Changing Lives Fall 2018

CHANGING LIVES

FALL 2018

A PUBLICATION OF CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Inside: • Homelessness to helping the homeless, one man’s journey • Catholic Charities increases our Mission neighborhood services • A quarter of a century of volunteerism • And more!

THE SEEDS PLANTED, A YOUNG MAN BLOOMS At about the age of nine, James found himself across the Golden Gate Bridge in a world unlike any he’d ever known.

The noises and chaos of urban life were replaced with the caws of crows, screeches of hawks, and relative calm. He was at Catholic Charities St. Vincent’s School for Boys in Marin. He fondly recalls “a blissful time, of fun, positivity, and youthfulness” under the compassionate care of adults.

At St. Vincent’s, James found stability, routine, and caring. A place for healing and exploration that both challenged and embraced him. One of his great memories is barrel racing his horse, Paint, in a rodeo. As a troubled boy coming from the city, “riding a horse was like driving around in a Mercedes.”

James with his team, Rena Castillo and Tiffany Marie Andrade

At age eight, James Richard Boyd III was a runaway, off the radar and roaming San Francisco with a band of “street kids and gutter punks” subsisting on pizza, fruit pies, and juice.

Older kids who were part of what James calls, “a civilization of homeless people,” watched over the younger kids, making a family of sorts – one without rules, school, or safety nets. It was a tough life.

What is remarkable about James, is his determination to turn his life around. He found he enjoys helping people and has a knack for it with his easy smile and laugh, deep understanding of hardship, and desire to have an impact on others.

James, who describes himself as strong and resilient, is now a Housing Specialist at Catholic Charities Homelessness Prevention program. He is part of a dedicated team he considers family. He strives to give others the help, guidance, and hope he received so many years ago as a boy at St. Vincent’s. As he beautifully says, through his work he is “breaking up the soil and planting seeds that will flourish into a garden.” 

CREATING HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS AT ST. VINCENT’S SCHOOL FOR BOYS In September, we celebrated renewal at Catholic Charities St. Vincent’s School for Boys. Founded in 1855 to house, clothe, feed, educate, and care for the orphans of California’s Gold Rush, St. Vincent’s is now a place of respite, healing, and hope for boys ages 7–18. One the oldest institutions west of the Mississippi dedicated exclusively to the care of traumatized boys, St. Vincent’s has helped restore a sense of home and belonging to thousands of boys.

Each boy at St. Vincent’s lives in one of five homes, segregated by age. Community living creates environments in which therapeutic, educational, and recreational activities can begin to relieve the trauma suffered early in a boy’s life. Through work with staff, nearly every boy develops a sense of trust, awakening his ability to connect with others.

Our celebration began with a Mass officiated by Monsignor Sheeran who spoke eloquently of the imperative of action, not just words, as exemplified by the work of Catholic Charities and St. Vincent’s. Marin Supervisor Damon Connolly and Supervisor Dennis Rodoni joined us as did an abundance of attendees eager to learn more about St. Vincent’s, its long history, and the care we provide boys ages 7–18.

Attendees took tours of newly-renovated Riordan House, one of five residences for the boys. The renovation of Riordan House was made possible by the generosity of our community. We are grateful for your partnership ensuring our boys have a safe, clean, welcoming environment to call home for their therapeutic stays with us. 

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO & SENIOR DIVISION DIRECTOR Dear Friends, At a recent gathering at St. Dominic’s Church, we challenged parishioners and San Franciscans to turn toward those in need of support, engage in meaningful conversations, and help create strategies to address housing, homelessness, and the inequities that require solutions to end inter-generational poverty. All of us must be called to action as we become aware of the underlying disparities that form and define housing and homelessness issues, shape economic opportunity, and ultimately impact the health and wellbeing of our communities.

Volunteer to help your neighbors in need, like Dorothy (pg. 3) who has spent nearly a quarter of a century supporting HIV/ AIDS residents at Leland House Community. Advocate for vital homeless and immigration support services through social media and conversations with your civic leaders. Donate to programs like Leland House and Peter Claver Community that support aging HIV/ AIDS individuals and have seen federal funding dwindle making it difficult to continue to keep them housed and safe. Your actions, voices, and support are critical.

Catholic Charities provides essential solutions to build a more equitable community. We are committed to housing and homelessness as a top priority, along with education, youth, senior, and immigration services, to effect social justice and implement solutions for social change.

Thank you for turning toward our many vulnerable neighbors and joining us on this important journey.

Jilma L. Meneses Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Ellen Hammerle Senior Division Director

CATHOLIC CHARITIES INCREASES MISSION NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES In a significant addition to our fifty-year presence in the Mission District, Catholic Charities opened our most comprehensive Mission site in October in partnership with the City of San Francisco. Our Mission Center brings a trio of vital wraparound support services to the neighborhood: Homelessness Prevention Program, Immigration Services, and Mission Access Point.

Housed in the heart of the Mission at St. Charles Borromeo Convent on 18th Street and South Van Ness, our more than twenty Catholic Charities staff provide resources, support, help, and hope to some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

The Center joins two well established Catholic Charities programs operating in the Mission for many years, Hazel Betsey Community specializing in intensive case management for formerly homeless women with chronic illness and their children, and St. Joseph’s Family Center, a family shelter focused on helping families solve homelessness and establish stability in their lives. Together, our programs provide compassionate and comprehensive care in the Mission for families and individuals struggling to survive and thrive. 

Access Point: Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Friday 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Homeless Prevention Program & Immigration Services: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Contact: 415 972 1281

SHARING A QUARTER OF A CENTURY AT LELAND HOUSE When Catholic Charities Leland House Community first opened in 1997 offering ground-breaking, long-term housing and care for frail and ailing men and women with HIV/AIDS, Dorothy Norman took notice.

Retired at age 73, Dorothy answered a newspaper ad for volunteers and came on board as a kitchen helper. This was a bold move at a time when fear and ignorance surrounding HIV/AIDS meant patients were treated as outcasts and often left to suffer and die alone. Undaunted and devoted to helping those in need, Dorothy stepped up and continues as a fixture at Leland House today – serving with the same warmth and generosity twenty-one years later.

Every Monday, as she has done for nearly a quarter of a century, Dorothy walks the two blocks from her home to Leland House and helps out with whatever is needed.

She serves food, keeps the fruit trays stocked, washes dishes, and most importantly, always takes time for a gentle greeting accompanied by her contagious smile.

Dorothy’s volunteer work gives her purpose. Her heart is touched by the residents and she finds the work satisfying. She also enjoys being a vital part of the community.

“Everybody’s so nice to me,” she said beaming her gentle smile, “I think they appreciate what I do.”

“Everybody loves Dorothy,” says activities coordinator Daniel Sauers. He, the staff, and residents are looking forward to celebrating Dorothy’s upcoming 94th birthday and her devotion to their well-being.

If you are interested in sharing your time and talents at one of our 34 programs, contact Carol Laughlin, Volunteer Manager, CLaughlin@CatholiCharitiesSF.org. 

TAKE STOCK AT YEAR-END TO HELP CATHOLIC CHARITIES STAND WITH FAMILIES At year-end, please consider a gift of stock to Catholic Charities. Stock gifts are easy to arrange, may save taxes, and make an immediate, positive impact on families, aging adults, adults with disabilities, youth, and immigrants in San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties. To learn more, visit CatholicCharitiesSF.org/ways-to-give/ or contact Pat Gallagher at 415 972 1231 or PGallagher@CatholicCharitiesSF.org. 

Stay in touch with and get more news from Catholic Charities by signing up for our enewsletter at CatholicCharitiesSF.org/enews

HOLIDAY GIVING OPPORTUNITIES With 34 programs serving thousands of our neighbors across San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo, there are ample opportunities to contribute to our community in meaningful ways throughout the holidays. From seniors to little ones, families and individuals, your gifts of time and treasure are deeply appreciated by the vulnerable communities we serve.

For details about the volunteer and donation opportunities below, contact Carol Laughlin, Volunteer Manager, CLaughlin@CatholicCharitiesSF.org. 

SENIORS

FAMILIES & ADULTS

YOUTH

Sing in the Season – Share the joy of the season by raising your voice with our seniors and staff at Adult Day Services San Francisco and San Mateo.

Christmas Carolers are welcome to join us Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., dates and times are flexible to accommodate all schedules!

Let’s Party! – Help our families and vulnerable adult residents celebrate the holiday season by lending a hand at one of our Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve parties. Choose a three hour shift between 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and help decorate, make crafts, prepare food, clean up, and most important – socialize with those in your community!

Help your neighbors in need feel loved, remembered, and cared for.

Keep Developing Minds Busy – Though school will be out, kids are on the go during Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. Share your passions and talents at our after-school sites in East Palo Alto and San Rafael.

Create Handmade Holiday Cards – Share your creative talents by making holiday cards for individuals at all our programs. This is a great group activity for school, clubs, or companies.

Sponsor a Luncheon – Sponsor the December 15th Handicapables Luncheon at OMI Senior Center or volunteer to help at the gathering.

The Handicapables is a nonprofit group that brings disabled people together once a month to share mass, fellowship, and lunch.

Turkey Slinger – Distribute holiday groceries to needy families Wednesday, December 12th at OMI Senior Center.

For your convenience, we have two shifts: 8 – 11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

THE GIFT OF DONATIONS & YOUR HEART Share your Christmas kindness with those struggling to survive and thrive by partnering with us to make this holiday season one of warmth, hope, and dignity by donating one of the following: •

$25 Target, Safeway, Old Navy, or Visa gift cards

Pass the Produce – Encourage healthy eating habits and share holiday bounty!

Help us sort, package, and distribute groceries for our seniors and families Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at 10th & Mission Family Housing.

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New adult and children’s warm socks

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Handmade quilts or lap blankets

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Fleece throw blankets

Ho, Ho, Ho – Bring smiles and delight to people of all ages with your hearty “Ho, Ho, Ho” and flowing Santa beard!

We’re looking for a great Santa Claus (or two) for guest appearances and cheer at holiday parties throughout the Christmas season at various program locations. You must have your own Santa suit.

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New children’s picture books for ages 0-5

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New children’s books for young readers ages 6-12 years

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Personal care gift bags

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Small door wreaths

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Holiday craft supplies for children

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Turkeys and hams

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Thanksgiving dinner ingredients

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Christmas dinner ingredients

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Sweets and desserts

990 Eddy Street San Francisco, CA 94109 415 972 1200 CatholicCharitiesSF.org

Catholic Charities is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our tax identification number is 94-1498472.

SAVE THE DATE Mark your calendar for the 22nd Annual Loaves & Fishes Awards Dinner & Gala honoring the 2019 Loaves & Fishes Faith in Action Award Honoree

Lloyd H. Dean, President/CEO of Dignity Health Loaves & Fishes Awards Dinner & Gala Thursday, May 2, 2019 San Francisco Sponsorship opportunities are available!

Questions? Contact Pat Gallagher at 415 972 1231.

All proceeds support Catholic Charities programs serving and protecting the dignity of vulnerable communities.