Making a Difference. Changing Lives.™ Together, we are changing the lives of over 27,000 children, families and seniors. Spring 2009
Triumphing Over Barricades Abdulkadir was a “brainiac” and completed most of 8th grade by the time he was just twelve. Math was his favorite subject. His family owned a small grocery business in Miesso, Ethiopia. After school, Abdulkadir helped in the store, completed his homework and was generally a normal kid. Life was good. Then suddenly, Abdulkadir’s father was arrested and tortured by government officials. He was beaten so badly that he was left for dead. His family found him lying in the bushes, brought him home and nursed him back to health. When the government discovered that Abdulkadir’s father was alive, they began searching for him again. This time, they would probably kill him. So, Abdulkadir and his father quickly escaped to a refugee camp in Kenya leaving the remaining eight family members behind. Life became very different. Everything in Kenya was strange and new. In the Kakuma refugee camp, the living conditions were miserable due to extreme shortage of food, Intergenerational Mosaic Unveiled at Southwest Center water, and shelter. So after several months, Abdulkadir left the camp by himself and went Last fall, our Southwest Center seniors worked with students from Barton Open School, volunteers into the city of Nairobi where he worked in a restaurant. Very quickly Abdulkadir discovered from East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association (EHFNA), Calhoun Area Residents Action Group (CARAG), and area residents, to develop and construct a mosaic mural on an exterior wall the police in Nairobi were corrupt. Worse yet, Abdulkadir had no opportunities for education. of the Center. This intergenerational art project was intended to improve and beautify the neighborhood, as well as instill a sense of pride and ownership among community residents. “This process was a great example of how art can bring people together. People of all ages worked with each other to create this beautiful piece. I think everyone who sees the mosaic will be inspired by the work and its celebration of our neighborhood,” said Mary Ann Schoenberger, Director of Southwest Center. “The mosaic features images of the neighborhood and its residents that were brought up during the four visioning workshops. Images featured in the mosaic include the Lake Harriet Bandshell, Lake Harriet, a school, the Southwest Center, the Rose Garden, and people of all shapes and sizes. Viewers will also spot surprises in the mosaic, such as special pieces of jewelry or coins that were donated by participants.”
Finally, after eight harsh years, Abdulkadir immigrated to Minnesota in 2007 at age 21. “I was really, really excited,” Abdulkadir noted. “I knew that, if I worked hard, I would be successful.” School was a priority. But, Abdulkadir spoke no English and was too old for the Minneapolis Public Schools. That’s when a friend told (Continued on page 3)
“Working on the mosaic was fun on so many different levels. I loved the challenge of fitting the pieces together and I enjoyed getting to interact with the students from Barton Open School. Just looking at it makes me smile to think of all the people who worked together to make this happen,” said Pat Marentic, a Southwest Center participant. Southwest Center unveiled the new 100 square foot mosaic in November 2008 with a celebration which included mosaic activities, refreshments, and a slide show of the process and the participants. Funding for the mosaic was provided by a City of Minneapolis Innovative Graffiti Prevention Micro-Grant, Volunteers of America–Minnesota and Calhoun Area Residents Action Group (CARAG).
Foster Parent Receives Volunteer Award from Allianz Life Jerri Searcy, a client services representative for Allianz Life, received the company’s “Volunteer of the Quarter Award” for her work as a foster parent and volunteer for Volunteers of America–Minnesota. Jerri and her husband, Frazier, have been Volunteers of America foster parents since 1991 and have cared for more than 25 children, typically teenage boys. Many of the youth placed in their care are considered “difficult to place” because they have emotional and/or behavioral issues, or have experienced abuse, neglect or other family issues that endangered their safety. In addition going above and beyond everyday as a foster parent, Jerri has performed training for new foster parents, given speeches promoting the work of Volunteers of America, and has served on the Volunteers of America Foster Parent Advisory Board. What is particularly special about Jerri is that she gives her foster children hope, loves them unconditionally and believes in them at a time when they may not believe in themselves. What follows are excerpts from a letter written by a young man, who because of Jerri and Frazier’s support, made the National Honor Roll for academic achievement. “I’m 17 years old and have been a foster child in the Searcy household for ten years. Throughout the years, I could definitely create an ongoing list of things Jerri has done to benefit others. Jerri has always been the person to go out of her way to do humanitarian-type things. She is a very inspirational and dedicated person.” (Next, he described how Jerri would take the family to visit former foster children.) “She never gave up on them,” he said. (Then, he told about the time a former foster child, now an adult, was injured and hospitalized.) “While laying in intensive care, he had no family members by his side except for Jerri and Frazier. Jerri was there for every appointment, every informational meeting, and everyday for two months. Jerri has been like an angel for a long time to many kids. Jerri has been a helping hand whenever someone called for one. She has taught me to be there to lend a helping hand as much as you can, and not look for anything in return. Jerri has taught me giving back is the only way to reach higher achievements in life.” Congratulations and thank you, Jerri Searcy, from everyone at Volunteers of America–Minnesota.
2 Making a Difference. Changing Lives.™
Big Hearts Emerge Despite Economic Gloom This holiday season, despite one of the toughest economic years in recent history, more people than ever before extended a helping hand to strangers in need through our Thanksgiving Bags and Adopt a Family programs. While the requests for assistance from low-income families, seniors, and other individuals were greater than ever before, the response from generous people in the community was also the greatest it’s ever been. Through our Volunteers of America–Minnesota’s Thanksgiving Bags program, 900 grocery bags filled with Thanksgiving food were assembled and hand-delivered to low-income families and individuals by over 300 volunteers. The program benefited nearly 2,000 people. People like Pat, a senior resident at Volunteers of America–Minnesota’s Lyndale Manor, writes, “Many, many thanks for the Thanksgiving food and gift certificate. The soaring prices of groceries and everything else have been overwhelming for me. This was a true blessing and a huge help.” Lynn, a single parent to a son with special needs, was a participant in the Volunteers of America– Minnesota Family Treatment program a few years ago. Because her son was frequently ill, Lynn was forced to take time off from work and, as a result, lost a number of jobs. To make matters worse, Lynn hadn’t received child support payments in years and was in danger of losing her home. Being able to buy Christmas gifts for her son simply wasn’t an option. Thanks to Volunteers of America–Minnesota’s Adopt a Family program, Lynn’s son woke up to find gifts under the tree on Christmas morning. Lynn was even surprised to receive a pair of slippers for herself. Three years later and with the help of her new employer, Lynn was able to return the favor by adopting a family that was in the same situation she was in not long ago. Lynn said, “Many of us at the company I’m at have been unemployed within the last couple of years. For that reason, I think we all know how hard it is to be a single parent without a job at Christmastime.” For Lynn, her Adopt a Family experience has come full-circle. “I still wear those slippers,” she recalled, “and am reminded of how good it felt to be cared about in such a special way by complete strangers.” Through our Adopt a Family program, over 330 sponsor groups purchased, wrapped, and dropped off presents for 1,916 individuals in need, including 240 families, 195 seniors, 370 kids and teens, and 155 adults. The care and thoughtfulness that sponsors put into picking out just the right gifts for people they didn’t even know was truly inspiring. Phoenix High School students, who face multiple barriers, including homelessness, violence, hunger and other serious stresses, were recipients of Adopt a Family gifts this past season. Sonal Redd, principal of Phoenix High School, described her students’ Adopt a Family experience. “As children were opening their presents, there were screams from some and some were crying. One child even lost his balance and said he had never received such a gift. Another student opened the first gift and was in such shock he asked me to open the other ones as his hands were shaking. As the day went on the teachers became even more excited than the students to watch them open their presents. Teachers stayed after school to download music, to hem clothes, to give rides home as some could not carry all their new things on the bus! It was awesome,” Ms. Redd reported. Volunteers of America–Minnesota is so thankful for all the caring, kindhearted and compassionate people that partner with us as we lend a helping hand to those who need it most—during the holidays and throughout the entire year. If you would like information on ways you can get involved in our community events, please contact Kristin Cook at 952-945-4039 or kcook@voamn.org.
Triumphing Over Barricades (continued from page 1)
The staff at the Volunteers of America school encouraged and inspired Abdulkadir to work hard. They took extra time to make certain he understood the coursework. And work hard he did! Abdulkadir was an outstanding student and earned his high school diploma in just one year.
What’s more, he is a volunteer tutor at Now, at age 23, he is attending Minneapolis Volunteers of America–Minnesota’s High Community and Technical College (MCTC) School Diploma program twice a week where where he’s taking pre-pharmacy classes including College Algebra and Introduction to he helps students with Math. Abdulkadir said, Chemistry. While going to school full-time, he “The most important reason [I volunteer] at the school is because I knew and felt the works part-time as a personal care attendant same pain in the refugee camps and had the for a home health care provider. Abdulkadir same experiences [as many of the students].” is proud because he is the first person in He continued, “Many [of the students] never his family to attend college. Plus, he now he speaks five languages: Oromo, Amharic, Swahili, had the chance to go to school and have to start from the beginning. I want to be close Somali – and English. “I feel my future is to them and help them understand. I want to bright,” Abdulkadir said with a smile. pay back by helping others.”
Noteworthy Tidbits
When You Are Homeless, You Walk All Day
Mohamed M. Alabari, an English Language Learner specialist and math teacher for our Opportunity High School, was named a 2008 Bush Leadership Fellow by the Bush Foundation. The award will enable Mr. Alabari to obtain a master’s degree at the University of Minnesota.
Dorothy, currently in her late sixties, moved to Minneapolis in 2004 when she decided to remove her eldest son, Anthony, who is developmentally disabled, from an Illinois state institution where he had lived for 30 years. Dorothy believed her son had been neglected and abused and wanted to care for him in her own home.
him about Volunteers of America–Minnesota’s High School Diploma program, which offers English language learners, age 16 and older, the opportunity to acquire English skills and earn a high school diploma. The school was nearby and Abdulkadir promptly enrolled.
Ibrahim Ayeh, an English Language Learner specialist and math teacher for our Opportunity High School, was a recipient of the Virginia McKnight Binger Award in Human Service from the McKnight Foundation. Mr. Ayeh received the award for helping to establish numerous nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities to offer support to Somali youth and families. Pat Jones, a senior human services specialist for our Park ElderCenter, was featured in the annual report for the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging. Rebecca Goffman, program manager and therapist, and Joyce Atchison, therapist, both of our Deaf & Hard of Hearing Mental Health Services program, presented “Communication! Integrating Deaf and Hearing Cultures to Promote Healthy Social Development” at the January 2009 Strong Foundation Conference, a joint effort by the State Departments of Education, Human Services and Health, the University of Minnesota’s Center for Early Education and Development (CEED) and other partners. Rebecca Goffman, program manager and therapist, and Jaime Monson, therapist, both of our Deaf & Hard of Hearing Mental Health Services program, presented “Technology and the Deaf Teenager: Changes in Social Boundaries” at the February 2009 Minnesota Family Based Services Association (MFBSA) statewide annual conference. Anita Raymond, LISW, a senior manager for our Care Management & Consultation and Protective Services programs, received the National Guardianship Association’s Affiliate Award for demonstrating outstanding dedication to excellence in guardianship and service to the state organization. Anita was nominated by her colleagues on the Minnesota Association for Guardianship and Conservatorship board. (Continued on page 4)
But after only a few months of caring for Anthony, Dorothy realized she could not handle him. Because Anthony was nonverbal, he would act out physically. If she tried to programs and services including group encourage him to do things he didn’t want to dining, health and wellness classes, educado, he became defensive and would sometional workshops, cultural events, volunteer times attack or hit her. The breaking point opportunities, social work services, caregiver came when Dorothy had to call the police support services, computer literacy, adult who brought Anthony to Hennepin County day programs and more. Medical Center for evaluation. “I had to seek placement for [Anthony] so that he wouldn’t “I went there the same day and passed out hurt me or himself,” Dorothy explained. After from exhaustion,” said Dorothy. “They were visiting a number of residential facilities in very kind to me and welcomed me. They the area, Dorothy found one that appeared helped me get into the senior dining program to be a good fit and got Anthony situated in and gave me a ride back to the shelter so I his new home. would not have to walk.” Over the months that followed Dorothy saw her savings dwindle away rapidly. Finally, she could no longer afford her apartment and put her belongings in storage. She was homeless.
Over the next months, Dorothy participated in Park ElderCenter programs including book club, bible study, health education, genealogy and computer classes. She obtained food from the food shelf and the social workers at Park ElderCenter helped Dorothy apply for other services that would help her get back on her feet.
Dorothy revealed, “When you are homeless, you walk all day. You can’t sit or loiter too long anywhere. You have to be out of the shelter at 7:00 a.m. and the doors don’t open again until 6:00 p.m.” Most of the “The social workers and directors treated me places where homeless people gather made with dignity and respect. They were a godsend Dorothy feel uncomfortable because of the in my time of need. I will never forget them swearing and bad behavior that took place. and the seniors I formed friendships with,” After several months of walking eleven hours Dorothy reported. “When my apartment each day, Dorothy was emotionally and came through, I continued to come to the physically exhausted. “I was a homeless Center for lunch. And for the kindness that senior and needed somewhere to hang out,” was shown to me, I decided to give something stated Dorothy. back – I became a volunteer.” “While walking one day, I discovered the United Today, Dorothy continues to live independently Way,” Dorothy explained. “I asked them if in her own apartment and attends Park Elderthey knew a place I could stay throughout the Center activities when she can. She said, “My day. I was told about Volunteers of America– main focus is being an advocate for my son Minnesota’s Park ElderCenter.” Park ElderCenter [now age 52] and seeing that his needs are offers older adults a wide range of activities, being met.”
Making a Difference. Changing Lives.™ 3
Noteworthy Tidbits
Leave A Legacy…
(continued from page 3)
Our Assisted Living Program is pleased to announce the opening of a new Assisted Living Program at Charles Horn Terrace, 3110 Blaisdell Avenue in Minneapolis. The program opened in December 2008. Our Senior Nutrition program received a $12,500 grant (as a subgrantee of the Keeping Seniors Connected Coalition and National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs) from the National Telecommunications Information Administration to help seniors with the digital television transition. The grant will educate approximately 2,500 seniors, as well as provide individualized assistance (home assessment, coupon application, converter box purchasing, converter box installation) for between 100 and 300 seniors.
Gifts that make a difference for years to come. Would you like to help those in need, but don’t think you can? Did you know you can make a gift that pays steady income? Charitable Gift Annuities offer a “win-win” for donors and Volunteers of America-Minnesota. They offer great returns, plus your income taxes may be reduced and your spendable income may go up.
Please contact Laura Wagner, Volunteers of America–Minnesota, at 952-945-4061 or lwagner@voamn.org Consult your tax advisor regarding these types of gifts and estate planning.
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