Summer 2008 Neighborhood Newsletter

Special Thanks to CGI Technologies and Solutions!

Whole Foods 5% Day!

by: Victor Dooley, Community Coordinator, Patrick Henry Family Shelter

On Wednesday, May 21, 2008, Shelter House, Inc. was the beneficiary for 5% at Whole Foods Tysons Corner. Individual stores hold 5% Day, or CommUnity Giving Day, donating 5% of that day’s net sales to a local or regional non-profit or educational organization. Every time a customer shops on that day, 5% of the total purchase (before taxes) goes to the organization. Hats off to Whole Foods for inviting us to be a beneficiary!! Special thanks to Ruth Schulman and her gracious staff; in total, we raised $3,400!!!

We would like to extend a special thank you to Regina Stiller and the staff of CGI. Back in May, CGI was preparing for its relocation from Legato Road in Fairfax to the Bridgewater Conference Center, so they sold their office furniture and gave the proceeds to the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter! Net total was $2,080! Thank you once again!!!

Union Mill

by: Sarah Schultz, Development Coordinator, Shelter House, Inc.

Notable Events

Our First Ever BOWL-A-THON!!

We would like to thank everyone who came out to our first ever charity BowlA-Thon on Saturday, July 19th at Bowl America in Burke, VA. It was a packed house, we sold out ALL of our lanes! Folks had a great time, won some prizes and we raised funds for Shelter House, Inc.’s programs and services as well. We look forward to doing it again next year! Special thanks to Jennifer Bennett and Brittany Ramsey for organizing this amazing event! Please support Shelter House, Inc.’s 2008 “10 Pins to Hope” Bowl-A-Thon sponsors:

by:Kristen Lenz, Community Coordinator, Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter

Union Mill Elementary School students, parents, and faculty have given their hearts to Shelter House, Inc. in a big way! Since October of 2007, the school has sponsored monthly birthday parties for residents at the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter complete with goodie bags, presents for the birthday children, cake and snacks, decorations, and entertainment that has ranged from a visit from former Harlem Globetrotter, Spinney Johnson to a great show by Reptiles Alive! In addition to the parties, Union Mill Elementary has collected thousands of dollars worth of much-needed items for Shelter House, Inc. Union Mill Elementary School was recently awarded the Community Partner Award at the Shelter House, Inc. Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. This award recognizes a group whose contributions allow Shelter House’s work to go the extra mile.

Blackboard Does It Again... by: Victor Dooley, Community Coordinator, Patrick Henry Family Shelter

Blackboard, Inc., for the second year in a row, made Shelter House, Inc. the beneficiary of its Charity Auction which was held this year on May 15th, 2008. Employees had the chance to bid on incredible items and even services provided by superiors in the company. It was an incredibly fun and lucrative event. All totaled, Shelter House, Inc. received $5,710 from the evening’s events. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue our partnership with Blackboard, Inc. again this year. For more information on Blackboard, Inc., please visit:

www.blackboard.com

Thank you once again Union Mill Elementary School!

Angel’s Network by: Sarah Schultz, Development Coordinator, Shelter House, Inc.

We had a wonderful turnout at The Angel’s Network Live Auction, Raffle and Wine Tasting on Thursday, June 19. The Angel’s Network, a giving circle of the Northern Virginia Community Foundation and Commerce Bank generously hosted our event for the third year in a row. Karen Wrege, Angel’s Network Board Member, got the evening off to a very rousing start as our fantastic live auctioneer. Some of the items auctioned included: 2 VIP Passes to the much touted Virgin Mobile Music Festival, Tickets to the Washington National vs. Baltimore Orioles game (always a good rivalry!) 2 Season Tickets to the Loudon Summer Music Festival, a Night away at the prestigious Marriott Ranch and many more . A wonderful time was had by all! One of the families is in our transitional housing program and their case manager were invited to attend the event and gave a very moving account of their road out of homelessness and back to self-sufficiency. The family is very grateful for all that Shelter House has done for them and the support that Shelter House, Inc. continues to provide.

10 Pins to Hope

Rosenthal

Bowl-A-Thon!!!

SAVE THE DATE - FannieMae Help the Homeless Walk-a-Thon The FannieMae Help the Homeless Walk-a-Thon date has been set! Everyone mark your calendars:

Saturday, November 22nd 2008 - 9:00 a.m. Details for registration will be available soon, please check the Help the Homeless Walk-a-Thon Website periodically for updates.

www.helpthehomelessdc.org When registration is active, please designate Shelter House, Inc. as your beneficiary. Our code is:

SHSI

The Women of P.H.F.S. Unwind with Yoga

Congrats to a Very Special Volunteer

by: Christin Durham, Program Manager, Patrick Henry Family Shelter

by: Victor Dooley, Community Coordinator, Patrick Henry Family Shelter

Colleen Bertrand began volunteering with Shelter House in January of 2008. Since then, she has worked closely with Christin Durham and Victor Dooley to create our burgeoning Beginner’s Yoga Class for Women program, the first of its kind at PHFS. Currently conducting classes two to three times monthly, Colleen and her colleagues from Tranquil Space Yoga provide our ladies with a healthy escape from their daily struggles. As a busy parent of two young children herself, Colleen uses yoga to turn off the chatter in her mind, to work out the kinks and aches in her body, and to keep her whole being feeling strong and renewed. When she read about Shelter House’s work with homeless families in Fairfax County, she inquired about ministering to our clients through yoga. She has also volunteered to instruct a class for Shelter House staff. “It is my pleasure to share yoga with the clients of Shelter House. I hope that it helps bring health and well-being into their lives.” The yoga sessions focus on relaxation and tension release, complete with soothing music and hot herbal tea. Classes are open to adult and teenage residents. Thank you so much Colleen, Victoria, and Micheline, for taking time out of your busy schedules to minister to our residents with this unique opportunity.

Shelter House, Inc. received a very special surprise this year at the Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards when a Shelter House, Inc. Adopt-a-Family volunteer, Ginger Mahon won in the category of Hunger, Homelessness and Housing. Ginger has been working with Shelter House, Inc. and many other organizations over the past decade. She recruits friends and other community partners, increasing her capacity for giving every year, providing gifts for hundreds of men, women and children in Fairfax County. She is an amazing woman and Shelter House, Inc. is deeply grateful for her generous contributions. Congratulations, Ginger!!

St. Luke Parish Helps Shelter House Continue Job Training by: Jill Shumann, Director of Development, Shelter House, Inc.

Saint Luke Catholic Church of McLean has donated $4,000 to Shelter House’s Patrick Henry Family Shelter to support job training and employment coaching. Our families will receive assistance with writing resumes, searching for and applying for jobs. They will also be coached on interviewing skills and negotiating increased hours and pay raises. We are deeply grateful for this important contribution that will give essential skills to our clients!

Please join us and THANK YOU!!

Seeking Planning Committee Volunteers for the Help the Homeless Mini-Walks!!! Shelter House, Inc.’s Community Development Office is seeking interested volunteers for our Help the Homeless Mini-Walks Planning Committee. In association with Fannie Mae and the Help the Homeless Walk-a-Thon, commuity partners across the region host “Mini-walks” which can also benefit Shelter House and give groups a chance to personalize their walk-a-thon experience. We need help from dedicated community members to recruit groups, organize events and make this the most successful Walk-A-Thon year ever!! Commitment includes monthly planning meetings (with FREE FOOD), participation in the Walk-a-Thon and a commitment to ending homelessness. For more information, contact Sarah Schultz, Shelter House, Inc. Development Coordinator at 703.536.5383 or [email protected]

A Warm Welcome to our ExxonMobil CSJP Intern, Rachel Goldfarb! by: Victor Dooley, Community Coordinator, Patrick Henry Family Shelter

Shelter House, Inc. was one of 60 organizations to recieve a $2500 grant from ExxonMobil as part of the Community Summer Jobs Program. College students get a chance to work within the nonprofit community and experience an alternative career path. Shelter House’s intern is known as the Homeless Education Outreach Intern producing a week of educational events for the children.

Rachel Goldfarb is an upcoming sophomore at Brandeis University in Boston, Massachusetts where she made the Dean’s List both semesters her first year. Rachel’s experience includes several years in the Teen Leadership Program at Pinemere Camp in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania where she planned programs for up to 250 campers, including directing other program planners as a Junior Counselor. Rachel has also volunteered for Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston, been a cast member of the Vagina Monologues and in her spare time, enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee with the Brandeis Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Team.

About Us... Shelter House, Inc. is a community-based 501(c)(3) organization in Fairfax County serving homeless families.

Our Mission Shelter House, Inc. helps break the cycle of homelessness by providing crisis intervention, temporary housing, training, counseling, and programs to promote self-sufficiency.

Our Vision Shelter House, Inc.’s vision is to be the premier organization in eliminating homelessness by empowering families to reach their full potential.

Our History Shelter House was formed in 1981 when several ecumenical groups came together to better serve Fairfax County’s low income population. In 1985, Shelter House’s facility was moved to its first permanent location in Falls Church. In 2007, Shelter House was awarded Fairfax County’s contract to operate the new Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter (KHFS). This shelter is the first in Fairfax County to operate using the “Housing First” model, which emphasizes shorter shelter stays and continued support once families move into permanent housing. Shelter House assumed operations of this new facility in July 2007 and families began moving into the shelter in August. By October 2007, the shelter reached its capacity of 20 families. To find out more about Shelter House, Inc. and Housing First , please visit our website: www.shelterhouse.org

A Family Finds Its Way...

Dear Friends, Shelter House has undergone an extreme transformation in the past few years; indeed, there are more changes to come. As the premier organization in eliminating homelessness among families in Fairfax County, Shelter House, Inc. is hoping to play a large part in the 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness, an implementation plan adopted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in March of this year. Through innovative methods and creative resources, we, along with Fairfax County Government and a myriad of organizations throughout the region, are envisioning a Fairfax County without homelessness. We see new horizons offering affordable housing, community case management and, eventually, a day when every resident of this affluent and fortunate community has a place to call home. In order for us to reach this goal, we must all come together. Shelter House needs the support of people like you. As you read this letter, there are children in our emergency shelters wondering what tomorrow brings. You can make a difference; spread the word about our events, contribute to us through your workplace giving program or volunteer with our children’s educational programs. It is going to take a whole community, a community that cares, to reach our goals and make homelessness a distant memory. We hope you will join us and we thank you for considering giving your heart to Shelter House, Inc.

How You Can Help... Make a Financial Contribution

Volunteer Get involved in your community by offering your time! There are a multitude of ways to join the Shelter House, Inc. crew as a volunteer. To find out more please contact the appropriate Community Coordinator: Victor Dooley Patrick Henry Family Shelter P.O. Box 4081 Falls Church, VA 22044 703.538.7105 [email protected]

Your financial contributions help support a wide array of DIRECT services, which we offer to the families of Shelter House, Inc. Contributions can be mailed to: Director of Development P.O. Box 4081 Falls Church, VA 22044

Kristen Lenz Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter 13000 Lee Highway Fairfax, VA 22030 571.522.6815 [email protected]

Sponsor an Event Join in the celebration by sponsoring a Shelter House, Inc. event. Options include: The Annual Casino Night and Silent Auction, The Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, The Help the Homeless Walkathon and other events. Sponsorships decrease costs and provide funds for direct services. Plus, you or your company will receive GREAT benefits. For more information contact: Jill Shumann Director of Development 703.532.2167 [email protected]

or donate online at

Note: Names have been changed to protect the anonymity of the family mentioned in this story.

Summer 2008

Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter Open House Introduces the Community to “Housing First” and our Green Globes Rated Facility by: Jill Shumann, Director of Development, Shelter House, Inc.

www.shelterhouse.org On Saturday, June 14, the Advisory Board of the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter held the shelter’s first open house. Attendees participated in a scavenger hunt for answers to questions about homelessness in Fairfax County. The answers were found in different rooms around the shelter, allowing participants to get to know the shelter at the same time as learning about homelessness in their community. We were honored by the presence of Katherine Hanley herself as well as Supervisor Herrity of Fairfax’s Springfield District.

Donate Items Give food, clothing, toys and household goods directly to families who are beginning to rebuild their lives. A list of specific need items are available from the Community Coordinators of each shelter.

Make a Planned Gift Planned giving, or donating as part of a will, bequest or other charitable trust, is a great way to contribute and leave a lasting legacy to families in Fairfax County. For more information please contact:

Special thanks go to Glory Days Grill and Cardiovascular Surgical Services for sponsoring this important event. We also thank Commerce Bank for donating items for door prizes and goodie bags as well as for bringing their mascot, Mr. C. to the event.

Jill Shumann Director of Development 703.532.2167 [email protected]

Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner is OUT OF THIS WORLD!!

P.O. Box 4081 Falls Church, VA 22044

by: Victor Dooley, Community Coordinator, Patrick Henry Family Shelter

Shelter House, Inc.’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held this year on May 1st, falling in the middle of Annual Volunteer Appreciation Week. Over 100 guests came to the beautiful Maggiano’s in Tysons Corner to enjoy delicious food, cheerful conversation and wonderfully thoughtful comments from our special guest, Mr. Dean Klein, Senior Community Relations Specialist at the Freddie Mac Foundation. Guests also enjoyed amazing music provided by sisters Angelia and Francesca Savoia, young harpists from the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras. This year’s award winners included: Maria DeBacco, Tutoring Assistant at the Patrick Henry Family Shelter Jennifer Wheeler, Tutor and Children’s Resource Room Attendant at the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter Nancy Stone, Front Desk Receptionist at the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter Union Mill Elementary School, a committed Community Partner for the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter and Volunteers for Change, a Volunteer Fairfax program and on- going volunteer partner at the Patrick Henry Family Shelter Thanks to all our volunteers for coming out to this event and for being such a rich resource for us!! For more information on American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras, please visit:

neighbors helping neighbors

by: Hanan Scrapper, Shelter Director, Patrick Henry Family Shelter

Ms. Smith came to Shelter House with nothing but some clothes and her two kids, looking for a roof over their heads. She was immediately placed in our After Hours Family Crisis Center, waiting for a shelter opening. Within a few weeks Ms. Smith entered The Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter in Fairfax. Upon entering the shelter, her Case Manager immediately began working with her on obtaining a full-time job, enrolling her kids in school and setting goals towards providing a safe and stable environment for her family. Today Ms. Smith is in Shelter House’s Transitional Housing Program where she has a place to call home for two years while working full-time and attending school for Phlebotomy. “My mom taught me how to survive and be a hard worker and never depend on anyone,” says Ms. Smith, “I would say today she taught me the basics. None of her teachings was enough to prepare me for becoming homeless.”

Neighborhood Newsletter

Jewell Mikula Executive Director Shelter House, Inc.

Attention Climate Crusaders!!

Shelter House, Inc.’s newsletter is going GREEN! If you want to stay in the loop and continue to receive updates about Shelter House, Inc.’s events, services and programs including the Katherine K. Hanley Family Shelter,then sign up to get on our E-NEWS mailing list! Contact Sarah Schultz at sarah. [email protected] or give us a call at 703.536.2155. All we need is your e-mail address!

www.ayporchestras.org

Neighborhood Newsletter © 2008 Shelter House, Inc.

United Way #8699

CFC #56516

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