As the economy falters, AIN scrambles to keep up with requests for assistance. Let me call your attention to three ways friends can help AIN rise to new challenges:
#1 Mark your calendar and make plans to attend the benefit luncheon October 25th at Oneonta Congregational Church in South Pasadena. Look for an invitation coming in September.
#2 Ralph's Club Community Contributions Program participants need to be sure their enrollment stays current for the new year beginning 9/1/08. Click here for information about how the new Ralph's Rewards Card can continue to credit your grocery purchases for AIN.
#3 Fans of renowned local artist John August Swanson may purchase a print of his recent work, "Power to the People," with a portion of the proceeds benefiting AIN. Click here for more information and the website where you can see this work.
God bless each one of you for the support you offer to Angel Interfaith Network and the patients and families we serve!
Rev. Donald L. Smith,
Executive Director
Taking AIN on the Road
 More patients, more services and, thanks to a new Clinical Pastoral Education intern, more critically important pastoral care. That's the message that Angel Interfaith Network is taking “on the road” as we reach out to far-flung supporters this summer.
Palm Desert in July may not sound too appealing to you, but for Rev. Don Smith and Rev. Ann Mills it was a special treat. On the occasion of their first joint sermon, it was a delightful surprise to be welcomed to the Spirit of the Desert Presbyterian Fellowship by worshippers who included actor Ralph Waite, best known for his role in “The Waltons” television show. The actor served as liturgist for the service. As a graduate of Yale Divinity School who once served as a Presbyterian minister, it is a function he is quite comfortable performing. The two-time candidate for Congress graciously posed for a photograph with Don following dinner.
In June Executive Director Don Smith was at the Mission Fair at La Verne Heights Presbyterian Church, proudly showing off our new AIN display board. Click here to see a photo. On Father's Day he preached at St. Luke's Presbyterian Church in Rolling Hills, while AIN Care Coordinator Ann Mills presented a Volunteer Appreciation award at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Valencia the following week. Click here for a photo. After a couple of days at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly in San Jose , Don joined in the celebration of the 87th Anniversary of Emmanuel Hispanic Presbyterian Church in Claremont . Over AIN's 20 year history, Emmanuel was among the first churches to offer support. In July, it was back to Claremont Presbyterian Church for a presentation to children of the Vacation Church School . Following the puppet show presented an unusual challenge for Don, but it paid off. Knitting caps for babies at L.A. County + USC Medical Center was a project the kids responded to with enthusiasm.
We were especially grateful to longtime AIN volunteer Hagar Benitez for ably representing us at the annual Presbyterian Women's Gathering in July at Chapman College in Orange. That new AIN display and interpretive materials were available for inspection at the event's “Mercado” in Beckman Hall on campus. Thanks, Hagar!
Coming up are sermons for Don at Village Presbyterian Church, Arcadia, First Presbyterian Church in Azusa and Westminster Gardens in Duarte . Ann's current preaching schedule includes Monte Vista Grove in Pasadena , Calvary Presbyterian in South Pasadena and Panorama Presbyterian Church in Panorama City.
We love opportunities for sharing the hope you offer through AIN to needy patients and families from L.A. County + USC Healthcare Network. How about some invitations from other faith groups? Contact us at 626-799-2858 to schedule a date. Rev. Donald L. Smith
Executive Director
Coming Back from Trauma
 S. was making his way quite nicely, supporting his elderly mother and himself as a perfume and sunglasses salesman at swap meets and fairs before he was attacked by two young men with a baseball bat and knife.
His face is disfigured and his eyesight considerably impaired. He has been through multiple surgeries and is under psychiatric care. He is scared, paranoid, nervous, angry and at times downright depressed. After a recent visit, Clinical Pastoral Education intern Francis Aguilar reported that S still weeps every day and suffers from regular flashbacks reliving the violent, unprovoked attack.
S.'s mother is also deeply affected by what she calls his “accident.” Both are afraid to go out in public. She and S. are leaning heavily on their faith to deal with this tragedy.
S. was so traumatized that until now he has not been able to apply for the Vicitm's Assistance program. AIN has helped with rent and food, as well as pastoral visits by Ann and Francis, our CPE student intern.
S. says he is told it will take about one year until he is able to work again. Care Coordinator Ann Mills has referred S and his mother to a church for one year of defined support as well as to a local foodbank. A friendly and supportive relationship may help them regain their confidence as S's healing occurs.
Honoring a New Life with a Donation to AIN
 One of the most touching baby gifts my new granddaughter Sophie received was a letter from Angel Interfaith Network informing her that family friends in New York had made a donation to AIN in celebration of her birth. It inspired me to make my own gift honoring Sophie's arrival and to make a gift celebrating the arrival of Sam Feldman a few days later (Sophie and Sam were due the same day).
What a lovely way to celebrate a new healthy life with a gift that helps babies and families at LAC+USC Hospital. Click here to find a special AIN card announcing a gift in honor of a new arrival.
Karen Bading
AIN Board Chair
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