Likely you’ve heard it before: Give a person a fish, and you feed them for a day. Teach a person to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime.
I get it, and I can’t (won’t) disagree. Hungry people need food, and they need it now. Recognizing this, we have a food pantry that offers immediate relief. As of the end of August, we have provided nearly 80,000 meals to people in need this year; we are efficient and effective in providing fish.
At Chester Eastside we are equally focused on teaching the art of fishing: to equip folks young and old with the lessons they need to provide for themselves. Our OST – Out of School Time – program invites young people into partnerships of learning, living, and growing together.
But the journey does not end with teaching one to fish. You see, when one learns to fish it becomes a useless skill if there is no access to the ponds where the fish dwell. Lack of access creates a lack of oppurtunity; gifts and skills remain idle when there is no place to apply them. The journey of justice reaches its destination when access to resources, and the privilege of ownership, are available to all.
I offer that the core mission of CEI is three fold. Yes, we do all in our power to meet the immediatie needs of those who are hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and imprisoned. And, yes, we offer programs designed to teach people to “fish” for themselves. At CEI, however, the justice journey does not stop there.
For three weeks we are offering those who come to our food pantry the opportunity to register to vote, for it is through the right to vote that each of us has the opportunity to change the systems and structures that restrict access. This is but one example of the ways in which we continue to seek justice, equity, and wholeness in our community. In the coming days, stay connected to hear of opportunities to offer our voices in support of measures that lead to access and equality.
With great gratitude for all who support the many works of compassion and justice that eminate from Chester Eastside, may our collective efforts bring relief, hope, and…
Peace,
Andy