This month, we are moving forward once again with our holiday tradition of sharing the plate in November as a holiday gift drive for SafeHouse of the Desert. On Sunday, November 16, your generous giving will be used to purchase Target e-gift cards from our Scrip program, which SafeHouse, Harrison House, and Riverside Shelter recipients will use to buy their own presents. Thanks to us, these young adults will again receive something for the holidays. SafeHouse even identifies us as one of its significant donors; check out our name and logo on its website donor page here: https://safehouseofthedesert.com/donors/.
Safehouse of the Desert, part of Operation SafeHouse, has been doing its important work in our county for more than three decades. It is a life-saving shelter for youth ages 11 to 17 who have run away from home, have no available parent or guardian, or whose parents no longer want them. Without SafeHouse, these youth are vulnerable to human trafficking and the myriad of other undesirable elements of life on the streets.
SafeHouse operates two shelters, one in Riverside and the other here in our backyard. Both provide approximately 400 runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth with crisis intervention services annually. Harrison House in Thousand Palms is SafeHouse’s transitional housing facility for young adults 18 to 21 years of age, who have limited ability and resources to live on their own. Besides housing, it provides on-site schooling, including GED classes, individual cognitive behavioral therapy, group counseling, financial education, employment assistance, and life skills. SafeHouse’s transitional living programs serve approximately 40 youth and their children annually.
As in past years, Billy William, counselor/case manager will attend our service, talk about SafeHouse, and bring a client to illustrate what our generosity means to them. It’s always inspirational and heartwarming – be sure to attend if you can!
Please give as generously as you are able. Thank you in advance and let’s make this our most generous year yet!
Social Justice Blog Posts
August Share the Plate: Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest’s Abortion Access Fund
On Sunday, August 17, we will Share the Plate with Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest’s Abortion Access Fund. With your support, they will be able to continue providing free or reduced-cost abortion services for patients who would otherwise be unable to access care. A patient might rely on the Abortion Access Fund if they are uninsured, undocumented, or if their insurance does not cover abortion services.
April Share the Plate: Alianza Coachella Valley
Since 2010, Alianza has successfully engaged residents in addressing some of the most critical issues impacting the Coachella Valley through policy and systems change. They bring together policymakers like Congressman Raul Ruiz and CA State Rep. Eduardo Garcia to meet...
March Share the Plate: Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine
Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) provides a local solution to a national problem - access to healthcare. The first uninsured, low-income patients walked through the doors of VIM new Health Center in November 2010. As the only no-cost healthcare center in...
What’s On Your Ballott? California Ballott Proposition 1
Ballot Proposition 1 is not as clear as you might think.
The Social Justice Committee will be on the patio after the services in February to answer your questions about the propowsition. They will give you a handout explaining the pros and cons so you can cast an informed vote.
Arlene Rosenthal
By Denise Janssen Eager
It is with a heavy heart I share that Well in the Desert’s guiding light, Arlene Rosenthal, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening. She was 79 years old.
UUCOD had a long lasting partnership with Arlene and Well in the Desert.
As Well in the Desert’s president, Arlene was a fearless, tireless, and big-hearted advocate keeping those who live unhoused front & center in Palm Springs’ eye.
July Backpack & School Supply Drive
Join us in collecting backpacks and school supplies for needy East Coachella Valley students. Galilee Center will distribute our donations in August. Read more for the list of requested supplies to bring to the UUCOD lobbby throughout the month of July.
Take Action for a Future Free from Gun Violence
Want to take action on gun violence, but don’t know where to start? Feeling angry, overwhelmed, & numbed by the number, magnitude, frequency, & complexity of these murders? Take care of yourself first, but as soon as you are able, channel your feelings by taking action. Read on to see the actions you can take…
UUCOD the Vote: May 2022, Voting Rights Campaign Resumes
Several states have already restricted voting rights to discourage voters from casting their ballots. We can help! Take action to reach those voters by working with national organizations coordinating volunteers who encourage voters to cast their ballot in 2022.
Your 2022 Election Questions Answered
Question 1: Have the Congressional Districts in the Coachella Valley changed in 2022?
Answer: Yes, District 36 currently represented by Representative Raul Ruiz has been split.