March 24, 1999

To Whom It May Concern:

Shaky Acres has embarked upon a campaign to raise $45,000 to continue serving our community.  I strongly urge you to take whatever action you can to support this most worthwhile and necessary part of our community.

When Shaky Acres was founded in 1982, I was still a Judge of the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands.  At that time, it served only recovering alcoholic men.  Today, Shaky Acres has three residential facilities, serving both men and women who are recovering from drug and alcohol dependency.

During the time I was Judge, I came to know the workings, of Shaky Acres very well.  This is because of the numerous times that I was confronted with men suffering from alcoholism who required treatment.   Most importantly, Shaky Acres offered me a place where I could refer someone for appropriate support and lodging.  At no time did Shaky Acres disappoint me.

Now into is seventeenth year of operation, Shaky Acres continues to meet the growing needs of the community and the continuing problems of alcoholism and addiction.  Shaky Acres provides housing and food plus recovery services for homeless V. I. Residents who suffer from dreaded disease of alcoholism or addiction.  Its record is outstanding.  Of those who complete the recommended one year before re-entering the community, the Shaky Acres success rate is well over 80%.

With the assistance of the community, Shaky Acres raised $21, 000 last year so that it could keep its doors open.  Despite a shortfall in funds from FEMA and local support, Shaky Acres never has reduced its services.  In fact, due to an increase in the homeless population after the hurricanes, it increased those services.     Shaky Acres now is in need of $45, 000 to continue serving our community.

At this time, when our Government is in such dire financial straits and funds are so hard to come by, I urge you to assist and support Shaky Acres to whatever extent you can.  Please consider putting Shaky Acres in your budget by sponsoring one or more of its 33 beds at $1,000.00 a bed.  Each such sponsorship pays for a clean bed, a nutritious diet, and a program of services for one recovering person for one full year.  Even if you cannot afford $1,000, any contribution will help keep the doors open.

Sincerely,

Henry L. Feuerzeig