Bu i l d i n g H ope T r a n s f o r m i n g L i v e s
Plymouth NEWS SPRING EDITION 2014
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www.plymouthhousing.org
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“The best part of living at Plymouth is the social activity—potlucks, bingo night, movie night, BBQs in the summer. My psychiatrist says that those who have a good support system do better at staying out of the hospital than those who don’t. I’ve been out of the hospital for years now! I’m proud of 4
that.”—Latricia, Plymouth resident
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The Healing Power
also INSIDE:
of Community
The support of family, friends, teachers, neighbors and colleagues is something many of us take for granted. But that network of caring—and the strong sense of belonging and safety it brings—had been missing from the lives of many Plymouth residents for a very long time.
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or people whose previous life experiences gave them so many reasons not to trust, a new life in a caring, compassionate community is something to cherish and nurture. Plymouth residents stay connected, eagerly helping each other and improving their lives together. As they do, they grow healthier, more fulfilled and more confident. And when that happens, stability becomes possible, too. Plymouth works hard to build community in each of our 13 buildings. That spirit is always on vibrant display at our social events, where residents, staff and community volunteers come together to celebrate the day and each other.
OUR VISION
Housing is just the beginning ... the first step to building hope and transforming lives. We envision a day when every person has a home and a better quality of life.
1 Russell rocks Black History Month 2 (clockwise from front): Vivian, Annette, Diane, Searetha, Maia & Pamela enjoy the Women’s Luncheon
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3 Old friends Liz and Betty Jo reconnect at the Women’s Luncheon 4 Duke at Open Mic Night 5 The camaraderie of Thanksgiving
p3 OUR MISSION
Plymouth Housing Group works to eliminate homelessness and address its causes by preserving, developing and operating safe, quality, supportive housing and by providing homeless adults with opportunities to stabilize and improve their lives.
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lending a creative hand Community support makes Plymouth’s remarkable outcomes possible. Ad agency FCB Seattle helped us remind you of that … and give you the thanks you deserve.
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Volunteer SPOTLIGHT
he men and women who live at Plymouth—ranging in age from their 20s to their 80s—have few other options for housing and care. Most suffered on the streets for many years—sometimes decades. They cope with serious physical and mental challenges and the lingering effects of abuse, trauma and chronic poverty. With all of that working against them, it’s not surprising that they once struggled to find and keep a home. We’re proud that 96% of Plymouth’s new tenants are still stably housed one year after moving in. The reason? Our permanent housing and its intensive, 24/7 on-site support.
When they lived on the streets, some of our tenants were very high utilizers of publicly-funded services. After coming to Plymouth, their health and well-being improves … often dramatically. Research shows that this saves our community on average $62,000 per resident in just their first 12 months with us.1 Because it only costs Plymouth an average of $14,000 to provide a permanent home and intensive services for a year, this is a victory for both our residents and their community. Inspired by these outcomes, ad agency FCB Seattle worked for months to create a “gratitude campaign.” Their ads contrast the pain of homelessness with the dignity and hope of Plymouth’s solution. They also remind our community that its generous and sustained support of Plymouth has transformed thousands of lives permanently. And FCB Seattle donated it all. “It’s inspiring to see an organization take such
Thinking volunteering is all give and no take? Thinking you don’t have the time or the right skills? Think again.
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rin Egan works in business development and strategy for Microsoft. She manages multiple accounts in China and travels frequently for work. Her life is intense and there’s not a lot of spare time. So it makes
On the night of January 24, 2014, more than 3,100 people were found surviving outside without shelter in King County. This is a 14% increase over 2013.2 a compassionate and effective approach to an issue like homelessness,” said creative director Matt Gilmore. “We were honored to be able to help.” Plymouth was privileged to partner with this incredibly talented team, and we thank them for sharing their generosity, creativity, and commitment to ending homelessness. See all of the ads—and tell us what you think!—at Facebook.com/ PlymouthHousing 1
S rebnik, D., Connor, T. and Sylla, L. “A Pilot Study of the Impact of Housing First–Supported Housing for Intensive Users of Medical Hospitalization and Sobering Services.” American Journal of Public Health Vol. 103, No. 2 (2013): 316-321.
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Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness.
sense that she believes in the healing power of yoga and has practiced it for over 10 years. Though Erin had never taught yoga when she read Plymouth’s invitation to “Be part of our healing community,” she was the first to respond. Now she comes to Plymouth twice a month to teach the gentle stretching, breathing and relaxation of yoga to dedicated tenants at the Simons Senior Apartments. Four other volunteer instructors have followed suit. Erin’s a pioneer in Plymouth’s efforts to nurture residents healing from the trauma of life on the streets. She’s even
“What started as a way to serve others has evolved to be a gift to myself.” bringing her business development skills to bear on creation of a volunteerled wellness program to include yoga, nutrition, and therapeutic massage. With such a full schedule, it’s surprising to hear that adding volunteering to her calendar actually leaves Erin feeling energized. She says, “It’s easy for us to stay in our respective bubbles, but volunteering opens us up to the world.”
2113 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98121 | 206.374.9409 | 206.374.0602 fax | email@plymouthhousing.org | www.plymouthhousing.org EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Paul Lambros
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES Stewart Landefeld, president John McHale, Vice President
Robert D. Cook, Treasurer Jessica Gibson, Secretary
David Beitel Joan Caine Stuart C. Campbell Diane Castanes
Angus Cunningham Gregg DeRitis Mercedes Fernandez Betty Henry
Kate Joncas Keith Matthews David Mooney Barbara Nystrom
Jon Okada Craig Parsons David Poston Chris Schmaltz
Tony Whatley
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522,000 reasons to
get down
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On Saturday, March 1, a rollicking crowd of nearly 500 glamorous and generous guests packed Fremont Studios to cheer on their favorite celebrity dancers and give more than $522,000 to support the work of Plymouth Housing Group—the most ever raised!
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ome of Seattle’s bravest and most energetic luminaries serve as “celebrity dancers” for Plymouth’s annual gala, Seattle Dances! These folks rehearse like crazy (for months!), perfecting crowdpleasing dances with their professional dance partners from the Century Ballroom. And they raise money for Plymouth by exhorting their “fan bases” to vote for them with monetary pledges before and during the gala.
OUR CORE VALUES
1 Some seriously happy feet: Laura and partner Michael Darigol’s swing dance 2 A Pretty.Sexy.Salsa. from Carol and partner Michael Cahn 3 Chris and partner Deron Hayes-Hirschy stomped it out in the west coast swing 4 Executive director Paul Lambros (L) recognizes the evening’s honorees, Blake and Molly Nordstrom, for their quiet dedication to ensuring everyone in our community has a safe, healthy place to live. 5 Left to right: Gala co-chairs Lynn Beck and Connie Blumenthal 6 Robin and partner Mark Kihara made swing dance look easy 7 Duell and partner Erica Atnip brought it (a whole lot of tango sizzle) 8 Nesby and partner Alison Cockrill gave us a lift with their sporty cha cha 9 Jane and partner Jonathan Wingard-Phillips in a colorful bachata 10 Chad and partner Katie Lake embraced the sultry charumba
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Donning celebrity sequins this year were: • Laura Bachman of The Bachman Group LLC • Robin Chell of Robin Chell Design • Duell Fisher of Team Photogenic • Nesby Glasgow of The Pacific Institute • Carol Bailey Medwell of Integrative Family Law • Jane Nelson of Kantor Taylor Nelson Evatt & Decina PC • Chris Schmaltz of UnitedHealthcare • Chad Zinda of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty
Who waltzed off with trophies? • Judges’ Choice: Laura Bachman and partner Michael Darigol • People’s Choice: Carol Bailey Medwell and partner Michael Cahn • Cyber Choice: Chris Schmaltz and partner Deron Hayes-Hirschy
Plymouth believes … • Every person has the right to a home • Every person is valuable, with a unique story and journey • Affordable housing requires responsible stewardship
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Whistles, cheers and bravo! to: Event co-chairs Lynn Beck of Pine Street Group & Connie Blumenthal of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty; Emcee Patti Payne; Auctioneer Kevin Joyce; longstanding event partners Hallie Kuperman & Century Ballroom; and celebrity judges Nicole Brodeur, Seattle Times; Ali Brownrigg, Seattle Magazine; and Ed Murray, Mayor of Seattle.
Now give it up for our incredible sponsors! Gold: JPMorgan Chase; Kantor Taylor Nelson Evatt & Decina PC; Marpac Construction; Vulcan Real Estate. Silver: BECU; BNBuilders; Enterprise Community Investment; SMR Architects. Bronze: Bank of America. Sequin: Caesarstone; National Equity Fund. Media: Puget Sound Business Journal; Seattle Magazine. Mirror Ball Raffle: Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Costumes: Jamie Von Stratton. Wine: McCarthy & Schiering Wine Merchants. Style: Angela Welsh Designs. Photography & Video: Team Photogenic. Rides Home: Uber.
• Cultural diversity and embracing difference are sources of strength • Respect, trust and compassion are integral to all interactions ©2014 Plymouth Housing Group All Right s Reser ved
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2113 Third Avenue Seattle, Washington 98121 www.plymouthhousing.org
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Circle May 6 on your calendar now: The Seattle Foundation’s annual GiveBIG online giving event is coming fast! This one-day event makes it easy to make a BIG impact on issues that matter. Every donation you make to Plymouth Housing Group online on May 6, 2014 will be increased through a “stretch pool” provided by the Seattle Foundation and generous GiveBIG sponsors. Plymouth transforms lives … permanently. Our outcomes have never been stronger—or more needed.
Bronze Sponsor Bank of America
Sequin Sponsors Caesarstone National Equity Fund
Please go to www.seattlefoundation.org any time on May 6, 2014 and make a donation to Plymouth.
Read our blog at
plymouthhousing.org and find us on Facebook!
SAVE THE DATE
upcoming events For More Info, contact: Shoko Toyama, 206.374.9409 ext. 144 or stoyama@plymouthhousing.org
Plymouth’s 11th annual Key to Hope luncheon Tuesday, September 16, 2014 Noon – 1:30 pm Westin Hotel, Downtown Seattle
Thursday, June 19, 2014 6:00 – 9:00 pm Hilliard’s Brewery & Taproom
Plymouth News Spring Edition 2014 Contributors: Elisabeth Vasquez Hein • Kristin Benson • Marlys Erickson • Mycie Lubin • Shari Kooistra (Editor) • Shoko Toyama Photos: Team Photogenic and Elisabeth Vasquez Hein DESIGN: Causality