Support the Dignity Backpack Project
Last year, you generously supported the Dignity Backpack Project. The Dignity Backpack Project supports formerly incarcerated individuals by providing essential items they need as they reintegrate into society. Many times, formerly incarcerated men and women who are leaving prison, do not have items they need to begin their new life. Thanks to your support, we have been able to purchase materials for and assemble 200 backpacks. Of the first 100 that included generic items as well as items for warmer weather, all but a handful have been distributed and gratefully received. Keven Cooper, the In-Reach Coordinator for Georgetown Probation who works with those soon to be released and immediately after release from Sussex Correctional Institution, has said that this is one of the most impactful projects of a community group that he has experienced. In February, we had enough funds to make another 100 backpacks that had cooler weather items. So far, only about 20 of those packs have been distributed. Our plan is to repurpose the remaining backpacks for warmer weather.
Unfortunately, we do not have enough funds to purchase all the warmer weather items. We are asking if you can donate again to this very worthwhile project. You may donate money to this project through the website www.twhprogram.org. Please designate Backpacks and make donations by May 20 to allow time for purchasing items for the May 31 backpack assembly event.
Partnering organizations are The Way Home, PIRCOD (Partnership in Reentry Coalition of Delaware), Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, Seaside Jewish Community, Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware, and Unitarian Universalists of Central Delaware. If you have questions about this project, contact Jan Kliger (Seaside representative, jkliger333@gmail.com), or Paulette Rappa (The Way Home representative, director@twhproject@gmail.com). Thank you in advance for your generous donation.
Book & Film Discussion
The SDARJ Book & Film Discussion was founded by Dr. Aimee Wiest and is hosted by the Lewes Public Library on the 4th Tuesday of every month.