Enklings Studio

White Christmas - Bing Crosby

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all from Enklings Studio.

Simply,

Tim

Sunny Acres & Dan De Vaul - How and Why It Works

Guest Post on Enklings by Matt Lombardini

I have spent the past several months volunteering and coordinating certain aspects of the Sunny Acres program and would like to share what I have become aware of by being on site and having lengthy discussions and interactions with Mr. De Vaul as well as many of the residents (formerly homeless) who live there now.

Sunny Acres has been in operation for over 9 years. It is the only place in San Luis Obispo County that provides a 'long-term' living situation for people who were formerly homeless. In addition, people who come to live there are provided with 3 hot meals a day, 12-step recovery meetings held twice weekly, and a unique opportunity to rehabilitate at a pace that works for each on an individual basis. This is accomplished in large part by working on the ranch and performing  jobs such as growing crops, dealing with the 40 head of cattle, repairing and maintaining farm equipment, automobile mechanics and restoration, welding, converting wine barrels into water barrels and more. Training is provided as needed to those who show interest in a particular area.

All of these jobs provide hands on rehabilitation that helps those who are getting sober to stay sober as well as building their self-esteem. Each resident is treated as an individual with their own strengths and weaknesses taken into consideration upon admission. It operates like a large family with the residents carrying each other. Of course, no family is without it’s share of drama and Sunny Acres is in no exception to the rule. That being said, it is through a balance of time, talents and personalities that create an environment that works. A sense of dignity is restored and respect for one another is modeled. 

 A small stipend of $300.00 per month is asked of those that can afford it. 5 volunteer hours a week at a pace that fits with the individual is also asked. For those unable to pay the fee, they are given the opportunity to work off the fee. Additionally, some of the residents are able to work enough hours to pay for their stay and make money above what is required. 

Those with alcohol and substance abuse problems are required to stay sober and are tested on a regular basis. For those who are not successful, they are once again treated on an individual basis and if a true willingness and desire remains to get sober they are given repeat opportunities to realize long-term sobriety. For others whom have mental and/or emotional problems without alcohol or substance abuse they are given the chance to recover via the hands on rehabilitation opportunities.  As long as each individual is able to abide by the simple individualized requirements, they are able to stay as long as they need to. In addition, many of the residents take advantage of county run agencies off the property for support as needed. Residents range in age from 18 to 70 years old. Some are Veterans of war. Others are former professionals who through a series of unfortunate events and in many cases poor choices have found themselves homeless.

After it’s establishment as a 501(c)3 organization it was decided that Sunny Acres would pay a rental fee of 4000.00 per month to Mr. De Vaul. To this day that fee has never been collected. In fact, during the first 7 years of Sunny Acres operation, Mr. De Vaul supplemented the non-profit program with his own funds as needed to keep it going. It is only in the past 2 years that the program has become fully financially self- sustaining. It should also be noted that Mr. De Vaul works many hours each day running the day-to-day operations with the cooperation of the residents living there. 

Sunny Acres has never requested or received any Government subsidies or tax dollars. The Food Bank Coalition of San Luis Obispo generously supplies residents (just as it does others with qualifying low income throughout the county) some of their food while the rest comes from being grown on the farm. Monetary donations as well as clothing and other needed items have been graciously received from various community members and businesses. Many community members, some in the field of mental health have donated time in their personal area of expertise over the years. 

County run agencies have often referred many of the men and women who have come to stay at Sunny Acres. People working for these agencies have seen first hand the good work being done for the residents living there. 

In 9 years of operation the program has never seen a major incident of injury to any of its residents. People who come to stay at Sunny Acres are grateful for a place to live and begin the process of getting their lives back on track. People have come from as far as the east coast to live at Sunny Acres. It is truly a unique program which certainly qualifies with mitigating circumstances that one might conclude should encourage SLO County officials to forgive many of the alleged violations as well as use permits and begin to make it possible for the program to come into its full fruition.  

Mr. De Vaul envisions 10 of his 72 acres devoted to the homeless with the rest being developed in 3 tiers beginning with some truly affordable housing. A Master Plan has been drawn up with some of the specifics required to see this vision become a reality. Because he owns the land, this is a viable possibility that could shine a very positive light on the County in terms of efforts to provide some truly affordable housing as well as helping the homeless. SLO County has adopted a "10 year plan to end homelessness" and Sunny Acres is uniquely positioned to help it realize this goal.

By going to Jail, Mr. De Vaul hopes to raise awareness around some of the injustice that can occur as a result of government interaction with private land-owners who sometimes choose to provide much needed services such as housing the homeless. Dan De Vaul does not claim to be a saint. He is a man though who seems to have been captivated by the spirit in a way that compels him to help some of the least fortunate in our society. Unconventional but effective, it cannot be denied that many have been directly and positively affected through the efforts of Mr. De Vaul and the Sunny Acres Program.

Matt Lombardini can be reached at: sunnyacres.ca@gmail.com
Sunny Acres website: www.sunnyacresca.com

The Curious Case of Dan De Vaul - Dan Goes To Jail

A while ago I wrote about the problems Dan De Vaul had with the county of San Luis Obispo in trying to help the homeless and addicted. This has all come to a head over the past week culminating in Mr. De Vaul choosing to go to jail rather than being on probation. Thankfully a good samaritan, who was also on the jury that convicted him, bailed him out.  

All of us in our household are scratching our heads at how this could happen. Especially in a town that claims to be socially liberal and concerned more about people that things. The passions are pouring out over this issue, just like the sparkling wine is at the rich folks houses overlooking Sunny Acres at their assumed victory.

The following post by Matt Lombardini will give you an insiders look at Sunny Acres from a volunteer. I hope you'll read it and pass it on. Matt is going to film a documentary on Sunny Acres and Mr. Du Vaul's fight with the county. He's looking for some help in getting the documentary done.  Let's help!

simply,

Tim

(Photo: San Luis Obispo deputy sheriff Noah Martin puts the handcuffs on Dan De Vaul after De Vaul was sentenced to 90 days in jail. Credit: Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet by Jeffrey D. Sachs

Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet by Jeffrey D. Sachs

My rating: 5 of 5 stars I had been looking for a book that explained in detail all the issues of climate change, population growth, poverty and sustainability in the world. A friend recommended "Common Wealth" by the economist Jeffrey D. Sachs and it didn't disappoint.

Jeffrey Sachs has been an economic adviser all over the world to governments and organizations. His work advising the U.N. on the Millennium Development Goals will likely get him a Nobel Prize one day soon. His ability to break down complex issues into bite size chunks made this in-depth book very readable.

You may not agree with everything being said about climate change, sustainability and biodiversity, but Mr. Sachs lays out a very strong case for global cooperation to solve these issues before life on this planet becomes very difficult for all of us. He draws the connection between poverty and war in a way that is very compelling. His action plan seems measured and intelligent without being fanatical.

This is a must read for anyone interested in the future of our earth and how to protect the planet for future generations.

Simply,

Tim

View all my reviews >>

What's Tim Up To?

Here's what's new!

I just accepted an offer to work with Letters&Arts to focus on marketing one of their businesses, Sharefaith, to Churches and Christian ministries in the U.S. Totally excited about this!  The company is in Ashland, OR, but I'll be working from SLO out of my home office for now. 

Sharefaith is the leading company in the U.S. for quality Church media and effective digital templates delivered online to over 12,500 Church and ministry members.  Sharefaith is growing at a rapid rate due to the high quality of products we offer at a very low cost.  Churches, from 50 members to 50,000 members are finding that our videos, worship backgrounds, bulletin art and templates for newsletters and flyers are the best on the web at the most cost effective price.  For around $8 a month, a Church or ministry can have access to over 30,000 of the highest quality digital designs to use in services and communications.

Letters&Arts also has several other sites that have the best quality digital media for Parents, Restaurants, Brides, and Businesses along with sites that focus on Education, Holidays, Gardening and Scrapbooking.  All easy to use and very cost effective to get effective and beautiful art and designs for just about any occasion!

More later about my role, but if you're interested in partnering with Sharefaith or Letters&Arts or have opportunities to help me connect the dots in the industries we serve, particularly Churches and Ministries, shoot me an email at: tblair@sharefaith.com.

I'll still be working passionately on hunger related issues in my spare time to promote hunger awareness, Food Banks and Hunger Relief Organizations through #twitterforfood and learning the ropes as a new board member for The Friends of Prado Day Center.

simply,

Tim

Why Would You Be At Church When The World Comes To Your Door?

Halloween is this Saturday, and in our neighborhood, the world comes to our door.  Last year over 400 kids came by and got some great candy, a warm greeting and a lot of compliments on some scary costumes.

It will probably seem strange to many reading this that there are some who feel compelled not to be at home on this night.  That Halloween is evil and should be shunned as an event.  That people who celebrate it are unaware of the evils of dressing up and meeting your neighbors where they live.

In Churches all over America, there will be "Harvest Celebrations" as an alternative to the evils of Halloween. While these good intentioned folks are doing what they do, their neighbors, the very people they seek to reach, are walking by their dark houses shaking their heads at the lack of care they see for even the simplest of graces, an open door.  I'm all for Harvest Celebrations - but have them on a different night when you can invite your neighbors and they'll be able to come.

What would Jesus do?  I think he might buy the best candy he could afford and open the door to the sounds of joyful children.  Most likely he would be out on the street knocking on your door Halloween night, with the children surrounding him and shouting "trick or treat!"  He probably is one of the "least of these" that rings your door bell when no one is home.  (see Matthew 25:31-46) 

When the world comes to your door, where will you be?

simply,

Tim

Religion vs. Faith - Follow The Money

My friend, @MichaelHyatt, posted on his blog this morning a disturbing video of a book burning Church which has launched a good discussion on the difference between faith and religion on his site.

While I don't think any right minded person would condone what this little 14 member Church in North Carolina is doing, there is a much greater issue between faith and religion that isn't being talked about much except in some of the emergent Church venues.

According to Barna Research in 2001, the average operating budget for Protestant Churches in the U.S. was around $115,000 a year.  This may not seem like much, especially to our bloated lifestyles out here in California, but if you multiply this times the number of Protestant Churches in the U.S. which is around 225,000, you come up with over $25 BILLION dollars being spent each year in the U.S. to keep churches running.  This doesn't include Catholic, Jewish or other denominations such as Latter Day Saints.  It also doesn't include special Church fundraising for building projects, etc.

With over 1 billion people in the world today facing illness and death from lack of food security, it's time we made sure the money we donate to non-profits (including churches) goes to solving basic problems, not building more infrastructure.  With an average of 16,000 children dying each day from hunger related issues, we need to question every expenditure we make personally, what our churches and organizations spend and what our government spends.  This is unacceptable.  One needs only to follow the money to see what is most important to us. 

Can we do both-fund religious organizational infrastructure and give to the poor to meet their most basic of needs?  Perhaps, but the number of hungry people around the world grew by 100 million in one year. Something isn't working.

Let the crazy book burners get their 15 minutes of fame if they must, you and I have much deeper issues to grapple with.

Simply,

Tim

How Do I Connect With Thee?

Let me count the ways...

Friend me, facebook me, tweet me, link me, myspace me, google me, youtube me, yahoo me, IM me, plurk me, twine me, reddit me, stumble upon me, digg me, flicker me, delicio.us me, blink me, rss me, furl me, fark me, blog me, post me, text me.... (yes, I know there's 100 more)

I'm not sure this is what Elizabeth Barrett Browning had in mind.  With all the opportunity for connection, the world should be a better place, shouldn't it?  Perhaps we spend too much time connecting with each other and not enough loving each other.  Time will tell....

Simply,

Tim

Pictures of Typhoon Ondoy in the Philippines

My friend Jeff Uy from the Bayan-Anihan Foundation in the Philippines sent along these photos and a plea for help in relief from the ravages of Typhoon Ondoy.

Anything you can do to help - here are the links from Jeff:

ANCOP USA
www.ancopusa.org
or you can send your checks to
ANCOP USA, PO Box 10095, Torrance, CA 90505.Or go
to www.ancopusa.org if you prefer to do it online via credit card.

AYALA FOUNDATION USA
You can issue checks payable to Ayala Foundation USA with project noted (Gawad Kalinga Ondoy Relief) and send to :

Ayala Foundation USA255 Shoreline Drive, Suite 428
Redwood City, CA 94065
Tel. no. 1-650-598-3126Fax No. 1-650-508-8898
Email info@af-usa.org

or you can donate to Ayala Foundation USA via credit card by visiting http://www.af-usa.org/donate_now_form.asp.
In "choosing organization to receive the donation", please choose
"Gawad Kalinga-Community Infrastructure Program" for now.

By tomorrow, September 29, Tuesday Philippine Time, you will be able to choose
"Gawad Kalinga-Relief".  DONATE ONLINE AT www.gk1world.com. Visit us at www.gk1world.com and click on "Operation GK Walang Iwanan
(Click to Donate)".

This facility can accept donations from all over the world.
Daily updates on the needs of affected communities will be posted
on www.gk1world.com so we can respond quickly and appropriately.

Simply,

Tim

Outside In or Inside Out?

Frederick Buechner once wrote that "we live in falsity when we live from the outside in rather than from the inside out." I came across this quote while reading a different author last week and can't get the thought out of my mind.

I think this is the core issue with so much of the world today.  We have allowed outside influences to determine our path rather than choosing a path and walking it.  We buy what we are told is best to buy, we read what we are told is best to read, we drive what we are told is best to drive and we live where we are told it's best to live.  I'm not talking just about advertisement, but also of a societal movement to find equity in mimicry, i.e. we are better people because we do things alike and buy things alike.

Living from the inside out brings uniqueness.  Unfortunately in our society, uniqueness is not often rewarded. If it is rewarded, it soon turns into a trend to be followed, thus eliminating it as unique.  Competition, a religion in the U.S., is a matter of how I can be like you, but better.  Living from the inside out eliminates competition and encourages community.  If I intrinsically provide something different than you, we can work together as a support for each other and others.

Think about living from the inside out, at home, in your business, in your spiritual life.  Being self aware is the first step.  Self awareness is not nurtured in our society because we are taught to key on and react to external influences from an early age. Try this for a first step.  Take a walk and eliminate any outside input.  Walk very early before there is a lot of noise and leave your iPod at home. 

Listen.  I think you'll be amazed at what you hear.  More later....

Simply,

Tim