Agustin Gurza and Lupe Vidales

Thank you for the June 19 column by Agustin Gurza on Lupe Vidales. Once again it shows how a motivated person can get ahead, with a little help.

I was disappointed that Project Self-Sufficiency was mentioned in passing. It is a public/private partnership. It assists more than 100 single parents to return to school so that through education they can get a better job, become self-sufficient and as a result become a taxpaying member of the community.

Vidales came to Project Self-Sufficiency via Interval House, a shelter for battered women, another great organization sustained through the hard work of volunteers from the community.

Project Self-Sufficiency has a high rate of success in getting people off welfare because of the expectations and accountability required of the participants.

Congratulations to all the Lupe Vidaleses who demonstrate that the time and dollars given by members of the community can make a difference in people’s lives.

HAYDEE VELAZQUEZ

TILLOTSON

Founding Chairman

Project Self-Sufficiency

Foundation

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The common theme of Agustin Gurza’s columns is one of victimhood.

Unfortunately, being a victim allows someone or some circumstances to have power over you.

My wish is for all people to be the greatest they are capable of becoming. But that can never happen as long as you think you are a victim.

I hope the weight of the chip on Gurza’s shoulder does not affect his balance. Perhaps it could be surgically removed.

MIKE EDWARDS

Santa Ana