Socks, winter gloves, beanies, heavy duty backpacks, gift cards for Starbucks or Jack in the Box are all items individuals can donate to the Oakdale Rescue Mission to help support their clients. These articles are welcome year-round, but are appreciated even more when the holidays roll around.
Who are the clients of the Oakdale Rescue Mission, you may wonder? According to Pamela Kelly, one of the Mission’s founders and longtime volunteer and board director, the clients primarily are homeless individuals or those at risk of being homeless, but they also include families who are concerned about their child, grandchild, spouse or parent who might be living on the street or in the park or in their car. On Thursday, Dec. 14, Ms. Kelly will talk to members, guests and prospective members of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Oakdale-Riverbank-Escalon Branch about the Oakdale Rescue Mission, its work, goals and needs and how individuals and groups can assist it or get involved. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation such as the items mentioned above.
Kelly has lived in Oakdale for 20 years. Her experience as an Oakdale Police volunteer for 12 years led to the founding of the Oakdale Rescue Mission. She states: “This experience has contributed to our homeless outreach efforts being different than many homeless advocates - we care as much about our Oakdale community as we do about the homeless. My personal desire and ORM’s vision is to benefit every aspect of our community.”
Kelly has been in education and related social services for over 40 years, during which time she was both a teacher to children and adults and director/administrator of programs. Before her retirement in 2010, she worked for San Joaquin County Office of Education for over 12 years, as the Admissions and Records Coordinator and adjunct faculty for Teachers College of San Joaquin. Her education includes an associate’s degree in early childhood education; a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science; and a master’s degree in human development.
Members, guests and prospective members in the Oakdale, Riverbank, or Escalon area are invited to attend this 7 p.m. meeting on Dec. 14. Call Judy at (209) 480-0387 for location or other information.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. The nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and more than 800 college and university members. Learn more at www.aauw.org. Branch information is at http://ore-ca.aauw.net or by emailing the branch at AAUW.ORE@gmail.com. Graduates holding an associates or higher degree from an institution of the AAUW list of qualified institutions and persons holding an honorary degree are eligible for membership in AAUW.
