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Open Forum: Royals to support WATTS homeless program at Bridgeforth Stadium

“I asked my friend Brian Burke, General Manager of the Winchester Royals, if Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter (WATTS) representatives could attend a game at Bridgeforth Stadium in Jim Barnett Park to set up and collect snack items and drink donations in support of our Cooling Center. Brian offered us three games to bring our volunteers and collect donations,” said WATTS President Mike Ashby.

The Winchester Royals are a storied baseball team that competes in the highly regarded Valley Baseball League, a summer collegiate wooden bat league consisting of 12 teams in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The Valley Baseball League is endorsed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and sponsored in part by a donation from Major League Baseball, making it one of the premier summer leagues in the country.

The designated games are as follows:

· New Market Rebels-Royals, July 20, 7 p.m., Jim Barnett Park

· Waynesboro Generals-Royals, July 22, 7 p.m., Jim Barnett Park

· Charlottesville Tom Sox-Royals, July 23, 7 p.m., Jim Barnett Park

WATTS volunteers will be located inside the stadium gate collecting items such as bottled water, Gatorade, coffee, creamer, sweeteners, lemonade mix, sweet/unsweet tea, and non-perishable individual snack items. WATTS will also have a bucket for donations, if anyone forgets to bring an item and would like to donate to this important cause. “These three games should provide WATTS with a tremendous kick-off for our Cooling Center as we will bond with the good people of our community in a way that we have not been able to in the past,” Ashby said.

WATTS volunteers plan to strike up conversations with the Winchester Royals patrons to inform them about all the great opportunities their programs offer. Expectations are that WATTS can potentially recruit a few volunteers, donors, and corporate sponsors for their fundraisers.

This summer, the Cooling Center will operate from July 10 through Sept. 1 and is open during the afternoon every day. Operating out of Market Street UMC (131 S. Cameron Street, Winchester), and accessed from the Cork Street side, the Cooling Center gives homeless individuals a safe, air-conditioned place to rest for a few minutes or a few hours to help cool off from the heat. WATTS offers snacks and refreshing drinks daily, thanks to donations provided by the community and the volunteers who serve lunch on various days.

“We are so very grateful to Brian and the Royals organization for connecting with WATTS on this significant project. They are certainly great community partners,” Ashby concluded.

 

By MARK GUNDERMAN, a resident of Stephens City.

Via The Winchester Star

Original article: https://www.winchesterstar.com/opinions/open-forum-royals-to-support-homeless-programs-at-bridgeforth-stadium/article_88f94d93-9b59-5bdd-bd28-0a5b34d8e735.html

 

The Winchester Royals summer 2023 baseball team with representatives from the Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter (WATTS) program at the July 20 game at Bridgeforth Stadium in Winchester.  The Royals partnered with WATTS to request donations of snacks and drinks for the WATTS daytime Cooling Center from game patrons, supporting WATTS’ efforts to help local individuals experiencing homelessness. – Courtesy Photo by Cindee Steele.

WATTS “Cooling Center” in Winchester to Help Homeless Beat the Heat

A photo of a woman and man sitting at a table talking for a radio show.
On this episode of Town Talk, publisher Mike McCool speaks with Robyn Miller, Executive Director of the Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter, commonly known as WATTS.
To tackle the challenges faced by the homeless community during the intense summer heat, the Winchester Area Temporary Transitional Shelter (WATTS) has opened a “Cooling Center.”  This initiative provides a safe, air-conditioned haven for those seeking a momentary escape from the scorching temperatures.  Located at Market Street United Methodist Church on 131 S. Cameron Street, the center is operational every day from noon to 5 pm.  The only exception is Thursdays when the center opens an hour earlier at 11 am and closes at 4 pm.  Beyond a cooler environment, the center also offers snacks, refreshing drinks, and occasional lunches, thanks to the dedication of local volunteers.  Robyn shed light on the establishment’s history and motivation for the Cooling Center.
WATTS’ roots trace back to a tragic incident 2008 when a homeless man lost his life to the freezing Winchester winter.  Faith-based leaders then congregated to conceive a solution that would prevent such incidents in the future.  The answer lay in their unused church buildings, which were equipped with facilities like kitchens and bathrooms.  This spark gave birth to WATTS in November 2009, with several churches offering their premises rotationally to house and feed the homeless during winter nights.  The endeavor saw immense success due to the collective effort of the community.  School bus drivers volunteered transport services, while others engaged in activities with the shelter guests or provided various services like haircuts and medical consultations.  WATTS’ initial vision has endured and expanded over the years, with the organization now able to accommodate up to 35 guests every night during winter.  However, the plight of the homeless community during summers was evident, thus leading to the inception of the Cooling Center.
Community members looking to lend a helping hand can volunteer at the Cooling Center. Tasks involve assisting managers with food and game sessions and ensuring guests’ comfort.  For those concerned about time constraints, even a short duration of assistance is appreciated.  It’s pertinent to note, however, that all volunteers should be above 18 years of age.
While the Cooling Center addresses an immediate need, WATTS has broader ambitions.  Their mission, as articulated in October 2022, pivots towards breaking the cyclical nature of homelessness.  By offering individuals the tools and resources needed to re-enter the workforce, WATTS envisions a future where everyone can be self-reliant and sheltered, regardless of circumstances.
For more information or to get involved, visit the WATTS website at watts-homelessshelter.org.

 

Via Royal Examiner.
Original article: https://royalexaminer.com/town-talk-watts-unveils-new-cooling-center-in-winchester-to-help-the-homeless-beat-the-heat/
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