Advocate Center, 1977–94, bulk: 1990–94

Advocate Center seemed an appropriate title when we opened the center in 1990. Previously we had provided home health services to Norton and Wise County, VA. Having been in the area since 1977 we were aware of some services provided and other services that were needed. Initially we worked from our home, going out each day to patients in need of home health services. At that time the Health Department and we were the only agency providing home health services. By 1990 there were an increasing number of home health agencies in our area. We also realized that we were getting an increasing number of calls asking for information of where to go for certain needs. These calls came not only from agencies but from individuals. It seemed we had become knowledgeable about services or the lack of services for families seeking help. One physician told us, "It seems to be that you serve the people who fall between the cracks."

In an effort to be more available to local folks and help with their sometimes overwhelming situations we rented a storefront on Main Street in Norton. Our brochure describes advocate as; vocal supporter, one who speaks for another, a friend, pleader, counselor, or listener. We were also aware of the need for the Holy Spirit's help in our endeavors. We understand that we advocate for the individual; to the individual and also to the human services groups as well as to the political system. We advocate improving the quality of life for individuals and families struggling to provide basic needs.

People often ask us "How do people know about you". We are known by agency and individuals alike. Probably two thirds of new referrals relate, "My cousin/neighbor/friend gave me your number and said you might could help me", the remaining referrals are from human service providers or other churches.

Practically the families benefit from the financial or material assistance we can provide on a limited basis. More crucial, however, is the courtesy of listening to their stories. We listen, we respond with concrete actions when we can, and we respond with the truth at those times when the need is beyond our capability which is, "I don't know where you can get help for that need." This latter is often the hardest. However in some situations it is better to be truthful rather than refer them somewhere - that you know cannot help them.

Our work as advocates also refers to communicating specific and general situations to agency board, directors and staff as well as local, state and federal representatives. We have a smaller population where we serve. Consequently we know our political representatives more than in larger metropolitan areas. One example of this was my comment to a state representative a few years ago that the welfare reform legislation had resulted in less people enrolled but in an increase in the number of families living in poverty. This legislator had the courage to tell me, "It is not a politically receptive time for looking into that". I appreciate his honesty but that does not stop us from advocating on this issue.

Another aspect of being an advocate is explaining to someone how they can do some advocacy for themselves. For some families this will include how to get through the phone system of that agency, as well as specific questions to ask. We also advocate when we advise someone to contact a lawyer for legal representation. There are occasions when we refuse help because the person has not made any attempt to follow through with what other help was suggested and is available.

The Advocate Center is sometimes a bridge between agency and individual. We listen as the situation or problem is presented by the individual - and when it seems to be an issue with many others, we bring the concern to local groups. Over the years this has resulted in collaborating to open a domestic violence shelter, a food bank, legal services, chore services for the elderly y, a homeless shelter, and a children's advocacy center.

Initially the Dominican Sisters of Ossining funded us fully. After three years, Bishop Walter Sullivan accepted our application for the Missionary Cooperative Plan. We are assigned two or three parishes in the Richmond, Virginia Diocese to tell of our ministry and ask for financial help. Currently we receive funding from the Dominican Ministry Trust and Fund, a variety of grants that we write each year, our local mailings that go out two or three times a year. There are a significant number of our faithful donors who remember us monthly.

Locally, we request household and personal items from churches or organizations that we provide to the families requesting these items. Our supply room has diapers, shampoo, soaps, toothpaste, detergents as well as gently used sheets, towels and blankets. These items are too costly when your income is within the poverty rate.

We have truly been blessed with the funding and support that we receive. I am always appreciative of how we have been honored to hear the stories of so many struggling families and I get a new understanding of our two worlds within the USA when I relate the reality of poverty to those of us who have been blessed with so much. This is especially true when I give my reflections at the parishes each year. People come up and thank me for what we are doing but also state; "I had no idea that people in our country had such struggles anymore".

There are so many stories - so many faces that we remember. So many thank you's we receive over the years. Many tell us that it is a blessing that we are here - we know we have been blessed to be of service to the people in this Appalachian community of southwest Virginia.

Note written by Sister Beth Jaspers, O.P. and Sister Margaret Flynn, O.P.