Mission Update

Recently, a man stopped by Bidwell Riverside Center. He was home from California for a high school reunion. His story was one of poverty turned to success. He and his five siblings were one of the homeless families who had lived in the "box district," a place where families pieced together old boxes and lived in them. Bidwell Riverside Center provided care to his family, enabling the children to get an education and escape poverty. Now the man is a lawyer; two siblings are doctors; one is an engineer; one is a politician; and one is in business. United Methodist Women-supported Bidwell, 40 years later, is still attending to families in need, supporting them and helping create opportunities for them.

A young mother went away for the weekend, leaving her children in the care of a trusted neighbor. Unfortunately, the neighbor was not trustworthy. She took them to the park and left them. The children wandered to a friend’s house and when the mother returned, she was arrested and charged with negligence. After her release, the mother came to United Methodist Women- supported Moore Community House for advice and assistance in getting her children back. The center works with the parents to understand responsibilities and complexities of changing government regulations, acts as an advocate for the children, and gives ongoing support for the child and parent through a variety of programs.

"Shirley," 23, was raising three small children and living in a small Arizona town. For years, she struggled with one big problem: she was a victim of domestic violence. Shirley went to Navajo United Methodist Center feeling alone, confused and wounded. Now, it’s her temporary home. "There’s no place like home," Shirley says, "a place where you can enjoy yourself without fear of hurt or rejection." Through one of the programs at this UMW-supported institution, victims of domestic violence go to group sessions, counseling, parenting classes, and talking circles. They gain self esteem, confidence, and independence.

"Kim" was a Vietnamese mail-order bride, lured by a man who had come from China to San Francisco. He wrote to her that life was wonderful, that she should sell her beauty parlor, send him all her money to help pay for their new house, and then come join him. She did. Though she spoke no English and knew no one in this country, Kim bravely made the trip. Months after her arrival and marriage, her husband began beating her and became involved with another woman. Kim became depressed and suicidal. As her husband taunted her, she drank rat poison. Mary Elizabeth Inn became her refuge, putting her in touch with Vietnamese doctors and a Vietnamese-American community. This UMW-supported women’s residence welcomes women from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances, then helps them move beyond grave problems, painful events, and illnesses to safety and wholeness.

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