JeffThigpen.com

I had the a really meaningful visit with Pat Gates a few days ago.  I met Pat shortly after her son Stephen was killed in a hit-and-run accident in 2003.   Stephen was UNC alumnus and a Tar Heel Sports Network reporter and the family lives in Greensboro.  “Stephen’s law” was created as a result of his death which requires passengers of a vehicle involved in an accident to remain at the scene until police can complete their investigation.  Pat and husband George, fought to get the law passed and it was applied on the first day.    As a result of the Gates’ determination, there will be accountibility and justice in those kinds of situations where there was once none.

Pat is such a wonderful lady and a great mom.   I was  pleased to hear from her and repect her a greal deal.   Her daughter is doing very well and will be attending law school in the Fall!  

I’m not surprised……

Saw my good friend Buck Cochran this morning.  Buck is executive director of Peacehaven Farm- a community for people with intellectual and physical disabilities.  Buck had long had an interest in people with disabilities and in the ministry of L’Arche communities.  L’Arche is a well-known community founded by Jean Vanier.  Later,  Henri Nouwen (Life of the Beloved; In the Name of Jesus; The Wounded Healer) joined when he left Harvard Divinity School.

I was talking to a friend when Buck stopped by.   The friend asked, “So, is this a rehabilitative model?”  I blurted out attempting to be the star pupil, “No, its the ‘do you love me’ model!  Buck smiled and said, “Exactly!”.   We got a good laugh out of it.   “Do you love me?” was a phrase from Nouwen’s In the Name of Jesus.  

Peacehaven Farm is inspired by the family members of the farm’s leaders: Tim and Susan Elliott, and Buck Cochran. All are parents of children with special needs. They have experienced the joys, the heartaches, the quest to “fix”, and the awe and wonderment of having someone they love with intellectual disabilities become all they were meant to be.

 The farm is locted in Whitsett, NC and I look forward to visiting with Elle and Aiden.  Who knows, maybe I’ll get to drive the tractor!

Shortly after I was hired as an Assistant Director of Admissions in 1998, I had someone tell me I’d was the next Charlie Hendricks.   I replied,”bu^^*%#!” (and meant it).   At that point, Charlie had been in “exile” from the Admission office for reasons unknown.   That was a policy that would quickly change when I headed up the NC Initiative, Randy Doss took over Admissions, and Charlie Harrelson, Alumni and Family Relations.

I remember picking Charlie up or meeting him at College Fairs and putting out an extra seat.  In addition, Charlie was dancing with a very attractive lady at club in Wilmington at the ripe age of 80 something.  I thought, “Man, hope I’m doing that at 80!”.

During several elections, Charlie would, in bi-partisan fashion have two signs in his yard.  Congressman Howard Coble and mine.  I appreciated his friendship.

Charlie Harrelson dropped by “Ask Charlie” today.  Written by my former roommate and male hunk, Robin McWilliams ‘93.  I hope folks will give it a read.

The Guilford County Substance Abuse Treatment Center reported that 34 of the 40 residential beds were occupied by 24 males (100% of bed available in male wing) and 10 females (62.5% of available beds in female wing) on July 4^th. In addition, 24 individuals received outpatient services with 3 assessments, 3 admissions and 5 discharges recorded. The Center has initiated an internship program with the counseling department at GuilfordTechnical Community College.   

Chairman Perkins emphasized that the center will offer a service array that was previously unavailable to Guilford County residents at its June 6th opening.  “This treatment center is a key component in the Guilford County Substance Abuse System of Excellence, an integrative, system wide approach to addressing addictive disorders,” said Perkins.

Billie Martin Pierce, Director of the Guilford Center, did a great job of helping give birth to this facility through a collaborative effort with experts from around the country earlier this year. 

SPEAKING OF ADDICTIONS–THIS IS A REALLY GOOD BOOK!

Finding our Way Home: Addictions and Divine Love by Killian Noe.   I met Killian on numerous occasions when she worked with Samaritan Inns in Washington, DC  She’s got a raspy, heart felt voice and brings a powerful message to all of us who are addicted to something, drugs or otherwise. 

There was a bit of horse trading between commissioners in the budget passed last month around allocating $250,000 for  a new health clinic in southeast Greensboro.   In my opinion, that allocation will be a great deal and great service for the City.   There are many low and moderate income families living in that area.  This clinic will help provide medical care for those with limited resources, hopefully catching illness in early stages, and ultimately becoming a vital part of the community infrastructure.  That area has been truly underserved for many years.

Merle Green, Public Health Director, deserves a great deal of appreciation for her efforts to secure an agreement with the Moses Cone Health Systems.   I made a point to mention it to her in a recent Strategic Alliance meeting.   After spending a few years working with and around the homeless population and residents within 27406,  it’s a no-brainer.   I understand Linda Shaw has some concerns about the details about the county’s role in the clinic’s operations and the allocation.  I would hope those details would be hammered out in the negotiations to her satisfaction and the seed money can help expedite the plans for implementation.

The Servant Leadership School of Greensboro has been around for over 15 years.  This effort is ecumenical and has been one of many influences on my own Christian faith and understanding of the ministry of Jesus Christ.   As the coordinator of the School in the mid 90’s,  I was given the opportunity to spend time with Gordon Cosby, Diana Chambers, Killian Noe among others through Church of the Savior and the Servant Leadership School in Washington DC.   

The effort focuses on concepts like servant leadership, contemplative prayer, call, the influence of power and priviledge, importance of exposure and being in a relationship with the poor, and understanding the nature of addictions as we deepen our relationship with God in community.  As Christians, how do we accept God’s love, listen for guidance, and go to the places we’d rather not go sometimes in His service?   This profund effort can be personally troubling and painful if done authentically.  May not be for the weak knee’d, haha, but you can make some good friends.

The works of Henry Nouwen, Ched Myers, Richard Rhor, Killian Noe,  Kayla McClurg, and Walter Wink a just a few that stretch the heart, mind, and challenge the soul as we struggle to realize 21st century christian leadership.   

Here is the Fall 2008 course schedule.

Jehan is committed to end homelessness.  Yeah, that’s right, and why not?  Just ask 55 of her friends. I met Jehan in the Other Voices program a couple of years ago. She is bright and driven to make a difference.  I appreciate her leadership and spirit.  Jehan knows there are many complex forces involved with addressing homelessness but she is inspiring and God can do great things when personal conviction, resources, and a community struggles together to help those left behind.

Here is her conversation with News and Record reporter Joe Killian.