Perspective from the 19^th Hole is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf.  Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon (Les AuCoin), as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist.  This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.  I could have called this blog “Middle Ground,” for that is what I long for in both politics and golf.  The middle ground is often where the best public policy decisions lie.  And it is where you want to be on a golf course.

Two programs exist in Salem, Oregon, that provide a glimpse into what can happen when people of goodwill and good intent get together to solve challenges in a community.

Here are the two:

• Salem for Refugees, which does what its name says — support refugees in our community.

• Salem Free Clinics, which also does what its name says – provide free health care for those who cannot afford it.

I want to give proper credit to these two organizations because they enable us to practice what some of us preach, which means loving ALL people just as God loves ALL people.

Regardless of status in life or ability to pay.  ALL.

Both programs started through commitments by the church my family has attended in Salem for more than 30 years, Salem Alliance.  From that start, many people from many other churches in the region stepped up to help.

Here is information on Salem for Refugees says as the new year begins:

“As 2024 comes to a close, we are looking back over this year with a sense of awe and gratitude.

“Salem For Refugees received 329 individuals from 17 countries!

“These ‘New Neighbors’ found their new home because of commitments to make Salem a welcoming place.

“We are so incredibly thankful for all those who have given of time, heart, and resources in 2024.”

Forgive me, but consider this contrast.

Donald Trump and his ilk want to deport all these people – real people who should be helped, not shunned.

So, if you want to help, Salem for Refugees is a solid place to start illustrating God’s love for all people – yes, ALL people.

Now, regarding Salem Free Clinics, here is its report on 2024 moving to 2025:

“As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on a remarkable year of serving our community with compassion and care.  So far, we have provided a total of 5,500 patient appointments this year.  

“None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our 260 community volunteers, whose efforts ensure that no patient ever receives a bill for our services. 

“We supported our Salem-Keizer youth providing 300 free sports physicals, enabling students to participate in all different sports.  We treated 540 seniors, which included 120 dental visits, addressing critical needs among our aging population.

“Beyond direct medical care, we assisted hundreds of residents in qualifying for state health insurance and accessing other community resources –helping to remove barriers to all forms of care.  Additionally, we distributed over $330,000 in prescription medications free of charge to patients who needed them. 

“As we look ahead, we remain committed to providing hope and healing to those who need it most.”

Both programs allow Christians, as I like to put it, “to put hands and hearts into the gospel.”

So, in the first few days of 2025, there is good news around if all of us endeavor to find it.