SPIN and The Trinity House: Making a Big
Difference in Our Community
By Walter Davis
Poverty continues to ravage millions of American families. The way people ignore this issue is amazing to
me.
Many people do not realize they are in poverty or that they are just one paycheck or medical problem
away from being in a desperate situation.
Most of the money in this country is made by a very small number of people. Some reports indicate that
as little as 3-5% control more than 90% of the money in this country.
San Diego has more than 9,600 people homeless on the street. A large percentage of these people are
children.
The working poor are people who are making as little as $6.50 an hour here in San Diego or little more.
Recent reports at the Caring Council have revealed that you must make at least $40,000.00 to survive
above poverty in San Diego County.
An unacceptable percentage of the population does not meet this level.
In this article, I intend to focus on the efforts of two organizations that are making a real difference and
helping families that no one else will.
It is time that people realize that poverty hurts us all. If you have to go to work everyday, you may not be
as affluent as you think. You may be closer to poverty than you want to believe.
Lets take a look at SPIN – Supportive Parents Information Network
http://www.spinsandiego.org/index.html
Have you ever been denied a bank account? SPIN has a financial literacy program and access to bank
accounts that you can obtain where you have been denied before. Stop going to pay day lenders. Go to
SPIN and get signed up for accounts at Washington Mutual (Essential Bank Account), San Diego National
Bank (Alliance Savings Account) and Citibank (Tailored Access Account).
This service helps people who need banking services and have been turned down by traditional bank
accounts.
SPIN’s mission is to create systemic change that improves low-income families’ access to self-sufficiency.
SPIN is an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff. They were founded in 1998 by 12 parents on
public assistance who were struggling to find a way to complete their educational training instead of being
forced to take low-wage, temporary jobs to satisfy welfare reform demands. In an atmosphere of respect
and affection for parents and children of all backgrounds they:
Provide advocacy training for parents as they try to make the best use of their time on welfare to prepare
for self-sufficiency.
Conduct activities that break the isolation of poverty, develop peer support, and build family
communications.
Facilitate the inclusion of low-income people’s voices in civic and community affairs.
A few of their accomplishments:
SPIN has grown from 12 members to 2700, and nearly 4500 children
SPIN has helped hundreds of parents reach self-sustaining employment in
SPIN has trained hundreds of parents, community organization staff, and
volunteers in welfare laws and regulations to better advocate for choices that help parents reach self-
sufficiency
SPIN parents have developed skills in communication, public speaking, problem-solving, and leadership
SPIN youth have educated several thousand members of the public about the realities of living in poverty
and the effect on children’s lives.
SPIN formed the first-ever cross-class partnership with the Caring Council of San Diego achieve systemic
changes that affect children’s scholarships, mainstream banking access for low-income families, plans for
asset development, and an alternative to criminal proceedings for first-time offenders accused of welfare
fraud.
Guadalupe, a mother of 3, was told to drop out of her 2-year surgical technician program to take a job as a
hotel housekeeper. SPIN helped her fight for the right to attend community college. After graduation, she
immediately got a job earning nearly $20 per hour and has been steadily employed in the field ever since.
Charles, a father of 1 and husband to a disabled wife, lost his job in a skilled trade and was unable to find
work. When the food ran out and he was facing eviction, he asked for public assistance for the first time
in his life. SPIN helped him fight for the right to complete an Associate’s Degree in computer science and
information, a field in which he now works full-time with health benefits, sick leave, vacation, and
retirement.
Mark, a disabled father of 4, was only able to find occasional jobs. As his disability worsened, he and his
family became homeless and were forced to rely on public assistance. SPIN assisted him in gathering
medical information and making application for disability benefits. SPIN also recruited a volunteer
attorney to copyright his music, which one day may become a source of income.
Samantha, a mother of 2, suffered extreme violence as a child. The aftermath left her unable to maintain
a steady job. SPIN fought for her right to receive appropriate treatment that stabilized her family and
allowed her to engage in a reduced-hours training program that will ultimately lead to employment.
Every Thursday evening Scholarship Teens, consisting of 12 young persons in senior high school, meet for
dinner and a special two-hour class to strengthen their language, writing and math skills. On alternate
Thursdays, they work with nationally acclaimed English teacher, Dr. Mary Barr, on essay writing and
English, and with John Stevenson, on all levels of mathematics.
New students may apply for admission to this limited opportunity by calling SPIN at 619-296-3402.
Every other Saturday Scholarship Team meets from 9-11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of San
Diego, located in Mission Valley at 2111 Camino de la Reina, San Diego. The meeting is held in the Cove
in Methodist Center. Parents, young children, and teens meet with individual and small-group tutors to
learn English, language arts and writing, arithmetic and mathematics, sign language and computer skills.
Breakfast is served.
Low-income parents and children who wish to participate may apply by calling SPIN at 619-296-3402.
Now, lets take a look at another very important agency working out of the San Diego Urban League.
At The Trinity House, Transitional Housing For Women, Women with Children, Men, and Men with
Children, it was very refreshing to find an agency that helped men. Too often, I find agencies that focus
on women only as though they were the only ones in need.
Glen and Evelyn Jackson founded The Trinity House, Inc. in 2005 as good Samaritans with the philosophy
of give a “Hand up, not a hand out.”
The Jackson’s and members of the Board of Directors have much community experience working with
the underserved. “We share a compassionate and committed goal to help disadvantaged individuals in the
community.”
This was not just talk.
As I sat there in Evelyn’s office, I heard the stories of a couple who was living in their van after being
evicted. The wife had a good, State job, the husband had a factory job and two years of college before they
both lost their jobs due to illness. They had four kids. Trinity House got them out of their van and put
them into a hotel and then a transitional home. They have four kids.
The husband had diabetes and the wife suffered a knee injury. The husband had not had his insulin in
over a month due to the price.
Their van had no brakes.
I heard the story of a woman who was a low income worker in a hotel. She had a disagreement with her
boss and her hours were cut just as she had gotten off the street and into an apartment.
At just under $7.00 per hour, working only one day per week, she was evicted. In her fifties and on the
street, she needed help.
Trinity House took her in when no one else would help.
Trinity House turns survival skills into life skills. It is a faith based human services organization.
They have an Adopt a Family program where people who want to help can connect with a family in need.
By adopting a family, you have the opportunity to help a specific family improve their quality of life and
their future in our community.
Their Path to Self-Sufficiency Program (PSS) sets realistic goals for transitional residents for taking
control of their lives. They provide tools and resources to help residents become self-sufficient members
of the community.
Medical, academic, career guidance, parenting classes, dental, employment, training, budgeting classes
are some of their services.
You can become a Community Partner and contribute by performing activities such as mentoring,
volunteering, or providing free and/or discounted services to aid in the success of residents at The Trinity
House.
You can become a Sponsor to help the vital work of Trinity House. Monetary donations are used for direct
sponsorship of individuals and their children to assist them with day to day living at The Trinity House.
On Saturday 25 August 2007 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM The Trinity House will host its Second Annual
Recognition Gala at the Handlery Hotel and Resort in Mission Valley.
Contact The Trinity House at 619-397-1201. www.thetrinityhouse.org.
Difference in Our Community
By Walter Davis
Poverty continues to ravage millions of American families. The way people ignore this issue is amazing to
me.
Many people do not realize they are in poverty or that they are just one paycheck or medical problem
away from being in a desperate situation.
Most of the money in this country is made by a very small number of people. Some reports indicate that
as little as 3-5% control more than 90% of the money in this country.
San Diego has more than 9,600 people homeless on the street. A large percentage of these people are
children.
The working poor are people who are making as little as $6.50 an hour here in San Diego or little more.
Recent reports at the Caring Council have revealed that you must make at least $40,000.00 to survive
above poverty in San Diego County.
An unacceptable percentage of the population does not meet this level.
In this article, I intend to focus on the efforts of two organizations that are making a real difference and
helping families that no one else will.
It is time that people realize that poverty hurts us all. If you have to go to work everyday, you may not be
as affluent as you think. You may be closer to poverty than you want to believe.
Lets take a look at SPIN – Supportive Parents Information Network
http://www.spinsandiego.org/index.html
Have you ever been denied a bank account? SPIN has a financial literacy program and access to bank
accounts that you can obtain where you have been denied before. Stop going to pay day lenders. Go to
SPIN and get signed up for accounts at Washington Mutual (Essential Bank Account), San Diego National
Bank (Alliance Savings Account) and Citibank (Tailored Access Account).
This service helps people who need banking services and have been turned down by traditional bank
accounts.
SPIN’s mission is to create systemic change that improves low-income families’ access to self-sufficiency.
SPIN is an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff. They were founded in 1998 by 12 parents on
public assistance who were struggling to find a way to complete their educational training instead of being
forced to take low-wage, temporary jobs to satisfy welfare reform demands. In an atmosphere of respect
and affection for parents and children of all backgrounds they:
Provide advocacy training for parents as they try to make the best use of their time on welfare to prepare
for self-sufficiency.
Conduct activities that break the isolation of poverty, develop peer support, and build family
communications.
Facilitate the inclusion of low-income people’s voices in civic and community affairs.
A few of their accomplishments:
SPIN has grown from 12 members to 2700, and nearly 4500 children
SPIN has helped hundreds of parents reach self-sustaining employment in
SPIN has trained hundreds of parents, community organization staff, and
volunteers in welfare laws and regulations to better advocate for choices that help parents reach self-
sufficiency
SPIN parents have developed skills in communication, public speaking, problem-solving, and leadership
SPIN youth have educated several thousand members of the public about the realities of living in poverty
and the effect on children’s lives.
SPIN formed the first-ever cross-class partnership with the Caring Council of San Diego achieve systemic
changes that affect children’s scholarships, mainstream banking access for low-income families, plans for
asset development, and an alternative to criminal proceedings for first-time offenders accused of welfare
fraud.
Guadalupe, a mother of 3, was told to drop out of her 2-year surgical technician program to take a job as a
hotel housekeeper. SPIN helped her fight for the right to attend community college. After graduation, she
immediately got a job earning nearly $20 per hour and has been steadily employed in the field ever since.
Charles, a father of 1 and husband to a disabled wife, lost his job in a skilled trade and was unable to find
work. When the food ran out and he was facing eviction, he asked for public assistance for the first time
in his life. SPIN helped him fight for the right to complete an Associate’s Degree in computer science and
information, a field in which he now works full-time with health benefits, sick leave, vacation, and
retirement.
Mark, a disabled father of 4, was only able to find occasional jobs. As his disability worsened, he and his
family became homeless and were forced to rely on public assistance. SPIN assisted him in gathering
medical information and making application for disability benefits. SPIN also recruited a volunteer
attorney to copyright his music, which one day may become a source of income.
Samantha, a mother of 2, suffered extreme violence as a child. The aftermath left her unable to maintain
a steady job. SPIN fought for her right to receive appropriate treatment that stabilized her family and
allowed her to engage in a reduced-hours training program that will ultimately lead to employment.
Every Thursday evening Scholarship Teens, consisting of 12 young persons in senior high school, meet for
dinner and a special two-hour class to strengthen their language, writing and math skills. On alternate
Thursdays, they work with nationally acclaimed English teacher, Dr. Mary Barr, on essay writing and
English, and with John Stevenson, on all levels of mathematics.
New students may apply for admission to this limited opportunity by calling SPIN at 619-296-3402.
Every other Saturday Scholarship Team meets from 9-11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of San
Diego, located in Mission Valley at 2111 Camino de la Reina, San Diego. The meeting is held in the Cove
in Methodist Center. Parents, young children, and teens meet with individual and small-group tutors to
learn English, language arts and writing, arithmetic and mathematics, sign language and computer skills.
Breakfast is served.
Low-income parents and children who wish to participate may apply by calling SPIN at 619-296-3402.
Now, lets take a look at another very important agency working out of the San Diego Urban League.
At The Trinity House, Transitional Housing For Women, Women with Children, Men, and Men with
Children, it was very refreshing to find an agency that helped men. Too often, I find agencies that focus
on women only as though they were the only ones in need.
Glen and Evelyn Jackson founded The Trinity House, Inc. in 2005 as good Samaritans with the philosophy
of give a “Hand up, not a hand out.”
The Jackson’s and members of the Board of Directors have much community experience working with
the underserved. “We share a compassionate and committed goal to help disadvantaged individuals in the
community.”
This was not just talk.
As I sat there in Evelyn’s office, I heard the stories of a couple who was living in their van after being
evicted. The wife had a good, State job, the husband had a factory job and two years of college before they
both lost their jobs due to illness. They had four kids. Trinity House got them out of their van and put
them into a hotel and then a transitional home. They have four kids.
The husband had diabetes and the wife suffered a knee injury. The husband had not had his insulin in
over a month due to the price.
Their van had no brakes.
I heard the story of a woman who was a low income worker in a hotel. She had a disagreement with her
boss and her hours were cut just as she had gotten off the street and into an apartment.
At just under $7.00 per hour, working only one day per week, she was evicted. In her fifties and on the
street, she needed help.
Trinity House took her in when no one else would help.
Trinity House turns survival skills into life skills. It is a faith based human services organization.
They have an Adopt a Family program where people who want to help can connect with a family in need.
By adopting a family, you have the opportunity to help a specific family improve their quality of life and
their future in our community.
Their Path to Self-Sufficiency Program (PSS) sets realistic goals for transitional residents for taking
control of their lives. They provide tools and resources to help residents become self-sufficient members
of the community.
Medical, academic, career guidance, parenting classes, dental, employment, training, budgeting classes
are some of their services.
You can become a Community Partner and contribute by performing activities such as mentoring,
volunteering, or providing free and/or discounted services to aid in the success of residents at The Trinity
House.
You can become a Sponsor to help the vital work of Trinity House. Monetary donations are used for direct
sponsorship of individuals and their children to assist them with day to day living at The Trinity House.
On Saturday 25 August 2007 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM The Trinity House will host its Second Annual
Recognition Gala at the Handlery Hotel and Resort in Mission Valley.
Contact The Trinity House at 619-397-1201. www.thetrinityhouse.org.
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