"Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need, but does not help. Then God’s love is not living in that person." 1 John 3:17

Dear  Friends,

Leo Tolstoy tells of the time he was walking down the street and passed a beggar.  Tolstoy reached into his pocket to give the beggar some money, but his pocket was empty.  Tolstoy turned to the man and said, “I’m sorry, my brother, but I have nothing to give.”  The beggar brightened and said, “You have given me more than I asked for – you have called me brother.”  To the loved, a word of affection is a morsel, but to the love-starved, a word of affection can be a feast.

A few days ago, I was at the Santa Paula High School Office waiting to meet with an Administrator when a woman approached me. “Do you remember me?” I responded with a bit of embarrassment, Yes, your face is familiar. She proceeded to say, “I went to your office, one evening, I asked “Do you speak Spanish?” “Yes, I do.  Can I help you?” “Do you know who the boss is?”  “It is me”  “I have to tell you something, I was so scared and embarrassed to come.  Your counselor was so kind and willing to work with my son.  She is a very caring woman.  Thank you.”

Today, I was reminded that our staff get to work with students and their families with love and compassion. Many times, when it is difficult to deal with brokenness and desperation. City Impact is called to be Christ incarnate with our community. We offer words of encouragement, we uplift young people on how valuable they are. Yes, acts of morsels of affection.

Morsels of affection, we all need them.  Yet, it is especially wonderful when God takes our few morsels and multiplies them.  Thank you for your continued morsels of love and support to City Impact’s ministry. You truly have treated us like your sisters and brothers.

With humble appreciation,
Betty Alvarez Ham
President

​Save the Dates:
- 13th Annual Beachfront ½ Marathon and 5k – June 10th
- Michael Reagan’s 13th Annual Golf Classic – October 23rd