Engaging in the Right Conversations
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Thanksgiving is just right around the corner and with that brings about an attitude of gratitude. Living in such a fast-paced world, it is often easy to forget just how fortunate we are and that others around us may not be as fortunate. Thankfully, this is the season that really seems to put everything into perspective and serves as a reminder to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Jeremy Holbrook, Executive Director of The Neighborhood, doesn’t need a holiday to remind him of this because Holbrook exercises his compassion for others on a daily basis. “After becoming the Executive Director of The Neighborhood two years ago, I’ve learned so much about our in-need, at-risk, and displaced citizens in our community. In 2022, we had over 33,000 individual check-ins at The Neighborhood — people needing services from our partnering agencies. Some of those people needed a warm shower, hygiene supplies, a haircut, clothing, or even help entering the housing assistance program. Most of them came to get a warm meal from The Ashland Community Kitchen, but all of them needed help,” explained Holbrook.
Many people fail to realize that it's okay to need help. Holbrook shared, “We have all needed help in different seasons of life. Maybe we're in a blessed season where we have the opportunity to become the helper, but oftentimes even the helpers need help too. It doesn't make us “needy”; it makes us human. I find that there are many more things that make us similar than make us different.”
Over the past couple of years, Holbrook shared he has often wondered just what “the tipping point” might be for a guest of The Neighborhood to move from needing the daily dose of food and supplies to getting to the point where they understand and believe that they have the capacity to become employable, self-sustainable, and an equally contributing member of our community.
Encouragement and hope can the change world. Holbrook explained, “I know that there have been so many times in my life when I've made a mess of things. It was the encouragement and advice of people, who genuinely had my best interest at heart, who picked me up, dusted me off, and set me back on a healthier path. It's that mindset and belief that caused me to question: ‘Why are the people who come in to get a meal from the community kitchen NOT utilizing the other available resources from CAReS like housing assistance, and the amazing resources and programs that Pathways provides?’”
It was at that moment Holbrook realized … “What if we haven't been engaging in the encouraging conversations? What if we haven't reminded these delicate people they have the capacity to change things for the better?” Holbrook went on to add, “Imagine the difference that could be made from being handed your breakfast tray, sitting down, and eating your meal to instead being welcomed to the table by someone who was there to encourage you, get to know you, hear your story, and remember your name a week later and ask you important questions about your progress.” After coming to this realization, Holbrook got to work on a new project that he is very excited to share.
The Table Project (www.TheTableProject.org) is a new program, hosted by The Neighborhood, which is asking for volunteers to sit with the guests during a meal to start friendly and encouraging conversations. The Ashland Community Kitchen serves three meals every weekday. “We will have monthly volunteer training, which will be an email or YouTube video that will help our volunteers learn about the resources provided by the agencies in The Neighborhood and will serve as discussion points for the clients,” Holbrook noted.
The goal of Holbrook’s Table Project is to see people move from homelessness to housing programs, desperation to development, and brokenness to breakthroughs. “We desire our clients to become employees to local businesses as we are also in the process of renovating space at The Neighborhood for evening classes for soft-skill development, financial literacy, and career training. And, we believe that it's going to take relationships to accomplish this mission,” Holbrook stated.
Of course, with every new project comes the real need for support from the community. The Table Project is seeking volunteers. Holbrook explained, “We are looking for people who would like to encourage others: People who can sit at the table, learn about others, hear their story, and give the gift of hope, direction, and support.” Holbrook has set a goal of having 100 volunteers spend two meals a month with the clients. Breakfast will take place from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., lunch will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and dinner will be from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. “Over the past month, we've already had 50 people sign up to help! We would love to invite anyone to become a partner of this program!” stated Holbrook. You can sign up to become a volunteer at www.TheTableProject.org.