On the 14th, we published a story regarding the financial struggles that United Community Ministries, who run both the Community Shelter and Bassett Center.  The struggle has brought to light the very real possibility of United Community Ministries being forced to shut their doors.  I have been to both shelters on a number of occasions and was always impressed with the work they do.  I feel that it is important to have community outreach, and a safety net for those in the community who fall on hard times and are struggling to rebuild.  

The effect on the families that the Bassett Center helps can really be seen in Keyshawn.  We interviewed his mother, Jackie Davidson, for the article, and I met up with her, Keyshawn, 5, and his brother Warren, 12.   Keyshawn was so excited by my presence it took him a little while to calm down and ignore the camera.  He was such a bright, energetic boy, and he had the ability to make everyone in the room smile.  Jackie told me that this was a recent development, thanks to the stability that the Bassett Center provided.  When the family lost their housing due to a family dispute in July, Keyshawn became anxious, withrdawn, and refused to leave his mother's side.  Now, his personality shine through as he eagerly points out a new loose tooth to me in the center's playroom.  Hopefully, his family will continue their upward climb and the future will be bright for these two children, along with the many others that call the Bassett Center home.