Center delay a disservice

This week, I have been reading with great concern articles which undermine the work of Jewels Helping Hands because one of its co-founders, Jason Green, was convicted of mail fraud several years ago. Jason served his time and has been rebuilding a new, better life since then. I have always believed in rehabilitation and the importance of reintegrating past felons into our society. Jason is a perfect model of what we should want for all offenders once they are released.

Being a Christian, I look for ways in which I can do what I call “Jesus work.” When I connected with Jewels Helping Hands, I found a community of people, who regardless of various beliefs, were committed to doing what I see taught in the Gospels, and I wanted to be part of that work. I have seen nothing but selfless dedication to helping the least among us in the work of Julie Garcia and Jason Green and the many volunteers of Jewels Helping Hands.

The delay of opening the Cannon Street Center until Nov. 22 is purely political and does a terrible disservice to people who must survive out in the cold. The center is ready, so open it now.

Janet S. Yoder

Spokane