Anna M. Jarvis - one who popularized Mother's Day in the United States beginning in 1908 - was periodically disturbed by commercialization of her holiday over the years. In the current economy, Angel Interfaith Network certainly would not want to jeopardize what has now become a $14 billion industry. But we DO wonder if Anna M. Jarvis may still have some kindred spirits among us!
We offer AIN supporters the opportunity to honor a special mother in their lives through a gift which supports our work among some of the neediest new mothers in Los Angeles County. The selfless mothers we know would all be proud of children who made a choice to honor them through a gift that makes a difference in the lives of families still recovering from a hospitalization.
Is there a name of a mother you would like to add to AIN's honor roll? Click here to see how easy it is to make your Mother's Day contribution to Angel Interfaith Network and then send us the name of the mother(s) you wish to honor. Our list will be posted on the AIN website (www.angelinterfaith.net) in time for Mother's Day viewing. Act now while you still have time!
With poet William Ross Wallace (and Anna M. Jarvis!) we're convinced -
"For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rocks the world."
Rev. Donald L. Smith
Executive Director
Stimulus No Solution for CA Uninsured
 The bad news came at the end of March – federal stimulus funds coming to California will not be sufficient to head off steep cuts to funding of care for the uninsured, according to the state budget accord painfully hammered out after prolonged negotiations. With care of uninsured patients at public hospitals on the rise throughout the state, that foreshadows tougher times ahead for L.A. County + USC Medical Center and patient families served by Angel Interfaith Network.
A survey conducted by the California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems showed a 4% increase in the number of patients at public hospitals from October, 2007 to October, 2008. That translates to approximately 100,000 patients across a system of nineteen public hospitals in the state. The four Los Angeles County public hospitals showed a 12% increase in patients coming to emergency rooms for treatment of medical problems or for prescription refills.
Since that October period, California’s unemployment figure has continued to rise and now exceeds 10%. “If we were to compare data from January, 2009 to the same month a year before, I know we would see a larger increase than what our survey revealed,” said Melissa Stafford Jones, president and CEO of CAPH. Stafford-Jones asserts that every one percent increase in the unemployment rate signifies one million more uninsured and one million additional people who will qualify for Medicaid or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).
At the end of March state Treasurer Bill Lockyer determined that only $8.14 billion of a hoped-for $10 billion in federal stimulus funds would be coming to California and expressed his concern to the governor for consequences, “both fiscal and human.” Numerous health care budget cuts will not be restored, including $54 million in federal funds provided to public hospitals to care for the uninsured as part of the Safety Net Care Pool. The CAPH believes that the cuts could not come at a worse time for millions of patients being served by public hospitals.
In Need of Home and 'Mothering'
 AIN Care Coordinator Ann Mills shares these Mother's Day reflections:
The flaming magenta ice plant and orange gladiolus in brick planters told me that the drive to Inglewood would be worth the trip. As I hauled the baby basket and extra clothing out of my van and approached the house, my hunch was confirmed: Angel statuettes of all kinds and colors danced in-between the flowers. I thought, “Here lives a generous and vivacious spirit.”
Little Peter needs such a home. He has lived his brief 6 months of life in limbo. We had prepared a baby basket for him when his social worker called, but had to wait as someone was found to take him in. We waited for a month. And then the call came: Mrs. B. would be his foster mom.
Mrs. B. answered the door with Peter in her arms. As I lugged in his provisions, he was thoroughly content on her lap--enjoying her fussing with his clothes and combing his hair. He gave me a big smile. I couldn’t help noticing all the graduation pictures and photos on the wall, attesting to the many children Mrs. B. has helped.
My visit called to mind a Mother’s Day sermon delivered long ago by the Rev. Sandy Tice. She acknowledged how Mother’s Day can be difficult for many, because of the less than ideal circumstances in our own families. But she left us with a vivid image of how God “mothers” us, and asked us to reflect on the person or persons in our lives who have mothered us—who have cared for us tenderly, protected or provided for us, guided us along the way. She suggested we think of them on Mother’s Day, and give thanks.
This Mother’s Day, among the memories of all the tender and courageous and strong women I have met through Angel Interfaith Network, I will see the flaming magenta ice plant, the angels, and the tenderness in Mrs. B’s home, and give thanks that little Peter has someone to mother him now.
Announcing 2009 Volunteer Awards
 After seventeen years of AIN Volunteer Appreciation Luncheons, challenges this year encouraged us to use more creativity and resourcefulness. We absolutely DO intend to express our real appreciation to our volunteers in 2009! The difference is that this year we will be announcing our featured honorees here by e-mail and then traveling to them to present the awards.
The group we are highlighting this year is located some distance to the north of our South Pasadena office. Representatives have faithfully attended past Volunteer Appreciation Luncheons over the years, and for several years now their women have sponsored their own annual Tea and Fashion Show with community participation. Attendees bring baby and infant care items for Angel Interfaith Network.
Our mission partnership with Panorama Presbyterian Church in Panorama City goes back to at least 1995 when the first donation of hospital bedside bags and devotional items was given to “Project Angel.” “These are just the beginning!,” wrote Grace Clancey in a prophetic note accompanying the donations. Evelyn Dreis and Ismay Bullock were other early supporters from that era. AIN Care Coordinator Ann Mills recalls that the church responded enthusiastically to an appeal for gifts for pediatric oncology patients at the holidays soon after that. Rev. Gary Dart serves as pastor to the Panorama City flock and dons a tuxedo to wait tables for the annual Tea and Fashion Show.
This year’s individual Volunteer of the Year is a former Moderator of the Presbyterian Women at Panorama Presbyterian. We have long recognized the energy, creativity, leadership and readiness to respond to emergency requests that Kay McNeil has demonstrated. She made a hit at last year’s Tea and Fashion show, modeling an outfit in tune with “hard times.” No one has ever worn garbage bags with more style and grace! Congratulations to Kay, to PW Moderator Marion Arciaga and all the women of Panorama Presbyterian who made the Tea and Fashion Show last July such a classy event.
Currently AIN is in conversation with the church for an appropriate date to present the awards and tokens of our appreciation. |
