Providence House Heartline September 2014 issue
“It was at Providence House that I began taking personal responsibility. . .” Yolanda’s Story
Her son’s birth was the most joyous event of Yolanda’s young life. But it wasn’t long after that she and little Devin became homeless.
HOMELESSNESS in NEW YORK Did you know…?* Homelessness in New
York City is at its highest level since the Great Depression in 1930, and 75% higher than in 2002.
54,851 people stayed in
the city’s homeless shelters in August 2014. On an average night that month, 16,402 families—including 23,635 children—slept in shelters.
Most homeless families
are pushed into homelessness by eviction, overcrowded or unsafe housing, or domestic violence.
*Sources: Coalition for the Homeless and New York City Department of Homeless Services
Program Coordinator, Ms. Jackson, have both been so helpful to me during my time at Providence House. They have shown genuine care for my son as well as for me. They have made themselves available during those times Like so many others who when I needed to talk about personal find themselves homeless in New York, Yolanda had been matters. They also made sure I was on target in meeting my program staying in an overcrowded goals. With their guidance I began a apartment, so packed with people that living conditions training course towards earning a food were hazardous. It was clear handler's license and studying for the TASC (GED preparation) test. to everyone that she and Devin could not stay. Yolanda worked diligently with With no job and no income, Ms. Simpson, the Housing she had few options. So one Specialist, who helps all Providence House residents find cold November day, she safe, affordable, and permanent packed their few belongings places to live. She and Devin and went to the PATH moved into their own apartment Center in the Bronx, which this summer. She is awaiting the processes shelter requests results of her GED test, and will and placements. complete her food handler’s Yolanda and Devin were training within weeks. referred to Providence My ultimate goal is to go on to college. House. She remembers: Most of all I am grateful for the help I When I arrived at Providence House I had never worked a day in my life. The Providence House Employment Specialist, Ms. Toyloy, helped me get into a job readiness skills program. After completing this program, I was able to get a job with Butter Beans Inc. which provides nutritious lunches for school-age children. I have been working for the last year in a charter school helping faculty and students become more aware of the value of nutrition. My Case Manager, Ms. Lawrence, and the
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received in transitioning into my own apartment. It was at Providence House that I began taking personal responsibility for myself and my son. For my son Devin, who is two years old, my primary concerns are to make sure he is healthy and safe and to teach him the importance of education. Yolanda and Devin’s story mirrors those of so many at Providence House. Every day, we open our doors to young women grappling with homelessness, single parenthood, incomplete education, and little or no work experience. Your support allows us to provide them with caring, supportive environments and practical help to create successes like this. Yolanda, Devin, and so many others thank you. Because you care, they have safe places to sleep tonight and hopeful plans for tomorrow.
“Pocket of Peace”: Volunteer Sara Bennett’s weekly yoga sessions help residents slow down, breathe, and take a break from their stressful lives. During her years as a criminal defense attorney, Sara Bennett became well acquainted with the challenges parolees face as they adjust to life on the outside. Even as they were excited by the possibilities of their regained freedom, many ex-offenders she met were overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs, bewildered by the pace of mainstream life, and anxious about keeping it all together. So, when she left legal practice to become certified as a yoga instructor, Sara immediately saw the benefit that practice could have. “I know that re-entry can be difficult and hectic,” she said, “and setting aside even a few moments for yoga can be good for everyone.” As she was already acquainted with Providence House, both through her previous clients and her close friendship with Providence House foundress Sister Elaine Roulet, CSJ, Sara decided to share yoga techniques with our residents who need some quiet and calm moments in their lives. Sara began leading classes at Providence House V, our reentry residence. The women there participated eagerly and
refreshed, and ready to face the challenges ahead.
were surprised at how peaceful and relaxed the practice made them feel. Sara then extended the classes to the formerly homeless women and children at Providence House II. It was a challenge for her to design classes that would include adults and children of varying levels of fitness, flexibility, and energy. In no time, however, all of the residents and even some staff were moving, stretching, and breathing along.
In 2013 Sara published a booklet, Spirit on the Inside; Reflections on Doing Time with Judith Clark, which features photos and interviews with 16 formerly incarcerated women. It was recently selected for inclusion in Phoenix Art Museum's INFOCUS Juried Exhibition of Self-Published Photobooks. Sara is now working on publishing a new book of photographs of former long-term inmates who have recently come home from prison.
"What I saw was that there is always an interest from the residents. However, time constraints and scheduling sometimes made it difficult for them to participate. I think this project is important because the moms want a 'pocket of peace' and I have noticed that the some of the moms and children are breathing much slower and calmer, which is fantastic." ~Sara Bennett
After eight months of successful classes, Sara has found the effort rewarding. She particularly enjoys the closing minutes of each class, when participants lie quietly in a resting pose called savasana. No matter the chaos, anxieties, or setbacks the day brought, a serene silence falls on the house. After a few minutes, they slowly rise, relaxed,
Westchester Junior League Gets Things Cooking at PH IV
Volunteers from the Junior League of Westchester on the Sound (JLWOS) recently completed a project to help prepare the women and children at our New Rochelle residence to make a successful transition to permanent, independent housing. Featured in the June 2014 issue of the New Rochelle Review, the effort provided “care kits” of basic kitchen supplies to women who are preparing to move out of Providence House IV. JLWOS’s Done in a Day Committee members Patricia Yoder, Angela Gill, Stephanie Pierce,
and Sarah Hammarley gathered kitchen essentials, including cookware, cooking utensils, dishware, cutlery, basic tools, and cleaning supplies. Provisional members Kira Akulova, Andrea Barnard, Marianna Donnelly, Stacey Harvey, Catherine Hunt, Tara Meddaugh, and Nancy Zang put together additional bundles of items for the children, such as high chairs, place settings, safety equipment, a range of healthy snacks, gift vouchers, and toys, all stored in useful under-bed toy boxes. Thank you Junior League!
Providence House New Leadership Staff Cathy Fulwood joins the Providence House team as the first Chief Operating Officer in the agency’s history.
Cathy Fulwood
Chief Operating Officer
Scott Stepp
Director of Development
Prior to joining Providence House, Cathy was the Associate Executive Director of Jericho Project, which provides housing and support services to homeless and at-risk individuals and families, most particularly to returning veterans. She has also provided management consulting and training assistance to start-up non-profit organizations, Joining us at our Lexington Avenue offices is Scott Stepp, our new Director of Development. Scott will work closely with our staff and board, raising funds to grow Providence House’s services for homeless families and individuals during a very critical time. “Providence House’s past accomplishments are very impressive,” Scott said, “and the work done in our residences is especially important today. There are record-breaking numbers of people turning to homeless shelters in the city and finding housing is tougher than ever.”
Rita Taddonio, L.C.S.W., comes to Providence House after 13 years as a member of the executive leadership team at Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children in New York City.
Rita Taddonio
Director of Programs
specifically assisting them in developing systems for organizational management and budgeting. She has over 17 years experience in management and finance, including 11 years as Director of the Office of Loan Administration for a $90 million denominational investment fund in New York City. Cathy holds a B.A. from Mills College and has been a realtor licensed with the Eastern Bergen County Board of Realtors since 2001. Prior to accepting the new position, Scott was Director of Development and Communications at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rockville Centre (commonly known as Long Island). During his 16 years there, Scott led a team that raised funds through special events, grant proposals, direct mail, and other means. Scott has degrees from Towson State University (Baltimore, MD), New York University, and Baruch College, City University of New York.
attachment/trauma counseling team.
Rita was an Early Intervention Official for NYC Early Intervention and before that the Director of Medical and Social As Director of the Adoption Services at Francis de Paola Resource Center she developed Preschool for Developmentally and managed one of their three Delayed Children. She has major departments. At Spenceworked with children and families Chapin, she was responsible for as a social worker for over 20 the development and years working with the New York implementation of several City Board of Education, the New landmark programs such as the York City Administration for preparation and support of Children's Services, and families adopting from foster care; community programs. She has a training in child development and Master of Social Work from attachment for orphanage staff in Fordham University and a Master Colombia, China, Bulgaria, and of Psychology from New York Russia; and a specialized University.
An Anniversary Reflection
On August 1, 1979 the first Providence House was opened on Church Avenue in Brooklyn. On the occasion of our 35th Anniversary, Sister Joan Gallagher, CSJ, a core community member, reflected on that history:
“As I reflect on my years at Providence House I am reminded of a quote from Dorothy Day, ‘We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes in community.’ “So many in our city, our world, know the long loneliness, and in a sense I too knew this and this was one of the driving forces for being a part of Providence House. I, like so many, sought to be part of a community that was bigger than myself. My introductory experiences to Providence House showed how a diverse group could live together because all were welcomed at the table without expectations or judgment. “At this table as I listen to the stories I know that it is the very bread of each person’s life that is being shared. The bread of the many lives gathered as one…what greater love can one give or receive?”
Residents and core community share a meal at Providence House V
Visual Arts Day at Providence House Childcare Center
Priscilla Shen-Ribeiro, who teaches Visual Arts to children at P.S. 295-Studio School of Arts and Culture in Brooklyn, shared her talents with the children at Providence House this summer. This was one of many activities planned by our childcare staff to keep the little ones engaged, learning, and having fun together while their moms pursue work opportunities. Thank you, Priscilla!
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