Most mornings, people are lined up before the doors
are open at CAM.
“CAM’s unique in that we don’t have
specific criteria or barriers that could
prevent getting help,” says Dawn. “You
don’t have to be a believer or to prove
you’re worthy by showing paystubs or
even make an appointment.” Instead,
CAM staff and more than 200 volunteers
not only meet the immediate
need but sit with clients to hear their
story and share their concerns. “This
conversation is an important part of
the process, because we may determine
they need more – or something
different they’re not aware of because
they don’t know how to ask. We listen
and help them navigate the process to
access ‘specialists,’” says Dawn.
The “specialists” are the countless
nonprofits and churches partnering
with CAM on a referral basis to help
those in need long-term. “A nonprofit
worker might help a
client gain some
professional training,
but notice they’re not
focused on their job
search because they
need to feed their
children or pay a utility
bill, so they’re directed
to us,” says Dawn.
“Almost every
nonprofit in town
knows that CAM
When a homeless
man was found
dead on one of the
church’s doorstep,
the churches asked
how they could
make a difference
in their own
neighborhoods.
should be the first step of the
wrap-around service someone’s
receiving.”
A common misconception, says
Dawn, is that many of CAM’s clients
have abused drugs or made other
destructive life decisions. “While we
certainly see those clients, 75 percent
of our clients are working poor – a
single working mom or family. There
are many reasons people find
themselves in unfortunate situations.”
Much like an ER, services at CAM
are limited. The goal is that clients will
eventually progress and no longer need
help. “It’s another misconception that
people abuse our services,” said Dawn.
“We generally don’t see clients multiple
times.” A quarter of CAM’s clients,
however, simply need ongoing mercy.
CAM offers daily lunches and other
services for those whose circumstances
are unlikely to improve, like the
mentally ill and elderly.
During its 40th anniversary in 2017,
CAM unveiled its 10-year vision, which
includes partnering with businesses
and residents near San Antonio’s
revitalized downtown. CAM wants to
be a community hub for people to “give
“ We trust God brought them in for
five minutes, an hour, or a few
times a year, and our purpose is to
share Christ’s love.”
– Dawn White-Fosdick,
Executive Director
where they live.” CAM hopes to serve
more by creating a “ministry-in-a-box”
model for other nonprofits and churches
to duplicate. CAM envisions increasing
the number of people served
through new donors, volunteers, and
satellite locations.
Over 200 volunteers serve in daily shifts to keep the
doors open. They sort clothing, interview clients, and
stock groceries.
“People want you to have answers
about the people you’re serving and the
results of your efforts – but we don’t
always have the answers,” says Dawn.
“We trust God brought them in for five
minutes, an hour, or a few times a year,
and our purpose is to share Christ’s
love. We know He has a plan for every
person, and we’re just part of it.”
CAM invites you to be part of the
plan too!
Christian Assistance Ministry
www.cam-sa.org
110 McCullough Ave., SA, TX 78215
(210) 223-4099
Be A Light.
Give. CAM’s greatest need is monthly,
ongoing financial support. Visit the donate
tab on the CAM website to give. Volunteer
and Participate. CAM offers daily
volunteer opportunities as well as various
annual events including donation drives
and fundraising events. Contact 210-223-
4099 to inquire or click the “Volunteer” and
“Events” tabs at the CAM website.
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Certified Public Accountants
(210) 226-9247
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March / April 2019 www.saBeacon.com 17
/www.cam-sa.org
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