Tag Archives: Street Sense

Day 224: Carl

Today I dropped a thank you note to the father-in-law of a colleague of mine who writes for the Dallas Morning News. He generously took time to talk to me about Street Sense, an organization where I serve as a board member.

Day 224

Carl,

I’ve always enjoyed reading the paper, but sitting down face to face with someone who’s been writing for a newspaper for 35 years is fascinating. I appreciate you taking time to talk with me – I enjoyed it immensely and appreciate the advice. By the way, this morning I picked you up a copy of the latest edition of Street Sense.

I look forward to reading more of your column,
Reed

P.S. I stayed up last night to watch the Nats lose 5-0 to the Dodgers. Let’s hope they can hang on!

Day 203: Susan and Willie

A favorite quote of mine. I wrote to William Zinsser on Day 22. His wife replied to me saying that Mr. Zinsser was blind and unable to read or write. Sadly Zinsser died about two months after I wrote to him. He was 92.

A favorite quote of mine. I wrote to William Zinsser on Day 22. His wife replied to me saying that Mr. Zinsser was blind and unable to read or write. Sadly Zinsser died about two months after I wrote to him. He was 92.

Susan and Willie are both volunteers at the Street Sense Writers Group. I sat in on one of their workshops today and was blown away! If you are in DC on a Wednesday morning, swing by and check them out between 10:30 and noon.

Another handcrafted envelope - this time I used part of a Trader Joe's bag.

Another handcrafted envelope – this time I used part of a Trader Joe’s bag.

Dear Susan & Willie,

Being with you and the members of the writing group today inspired me and filled my heart with rapture. Thank you for being so generous with your time and talent – you’re creating something beautiful that you should be extremely proud of.

I look forward to joining you again,
Reed

Day 198: Anne

A thank you note to one of my fellow Board members at Street Sense. Sometimes you need to take a moment and write the words that you feel – don’t assume the other person knows that you care.

Day 198

Anne,

You’ve been a great addition to the Board of Street Sense. I want you to know that your generous financial support hasn’t gone unnoticed by your peers on the Board. It’s an essential part of our duty as Board Members and you are leading by example. Thank you.

Reed

Day 195: Brian and Lisa

Summer is a time for the beach, baseball and barbecues. Well, last weekend I didn’t go to the beach or catch any baseball games, but I did go over to the home of the Executive Director of Street Sense, Brian Carome, and his wife Lisa for a barbecue. Everyone there was connected in some way to the Street Sense Media Center, a collaborative where local filmmakers, photographers, poets, playwrights, visual and graphic artists, and audio storytellers work side-by-side with men and women experiencing homelessness to craft stories that challenge our perceptions of homelessness. The work produced in Media Center workshops over the last year has been nothing short of remarkable and it was nice to take a moment and just relax with this incredible group of people.

Day 195

Brian and Lisa, 

Thank you both so much for inviting me to your home for the BBQ. It was great to talk with you and so many other members of the Street Sense family. The food was outstanding – and while I didn’t have the pork since I’m not eating meat right now, everyone was raving about it. I probably should have cheated and just tried a bite. Anyway, I am buying that Weber Cookbook!

Thanks again – it was a wonderful evening.
Reed

Day 173: Margaret

Several of my letters this year have been about my involvement with Street Sense, a nonprofit here in Washington, DC that gives men and women experiencing homelessness economic opportunities through their media center. It’s a beautiful organization, empowering people and giving them much-needed income through producing and selling a newspaper, photography, film, theater, audio storytelling, blogging, etc.

At the core of this organization is a very small dedicated staff of four. They’re supported by a group of amazing volunteers and board members. I serve as secretary of the board which is led by today’s recipient. Margaret works tirelessly to increase the impact that the organization has on the community.

Tonight she hosted a happy hour for her birthday to raise money and awareness for the organization. We met at Penn Social, surrounded by corn hole, giant connect four, ping pong and other games.

I learned that being president of the board of directors was not Margaret’s only leadership dream in life. When she was in high school she dreamed of being president of the United States. In fact, I’m told that there were even cards made up saying MARGARET 2016!

While it seems another woman is garnering all the attention for the upcoming presidential race, Margaret might just make a run at the 2020 election, or maybe go back and be governor of her home state of West Virginia. Either way, she’s got my vote and my 173rd letter.

Day 173

Happy Birthday Margaret!

I’m honored to be a part of your special day. Thank you for everything you do for Street Sense. I want you to know how much I appreciate your enthusiasm, optimism and leadership. 

You’re a Rock Star!
Reed