A Season to Give Thanks!

At this mid-November point you are likely overwhelmed with a “to do” list in preparation for your annual Thanksgiving celebration, but also the fast approaching holidays of Hannukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. That list is likely very long, and you are convinced you will never get everything done. Here at CFET we don’t want to add to your list, but we do want to let you know how much we appreciate your support of our work in Camden. We accomplished quite a bit during this extraordinary year of the pandemic.

Among the many things we accomplished, we want to highlight a partnership between Mighty Writers in Camden and our youth farmers. We were able to run our youth program this past summer, though with pandemic-related protocols. For instance, we could only hire 8 youth rather than the 12 we typically hire. However, while smaller in number, they were powerful in effort and resolve. Of the many things they completed is a collective poem they wrote about the relationship of industry, pollution, the people of Camden and empty promises. Working with Mighty Writers staff, the youth learned the ins and outs of writing poetry, and then tried their hand at verse. You can read their poetic creation here. Beauty is born of persistent effort, clear eyed analysis and resilient courage. Poetry is the art of prophets who often make us uncomfortable with their indictment of our small mindedness. Our young farmers offered up their take on the beauty of their city,  a city of challenges, but also opportunities.

Your financial support of CFET makes creative moments like this possible. On the long “to do” list that is likely always to hand in these very unsettled days, you found the time to contribute to our mission. We thank you. We cannot do what we do without you. You are a blessing to the people we serve.

We here at CFET wish you a most blessed holiday season, beginning with the feast for giving thanks. Despite the challenges we face as a nation and world, the bounty of creation continues to surprise and astonish. May you and those you love be blessed beyond measure.

With grateful hearts,

The staff and board of CFET