HOW YOU CAN HELP

Miriam A. Jamison Center
1010 Shalimar Drive
Children who live at the Jamison Center, Kern County's emergency children's shelter, have many needs. Some cost money; some cost time. Cassaundra Friedberg, 22, and Stephanie Ortega, 20, two former center residents, and Carl Guilford, the center's director, sat down recently to discuss these needs and how people in the community can help.

Volunteer

From helping with an art project, or just cuddling a toddler, time adults spend with Jamison Center children can make a difference in the children's lives. To volunteer, call Blanca Anderson, volunteer coordinator, at 631-6717.

"Children are like barnacles," Guilford observed. "They will attach to anyone who will stand still long enough."

Friedberg and Ortega fondly remembered Pat. "He was the old guy who came twice a week," recalled Ortega, who was removed from her family when she was 6 years old because of abuse. "I loved that old guy. He knew me by my name. He was so sweet and genuine."

Gifts

Toys and other gifts are appreciated at Christmas. But not all these toys will be showered on the children in December. Guilford noted that children live at the center all year long. There are birthdays to be celebrated. Gift also are needed to stock the "KC Store," where each week children who have been good are rewarded with a prize.

"You need something to feel loved when you are here," Friedberg said.

Clothes

New socks and underwear are a constant need. Note that not all the children at the Jamison Center are small. Often living in the shelter are teenagers, who can stretch to more than 6 feet tall and weigh over 200 pounds. Lightly worn outer clothing and shoes in all sizes also are needed, as are disposable newborn diapers.

"When children come to us, it may be right from their homes, schools or a hospital," Guilford said. "They might not bring anything with them." When they leave the Jamison Center to be placed in a foster home, they are sent with three sets of clothing.

Money

Donations of money can be made to the Jamison Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. The foundation's money is used on special projects, including building projects, and other activities not included in the county's budget. Send donations to the Jamison Center Foundation at P.O. Box 1574, Bakersfield, CA 93302.

Money can be donated directly to the Jamison Center and placed in a separate county account. This money will be used to pay the cost of such things as outings for the children. Send these donations to the Jamison Center at P.O. Box 511, Bakersfield 93302.

"It was always good to get out of here," Ortega said, fondly remembering her outings to the movies or to a fast-food restaurant. "Sometimes when I was here, I felt I was not part of the world. These trips made me feel like I was still a part of society."