LIMA — Changing Seasons kicked off its Community Awareness Month Friday with an open house that featured a speech from Rep. Bob Cupp, R-Lima, and a proclamation from Mayor David Berger that was read by Lima Police Chief Kevin Martin.
A division of Coleman Professional Services, Changing Seasons is a non-profit organization that serves as a drop-in center for area residents over the age of 18 who are homeless, battling addiction or afflicted with a mental illness.
Maha Zehery, outreach program liaison at Changing Seasons, said she wanted to create a month-long awareness campaign to educate the community about Changing Seasons and the services it offers.
“What we do is we try to lend a helping hand for whoever needs our services,” Zehery said. “The problem is I don’t think enough people who need these services know we exist. I think it’s the best-kept secret in town.”
At Changing Seasons, individuals receive a free breakfast and access to a clothing store that provides them with apparel they can wear to job interviews or any event that requires them to dress up. The organization also takes people on field trips, most recently to Faurot Park and the Temple of Tolerance in Wapakoneta.
In addition, Zehery said Changing Seasons encourages individuals, whom she calls clients or members, to socialize and participate in daily group discussions. Located in the YMCA Annex on 136 S. West St., Changing Seasons also provides free Internet access, hair cuts, bingo and other games such as pool and table tennis.
The overall goal of Changing Seasons, Zehery said, is to assist its members with skill building, self-esteem tools and growth opportunities to promote, advance and meet each individual’s needs and interests. Zehery said they are able to help between 60 and 80 people a day.
Throughout October, Changing Seasons is teaming with area organizations and businesses to provide a variety of events that include music performances, bowling, cooking and more.
The community awareness month will culminate with an event called Walk in Homeless Shoes. The community is invited to The Square Oct. 24 for an overnight stay meant to show people what it’s like to be homeless for a night. Zehery said Lima Police will continuously patrol the area, and Berger will arrive at 6:30 a.m. with doughnuts.
At Friday’s open house, Cupp told the audience how the services Changing Seasons provides can benefit the community, and touted the need to raise awareness.
“Our community is really fortunate to have these services, but awareness is the real key,” Cupp said. “People need to know places like Changing Seasons are here, and they need to know how to access them.”
