lot of good offering Healthcare to low income folks.
We waited for the thunder storm to pass before riding over to St. Peter’s. It was not a bad ride over. A few hills but nothing too too difficult. Claire did get into a support vehicle as she had just completed the most miles ever for herself. She should be proud of what she did. We all were.
We got to St. Peter’s and Fr. Perry set us all up with our host families to go over and shower and then venture back to the church hall for a nice supper together.
Our presentation lasted just under an hour and from what feedback we received was greatly appreciated by those who were there. They participant were really into it and responsive to our questions. All in all I think we had a very successful first day.
We then all separated and went to the respective homes of our hosts and quickly retired to get ready for the next day.
Lou
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