I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.  I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live.  ~George Bernard Shaw

In the midst of our fallen economy, it is upsetting to come across an article/blog like this: http://www.jerseyconservative.com/Entries/Item000038.html

Working for a local New Jersey nonprofit I see where the CSBG and stimulus dollars are a going. I am actually the person handing those dollars out, signing each check, “helping families and improving lives.”  The stimulus funding is given to better the community and help local nonprofits; it not distributed as “handouts”, rather the individuals seeking help are given tools, the education needed to better their family’s future.  The funding is directly used to support programs designed to promote “desirable marketable skills” in low income families. 

Examples of CSBG programs funded through stimulus grant dollars:

• Affordable Childcare, including Infant and Toddler Care
• Counseling
• Crisis Intervention
• Homeless Prevention
• Affordable Housing
• SAT & College Prep
• Financial Literacy
• Entrepreneur Training
• Adult Basic Skills
• First Time Homebuyer Clubs
• English As a Second Language (ESL)
• Weatherization
• New Jersey Shares
• Early Childhood Education Job Training
• Tax Preparation and Earned Income Tax Credit  

 New Jersey is receiving $27 million from a Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) as part of the federal stimulus program; however, NJ has been receiving the same grant for years regardless of stimulus funding.  Most of the funding is raised through ground, organized fundraising efforts.  The difference this year is that the state was actually given the amount it needs, to help those who need it.  The fund’s intention is to increase self sufficiency and improve the quality of life of community residents around the country affected by poverty. The funded programs that have been established are outstanding; most are 6^th month training programs where recipients receive proper training to obtain a job after completion.  Most of the courses, such as Entrepenuer Training, Early Childhood Education Job Training and SAT & College Prep, are weighted as college courses, minus the hefty cost one would receive at another organization. 

I come from a working class family of nine.  My dad is the definition of a working class man, a mechanic, single father, who proudly works everyday with his hands.  He has always been proud of our larger than normal family.  While I grew up, he worked 3 jobs to put food on the table for my brothers and me, never has once complained.  My mother who suffers from Schizophrenia has lived in governmental assisted living since I was 4.  My youngest brother was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 3. I know what it is like to be “poor” and have a family in need.   I have my own story, like thousands of others, and I do not judge.  I strive to give back.  I do not judge those who are more fortunate than my family and I.   That is why it is upsetting to see those more fortunate judging those who cannot defend themselves or just need a helping hand. 

I understand that some believe the funding is a “handout” and low-income families don’t deserve help. I say shame on you.   Many of the individuals seeking help have college degrees and held impressive careers, like those who sit back and judge.  The stimulus dollars have lifted people out of poverty and I have seen it firsthand.  I have had clients come into my office unable to heat their homes and feed their children due to circumstances, loss of a job, homelessness or death in the family, that would break anyone’s heart.  But with a little guidance and help, some now own their own businesses, homes and have found sustainable employment within as little as a month’s time.   Every so often individuals need a push in the right direction, someone there to say, “You can do it.”  Not the fortunate, knocking so many with so much potential down. 

Each person has a different situation in life, a different story to tell, and I don’t believe it is anyone’s place to judge another life. 

Whatever happened to, “help thy neighbor”? I guess that was lost during the precious Bush age.

Written By: Partial Outcome