FALL 2014 After 40 Years, Dining Room Remains Central to Life at Rosie’s Place Q & A with Volunteer Librarian Diane Rodriguez Our Executive Director Looks Back…and Forward
NEWS
RESPECT Program Addresses Bullying Among Guests A New Holiday Card Added to Old Favorites Best-selling Author Cheryl Strayed to Speak at Annual Luncheon
Dining Room Always the Heart of Rosie’s Place Back in 1974, when Kip Tiernan founded Rosie’s Place, a poor or homeless woman always knew she could count on a hot meal. The name “Rosie’s Place” itself conjured an image of a homey spot where you would find coffee and conversation. From the start, food was the draw; small, pink notices that read, “If you need a meal, come here and we’ll help you,” were distributed, and the word spread. Today, as Rosie’s Place has grown into a multiservice community center serving 12,000 women a year, the promise of a meal among friends in a cheery dining room is still central to who we are, hardwired into our organizational DNA.
Q&A
DIANE RODRIGUEZ LIBRARY VOLUNTEER
In addition to its many other purposes, the Rosie’s Place dining room also houses an informal library. Nestled in an alcove with built-in bookcases, the library offers books to borrow or keep that appeal to our diverse readers. Rosie’s Place is fortunate to have recently enlisted the volunteer services of librarian Diane Rodriguez of Milton. Diane, who earned an M.S. degree in Library Science from Simmons College after a mid-career move from financial services, works as a librarian in the Marlborough Public Library. Because of her efforts to build up the library, our guests are reading newer and more popular books and making requests as well. What was your first order of business when you came on board in January? I recruited my friend Deb Squires from West Roxbury and we made a plan to come every Monday to work on the library. There were lots of books when I arrived but they needed better organization. Immediately we separated the adult books from the young adult and children’s titles. We also displayed the books in a more appealing way, with covers facing out or standing up. We talked to the guests about their preferences and conducted a survey. We have been receiving high-quality donations of the type of books most in demand: adult fiction (especially mysteries and best-sellers) and non-fiction (health, self-improvement, religion and cooking). How have you been able to add to the number of books available in the library? Deb and I have been doing outreach with other libraries including the Cohasset and Dracut Public Libraries. Deb also bought 100 children’s books from the Friends of the West Roxbury Library at a very low price. And I’ve discovered a wonderful recycling center where the books are awesome and I can pick out what we want. We labeled, organized and weeded out the yellowed, torn and aged books at Rosie’s Place to make room for the newer stuff. We are selective, just as any library, about the books we take in. What are your plans for the library going forward? It is obvious that the Sitting Room needs magazines while guests are waiting, such as Oprah, Women’s Health and Prevention. Eight to 10 magazines will be coming in over the next two years. Librarians attending the Mass. Library Association’s annual conference donated some of the money for subscriptions. Also, for this fall, we have added Back-ToSchool displays and a Science display. It’s my belief that all women and their children deserve accurate and updated information, and that’s what we are doing in the library at Rosie’s Place.
The early days From just a handful of diners at our first location at 357 Columbus Avenue, the mealtime crowd grew, prompting a move to 1662 Washington Street. After a fire in 1984, the building was renovated to provide permanent housing for guests and another, bigger space was found at our current home, 889 Harrison Avenue. In 2000, the Dining Room was renovated to become the bright, attractive area with seating for 150+ women that is in use today. The concept of the Dining Room as the heart of Rosie’s Place–the hub of activity–has evolved and expanded over the decades. Our guests view it as not just a place to receive a nutritious lunch, dinner or, since the fall, breakfast, too, but a place to rest, to seek respite from the streets, or to make and visit friends. As has happened so many times, a meal brought together two women who might not have met otherwise. Cassandra and Elsie were from starkly different backgrounds: Cassandra lived through years of poverty and crippling health problems while Elsie’s life had been comfortable until she had to flee her abusive husband. When Elsie noticed Cassandra crying at the table next to her, she reached out with kindness. They talked for hours and have developed a strong bond that helps them both face their challenges. “I knew I’d find help at Rosie’s Place, but I didn’t expect to find a friend, too,” Elsie says.
for many, the real draw is the connection they forge with our guests. Pam Abenaim of Lynnfield, who has been serving lunch almost weekly for nine years, says, “I like that we serve the women at their tables, like a restaurant. People are grateful and thank us, and if they feel good, I feel good.” She adds, “It’s always nice to recognize somebody and say hello to them by name and to have them recognize me, too.”
More than a meal Painted in relaxing yellow and sea foam green hues, the Dining Room houses a library (see Q&A, this page) and a dedicated alcove space for children to read or work on art projects. Guest artwork, such as quilt squares, drawings and primitive dolls, adorns the walls and fills glass display cases. The Arts Initiative has been instrumental in lifting spirits by filling the room with music, as well. Last year, guests enjoyed more than 50 performances during dinner, including visits from musicians from the New England Conservatory, Berklee College of Music and Boston Symphony Orchestra, as well as local performers. “Performances reflect the diversity of the Rosie’s Place population and the universality of the arts–how people can come together and understand each other regardless of age, ethnicity or nationality,” says Arts Initiative director Alev Danis. “All our guests find something to delight them.” In an effort to provide information to our guests and poor women from the community about issues that affect their lives, the Public Policy department hosts forums with candidates for city and state office in the Dining Room. A panel of city council candidates last fall drew a standing room-only crowd, and individuals running for governor, attorney general and other statewide offices spoke to guests throughout the summer. As Rosie’s Place begins its next 40 years, it is certain that the Dining Room will continue to be the gathering spot for our women, volunteers and invited guests alike–the beating heart of our community center. Says our guest Marie L., “It’s not just the food. The Dining Room is where it all happens at Rosie’s Place.”
With more than 90,000 meals served last year, Rosie’s Place relies on a network of hundreds of volunteers, making it possible to feed every woman and child who comes to the Dining Room. Up to 10 volunteers are needed to prepare, serve and clean up each meal. But
Sadika
by assisting “shoppers” in our Rosie’s Place Groceries food pantry. “The way I look at it, if you receive a lot, you should give when you can. I’m glad there’s something I can do to help,” she says.
For Sadika, who has been coming here since she arrived in Boston in 2001, Rosie’s Place is a “home away from home.” So, like any caring family member, Sadika makes a point to do her part to lend a hand whenever possible. She shows her appreciation by frequently volunteering during mealtime in the Dining Room and
Sadika ran away from an abusive home when she was only 15 and is proud that she provided for her own education and job training. She worked for many years in the physically-challenging position of sheetrock taper and is looking to be reemployed as the construction industry rebounds. “I probably have taken advantage of just about everything Rosie’s Place has to offer,” she says. When she moved here from New York, the low-income housing she had arranged fell through. Rosie’s Place helped her find temporary
Kip’s Birthday dinner, 2014
and then permanent housing–and a community of friends. She talks to Advocates when she needs support; participates in the Back on My Feet running club, taking part in a five-mile race in the winter; works on the guestrun garden; and visits almost daily for meals. Because of her history of trauma, Sadika fights depression and attends AA meetings–and looks to Rosie’s Place for its “great environment.” She says, “This is the first place I come when I’m feeling down. I get to communicate with people, fill up my day, or just relax.” And if extra hands are needed in the kitchen area, that’s where you will find Sadika. “When I see they might be short, I’ll just jump in to help with the clean up and do the dishes,” she says. “It feels good to give back.”
Dear Friends: 1974: More volunteers than guests. An operating budget of $250. Hot coffee, made the way you like it. Overnight shelter and a daily meal. Hand-sized fliers spreading the word about the opening of a new place in town–Rosie’s Place. Forty years ago, the services were slim, but the hearts were huge–and the philosophical underpinnings were fully developed: unconditional love, everyone welcome, no expectations. What began as a dream and a vision became reality when Kip Tiernan opened Rosie’s Place on Easter Sunday, 1974. Early days: Advocacy services by professional, compassionate staff. Tasty, nutritious meals served by more than a thousand volunteers. Rooming houses to provide permanent housing to women unable to live anywhere else. A beauty salon. Nurses providing footbaths and emergency care for women who spent all day on their feet. Camping trips and visits to theaters and plays. The diversity of our efforts to provide top quality service grew as Rosie’s Place hit its 20s. We outgrew our building, but never our dreams. By the mid-1990s, our all-volunteer board began to imagine a Rosie’s Place which would serve as a hub of services, and a destination for women with no other place to turn. Today: Healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner–and a grocery store with free meats, produce and non-perishables. An outreach van for Boston’s nights, and outreach workers for women who have moved beyond shelter. A thriving Education Center, with classes, computers and graduation ceremonies. Self-advocacy. Public policy. Arts. Every new step we’ve taken has strengthened our organization, our community and our commitment to providing for our guests as whole, complex, complicated and amazing people. From large scale efforts to take on new roles and responsibilities, to smaller efforts that make our services healthier, more accessible or more elegant, the staff at Rosie’s Place is constantly evaluating and striving to improve what we do. We work hard to take advantage of every opportunity that might benefit our guests, or make their lives more dignified, richer, fuller, happier. Our board of directors works hard to keep the vision of what we can be clear and ambitious. Our guests challenge us to translate that vision to real, meaningful help and encouragement. The next stage: Expanding our reach to serve underserved communities of women in Boston’s public housing developments. Creating a community health program to reach women with serious, chronic medical conditions. Continuing to expand and strengthen our board of directors. Ensuring that we have the space and resources to serve our guests with dignity, respect and love. As Rosie’s Place starts to tackle our latest strategic plan, we look forward to updating you on our evolving plans and progress. And while we will never stop seeking new ways to ensure that Rosie’s Place truly embodies the word sanctuary, the elements that make us unique will never change. One of the most important of these is the faithful and committed support we have come to count on from all of you. We are grateful that you are a vital part of our community. From everyone at Rosie’s Place, a happy 40th anniversary!
RESPECT at Rosie’s Place Enhanced with New Program While respect, understanding, and kindness are valued highly at Rosie’s Place, they don’t always come automatically. Sometimes, it takes clear communication and collaboration to make sure that everyone—guests, volunteers, and staff— feels comfortable and at home. Recently, issues surrounding challenging guest interactions spurred the development of RESPECT, an innovative and successful series of workshops offered earlier this year.
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our executive director on rosie’s place: yesterday, today and tomorrow
By participating in cross-cultural exchange and recognizing bullying as an issue that affects everyone, guests developed a deeper sense of understanding and respect for one another.
Davida Ginsberg, Self-Advocacy Organizer
RESPECT was a six-month initiative that aimed to raise awareness and start a conversation about bullying at Rosie’s Place. In the fall, some guests reported instances of intimidation and a lack of respect in certain unstaffed spaces at Rosie’s Place, such as the Sitting Room. Davida Ginsberg, an organizer in the Self-Advocacy department, led listening groups for discussion about the issues with guests. At Rosie’s Place, the self-advocacy approach always seeks to ensure that guests’ voices drive programming and activities, according to the program’s manager Katy Erker. These meetings were productive: they generated a new set of official rules for the Sitting Room, posted in four languages, and sparked the idea for the RESPECT workshop series, which further explored ways to promote respect at Rosie’s Place.
The series was popular among guests, with high attendance at each monthly session, but that doesn’t tell the entire story. It grew into a powerful outlet for conversations about everything from cultural diversity to verbal skills for de-escalating conflict. “The success of RESPECT can be measured not only by the large numbers of guests who participated over the course of the six months, but also in the unity and shared identity that the series created,” says Davida.
gift in the enclosed envelope.
We’d love to hear from you! Please contact us with your comments at 617.318.0210.
In March and April, for example, guests of diverse backgrounds spoke about their cultural identities in a panel format. During these discussions, some women expressed ideas about the similarities that tie together people of different cultures. “Every culture has generosity, food, and experiences,” said Lucille. At the final session in the series, all of these were in abundance, as the women came together for a multi-cultural potluck lunch and sharing session. Our guest Deedee wrote, “Striving every day to be an ambassador of goodwill, to accentuate the positive, to eliminate the negative can only enhance and reinforce Rosie’s Place as a sanctuary…” And Marie concisely offered her understanding of the solidarity that connects Rosie’s Place guests: “We are all women.”
“A thought that one day I would become a Rose.
QUOTABLE
An open door, crossing threshold. Seventeen years sobriety I almost lost it. Until a listening ear. The need, shelter, sponsor, an AA meeting.
We are sharing excerpts from poems and essays written by guests in the Rosie's Place Creative Writing Group to celebrate our 40th anniversary.
I then met the Rose herself. One year experience as my sponsor. I kept coming back. I am a writer, facilitator, artist. Thank you – Just believe you are a Rose!” Flopot3
“The very first day at Boston Medical, I didn’t know where I was. I was afraid I that I should go, that I would like it. One I went upstairs it was different. I love it and
Executive Director Sue Marsh Director of Development Leemarie Mosca Director of Communications and Editor Michele Chausse Communications Coordinator Katie Gustainis Vela Intern Sam Mintz Design Colette O’Neill
“By participating in cross-cultural exchange and recognizing bullying as an issue that affects everyone, guests developed a deeper sense of understanding and respect for one another,” Davida noted. Spanish and Haitian-Creole translation were provided at the workshops, and guests expressed gratitude at the opportunity to share and learn from others for whom language barriers inhibit communication.
We thank you!
day, I won the lottery and got a bed…When ROSIE’S PLACE NEWS is published three times a year to inform our friends about activities and events taking place throughout the Rosie’s Place community. OUR MISSION is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for poor and homeless women to maintain their dignity, seek opportunity, and find security in their lives.
Later in the series, the discussion topics developed from individual actions to cultural relationships and diversity.
online at www.rosiesplace.org/give or by sending a
might get lost…My friends kept telling me Sue
Many of the women took from the workshops ways that they could change their own behavior to contribute positively to the overall environment at Rosie’s Place. A guest, Maria, reflected, “I can use a softer voice,” and Jenna noted, “I can move my bags to the floor [in the Sitting Room] and be more mindful [of the space that I am using].”
Please support Rosie’s Place by donating
I heard about Rosie’s Place. I was doubtful. With faith,
The series was also a success in its original objective, to decrease bullying behavior and find constructive ways to bridge differences between guests. In final reflections about the series, guests said that they had noticed positive changes in spaces at Rosie’s Place over the course of a half year.
“Rosie’s Place. A fun, loving sanctuary for women. Peace with the intention to serve all women who were displaced. Sincerely, those who appreciate your kindness.” C.P.H.
I feel at home…I feel like an orphan child that goes to a good lady’s house that has food and welcomes me with classes and
“A place to eat, meet and greet my day with food,
things to do. That will make my future good
love and laughter. A place to connect with other
and strong. I continue to come to Rosie’s
women who understand. A place to rebuild my
Place to give me hope.”
shattered dreams. Rosie’s Place, my place.”
Monjoa
Ms. Fanny
Communityof
Friends
Rosie’s Place played host this spring to students in grades 4-5 from the Roger Clap Innovation School in Dorchester. The young people held a food drive for Rosie’s Place as their community service project and delivered 15 boxes and bags of food to our Rosie’s Place Groceries food pantry. The youths stayed for an informational session during which they exhibited great curiosity about our work and poverty and homelessness in the community.
Ancelis Nunez Photography
Rosie’s Place friends Beacon Hill & Bistro, Image Unlimited Communications and a host of top designers, boutiques and beauty experts came together for the seventh annual Sparkle charity fashion show to benefit Rosie’s Place. Sparkle VII, a June afternoon of fashion, food and fun, featured luminaries from Boston media outlets sporting the latest looks in a runway show hosted by NECN fashion expert Tonya Mezrich (seated, on left).
Dedicated supporters helped Rosie’s Place raise more than $430,000 to fund services for poor and homeless women at the annual Safe and Sound gala, May 6 at WGBH Studios. The event, celebrating our 40th anniversary, was ably–and amusingly–hosted by co-emcees and auctioneers Susan Wornick and Bob Lobel (above with Rosie’s Place Executive Director Sue Marsh, right). Guests enjoyed cuisine from top local restaurants Beat Hotel and The Beehive, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Flour Bakery, Grill 23 & Bar, Hamersley’s Bistro, Harvest, Myers + Chang, Tremont 647 and Sister Sorel and Sycamore.
ds Holiday Car
Rosie’s Place was fortunate to be a beneficiary of New England Coffee’s 22nd Annual Charity Golf Classic held in May at the Andover Country Club. The company has been a longstanding and steadfast supporter of Rosie’s Place’s mission and recently presented us with proceeds of more than $19,000. In photo, from left are Anastasia Kaloyanides, New England Coffee; Carol Keesecker, VNA Hospice Care; Michael Kaloyanides, New England Coffee Event Committee; Katie Amoro, Rosie’s Place; and Deanna Vincent, New England Coffee.
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lac from Rosie’s P
View all card images & order yours today at www.rosiesplace.org/holidaycards With a variety of classic Boston scenes and whimsical winter illustrations to choose from, the holiday cards you purchase from Rosie’s Place for business or personal use will help underwrite our vital programs for poor and homeless women in Boston. Boston Winter Twilight by Sam Vokey
An order of 50 or more cards, starting as low as $150, includes
an exclusive card design of your choice, envelopes and a custom-imprinted interior with your text,
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now
Rosie’s Place’s own Frances Arthur of the Women’s Craft Cooperative (WCC) has been elected the Missionary Queen of the New England African Methodist Episcopal Church. “Miss Frances,” as she’s affectionately known, is an artisan who has made jewelry and sold gifts at craft fairs for the WCC for 12 years. A communicant of Saint Paul AMEC in Cambridge for more than half a century, she will, as Queen, support the church’s mission to raise money for those in need and travel to speak to congregations in Africa and around the country.
If you’re traveling near Melnea Cass Boulevard and Harrison Avenue this fall, look for a new mural commemorating our 40th anniversary. Painted over the summer by the Mayor’s Mural Crew, the brightlycolored panels depict local women champions of social justice. Vibrant images of Kip Tiernan, Melnea Cass, Frieda Garcia and Judy Norsigian will be affixed to the exterior back wall of our auxiliary office space at 47 Thorndike Street. The mural team of high school students and professional artists worked at Rosie’s Place to create the 12’ by 24’ piece. Rosie’s Place is supporting the newlyopened Court Service Center at the Brooke Court House, Boston. Court Service Centers (CSCs) assist self-represented litigants–who are often poor, and include the women we serve. Attorneys and volunteers offer help with family, housing or small claims issues to more than 50 individuals each day. Rosie’s Place funds a portion of the CSC’s efforts and has assigned one of our AmeriCorps attorneys to volunteer on an ongoing basis. Eventually, the CSC will provide computers, a law library and librarian to help with research, and information about social services and benefits available in the state. More than 40 Rosie’s Place staff, family and friends marched for the first time in the Boston Pride Parade in June. With a longstanding commitment to equal treatment for all the women we serve, and as one of the first organizations to welcome transgender women to overnight shelter, Rosie’s Place participated in the parade as allies of and advocates for the LGBT community.
signatures, logos or photos. Our newest card, Boston Winter Twilight by acclaimed local artist Sam Vokey, adds another timeless Boston winter image to our collection of five designs available for purchase. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: • Five winter scenes (see them all online!) are available for purchase in 10-packs ($18) • Rosie’s Place Favorites boxes ($24) include 15 cards, five each of three different designs • Custom printing is available for orders of 50+ cards • Order yours before they run out: • Online: www.rosiesplace.org/holidaycards • Phone: Cara Rotschafer at 617.318.0238 • Email: holidaycards@rosiesplace.org • Mail: send a check to Rosie’s Place, Attn: Holiday Cards, 889 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118
Rosie’s Place was run entirely by volunteers in 1974. Today, volunteers contribute more than 65,000 hours annually-the equivalent of 32 full-time staff members. Please consider donating your time and talents today at www.rosiesplace.org/volunteer!
fall
Funny Women...Serious Business: 40th anniversary celebration
WISH LIST
This year is a special one for the Rosie’s Place community, as we celebrate our 40th year of providing hope and help for poor and homeless women. Join us as we commemorate this milestone at our
Few things can compare to the comfort of a hot shower. Feeling clean, refreshed and renewed is so important when a guest is on her way to a job interview or just coming in from the streets.
annual Funny Women…Serious Business luncheon, and help make
Just nine months into the year, the front desk at Rosie’s Place has seen a 45% increase in requests for showers. When a guest requests a shower, she is given a towel she can keep and a bag of necessary toiletries.
Funny Women…Serious Business will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 from noon
To meet this increased need, we are reaching out to our generous supporters for help collecting and donating shower essentials, such as: • Bath towels • Travel-size shampoo and conditioner • Bar soap and body lotion • Flip-flop sandals • Travel-size deodorant • Hair brushes and combs • Toothbrushes and toothpaste • Lip balm Hotel samples of bath products are the perfect size for our guests’ needs. Please ask your family and friends to collect any extras during their travels, or to grab an additional bottle or two while shopping for their own items. Contact Katie Amoro at kamoro@rosiesplace.org or 617.318.0211 for more information. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!
a difference in the lives of the women we serve.
to 2 p.m. at the Hynes Convention Center. The event brings together 1,500 supporters to celebrate Rosie’s Place’s unique mission and philosophy while raising vital funds for our programs and services. Our featured speaker will be author Cheryl Strayed, whose #1 bestselling memoir, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, details her 1,100-mile hike from the Mojave Desert to the Oregon-Washington border and the personal struggles that compelled her to take the journey. Ms. Strayed’s story is powerful and beautifully told, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Funny Women…Serious Business. This year, the event will be co-hosted by longtime emcee extraordinaire Susan Wornick, along with her WCVB friend and colleague Karen Holmes Ward. They will be joined by anchorwomen from Boston television outlets: Latoyia Edwards, Lisa Hughes and Kim Khazei. You’ll have the chance to network with other friends of Rosie’s Place, shop for gorgeous jewelry from our Women’s Craft Cooperative, win a fabulous centerpiece from Neiman Marcus Natick, and follow our 40-year journey toward social justice. All proceeds from the luncheon benefit the vital, innovative, and transformational programs and services Rosie’s Place offers more than 12,000 poor and homeless women each year. You can support Rosie’s Place by becoming a corporate or table
WCC Fall Flash Sale | Tuesday, September 16, 2014
sponsor or by purchasing your tickets today. Tickets are $175; to order,
If you haven’t seen our new and improved online store for the Women’s Craft Cooperative, now is the time! On September 16 we’ll be hosting an online Flash Sale and for 24 hours only you can start your holiday shopping early with deep discounts. To meet our artisans in person, stop by Boston Medical Center on September 18 or October 18, where they’ll be selling jewelry and gifts for the holiday season. Visit rosiesplace.org/shop for details.
Friends of Rosie’s Place Fall Night Out
617.318.0211. We hope to see you on October 28!
Cambridgeside Galleria Gift Wrap
Illuminating the Zakim Bridge December 12-14, 2014
fundraising events at local hotspots for our
Rosie’s Place is looking for volunteers to
Department of Transportation will be lighting the
growing group of young professionals. If
help wrap gifts this holiday season at our
Zakim Bridge “Rosie’s Place pink” from Friday,
you share an interest in networking and
booth at the Cambridgeside Galleria Mall in
December 12 through Sunday, December 14.
promoting social justice, you are invited to
Cambridge. We will be wrapping presents
Not only will the illumination raise awareness
join in. Get connected to our social media
at a variety of shifts between Thanksgiving
of our work around holiday time, but it will be a
or contact Ben Weisman at bweisman@
and Christmas. All proceeds support Rosie’s
public and positive way to cap our yearlong
rosiesplace.org for event details.
Place. If you are interested in joining in this
40th anniversary celebration!
We are planning another year of fun and
DATE
information, please contact Katie Amoro at kamoro@rosiesplace.org or
November 28th – December 24th, 2014 Cambridgeside Galleria Mall, Cambridge
Date and Place TBD
SAVE THE
visit www.rosiesplace.org/fwsb. For questions or sponsorship
Rosie’s Place is delighted that the Massachusetts
activity, please contact Marty Wengert at mwengert@rosiesplace.org or 617.318.0218.
www.rosiesplace.org 889 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02118
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