Thanks Josh 10/23/2009
 
A big thank you to Josh Smith and APL for donating a ridiculous amount of office supplies.  We have restocked our community center and we plan to donate our excess to small businesses near 75th and MacArthur.  Shalom of Oakland should have enough printer paper, binders, staplers, scissors, file folders, tape dispensers, mouse pads, markers, paper clips, binder clips and post-it notes for the next couple of decades.  Sweet...
 
 
After an amazing week with the high school group from Valley Springs Presbyterian Church in Roseville, I am reminded how great it is to have extra volunteers to love and play with children in Deep East Oakland.  If you are 16 or over and are interested in spending an afternoon (really just 12-3) at the Shalom Community Center, give me a shout!  You'll have a great time.  The summer will be over soon. 
 
School is out! 06/11/2009
 

I just realized the Shalom Community Center is entering a whole new phase...school is out and things are about to change.  Looks like either yesterday was the last day, or, as the word on the street tells me, most of the kids are skipping the last day or two.  For the first time we actually had all the computers in the computer lab in use at one time and I had to tell someone to wait a bit before I could help him with a resume. 

Let's pray that summer does not lead to an increase in violence and crime that so often happens when the days are longer and warmer.

 
 

On Sunday we received the keys to a little storefront at 7511 MacArthur Blvd.  We are thrilled.  After a couple of months of looking for a place in the right spot for the right price (next to nothing) we found the perfect place for Shalom of Oakland to take a new step into serving the people of East Oakland.  If you're in the area you should stop by and check it out.  Actually, if you're in the area in the next couple of weeks you should stop by and mop, sweep or paint with us.  And while you're mopping, sweeping and painting, keep in mind that we are looking for furniture...chairs, loveseats, quality children's toys, desks, etc.  We want to create a warm and hospitable atmosphere.