Community Action Coalition of Suffolk VA

12/30/2016

12/30/2016

THANK YOU!!

On behalf of the Community Action Coalition of Suffolk VA (CAC), Suffolk Clergy United (SCU) and the Coalition Against Poverty/Suffolk (CAPS) partnership, I want to thank you for your time, talent and treasure in support of the “Breaking Down Barriers through UNITY” campaign. Your contribution as volunteers, advocates, planners and supporters helped create a framework to build trust, relationships, develop leadership and facilitate long-term solutions to social problems in the City of Suffolk. For this, I am truly grateful to you, individually and collectively.
As we close the chapter on 2016 and enter into a new year, it’s nice to reflect and express gratitude on our collective accomplishments; but, also important to look to the future and the work ahead. Thanks to you, we are ‘moving the needle’ on creating a narrative and dialogue that will bring hope and opportunities to Suffolk's youth, the disenfranchised and marginalized citizens by breaking down barriers that often block access to potential success. When you strive for a goal as a part of a group, your energy is combined into a collective force that is greater than the sum of its parts. With your support and active engagement, the “Breaking Down Barriers through UNITY” campaign is effectively raising community awareness, creating relationships and engaging everyday citizens in solving problems.

As volunteers who also likely work and/or run businesses, it is important that you know your contribution has significant worth in helping others, and that the attached value proposition will have exponential impact. (We do WHAT we can WHEN we can). I am truly humbled by the great work that we have done over the last 6 months, and encouraged about future endeavors. I am also reminded that we’re all hoping and striving for a better and livable community; where equal access to economic and educational opportunities are afforded each individual and family, regardless of socio-economic status. To that end, I am so grateful to live in a community with generous people, like you, who are willing to open your hearts and share your creativity, time, talent and treasure.

Below are pictures of activities that serve as reminders of your accomplishments, which helped drive the campaign message of UNITY. In addition to the successful UNITY Parade, the Saratoga Community UNITY event and the most recent radio broadcast (featuring the Chief of Police), future plans are underway for a city-wide town hall meeting and other meaningful initiatives to meet the campaign’s UNITY goals and objectives. I hope you will continue lending your support and civic engagement, and look forward to creating a “new” Suffolk…that serves the needs of all citizens!

On behalf of the CAC, SCU and CAPS partnership, we wish each of you a Blessed, healthy, successful and happy 2017.

12/14/2016

Thank you Apostle Princella Johnson (The Master's House), Rev. Skip Irby (Suffolk Clergy United), Chief Thomas Bennett and Major Steve Patterson for engaging the public in a dialogue to raise awareness and continue Breaking Down Barriers Through Unity. The Community Action Coalition of Suffolk VA (CAC) fully supports this initiative and narrative to build trust and stronger relationships across all diverse and ethnic boundaries.

10/21/2016

Since the "Food Desert" issue has become a topic of discussion, it might be helpful to remind folks that its not dead. Feel free to "share", "like" and put your "comments" here. This WILL happen!

09/26/2016

The Community Action Coalition of Suffolk, Coalition Against Poverty, Suffolk Clergy United and the Saratoga Civic League partnered to host a neighborhood clean-up and cookout Sept. 17 in the Saratoga

09/20/2016

The Community Action Coalition of Suffolk VA (CAC), Suffolk Clergy United (SCU) and the Coalition Against Poverty (CAPS) partnered with the Saratoga Civic League to host a Neighborhood Clean-up/Coo…

09/18/2016

COMMENTS TO THE ORGANIZING VOLUNTEER TEAM, SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS (W/PICS): This expression of gratitude for your contribution of time, talent and treasure in making the “Breaking Down Barriers through UNITY” campaign’s 2nd event a success is probably an understatement of what was actually accomplished at the event. I THANK YOU for aligning on a vision that encompassed having a diverse ethnic gathering of folks to help create a “new” community; a community built around the reality of everyday working together to solve problems and do things that government can’t; where the community, private sector, faith-based entities, service providers and civil society can work together to create greater opportunities for economic, educational and social opportunities by ‘breaking down barriers’ that many in community face. Even though our team set no lofty expectations, it was evident our efforts achieved intended results…for instance, the experience of people connecting with each that otherwise would NOT have otherwise had the opportunity. I am grateful to you all for helping create the opportunities and space for these experiences, which will help break down the cultural and social barriers that keep us operating in our comfort zones.

From the UNITY pledge we took to every sinew of our being and soulful gesture, I hope we will continue finding individual and collective means of creating a “new” community, and empowering those in need. As we begin planning the 3rd event, I encourage you to avoid the rhetoric, vitriol and mindless chatter that tend to preoccupy our thoughts and perceptions; but, instead allow love, empathy and compassion to guide our actions in UNITY.

Feeling GRATEFUL and BLESSED to know and work with you!

09/18/2016

There were shrill shrieks from children at play, the scuffing of sneakers on the basketball court and the excited chatter among residents at Ida Easter Park on a hot Saturday afternoon.

09/15/2016

A group of Suffolk citizens plans to pick up trash and build relationships in a downtown community this Saturday.

09/07/2016

SAVE THE DATE…In keeping with its commitment to bridge gaps and solve problems through partnership and collaboration, the Community Action Coalition of Suffolk VA (CAC) have joined with the Suffolk Clergy United (SCU), Coalition Against Poverty Suffolk (CAPS) and the Saratoga/Philadelphia Civic League to host its second UNITY event. Building on the success of the National Night Out UNITY parade, a series of "UNITY" events are being planned under the adopted theme “Breaking Down Barriers through UNITY”, with the next event being a Neighborhood Clean-up and Cookout on Sept. 17th (See flyer). The intent and purpose of the UNITY endeavor and campaign is grounded in the belief that there are few things more powerful than unifying people, stabilizing communities, removing the stinging pain of inequality; and that demonstrating compassion and empathy, hope and love for each other will help break down the social barriers that impact individuals and families. As such, the organizers are acting on the premise that creating a space for greater “UNITY” among individuals, groups and the institutions of government will result in a stronger, safer and more civically engaged community. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED….if you are interested in volunteering or supporting in any way, contact us at [email protected], or by phone at 757.416.2982. A special THANKS to all who have given of their time, talent and treasure to help make this campaign successful!