Take a look: Rescue Mission is a positive influence

Take a look: Rescue Mission is a positive influence
EDITOR:
It is said that ignorance is the largest impediment to the advancement of society.
I read the Dec. 6 article by City Hall Reporter David Skolnick about a few residents objecting to the possible new location of the Rescue Mission on the site of the old South Side pool.
I can't blame any person for wanting to protect their property and family, but I can tell by the comments of Mr. Miller that he has never been to the Rescue Mission -- or he would not object to its presence in his neighborhood.
The Rescue Mission serves the homeless. But do you know who the homeless of today really are?
For the most part, they are people who have decided to turn their lives around -- women and children who needed "rescued & quot; from an abusive husband or father, former substance abusers who want to become productive members of society through prayer, off-site treatment, education and workforce development.
Some are veterans of the Gulf and Vietnam Wars. Some are older individuals who have been laid off and can't find work. Some are people who have jobs -- sometimes two -- but just can't feed and support their families with minimum wage pay and no health care.
The Rescue Mission is supported entirely by donations from private individuals, not tax dollars.
A new Rescue Mission will revitalize that area of the South Side. The dark, worn down and dangerous areas will be well lit, clean, with new buildings and landscaping. It's presence will bring economic improvement as well.
Anyone concerned about the Rescue Mission should take a tour of the facility on Martin Luther King Blvd. When you see what really goes on there -- meals being prepared and served, working, learning, day care, spiritual guidance and daily prayer, as well as, education and workforce development -- you would welcome the facility in any neighborhood. I would welcome it in mine.
Concerned residents should visit the Mission before judging it. They will see that the Rescue Mission will indeed have an impact on the neighborhood -- a positive one.
GEORGE F. FARRIS
Boardman
The voters already spoke
EDITOR:
I'm wondering why a special election is taking place on an issue that was voted down in the November election.
This issue was a Niles school levy and it a member of the school staff was reported to have said that the voters did not understand the basis or need of having this levy on a ballot. Retirees who are on a fixed income understand what these extra taxes are doing to us.
Could it be that many seniors will not be in the area in February, leaving other voters to pass the levy? Could this be the reason?
I urge all seniors that will not be here in February to vote an absentee ballot. We spoke in November. Must we keep spending money for special elections until the levy passes?
BONNIE COMEAU
Niles
An early Christmas gift
EDITOR:
On the evening of Dec. 5, the St. Brendan Altar and Rosary group had the pleasure of listening to the Fitch High School Chorus, under the direction of Kay Williams. What a joy.
The choir of 55 students offered an outstanding performance and the genuine sincerity of the young people interacting with the audience was a particular treat.
They made our Christmas party special.
GERRY MILLER
Youngstown