MALACHI HOUSE
| SPRING 2022 NEWSLETTER |
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR This past winter, the mettle of Malachi House was truly tested, when the Covid-19 surge reared its ugly head, impacting residents and staff alike, but we never closed our doors. The most amazing part of this overwhelming situation was that none of our current staff flinched in the face of the unprecedented challenges—they didn’t leave, and they didn’t complain. They were proud to be a part of an ever-growing group called “The Front Line.” Despite the hardships and health risks, our staff continued to do their jobs to fulfill our mission of caring for those in need who are terminally ill. They cared for our residents with such kindness and compassion and made them feel loved and protected. Beyond that, they took care of each other, making sure everyone had food and rides, along with a shoulder to cry on, when needed. It was absolutely empowering as our staff came together and stood strong as a team for one mission! Although it was a difficult few months, we made it through, thanks to our Co-founder, Kaki O’Neill, our amazing staff, hospice teams, the community, the board, and of course our volunteers, who supported us even though they could not be with us. Our goals over the next six months are to continue to admit residents, to hire additional staff, and to eventually bring our volunteers back after two years. The residents, staff, and hospice teams are so excited to see the smiles, hear laughter, and feel the love of our volunteers, who have always brought such joy into the House. We remain grateful for your unconditional support of the Malachi House mission today and always.
John Schriner Board Chair
Judy Ghazoul Hilow Executive Director
TOP (LEFT TO RIGHT): ASHLEY, CAROL, CAROLYN, DESIREE, EMILY, ESHA, IRIS. BOTTOM (LEFT TO RIGHT): JESS, JUDY, NATASHA, NICHOLE, SARITA, SYLVIA, VERONICA.
MIDDLE: (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) DAVID O’NEILL, BRUCE SHAGOVAC, FRANK SULLIVAN, JULIE SULLIVAN, MARY CONWAY SULLIVAN, GRACE SULLIVAN, GINNY SULLIVAN, AND BARB SULLIVAN. RIGHT: JULIE SULLIVAN AND DAVID O’NEILL CUT THE RIBBON OF TOMMY’S ROOM.
TOMMY’S ROOM If you’ve ever been to Malachi House, you know that it is a warm and inviting space. We strive to create this atmosphere in every room of the house so that our residents truly feel at home. Our family living room is no exception. The living room is somewhere that our residents can spend time with each other, enjoy the fish tank, watch an Indians or Browns game (which were so important to Tommy in his final days), or just take some time to themselves in a space other than their own room. During the holiday season, the living room is exceptionally cozy to Tommy and his family. Late last year, we were honored to dedicate our living room in memory of Tom (Tommy) Sullivan, brother to Malachi House Co-founder, Kaki O’Neill. Kaki and her younger brother Tommy had a very close relationship; Tommy always supported Kaki in her efforts throughout her journey with Malachi House. On the evening of the dedication, we were joined by Kaki’s son David O’Neill and Sullivan family members: Frank and Barb Sullivan; Julie Sullivan and Bruce Shagovac; Mary Conway Sullivan and her daughters, Grace and Ginny. As we gathered in the living room, stories and memories were shared about Tommy and the special place he held in his heart for Malachi House. We are extremely thankful to Kaki and the Sullivan family for their continued support of Malachi House and our mission.
THE MERRY PLOUGHBOYS RETURN TO CLEVELAND
This past February, The Merry Ploughboys made the journey from Rathfarnham, Dublin to Cleveland, Ohio for our annual benefit concert; and it was a blast! We’re so happy to have been able to host them again for this festive and fun event. The evening was full of great Irish music, food, and drink! Local band, Half Craic’d played the opening set for the The Merry Ploughboys. Music Box provided a wonderful display with an Irish themed buffet, including Classic Corned Beef and Beer Battered Fish and Chips. And pints of Guinness were enjoyed by all. We are so grateful to everyone for their unmatched contributions as sponsors, ticket holders, raffle and advertising participants and donors. We would like to recognize our Co-chairs, Tom and Caroline Arbeznik for their tireless commitment and dedication to Malachi House. We were excited to present the Malachi House Community Service award to Kevin, Mike and Sean Joyce of Joyce Buick GMC for their generosity and unwavering support of our mission. Thank you from our Malachi House family! TOP RIGHT: HENRY HILOW & JUDY GHAZOUL HILOW WITH COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD HONOREES MIKE, SEAN, AND KEVIN JOYCE. ATTENDEES ENJOY THE MERRY PLOUGHBOYS CONCERT. BELOW LEFT TO RIGHT: KEVIN & LUANN HINKEL WITH JUDGE DONNA CONGENI FITZSIMMONS AND MATT FITZSIMMONS. MALACHI HOUSE CLINICAL DIRECTOR, CAROLYN BENDER WITH BROTHER, JOHN AND FRIEND BUSY. EVENT CO-CHAIR TOM ARBEZNIK PRESENTS A PROCLAMATION FROM MAYOR BIBB TO THE MERRY PLOUGHBOYS.
RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT:
NORMA
Malachi House resident, Norma, has a selfproclaimed “zest for life”. Norma grew up with her family in a poor neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up, her father was an airport limousine driver and her mother sewed drapery. Many of her family members live out of town. Norma has many fond memories; when she recalls her time running track in school she proudly remembers winning a JFK award for the standing broad jump. She has always enjoyed writing and music. When Norma was a bit older, she had an internship at the Plain Dealer. This internship is where she really learned to write. Later on in life, she took that passion for writing and her life experiences and wrote a book of poems called “Hidden Treasures” (which is for sale on Amazon). Norma has expressed her love for music her whole life. She is honored to have sung at the Tri-C graduation ceremonies. She still enjoys singing classical music but her favorite genres are Blues and Jazz; she even plays the Blues Harmonica! Throughout her life, Norma has always had a passion for helping people. For a while, she even wanted to become a social worker. We are so honored to have Norma with us at Malachi House, and that at the end of her beautiful journey, we’re able to help her.
BOARD SPOTLIGHT:
A poem from Norma’s book:
Hidden Treasure At Peace – Part I A gentle kiss, The heart longs touch. A favorite song, An ear needs bend. The lighted words, When life’s too much. Being all these things; my reason to live. A tender lie, When truth betrays. The rocking chair, When life stands still. A mother’s love, When reasons fail. Being all ways dear; my blind follow sees. A gusty sip reminds, A cup once empty. Where taste is bland. A torte regains. The softest wind, Saves the world that is empty. Being all these things are all my treasures; At peace.
MATT BECKER
“I have a deep passion for the House, it is a moving and emotional experience for me to be associated with the mission of Malachi House and the people.” - Matt Becker, Malachi House Vice-Chair Malachi House Board Member, Matt Becker, was born and raised in Lakewood, Ohio. As the fourth child of a family of 9, Matt attended St. Ignatius High School and later on graduated from the University of Dayton. While Matt has lived the majority of his life in Northeast Ohio, he spent some time in San Diego and Chicago. Matt has been married to his wife Mary for 33 years and has two children; Allison (31), married to Tom Edgehouse; and Mark (26). When he isn’t working or spending time with his family, Matt enjoys golf, running and all things Cleveland sports. He’s even completed 20 marathons! Matt is a Senior Leader at Westfield Insurance, where he has been for 35 years. He has expertise in strategy, management, planning, operations, execution, change management, and communication and people management. For the past seven years, Matt has also been the primary business leader for a large IT transformational program. He was first exposed to Malachi House in the late 1980’s and has been a supporter ever since. Fellow Board Member, Joe Granzier, recruited Matt to the Board in 2017; Matt currently holds the position of Vice-Chair. He recently led and produced the Malachi House Strategic Planning Initiative which was completed and approved in 2021. “From the moment Matt Becker began as a board member in 2017, he has used his skills as a leader in management and strategy to excel our goals and secure our mission for the future. Matt has a mission driven spirit, empathy for others and humility in everything he does.” - Judy Ghazoul Hilow, Malachi House Executive Director
MALACHI HOUSE 2810 Clinton Avenue Cleveland, OH 44113 (p)216.621.8831 (f )216.621.8841 malachihouse.org
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION UNITED STATES POSTAGE PAID CLEVELAND, OHIO PERMIT # 1174
MAKE A GIFT ONLINE NOW! QUESTIONS? Email us at echupp@malachihouse.org
MISSION STATEMENT Malachi House, created out of a Christian sense of ministry, serves persons who are terminally ill without regard to gender, race, religion, or national origin and without cost to the resident or family. This home ministers to individuals who need an available caregiver, who have limited or no financial resources and are in need of special home care in the final stages of life. A trained staff and volunteers provide spiritual, emotional, and physical support with the assistance of a hospice team. QUESTIONS? Email us at echupp@malachihouse.org WE ARE IN NEED OF GIFT CARDS FROM: Walmart • Target • Giant Eagle • Save-a-Lot • Home Depot •
Gordon Food Service • Dave’s Market • Amazon • We are also in need of and will accept Forever Stamps from USPS.
MALACHI HOUSE WISH LIST Malachi House is not accepting inperson donations of any kind at our doors due to COVID-19. We are still in need of our everyday items that are typically listed on our wish list. To meet these needs we are currently accepting gift cards or check donations by mail as well as credit card donations online or by phone.
CO-FOUNDERS Fr. Paul Hritz (1923-2013) Catherine “Kaki” O’Neill BOARD OF TRUSTEES John J. Schriner Chairperson Matthew A. Becker Vice-Chairperson Jeffrey D. Neuman, CPA Treasurer Donna M. Skurzak Secretary J. Brandon Walters, MD, FAAHPM Medical Director Joseph C. Granzier Fr. Michael Gurnick Kevin M. Kelly Patricia F. Krewson, Esq. L. Joseph Lee Ann C. Lutz Jonathan Onk Anthony Rinaldi, Esq. Shareefah Sabur John J. Sullivan Terrence V. Upchurch II EMERITUS Diane C. Kennedy ASSOCIATE BOARD David Amos Michael Kelley II Co-Chairs Patsy Coughlin, Esq. Steven Dieringer, CPA Bryan Evans, Esq. Meghan Hanrahan John P. Hausman Elizabeth Kalfas Taryn Kaplan Stephanie Ristau EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Judy Ghazoul Hilow Malachi House is a 501(c)(3) Corporation