Social services

Dear Editor:I am working on a Master's degree in social work and for one of my classes I had to do a project that required me to research and visit several social service agencies in Downey. I knew of a few agencies because my church helps support them. During my research, I found so many great resources we have here in Downey, more than I could have guessed. We have several food banks, programs that help people who need clothes, programs that help people with substance abuse issues, a pregnancy crisis center, child abuse prevention programs, parent education programs, Arc, SERTOMA, a teenage eating disorder facility, and so many more. I was pleased to learn that we have so many programs here in Downey. But I wondered if people know about these programs? Residents should really know what is available to them. Even if they do not need the help, they can support these different groups. Most of the programs are run by volunteers and by grants and donations. They could all use some more funds, of course, and volunteers. The Patriot could help these programs by allowing them to advertise or even do a special edition in which you let the programs advertise all at once and ask for volunteers. The city government could promote the importance of volunteering and offer a list of places where residents could volunteer. Lastly, the city could place an extensive resource list on Downey's website for residents looking for help. We have great resources here and they deserve to be promoted. Malia Phillips Downey

********** Published: Dec. 5, 2013 - Volume 12 - Issue 34