Creek Kids Care supports Fresh Start Walnut Creek

Fresh Start is a respite and service center for those who are among the working poor, homeless and at risk of becoming homeless. The beauty of Fresh Start is that everyone is equal and all are respected. There is no time limit of restrictions on most of their services. People come to Fresh Start not only for help, but also for a sense of community and ongoing support. The usual participant might stay with us, off and on, for two  years.

Fresh Start provides:

• a safe, quiet, peaceful atmosphere
• Breakfast and lunch
• Phones and computeres that can be used to search for housing and jobs, scheduling of medical appointments and reconnecting with family
• Three showers and a bathtub
• Washer and dryer
• Personalized case managment
• Friendship and support
• Advocacy and assistance in accessing county, state and federal benefits.

Through our work with Fresh Start, we at CKC have learned a lot about homelessness. One thing we've learned is that homelessness can happen to anyone: the educated, the healthy, those with families. Another thing we've learned is that life is so difficult if one doesn't have a home to go to. Things like brushing teeth, going to the bathroom, feeling welcome inside or out, keeping a job, getting a job -- all of these things most of us take for granted become daily challenges when one has to live outside.

The kids and adults at Creek Kids and the people at Fresh Start have been friends for four years now. Our relationship has been a source of growth and awareness and fun.

CREEK KIDS/FRESH START PROJECTS

Warm and Healthy Winter

For the fourth year in a row, Creek Kids have purchased and delivered tents and sleeping bags for our community members who don’t have homes. Our delivery day was Thursday, October 25th. Before loading up trucks and cars, all Creek Kids met to decorate the boxes with their warm wishes. We caravanned to Fresh Start where we were greeted by Fresh Start director, board members, volunteers and members. Creek Kids were treated to cookies and sparkling cider. A lovely welcome!

It was totally fun and the event is excellent evidence of the joy that results from giving. As we’ve pointed out every year, this delivery event is a great one for kids to see the impact of their work and make the connection between the cards they make and why we make them. The boxes we deliver are big and the kids are so excited and proud to give them away.

Thanksgiving Day Home Baked Goodies

It’s almost Thanksgiving and we are gearing up to make home-baked goodies for Fresh Start which we will deliver on that day around 11am.

RSVP to Cat if you would like to bake an extra pie, cake or batch of cookies for Fresh Start. Then, plan to bring them to Cat’s house on Wednesday night after 5pm or Thanksgiving day between 9-11am.

If you would like to caravan over with Cat to deliver the goodies to Fresh Start, please e-mail her to arrange to be part of the delivery crew.

e-mail: coachcat@jps.net or
leave a message at 925.939.4554