Press Release

For Immediate Release - December 15, 2008

Frederick, MD, 15 Dec 2008 — Jeanne Bussard Center client workers are giving back to their community this Christmas. Clients of the Jeanne Bussard Center, a non-profit organization which provides vocational training to adults with Developmental Disabilities, will donate several boxes of food to the Frederick Rescue Mission during their in-house Christmas Party Friday, December 19 at 1pm.

“This Christmas, due to the economic uncertainty, JBC wanted to give back to the community that has given so much to them throughout the year,” stated Teri Kwiatek, Case Manager at the Jeanne Bussard Center. “The clients and staff have chosen the Frederick Rescue Mission as their avenue to help those in need.”

Clients and staff have been collecting food to donate since the beginning of December, when the food drive began.

Jeanne Dalaba, Executive Director, said she "is thrilled that the Center Clients decided to step up to this challenge.  Each year, for many years, the Clients have each received a gift.  This year, instead, they elected to 'give back' to the community that has supported them for so long."

The demand for food at the Frederick Rescue Mission has steadily increased with the shaky economy, while the amount of donations has decreased. The largest provider of hot meals to the homeless and working poor in Frederick, the Mission will use the donations in their Bread of Life Community Kitchen, as well as in emergency food boxes, which feed a family of four for three to five days.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of the community during these times,” stated Rescue Mission Executive Director Arnold Farlow. “It is especially moving to know that those who are also in need are making the extra effort to give. That’s what it’s all about—we’re in this together.”

For more information, contact Teri Kwiatek at 301-663-9588, or terik@jeannebussard.org.