All Things Being Equal, We All Can Run A Good Race

Tuesday, 04 October 2011 13:03 | Written by Charles Cheek and Charlotte Dillow

Imagine yourself in a 100 meter race that is about to start on an outdoor track. Very little if any wind blowing, all of the starting blocks were manufactured by the same company and are as nearly the same as humanly possibly, the starter’s gun has been checked, the timer has pinpoint accuracy and the individual lanes on the track are near perfect consistency.

At last, we are ready for the individuals that were issued an invitation to compete in this mix event. Look at them as they enter the track…a millionaire who resides in a mansion on the river, a homeless man who resides in a clump of trees in a tent, a gentleman who works at a local retail establishment, a mother who just hugged her children before she came on the track (lives in a car) and look at that magnificent diva approaching the track with her manicured fingernails and her attendants tending to her every need. There are others entered in this race from various socio-economic backgrounds and of many ethic and cultural backgrounds.

Finally, the runners line up at their respective starting blocks and they are poised to start the race. The starter’s gun sounds and they are off.

The Night’s Welcome Winter Shelter Program starts in Hampton on October 29^th, 2011. The program will operate from October of 2011 until April 2012 at area churches and temples, that have opened their doors to provide respite to those in need during these trying winter months. Folks of all backgrounds and socio-economic status open their hearts to provide relief to their fellow human beings who because of varying circumstances find themselves in need.

During their overnight stay at these caring facilities, folks are given dinner, a place to lay their head for rest, a breakfast and a friendly smile that says “Welcome, we care about you”. They are also provided case management services that assist in identifying their needs for care (medical and mental care, housing assessments, employment services and spiritual guidance). In many cases, where available or arrangements can be made, they have access to showers, haircuts and, for the ladies, beauticians.

And what do these folks in need look like? They look like everyone else we encounter in our lives. They do not wear signs of hopelessness across their foreheads or chest…they have a number on their chest that identifies them as a participant in this race for life just like each one of us. They just need an equal start towards a new life. An opportunity that allows them to run the race under the same conditions that we enjoy.

Let us now look at this diverse race that has started. No, our dear friends, diversity is not a dirty word. It doesn’t mean what some want it to mean in their context of isolating those who they consider different. It’s about a “variety” of people sharing issues, programs, concepts and ideas to make life better for “all”.

The runners are nearing the finish line, stretching to best the others and to give this effort all that they have within. The race is over for today - they all congregate to hug and shake each other’s hand and to rejoice in their individual victories.

“Who won the race…all things being equal”.

Rev. Charles Cheek

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Charlotte Dillow

Executive Director

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About Charles Cheek and Charlotte Dillow

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Biographical Sketch of Charles E. Cheek

Born, raised and educated in the public schools in Newport News, Virginia. At an early age he assumed an activist role in addressing civil rights and world issues. During his teenage years of activism he was involved in voter registration campaigns, civil right’s demonstrations and marches in Virginia, North Carolina and at the March on Washington in 1963. His parents, with the urging of his grandfather the Rev. Gillis Cheek, Charles was allowed to attend numerous political and world affairs camps and seminars.

Charles has a desire for learning and this is still being exhibited in his later life. He states that when he enrolled in the various universities and was asked for what degree he was registering or seeking, his reply would be…”I am not interested in degrees, but I am seeking knowledge and information and therefore registering to get all the information I can…so, whatever degree you decide to give me at the end of the studies…the kindness will be accepted”. In his pursuit of knowledge and understanding he has attained and studied at Lincoln University(Pa.), George Washington University, Sojourner Douglas College, Lancaster Bible College (presently pursuing advanced knowledge studies in theology). He was also part of a year long study in Biblical Worldview and Christian Apologetics with clergy, a federal judge, college presidents and professors and business professionals from around the world.

He has been an entrepreneur, recently selling his businesses in Maryland prior to relocating back to Virginia in 2008. One his businesses had the distinction of being the only minority business, of its type, east of the Mississippi River. The business was featured in the National Geographic Magazine, the Washington Post, the Roanoke Times, the Los Angeles Times and other publications.

Prior to his being an entrepreneur he served as the Assistant Director for Outreach and Minority Business Development for the State of Maryland; Senior Consultant with several consulting firms as a management trainer and a medical practice management consultant; Mortgage Loan Officer; Real Estate and Insurance Agent; and, a Detective with the Hampton Police Department.

Charles served, as an Associate Minister at Third Baptist Church in Hampton, Va. from 2008-2010; and prior to returning to Virginia he had a street ministry, for many years, in the Baltimore area reaching out to substance abusers, prostitutes and the homeless to bring them hope and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. He is presently the Pastor at Cathedral City of Praise Worship Center, a new ministry being planted in Hampton, Virginia.

He has been a radio talk show host in Virginia and Maryland; an editorial page columnist with a newspaper in Maryland; served many roles in the NAACP in Maryland (as a branch president and state coordinator); a Presenter at National Minority Business Conferences and state conferences in Massachusetts, Maryland and North Carolina; received a Gubernatorial Appointment to the Board of Nursing in Maryland, as a consumer representative; appointed to various boards by Mayors of Baltimore; he also served as the voter mobilization coordinator for the Jesse Jackson for President Campaign in Maryland for several congressional districts responsible for thousands of volunteers and election day activities; and, a campaign manager and consultant for several local, state and national political campaigns in Maryland; has served on the Board of Directors of several organizations in Maryland and Virginia such as the Black United Fund of Maryland, the Boys Club in Hampton, Virginia, the Young Professionals of Tidewater; Allegany County League of Women Voters, MLK Faith Based and Community Initiatives, Inc.; and, presently serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of H.E.L.P. Inc. (Hampton Roads Ecumenical Lodgings and Provisions, Inc.) facilitator for a monthly Prayer Breakfast and a monthly gathering of Clergy in Fellowship; and, is weekly contributing writer to the James River Journal.

He has co-authored and published: A Parents Rights Pamphlet: Public Law 94-142 (authored); Adolescent Development’ The Formative Years (co-authored).

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Charlotte C. Dillow

Executive Director, H.E.L.P., Inc.

Charlotte C. Dillow is the Executive Director of Hampton Roads Ecumenical Lodgings & Provisions (H.E.L.P., Inc.) and has served in this position since 2004. She has been with H.E.L.P. for seventeen years and has a proven track record in financial and operational management, to include staff and volunteer recruitment, research, fundraising and resource development. During her tenure, the organization has grown in staff, programs and grants, in-kind and individual donor funding and services now exceed $10 million in value to the community. Charlotte has provided planning, development, implementation and management support for housing and homeless programs since she began volunteering for A Night’s Welcome Emergency Homeless Shelter and H.E.L.P. in 1994. Charlotte’s studies include business management and psychology and is a recent graduate of the inaugural class of “Leading for the Long Term” through the Virginia Health Care Foundation, Richmond, Virginia. She recently received the National Exchange Clubs highest honor, “The Book of Golden Deeds Award”. She serves as an Advisory Board Member to Hampton Human Services appointed by Hampton City Council and serves as Chair of the local Continuum of Care and the Greater Virginia Peninsula Continuum of Care Healthcare Committee.