Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Delaware

Annual Meeting, October 23, 2010, 8:30 – 3:00, at The Cathedral of Saint John, Wilmington.

Click here or scroll down to read a review of our last meeting.

Help The Stockley Center by Donating Toiletries

In 2010, the Diocesan ECW is asking you to collect toiletries for The Stockley Center, the State of Delaware's only residential facility for adults with developmental disabilities. Please read below a brief summary of their program.

There are three drop off sites to use if your group is not available to attend the Annual ECW Meeting, October 23, 8:30 – 3:00, at The Cathedral of Saint John, Wilmington.

1. St. James, Newport
2. Christ Church, Milford
3. St. John’s, Milton

Any questions and/or concerns, please feel free to contact Deacon Dottie Vuono, Parish Administrator of Christ Church, Milford at 422-8466 or home 422-4421.

Suggested items in any size:

• Shampoo and/or Conditioners for Caucasian & African Americans
• Shaving Lotion
• Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
• Hair Brushes and/or combs
• Bath soap or liquid
• Lotion (low fragrance or unscented)
• Deodorant
• Razors – disposable
• Powder

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Division of Developmental Disabilities Services - Stockley Center Outreach

The Stockley Center in Georgetown Delaware was established in 1921. Since that date until present, Stockley remains the State of Delaware's only residential facility for adults with developmental disabilities. At its height in population (late 1980s), there were over seven hundred residents living on the Stockley campus grounds.

In the early 2000s there was a large national campaign to "de-institutionalize" and move appropriately matched residents to live in community settings such as group homes and shared living. Even though the residents who live in the community receive government and state funds (i.e. Medicaid and Medicare), their basic daily need essentials must now come out of their own funds.

Although, some community-based residents have some type of employment, their funds are very limited. Previously, when living in the facility, average daily need items were always present and available, such as shampoo, soap, lotions, clothing etc.... Unfortunately, having the benefits of community living doesn't always allow for one's personal needs to be provided.

This year, their Director of Volunteer Services is undertaking a huge project of organizing and opening the Oak Tree Shoppe. Currently, the Shoppe is housed in a portion of one of the existing buildings on Stockley grounds. The mission of the store is provide community residents with items for them to select as needed at no cost!

All items received from the ECW will be on a donation basis only; clothes, shoes, personal products such as shampoos, lotions, toothbrushes, toothpaste, even gift cards for haircuts, say at Walmart. For those of us who are fortunate in our lives, donating items to the store is a huge OUTREACH of love and support.

Click here to visit the Stockley Center website.

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Review: Annual ECW Gathering 2009

On Saturday, October 17, about 50 intrepid Episcopal Church Women gathered at Christ Church Dover, in spite of cold winds and rain on the way. All were looking forward to a day of fellowship and education, as well as the opportunity to worship together in this annual event. The day opened early with refreshments prepared by the hospitable women of Christ Church, a Colonial-era church in the center of town.

President Rose Sombar led the morning's annual meeting and election of new officers to the ECW Board: Recording Secretary, Mrs. Stumpy Moore; New Castle County Representative, Mrs Ginny Wingate, and Sussex County Representative; Mrs. Lee Macrane.

The morning's workshops were led by Florence Keith, who described the mission of the Church Periodical Club to assist Sunday schools and children in need, and Barbara Del Mastro, who spoke about The Way Home and ministering to and empowering women in prison. The workshops showcased the importance of supporting and participating in these projects.

Following the workshops, Judi Gregory gave an entertaining and informative talk on her sabbatical in Sudan. Her pictures and remarks made Judi's journey real and meaningful to all.

Inez Bagley, Secretary at Christ Church, and her husband, Walt, catered our lunch, serving Inez's special chicken salad in a lovely luncheon that turned into a lively reunion as friendships were rekindled, and news was shared.

The climax to the day was the service of Holy Eucharist, celebrated by The Reverend Celeste O. Cox, rector of Christ Church, assisted by the Reverend Sarah Nelson, Chaplain to the ECW Board. The UTO offering of cosmetics will be delivered to women in prison.

Many thanks go to the staff and volunteers at Christ Church for their hospitality and work to make this ECW Gathering a success.

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