2012 Summer

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I S S U E

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S U M M E R

contents

our mission

ac t i v i t i e s

Family Justice Center . . . 2 New Groups . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Workshop Schedule . . . . 3 Partner Schedule. . . . . . . 3 Urban Diner by Friends of Night People Recipe Corner. . . . . . . . . 3 e v e n t s & fu n

East Hill Boutique . . . . . . 4 Congrats! . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Juneteenth . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Mother’s Day. . . . . . . . . . .5 Father’s Day . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Sidewalk Chalk Walk. . . . 5 o u r s ta ff

Thank You! . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Staff Spotlight . . . . . . . . . 6 Word Search. . . . . . . . . . . 6 i n s u pp o r t

Donation Form. . . . . . . . . 7 Volunteer Form. . . . . . . . . 7

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upcoming events Annual Rummage Sale

b roa dway m a r k e t, b uffa l o sat u r day, au g u s t 4 , 8 : 0 0 a . m . t o 4 : 0 0 p. m .

Shop and find treasures at the annual Hope Center Rummage Sale fundraiser. Furniture, books, clothes, household items and more, at the Broadway Market, 999 Broadway!

Day of Health

w e d n e s day, j u ly 2 5 , 1 : 0 0 p. m . t o 5 : 0 0 p. m .

The first 30 attendees receive a Tops Gift card! The event is sponsored by the Near East & West Side Task Force, and WellCare Long-Term Program. Nearly 20 agencies will come to the Hope Center to educate the community on their services, provide testing and improve the health and quality of life for the residents of the Broadway Fillmore community.

Community Fair

AYS

FREE

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tba, 10:oo a.m. to 3:00 pm Learn how other communities have come together to turn around their neighborhood. Learn about the active groups in your neighborhood and how you can get involved. Get involve to make a change!

United Way Day of Caring

August 15 A volunteer crew will give our kitchen a makeover as part of the United Way’s Day of Caring. Keep track of the progress and transformation on our Facebook page.

MAT T URBAN HOPE CENTER FUNDERS & PARTNERS

The Matt Urban Hope Center responds to the needs of the community by hosting family-focused events, informative workshops, free tax preparation, benefits screening, housing and job assistance. We assist individuals who are homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless, families suffering from domestic violence, loss of income, no utilities, and eviction.

Additionally, we serve dinner five times per week which is open and free to the community.

info

M at t U r ba n H o pe C e n t e r

385 Paderewski Drive Buffalo, NY 14212 (716) 893-7222 ext. 310 Hope Center Hours

Monday – Friday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

U r ba n D i n e r

by F r i e n d s o f N i g h t Pe o ple

Dinner Hours: Monday – Friday 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Food Pantry

1st, 2nd & 3rd Tuesdays 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Last Saturday of every month 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Activities S p o t li g h t Ag e n cy:

Family Justice Center

T

he FJC provides one-stop, free, wraparound services for victims of domestic violence and their children through an extensive collaboration with 13 on-site partner agencies. The FJC’s “one stop shop” no longer forces the victim to travel from agency to agency. Rather, the services are brought to the victim at one, safe, and comfortable location.

Due to the collaboration, when victims come to the FJC they can talk to an advocate, plan for their safety, interview with a police officer, meet with a prosecutor, receive medical assistance, get linked with emergency shelter, get help with transportation, receive spiritual counseling, have their abuse injuries documented, and link their children with counseling.

New Groups Starting: Garden Group

Come learn, teach, talk and garden with Chelli. The Hope Center has a rooftop vegetable garden at the Broadway Market and flower beds to maintain and grow. If interested contact Cheli at 893-7222 ext. 307.

Walking Group

Come be a part of the Hope Center walking Group. A great way to socialize and keep you motivated to get in or stay in shape. If you are willing to help start or be a part of their group please call us at 893-7222 ext. 306.

Scrapbooking Group

In response to our recent survey we are looking to start a scrapbooking club. We need participants, instructor and supplies. Call us if you can help! 893-7222 x 306.

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Workshop Schedule Housing Workshops

Are you looking for new housing? Please register to attend one of the Hope Center’s Housing Workshops. These workshops explain different types of subsidized housing that are available and how to apply, give tips on locating an apartment, and answer other housing related questions. Upcoming Housing Workshops are scheduled for the following dates: Thu r s day, Ju ly 1 2 , 1 : 0 0 t o 1 : 3 0 p. m .

Thu r s day, Ju ly 2 6 , 1 : 0 0 t o 1 : 3 0 p. m .

Thu r s day, Au g u s t 9, 1 : 0 0 t o 1 : 3 0 p. m .

Thu r s day, Au g u s t 2 3 , 1 : 0 0 t o 1 : 3 0 p. m .

Thu r s da ,y S e p t e m b e r 1 3 , 1 : 0 0 t o 1 : 3 0 p. m .

Thu r s day, S e p t e m b e r 27, 1 : 0 0 t o 1 : 3 0 p. m .

Financial Fitness Workshops

Get financially fit! The Hope Center offers Financial Fitness Workshops that will help you create a household budget and stick to it, answer your questions about personal finances, and help you build or repair your credit. Upcoming Financial Fitness Workshops are scheduled for the following dates: Thu r s day, Ju ly 1 9, 11 : 3 0 a . m . t o 1 : 3 0 p. m .

Thu r s day, Au g u s t 1 6 , 11 : 3 0 a . m . t o 1 : 3 0 p. m .

Thu rs day, S e p te m b e r 20, 11 :30 a . m . to 1 :30 p. m .

Job Search Workshops

Does your search for a new job need a boost? Try participating in one of the Hope Center’s Job Search Workshops for help with your resume, cover letter, interview skills, and search for job openings. Upcoming Job Search Workshops are scheduled for the following dates: M o n day, Ju ly 2 , 11 : 3 0 a . m . t o 1 2 : 3 0 p. m .

M o n day, Au g u s t 6 , 11 : 3 0 a . m . t o 1 2 : 3 0 p. m .

M o n day, S e p t e m b e r 1 0, 11 : 3 0 a . m . t o 1 2 : 3 0 p. m .

Nutritional Workshop Luncheons

Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables will be presenting information on how to shop healthy on a budget and prepare healthy foods for yourself and your family. Each Nutrition Workshop Luncheon includes a free healthy lunch, recipe demonstration with free samples, and giveaways for participating!

Upcoming Nutrition Workshop Luncheons are scheduled for the following dates: W e d n e s day, Ju ly 11 , 1 2 : 0 0 t o 1 : 0 0 p. m .

W e d n e s day, Au g u s t 1 , 1 2 : 0 0 t o 1 : 0 0 p. m .

W e d n e s day, S e p t e m b e r 5 , 1 2 : 0 0 t o 1 : 0 0 p. m .

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Partner Agencies Schedule These agencies visit the Hope Center on a regular basis and provide free services.

We encourage you to take advantage of these programs while they are in your neighborhood!

Ag e n cy N a m e

Sch e du le d Ti m e

S e rv i c e s Off e r e d

Alianza Latina, Inc.

2 n d & 4t h M o n days 2 : 3 0 – 5 : 0 0 p. m .

HIV testing

Evolation Yoga

F r i days 1 : 0 0 – 2 : 0 0 p. m .

Free yoga classes

Planned Parenthood of WNY

2 n d & 4t h W e d n e s days 3 : 0 0 – 5 : 0 0 p. m .

GYN exams, birth control, condoms, emergency contraception, STI & HIV testing, pregnancy testing, cancer screening

UB Educational Opportunity Center

3 r d Tu e s day 2 : 3 0 – 5 : 0 0 p. m .

Information about educational and training programs offered at EOC

Veterans’ Services Goodwill Industries of WNY

Thu r s days 3 : 0 0 – 5 : 0 0 p. m .

Job search for veterans

Family Justice Center

3 r d W e d n e s day o f e ach m o n t h 3 : 0 0 – 5 : 0 0 p. m .

Services for victims of domestic violence and their children

MOCHA

1 s t & 3 r d Tu e s days 3 : 0 0 - 5 : 0 0 pm

HIV services

Fidellis Care

L a s t Thu r s day o f e ach m o n t h 3 : 0 0 - 5 : 0 0 pm

Health insurance services

urban diner by friends of night people Bangin’ Baked Beans

R e c i pe C o r n e r

summer salad

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K, you guys loved this salad at the cookout in June. Now you can make it yourselves. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, add the oil to the water. Cook noodles 7-10 minutes. Drain. Run cold water on noodles to cool them off. You want the noodles cold.

Slice tomatoes in half or leave whole. Peel and cut cucumber into small pieces. You can dice green pepper and onion in bowl together. Once all ingredients are cut up and separated we can begin to combine them, always stirring with spoon to mix well, then add the cup of cheese and stir again. Add the whole bottle of Italian dressing, but sure you shake the bottle really well first. You can eat this with some ribs, chicken, or hot dogs off the grill, or bake or grill some chicken breasts, chop them up and add to the salad and make it a meal.

Ingredients: 3 Cans of vegetable beans 1 1b. Ground beef/ground turkey ½ Brown sugar and 2 T. cinnamon ½ C white sugar 2 T Mustard ½ C Kayo syrup 1 Small onion & small green pepper – chop these together Ingredients: 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1

lb. Rigatoni noodles t. cooking oil pkg. grape tomatoes medium sized cucumbers c. cheddar cheese small green pepper small onion bottle Italian dressing

Cook beans on stove for 16 minutes, drain and pour into baking pan. Cook and season ground beef in skillet. Drain and then add to beans.

Add onions and green peppers. Stir together very well. Add cinnamon, both sugars, Kayo syrup and mustard. Stir again very well. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

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Events & Fun

T

he past few months have been busy at the Hope Center!

We have had a number of events and excitement. Here are the photos to prove it!

East Hill Boutique Grand Opening Thanks to the hard work of Michael Janek and Eagle Scout Troop 409, we now have a boutique in which the community can obtain clothing, toiletries and other essentials. The boutique is an extension of our Professional Clothing Closet funded by the East Hill Foundation. The boutique is open weekly to the community.

Come in and check out all the goodies we have to offer!

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Congrats!

Congratulations to Raheem, Megan and Jasmine, three of the Job Development Program workers. In the last two months all three have secured employment.

We are very proud of all three of them and look forward to hearing about what they have accomplished.

Juneteenth

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Mother’s Day

Sidewalk Chalk Walk Art Contest Thank you to all who came out to enjoy our First Annual Chalk Walk event. It was a great success. The artwork was amazing!

Father’s Day

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Our Staff Thank You, Fundraisers!

E

ven before we opened the doors to the Hope Center, our Fundraising Committee has worked hard to raise money for the Hope Center through a number of different events. Many of these events you may have seen through our Facebook account: Hopefest, the annual Rummage Sale, Restaurant Nights, the Rath Building Basket Raffle, Dingus Day, and working the concession stands at Darien Lake. Our members have thrown personal parties to benefit the Center and have given their time to the Center. Last year, the committee raised more than $15,000! We want to take this opportunity to thank them for all their hard work and continued support. If you would like to become a part of this amazing group, please contact Joy at 893-7222 ext. 302.

Word Search Puzzle

h o pe c e n t e r e v e n t s & pro g r a m s W O Y V C G Z A V B E A W N M Y M P T M

Z C W G S X M B E C T K Y K H O V T S M

U L D T I M O I D A A E L E O R K P R C

D U T O K O S K L P Z T S F C U S N I W

E A S T H I L L B O U T I Q U E V E F N

E H G H B D H Z N Q C D S Y G R T Y G P

N C Q C K O D O R D H K Q I I I H R N M

A A C A R X M E P Z T G W A M E T W I U

D V B E H B E O U E D H F W A Q L Q S U

J I X R B T E A R P C Y E L U A P F U Y

CHALKWALK COMMUNITY FAIR DAY OF CARING EASTHILL BOUTIQUE HEALTH FAIR HOPE CENTER

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R V E T N P M L B Y T E T V D D V X O E

W L G U S T H K A I V H N E A K W E H V

G X L O A V O H N S F F I T S O J F V P

S O U A W A B U D A E G E J E F B K W B

V F P S P Q M I I J U G L P T R U D F P

B Z T O M M G R N C I B A G R A X P F M

P S S X O D P X E G N J A M O O L Y V Z

M X G C Q M Z E R K T U B H M P O L Z A

V G N I R A C F O Y A D E N B U R I W P

HOUSING FIRST OUTREACH RUMMAGE SALE URBAN DINER VOLUNTEER

C H A L K W A L K V A L X G G P R Z Q C

H o pe C e n t e r S ta ff S p o t l i g h t

Cheli’s Story

I

don’t have an alcohol or drug problem.

I’m from an educated middle class family. I don’t fit the stereotypical description of someone who has been homeless, or nearly so in my case. Anyone can make poor choices, and that has often been the case with me, and the results can be pretty disastrous. I don’t usually share this story because it’s embarrassing and I feel really bad inside when I think about it. Nevertheless, I work with homeless and formerly homeless people and I think it’s important to tell, if for no other reason than to take a shot at those stereotypes.

After I received my master’s degree I moved to Monterey, California, without taking a really good look at the cost of living there compared to my earning ability and the availability of suitable employment. I moved there from Baltimore in a blind leap. I rented a tiny apartment – about 350 square feet – with my two cats. The rent was almost $900, plus utilities. I had a lot of trouble paying on time. What was more was that the landlady and I didn’t get along, and at last my temper got the better of me and I gave her a piece of my mind. She evicted me, knowing I had no money to rent a new apartment.

Fortunately for me, a friend gave me some money and I bought a 1978 RV, which was barely roadworthy. I parked it in someone’s yard in Monterey until the police made me leave. I ended up way out in the Salinas valley, a good hour away from Monterey and Carmel, where my job was. I quit my job and lived in the RV for about a month with no amenities and no electricity, parked in a slanted driveway.

I moved back to Baltimore, where my mental state was such that I could not work for several months. I hid in the house, shattered. I blew up at people constantly and burned a lot of bridges; I ended up not talking to my family for over a year. That was seven years ago. I have finally regained my sense of safety and stability, but I still carry scars from that experience.

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In Support

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he Hope Center is always in need of volunteers and donations to help us continue to support the families and individuals in need in the Broadway-Fillmore district. We are a 501(c) organization, so all of your donations and services are tax-deductible! Checks can be made payable to “The Matt Urban Hope Center.”

d o n at i o n s i g n - u p

Yes, I would like to donate to the Hope Center!

Most Wanted Items These items are common, but indispensable:

□ Socks □ Soap □ Blankets □ Toilet Paper □ Deodorant □ Underwear □ Dishes □ Sheets □ Blankets □ Small Appliances □ Gift Cards

Major Items □ Outreach Van

The homeless outreach team is in need of a van to transport clients to shelters, or to help them move into their new homes.

Sponsorship Opportunities □ Formerly Homeless Job Development Worker

Sponsor one homeless individual in a job activity for one year. The goal of the program is to prepare individuals for employment. a n n ua l c o s t pe r pe r s o n : $ 2 ,0 0 0

□ Housing First Bowling Team

This therapeutic activity allows Housing First participants to bowl on a monthly basis for one year. a n n ua l c o s t pe r t e a m (o f f i v e ) : $ 2 , 4 0 0

□ Funshop

Funshops allow us to educate clients in a fun, creative environment.

Prizes, materials, decorations, and refreshments. c o s t pe r e v e n t: $1 0 0

vo l u n t e e r s i g n - u p

Yes, I would like to volunteer for the Hope Center!

W

e are in need of volunteers for the Urban Diner, at Funshops, to sort donations, to answer phones and to do clerical work, or to join a fundraising committee. If you would like to lend a hand, we can find a way for you to help!

Name Email

Phone

Address

Group/Organization

No. in Group

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BUFFALO, NY PERMIT #1180

Help the Hope Center: volunteer or donate today!

Call 893-7222 ext. 310

Most Wanted:

Socks Soap Blankets Toilet Paper nt DeodoDrisa hes

Underwear

Sheets Blankets Small Appliances Gift Cards

de si gn & pre sen tat i o n d o n at ed by: