Colfax Community Network

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My Community

December 4th, 2006

When my children and I first moved into the motels on Colfax there were feelings of guilt and shame. No one from my past would ever understand, my family must be so disappointed, and how could I have let it come to this? All the negative thoughts were stifling.

A few months later, my friend Francis asked me was I going to “Family Night?” She was another mother living in the motel that I felt accepted by. It was late in the month so I was out of food stamps and was wondering what to feed my kids.

“What’s that?” I asked.

“CCN’s Family Night,” she replied.

I looked at her bewildered and she said, “You’re coming with me. It’s great food and company. You won’t have to cook dinner.”

Well, anytime I don’t have to cook, I’m there. So when Matt pulled in the parking lot, Francis and I loaded up our kids and went to the church for dinner. I still remember what we ate that night, Tammy’s fried chicken. I don’t think I have missed a “Family Night” since. That was two and a half years ago.

I told Maggie a few months ago how important “Family Night” is me. I love the social aspect. It is a great place to acquire new information about services and to talk to all my favorite CCN people. The best part about “Family Night” is that I have never felt excluded or judged. All the people there are my community. Every month there is a mix of old timers, like myself, and a few new scared faces. After filling our bellies, getting new information, and possibly playing our own version of BINGO, new faces are no longer scared. They feel how strong our community is.

I’m now proud to be a resident of the motels. I know I have a purpose here. CCN played a major part in making my self and my children feel a part of something. Our community is what it is.