ECAP 2007-2008
by Rosie M. Joe, ECAP Chairperson

On September 19th, a training seminar and luncheon were held for the solicitors and coordinators. The Manning House was the setting for the kick-off event, and, like last year, it was very successful.

The training team developed an educational workshop that also included word games, with prizes. Their goal was to make it both fun, and educational, which they succeeded in doing. Approximately 175 solicitors and coordinators attended.

The workshop was followed by a Hawaiian-theme luncheon, with each table set with colorful Hawaiian decorations of pineapples or a miniature hula girl, and a beautiful paper-mache lei for everyone. In keeping with the Hawaiian theme, the menu consisted of breast of chicken with pineapple chutney, aloha sweet potatoes, tilapia with lemon beurre blanc, spinach salad with mandarin oranges, vegetables with sliced almonds, and for dessert, Hawaiian coconut pudding and banana cake.

Pima County Sheriff Department's color guard posted the flag, preceeded by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, performed by Regina Wills, a gifted vocalist.

Rosie M. Joe, ECAP Chair, welcomed everyone to the event, and was followed by motivating, enthusiastic remarks from the County Administrator, Chuck Huckelberry.

Left to right: Robin Brigode, Deputy Clerk of the Court; Dave Parker, Risk Manager; Nancy Schlegel (partially hidden), United Way; and Pastor Peter Craft, East Side Assembly of God.

Each of this year's speakers offered inspiring messages of survival. Andrea Santa Cruz stunned the audience with her story of she and her husband's years of drug addiction, while parenting four small children. After several traumatic events, she convinced her husband that unless they kicked their habit, they would lose their children. Her story was dramatic and uplifting as she shared how she progressed through the ordeal of “getting clean.” She ultimately conquered her drug addiction with the help of two local programs, Teen Challenge, an ECAP agency and Meth Free Alliance. Andrea has been drug free for four years and shares her story with elementary and high schools, in addition to various local organizations. Andrea stated, “I have a deep passion for helping those who feel helpless and hopeless. I will do anything in my power to show those who are struggling with an addiction, that recovery IS possible.”

Helen Glass, “80-something”, and retired from the United States Navy, gave a patriotic and heart wrenching enactment of an abused American flag. Ms. Glass spends a large share of her time at the local Veteran's Administration Hospital. Frequent visitors to the hospital will immediately recognize her assisting and cheering up patients. Her devotion to veterans often finds her addressing local and national organizations about the importance of loyalty to this country, the flag, and the men and women who have served, and currently serve, in the military.

Entertainment consisted of hula dances performed by Amphi Community Education Seniors (ACES), a program in our Parks & Recreation Department for anyone over the age of 55. ACES provides seniors opportunities for interesting, fun and productive involvement with their peers and the community. There were also several musical selections accompanied by ukelele.

This year's ECAP goal is $400,000. However, working together, we can exceed that goal. Please remember that your donation of just $1.00 per pay period will go a long way in providing services for the helpless, homeless, and disadvantaged. The ECAP agency directory lists many local organizations available to assist individuals and families living on a fixed income, or no income. As you review the directory, you're sure to find one that appeals to you personally.

Let's do our part to help our community.

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