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Chapter Spotlight: Long Island, NY Community
Service Project
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The Long Island, New York Chapter recently took on a project that went far beyond just evaluating and reporting on a space. They actually took action and made the changes happen. In trying to decide where to place their energy, the chapter chose to give back to the community by focusing on an organization that supports the elderly. The elderly tend to have a harder time on Long Island affording the rising housing costs and standard of living, but have lived in the area for so long and love it, that it makes it difficult for them to think about leaving. Enter the Jones Manor. Created in 1897 when Samuel Jones (of Jones Beach fame) left $20,000 for a non-profit organization for the "needy," the Jones Manor is a non-profit senior residence which takes in the frail and elderly that others won't (residents only get SSI which is about $400 a month.) The manor exists solely on donations and volunteers. The chapter was shown a number of rooms to choose from including a hallway that served as a "library," a conference room where all the financial decisions are made, and a broken and unsafe deck. The deck was important as the residents could not even go outside to get fresh air and sunlight and enjoy the water view. From the beginning of the interactions between chapter and staff, it was the love from the staff to these residents that touched everyone so much. All are treated like family and most of the staff are volunteers, or work there for minimum wage. And all were truly in need of help. The Chapter decided to paint the smoking room and the hallway, move the residents to another part of the building which faced the outdoors, paint and decorate the conference room to attract better financial decisions, and of course, repair the deck. As with many building projects, there were challenges with getting the work done easily and quickly including finding volunteer workers who would actually show up on the work day, finding a reputable professional painter, and gathering donations. Even the weather tested the mettle of the group when the heavens opened up and the rain came pouring down. Chapter family members participated, as the importance of creating a positive space for these people was empowering to everyone. Despite the challenges, the painting and decorating, cleaning and pruning went on. And chapter members returned many times to finish the space and continue decorating as well as applying blessings and Feng Shui Principles. And after many long days, the space and its residents and staff were blessed by Reverend Irene Windhors, an amazing Interfaith Ordained Minister. Tears of joy, relief, love, and abundant amazement were shed. Publicity will naturally follow upbeat events like this and can do more for the non-profit than ever imagined. Articles were published in two local papers with amazing articles online as well. And the beauty of a good reputation is that not only does the non-profit win, but also the profession of Feng Shui. Despite some beliefs that there isn't enough work for everyone and we must guard our clients with a closed heart, opening up to a professional organization and the recognition and benefits that can be available for everyone is a stronger and healthier stance for any profession and business. The American Medical Association (AMA) would not be where it is today if the public didn't see that their members have something important to say and have skills that you can't get from a book. The IFSG can be that kind of organization with the support of members who stand strong for professional standards. A follow up from Carole: "I think that you don't choose a place, it chooses you. In spite of the obstacles and difficulties, we were able to get the residents outdoors, have them enjoy both the old library and the new socializing area and Barbara Edwards, Jones Manor Executive Director, reported to me that she has been receiving donations. She has been able to put in requisitions to get help now for other areas of the building still in need of repair." The Ch'i continues to flow for the staff and 46 residents whose lives were touched. When focused on the right intentions for goodness and healing, working your craft and skill with your best abilities and professional strengths, and doing for others; you exude good Feng Shui for everyone, especially yourself. Open up to the good of it and the good will follow you. Many
thanks to the IFSG Long Island Chapter for contributing to this article.
Chapter participants include:
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