All five of the interns were asked to re-paint all of the bathrooms on the main campus. They were brutal, but we had fun. After "cutting in"/"edging" for 2.5 hours, Chad and I had to go to a meeting for a program called NOW.
The day prior we went to the Council meeting where the budget was had been revised and proposed once again. There was a surplus amount found, through budget cuts in Pasadena, of $50,000. The city council decided that it would go to a local effort for the community. There were two programs fighting for it: NOW and After-school sites! NOW became the victors and was given the grant. Through this process we found that the renovations for the Rose Bowl were going to be set at $41 million. Chad was shocked and perturbed about that amount. I can understand the amount, but we both figured that if they would have just held off the building renovations or maybe lessened the amount there'd be more money to go around for the rest of the city.
The reason I say all of this is because through the council's discussion, we came to realize that the Fire Department lost $100,000 in their budget and in turn had to get rid of one of their fire trucks. Pasadena has two departments: East and West. The Fire Chief made the decision to get rid of the East Department's truck. Now, the biggest concern that goes out is that for this city it is recommended that there are three trucks. The city only has 2 and with this budget cut, the city now has one!
I am appalled by the fact that as a city and as a council they were more concerned about the renovations for a building (yes... it may be a huge attraction for the city), but are not concerned about the safety of the families within this city. What happens in the crisis of an earthquake? or a massive fire? or multiple fires? Will they just pick the more important fire and and then leave the other? It's insanity.
However, as much as I am saddened by that issue... I am happy that this non-profit organization got the money. It is an organization that helps all ages get an education. The younger students have drug abusing families, alcohol abusing families, homeless families. The older students are a part of these families, but they have also been involved in gangs. There is a somewhat 'application' process to get in, but it is indescribable to see what this organization is doing!
So.. Yesterday, after painting we went to this meeting to figure out how we would allocate the money through this ministry and brought up that there needs to be discussion and more discussion to make sure that NOW is running at its best. It's very interesting to learn all about how these non-profits are going about making a difference. Now, if only the whole church body was this passionate people might not hate Christians SO much...
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