By Whitney Evelyn

A meeting of minds was held at the Norristown branch of the Senior Adult Activities Center on February 15th, 2019.

The Indian Creek Foundation, The Sleeping Mat Project and Integrate For Good, a newly founded not for profit organization, presented officers of the Norristown Police Department with a vital item to add to their arsenal of
tools to use while on duty.

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What was once only discard plastic grocery bags is now being transformed into sleeping mats to donate to those experiencing homelessness. What is even more special is the fact that most times, the sleeping mats are being created by individuals with developmental disabilities, seniors and even children.

Bev Weinberg of Integrate for Good believes that, “If we capitalize on the volunteer power of people of all abilities and backgrounds, Montgomery County is strengthened.” Giving back and strengthening the community while not marginalizing any individual is the resonant theme aiding the collaboration between the organizations involved. Lieutenant Michael Bishop and Deputy Chief Richard Clowser now have several mats to distribute to their staff for use while in the field. Chief Clowser asks, “What are problems that the homeless are facing and how can we help them better as a community?”

Engaging in diverse community partnerships and conversations serves to answer his question. Simply asking this question is a huge step in the right direction. Weinberg, in response to this question communicated that, “By taking those finished mats out to people who need them, you’re really carrying out our mission to support people in our community that are having a tough time.”

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