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June 24, 2009

Outreach officials show off shelter

“A lot of people know we’re here, but aren’t totally aware of what we do.”

So that is why the High Plains Outreach Center took up an offer from the Woodward Mid-Day Ambucs to host an ice cream social/open house and invite the public to learn more about this “working shelter,” according to the shelter’s executive director Thurman Fussell.

The ice cream social, which was held Tuesday evening, also served to celebrate the center’s 13th anniversary in its current location which is 1220 7th St.

“But it was more of an education thing,” Fussell said, noting that they wanted to let the community know how the center provides up to 30-days of shelter to those experiencing financial difficulties as long as the residents are working or at least seeking employment.

“We have served a lot of nice people who have just had a temporary setback,” he said. “The shelter helps them get on their feet when funds may be a little shy.”

“We wanted to give people the opportunity to come in, have some cake and ice cream and take a tour to see what the Outreach Center is about, see that it is a worthy cause,” said Tina Nunley, president of the Mid-Day Ambucs.

Woodward newcomer Monica Hall certainly seemed impressed with the center after being given a tour by Fussell.

Hall recently moved to Woodward from Wichita Falls, Texas, to serve as the new minister for the First Presbyterian Church.

After viewing some of the rooms in the center, including the family room which can accommodate a family of five, Hall noted that “it seems like you can house a lot of people.”

In fact, she noted that the center seems comparative to other shelters in larger cities including her hometown of Wichita Falls which has a mission that houses approximately 60 residents.

Beyond just learning what the outreach center does, Nunley said the Ambucs were hoping to encourage more community members to support the organization.

Nunley noted that the center always appreciates donations of “some of those basic things it takes to run an organization that houses people” such as food, cleaning supplies, and linens. In fact, she said the Ambucs donated some of these items to the shelter Tuesday along with providing homemade brownies and other goodies for the ice cream social.

To learn more about the shelter or to schedule a tour contact High Plains Outreach Center at 254-5162.

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