"No one should die because they have no health insurance or go broke because they get sick." The message went "viral" last week on Facebook, with a phenomenal number of people following the suggestion and posting it as their "status" message for 24 hours. In the current climate, you can make of it what you will. It seems like a bottom line for a number of folks as we weigh what is needed today in healthcare reform.
At Angel Interfaith Network we serve patients and patient families for whom those dreaded consequences are real and ever-present realities. A large portion of this population has at least one family member employed as well. Social workers at LAC + USC Medical Center tell us, "You have no idea how frightening it is. We are overwhelmed."
There is only so much Angel Interfaith Network can do. We invite all our supporters who may have a certain degree of healthcare security to recognize how large the number is who don't have it and what the consequences are to all of us in this country. "Why Is There No Balm In Gilead?" will examine the current prospects for healthcare reform in an event at Pasadena Presbyterian Church on Saturday, September 26th, sponsored by the California Council of Churches. We hope it generates thoughtful dialogue and some vigorous, responsible civic engagement. Our theme for the AIN luncheon the following week - "No One Is An Island" - seems more on target with each passing day.
Rev. Donald L. Smith
Executive Director
Señor Fish an Oasis
 While Los Angeles baked in temperatures over the century mark and nearby mountains went up in smoke, new and old friends of Angel Interfaith Network found a welcome oasis at the Señor Fish Restaurant in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, August 30th.
The romantic ballads of Chuy Perez opened the benefit concert, offering a fitting welcome for early arrivals followed by tasty light refreshments. Later, the women of In Lak Ech offered their meso-American poetry accompanied by drums and flutes. The infectious rhythms of Sonsoles had LAC + USC social workers and others on their feet dancing later on. Topping it all off, near the end of the evening was the spirited southern Veracruz son jaracho music of Las Cafeteras. These were just highlights of a rich and varied lineup of artists inside. Welcome breezes and a fountain in the outdoor patio lured a number of guests outside during the evening to enjoy the artwork on display by the Lilliflor Collective Studios.
Credit for organizing the successful event goes to AIN Assistant Network Coordinator Raquel Salinas. She drew upon her broad contacts in the activist arts community of Los Angeles to showcase a number of artists who generously donated their talent for the sake of Angel Interfaith Network and the patient families we serve. Also donating her time was the gracious, award-winning Master of Ceremonies, Kikey Castillo. Jose Ramirez made the valuable contribution of his art for use in online and print publicity materials and was in the audience as well. Over a hundred guests enjoyed the festivities over the course of the evening, including a number of students and others interested in volunteering for AIN. Our heartfelt thanks to all the musicians, artists, volunteers and to Señor Fish Restaurant for contributing to the success of the evening.
If L.A. heat, fires or other distractions caused you to miss the opportunity to attend the Tardeada / Benefit Concert this year, Raquel says she would like to make this an annual event. Let’s encourage that!
AIN Benfit Luncheon Invitation
Click here for downloadable reservation form >
Click here for downloadable sponsorship information >
Click here for printable directions >
Love's Compass
 There are days when delivering infant care supplies and furnishings directly to the homes of L.A. County + USC Medical Center patient families sends AIN volunteers off in ALL directions to far-flung parts of the county. It reminds AIN staff and volunteers of “boxing the compass.” “Boxing the compass” is an exercise that involves naming all 32 points of the compass clockwise in order. If we don’t hit all 32 compass points on our way during the course of a day, we do cover a large portion of them, with a rich mix of cultures and languages in those households.
One day began by visiting a storefront in South Los Angeles, speaking Spanish and entertaining twins while their mom learned about nontoxic housekeeping from our partners at Mother’s Green House. It ended with green tea and fruit served in the unfurnished apartment of a family who had just arrived from Korea to study in Pasadena. Their premature baby was still in the hospital.
Off in another direction, the needle of Delacy’s compass swung wildly when she was laid off and lost her home. Recently with the help of the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority’s Family Emergency Response Team, she made it into a new apartment. The bare room into which the AIN volunteer carried the pieces of a donated bed seemed to symbolize the condition of Delacy’s life: starting from scratch, with two young boys, a lot of love, and a little hope. With the help of Network members we are supporting that love with visits and affirming her hope with donated household items.
We passed through homes of various cultures and faiths. But at the end of the day we found ourselves where we started: focused on the immediate needs of vulnerable families with children. Each mother beamed at the thought that someone would knit or quilt or sew the blankets we brought. Each one offered her baby for us to hold for a moment. Each one joined us in admiring God’s handiwork in this new little person. Each one wished us safe journey as we bid farewell.
The Angel Interfaith Network compass takes us wherever the love of God requires. Wherever that may be, it always feels like home.
Why is There No Balm in Gilead?
 A Health Care Conference for People of Faith
Saturday, September 26th
8:30am - 3pm
Pasadena Presbyterian Church
585 E Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena CA 91101
Sponsored by California Council of Churches, National Council of Churches Health Task Force, and Judeans for Justice and Temple Judea, serving Tarzana and West Hills.
Workshops include Health Disparities in Communities of Color, Legislative Advocacy on Health through a Faith Voice, Best Practices in Health Ministries, and Faith Communities - Planning for Emergencies.
Check out the website by clicking here >
|
