“She reared four children on her own, on a waitress’ salary, put us all through college, and no matter how down and out in Beverly Hills we were as a family, we were always taught, ‘But for the grace of God, there go I,’” Petti says. “She always had our hands in volunteering and being involved to help others.”
Photography by Steve Buchanan
Petti began volunteering at a young age. She and her siblings would help Mary deliver end-of-theday bakery goods from local bakeries to the Agape House, a 54-bed shelter that provided temporary housing and case management to homeless families. According to Petti, she and her siblings eventually became Mary’s ambassadors with delivering goods to various charities and organizations.
TOWNE SALUTE
Patti Petti
The Bernie House
I
By Caley Breese
f there was one word to describe Patti Petti, it’d have to be positive. Born in New York City and raised in Somerville, New Jersey, Petti and her three siblings were reared by a single mother. Despite enduring a few hardships throughout her life, Petti’s mother, Mary, always taught her children to be thankful for their good fortune and to always help others in need.
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What’s Up? Annapolis | February 2020 | whatsupmag.com
Petti received her master’s degree in education with a specialty in reading, and worked as a school teacher for 37 years, teaching students in kindergarten through grade eight. Once she retired, Petti and her husband, Richard, moved down to Annapolis where they’ve lived for the last three years. Because they didn’t know many people in the area, Petti and Richard decided to join St. Mary’s Parish. Through that, Petti also joined the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, where she met Patricia Slaughter, CEO and founder of The Bernie House. The Bernie House provides safe, transitional housing to homeless families who have
“Patti is the beacon in the night, brightening the world for so many families fleeing domestic violence. Her kindness helps to break the chain of violence from one generation to the next.” left an abusive situation. The organization provides a single-family home for the non-offending parent and children for up to two years, as well as many resources, such as counseling, job training, and child advocacy and day care. It gives the family the opportunity to develop and become self-sufficient in a safe environment with lower financial requirements. “When I met her [Patricia Slaughter] and I heard her story, I realized that my mother had placed me in her hands and said, ‘This is where I want you to work, girl,’” Petti reflects.“So, I immediately became a friend and a colleague of Patti’s as far as going forth and doing the work for The Bernie House.” Petti began volunteering with The Bernie House in 2016 and seems to have her hands in several pots, dubbing herself as an “all-around helper.” Petti assists with creating event invitations and the editing
