urban times V O L U M E
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S P R I N G
contents
our mission
Events & fun
Funshops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Workshops . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Partner Schedule. . . . . . . 3 Urban Diner by Friends of Night People. . . . . . . 3 Recipe Corner. . . . . . . . . . 3 housing first
Job Skills Development Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Poetry Corner. . . . . . . . . . 4 Stories of Hope . . . . . . . . 5 Artwork Corner. . . . . . . . . 5 o u r s ta ff
Thank You’s . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Staff Spotlight . . . . . . . . . 6 Word Search. . . . . . . . . . . 6 i n s u pp o r t
Donation Form. . . . . . . . . 7 Volunteer Form. . . . . . . . . 7
HUR S &T
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M o n day, A pr i l 9, 4 : 0 0 p. m . t o 11 : 0 0 p. m . ome out to celebrate Dyngus Day and help us raise money for the Hope Center! Our Dyngus Day fundraiser will feature a Polish karaoke contest, and we will be selling pussy willows, water guns, and beads so you can celebrate Dyngus Day properly!
Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest
F r i day, J u n e 2 2 , 1 0 : 0 0 a . m . t o 5 : 0 0 p. m . r a i n dat e : F r i day, J u n e 2 9 re you an artist? can you create beautiful artwork using chalk as your medium and the pavement as your canvas? Then this event is for you! Contact the Hope Center to register in advance for our Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest. The contest will be held in the Central Terminal parking lot, where each artist will be given a piece of pavement on which to create chalk artwork from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Then, at 4:00 p.m., we will judge the artwork. Winners will receive great prizes, so call 893-7222 ext. 310 to register now!
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upcoming events Dyngus Day Fundraiser
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TUE S
FREErep 9A .M. – 5
It’s not too late to get your taxes done! Open now through April 12.
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n e i t c h z e ’ s , $ 5 at t h e d o o r sat u r day, J u n e 3 0, 6 : 0 0 p. m .
Annual Rummage Sale
b roa dway m a r k e t, b u ffa l o sat u r day, au g u s t 4 , 8 : 0 0 a . m . t o 4 : 0 0 p. m . MAT T URBAN HOPE CENTER FUNDERS & PARTNERS
The Matt Urban Hope Center responds to the needs of the community by hosting family-focused events, informative workshops, free tax preparation, benefits screening, housing and job assistance. We assist individuals who are homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless, families suffering from domestic violence, loss of income, no utilities, and eviction. Additionally, we serve dinner five times per week which is open and free to the community.
info
M at t U r ba n H o pe C e n t e r
385 Paderewski Drive Buffalo, NY 14212 (716) 893-7222 ext. 310 Hope Center Hours
Monday – Friday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. U r ba n D i n e r by F r i e n d s o f N i g h t Pe o ple
Dinner Hours: Monday – Friday 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Food Pantry
1st and 3rd Tuesdays and last Saturday of every month 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Events & Fun
Nutritional Workshop
Workshop Schedule Housing Workshops
Are you looking for new housing? Please register to attend one of the Hope Center’s Housing Workshops. These workshops explain different types of subsidized housing that are available and how to apply, give tips on locating an apartment, and answer other housing related questions. Upcoming Housing Workshops are scheduled for the following dates: T h u r s day, A pr i l 1 2 , 1 : 0 0 t o 1 : 3 0 p. m . T h u r s day, A pr i l 2 6 , 1 : 0 0 t o 1 : 3 0 p. m . T h u r s day, M ay 1 0, 1 : 0 0 t o 1 : 3 0 p. m . T h u r s day, M ay 2 4 , 1 : 0 0 t o 1 : 3 0 p. m . T h u r s day, J u n e 1 4 , 1 : 0 0 t o 1 : 3 0 p. m . T h u r s day, J u n e 2 8 , 1 : 0 0 t o 1 : 3 0 p. m .
FunShop schedule Grocery Savings Challenge
Financial Fitness Workshops
mon day, Apri l 2 – mon day, Apri l 30 At the end of April, we will award gift cards to the shoppers who save the most amount of money on their food bills for the month. Record your savings on the Savings Tracker worksheet and keep your receipts!
Get financially fit! The Hope Center offers Financial Fitness Workshops that will help you create a household budget and stick to it, answer your questions about personal finances, and help you build or repair your credit. Upcoming Financial Fitness Workshops are scheduled for the following dates: T h u r s day, A pr i l 1 9, 11 : 3 0 a . m . t o 1 : 3 0 p. m . T h u r s day, M ay 17, 11 : 3 0 a . m . t o 1 : 3 0 p. m . T h u r s day, J u n e 21 , 11 : 3 0 a . m . t o 1 : 3 0 p. m .
Easter Fun Event
Job Search Workshops
T h u r s day, A pr i l 5 , 3 : 0 0 t o 5 : 0 0 p. m . Celebrate Easter early at the Hope Center! We will be playing Bunny Bingo, giving away Easter treats, and raffling off a special Easter basket during dinner at the Urban Diner by Friends of Night People!
Mother’s Day Event
F r i day, M ay 11 , 3 : 0 0 t o 5 : 0 0 p. m . This event is especially for the little ones! Any child under age 18 will be welcomed to create a Mother’s Day gift for the upcoming holiday. We will help each child wrap their gift so it can be taken home to give to Mom on Mother’s Day!
Memorial Day Event
F r i day, M ay 2 5 , 3 : 0 0 t o 5 : 0 0 p. m . Wear your red, white, and blue for a chance to win a special Memorial Day basket! The basket will be raffled off during dinner at the Urban Diner by Friends of Night People.
Father’s Day Event
F r i day, J u n e 1 5 , 3 : 0 0 t o 5 : 0 0 p. m . This event is especially for the little ones! Any child under age 18 will be welcomed to create a Father’s Day gift for the upcoming holiday. We will help each child wrap their gift so it can be taken home to give to Dad on Father’s Day!
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Does your search for a new job need a boost? Try participating in one of the Hope Center’s Job Search Workshops for help with your resume, cover letter, interview skills, and search for job openings. Upcoming Job Search Workshops are scheduled for the following dates: M o n day, A pr i l 9, 11 : 3 0 a . m . t o 1 2 : 3 0 p. m . M o n day, A pr i l 2 3 , 11 : 3 0 a . m . t o 1 2 : 3 0 p. m . M o n day, M ay 7, 11 : 3 0 a . m . t o 1 2 : 3 0 p. m . M o n day, J u n e 4 , 11 : 3 0 a . m . t o 1 2 : 3 0 p. m .
Nutrition Workshop Luncheons
Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables will be presenting information on how to shop healthy on a budget and prepare healthy foods for yourself and your family. Each Nutrition Workshop Luncheon includes a free healthy lunch, recipe demonstration with free samples, and giveaways for participating! Upcoming Nutrition Workshop Luncheons are scheduled for the following dates: W e d n e s day, A pr i l 4 , 1 2 : 0 0 t o 1 : 0 0 p. m . W e d n e s day, M ay 2 , 1 2 : 0 0 t o 1 : 0 0 p. m .
Nutrition Workshops
Just Say Yes to Fruits and Vegetables will be presenting information on how to shop healthy on a budget and prepare healthy foods for yourself and your family. Each Nutrition Workshop includes a recipe demonstration with free samples and giveaways for participating! Upcoming Nutrition Workshops are scheduled for the following dates: W e d n e s day, J u n e 6 , 1 2 : 0 0 t o 1 : 0 0 p. m .
help the hope center : volunteer or donate toda y ! 8 9 3 - 7 2 2 2 e x t . 3 1 0
Partner Agencies Schedule These agencies visit the Hope Center on a regular basis and provide free services. We encourage you to take advantage of these programs while they are in your neighborhood!
Ag e n cy N a m e
Sc h e du le d Ti m e
S e rv i c e s Off e r e d
Alianza Latina, Inc.
M o n days 2 : 3 0 – 5 : 0 0 p. m .
HIV testing
Evolation Yoga
F r i days 1 : 0 0 – 2 : 0 0 p. m .
Free yoga classes
Planned Parenthood of WNY
2 n d & 4t h W e d n e s days 3 : 0 0 – 5 : 0 0 p. m .
GYN exams, birth control, condoms, emergency contraception, STI & HIV testing, pregnancy testing, cancer screening
UB Educational Opportunity Center
3 r d T u e s day 2 : 3 0 – 5 : 0 0 p. m .
Information about educational and training programs offered at EOC
Veterans’ Services Goodwill Industries of WNY
T h u r s days , 3 : 0 0 – 5 : 0 0 p. m .
Job search for veterans
urban diner by friends of night people
R e c i pe C o r n e r
Tasha’s Mac-n-Cheese
O Instructions:
k, ok, ok! Ever since the first time I prepared homemade mac-n-cheese for the Urban Diner for Christmas 2009, you guys have been asking me how I made it and what was in it! Now you guys will be able to prepare it for yourselves at home with my recipe! I normally prepare homemade macn-cheese for special occasions such as birthdays and holidays, so this recipe serves 10-12 people.
Bring water and 1 tablespoon of oil to a boil in large pot. Once water is boiling, add elbow noodles and boil approximately 7 minutes. Drain noodles and place in a large baking or roasting pan. Add 2 sticks butter and salt, pepper, and onion powder to taste – stir until butter is melted. Add 3 cans of evaporated milk and stir. Beat 6 eggs in a separate bowl and then add to noodle mixture and stir. Always add milk before eggs, so the eggs don’t cook from the hot noodles. Chop all cheese into small squares, add cheese to noodle mixture, and stir. Bake at 375’ for 45 minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes and enjoy!
Ingredients: 2 lb. box elbow noodles 3 cans evaporated milk 2 sticks butter 1 lb. American cheese 3 8 oz. blocks cheddar cheese 6 eggs Salt to taste Pepper to taste Onion powder to taste 1 Tbsp. Oil
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Housing First
Housing First case manager Floyd Smith with Job Development crew: Brian, James, and Charles
Job Skills Development Program
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his program is available to formerly homeless individuals. They earn a small stipend to work at the Hope Center, which is funded entirely by private donations. The cost of sponsoring one homeless individual in a job activity for one year is $2,000. This includes a stipend and travel expenses. The ultimate goal of the program is to better prepare individuals for employment.
To sponsor a Housing First bowling team, please call 893-7222 ext. 310.
The Housing First crew enjoys an evening of bowling
p o e t ry C o r n e r
Hope is remaining positive when the going gets tough; Hope is seeking more when others think you’ve had enough; Hope is dreaming of tomorrow even when there’s sorrow; Hope is as light as a feather; Hope keeps us together Shortly after joining the Housing First program, Raheem completed his GED and is now enrolled at ECC.
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–raheem owens
housing first member
help the hope center : volunteer or donate toda y ! 8 9 3 - 7 2 2 2 e x t . 3 1 0
bowling night photos!
M James
James is interviewed by Channel 2 News reporter Theresa LaDuca
stories of hope:
y story begins when I was working at BFI in the recycling department. I began working there through a temporary agency and BFI hired me permanently after six months. I really enjoyed working there and I made good pay and had full health benefits. About a year after I started working there, I had a very painful breakup with my girlfriend of 13 years. I started missing work and drinking a lot of alcohol every day. I knew that if I continued like that, I would get fired, so I spoke to my supervisor and asked for help. I then went to in-patient rehab for one month and returned to work. Almost four years after I started work at BFI, I was laid off. This was the beginning of my downward spiral. Without a paycheck, I couldn’t pay rent, buy food, clothes, or take care of my children. I was really depressed and alcohol was my way out. I stayed with people for few days at a time, but nobody wants a stinking drunk or a thief in their house. At that point, I had nowhere to go but the streets, and I bottomed out. To read the rest of James’ story and other “Stories of Hope” go to: urbanctr.org/ matturbanhopecenter/storiesofhope.html
ARTWORK C o r n e r
–chris Z learn more at urbanctr . org and sta y up - to - date on
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Thank You, Kathy!
Our Staff
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veryone at the Hope Center would like to give a big thank you to Kathy Kalwicki, our dedicated volunteer receptionist! Kathy has been volunteering at the Hope Center since 2010. She faithfully comes to the Hope Center every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday to help us in the office. Kathy helps in dozens of ways, including answering the telephones, working on special projects, and keeping us organized! The next time you are at the Hope Center, give Kathy a big smile and say hello – she is an essential part of our team and does it all out of the kindness of her heart.
e had Three, hard-working interns on our team this year. They did an amazing job and we will miss them! Thank you, all!
Michelle Wilczewski, MSW, Univ. at Buffalo Danielle Maurice, MSW, Univ. at Buffalo Deanna Milleander, BSW, Buffalo State
Word Search Puzzle
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CHELI: Opportunity Corps Food Stamp Outreach DANIELLE: Hope Center Intern from UB DEANNA: Hope Center Intern from Buffalo State FLOYD: Housing First Case Manager HOLLY: Homeless Outreach Case Manager JOY: Hope Center Director KAREN: Homeless Services Coordinator KATHY: Volunteer Receptionist LINDA: Homeless Outreach Case Manager MICHELLE: Hope Center Intern from UB PATRICIA: Housing First Case Manager TARA: Hope Center Program Developer
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Hope begins in the dark, the stubborn hope that if you just show up and try to do the right thing, the dawn will come. You wait and watch and work: you don’t give up.
–Anne Lamott
H o pe C e n t e r S ta ff S p o t li g h t
Cheli Bremmer
O pp o r t u n i t y C o r p s F o o d S ta m p O u t r e ac h Wo r k e r
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e would like to introduce Cheli Bremmer, the newest addition to the Hope Center staff! Cheli is a member of the Opportunity Corps and is here at the Hope Center as a Food Stamp Outreach Worker for one year. If you want to find out if you can get Food Stamps or have any questions about your Food Stamp case, Cheli is here to help you! Food Stamp outreach isn’t all that Cheli does, though! You will also see her working with the Urban Diner and helping with other Hope Center programming. Say hello to Cheli and welcome her to the neighborhood – we are excited to have her here!
help the hope center : volunteer or donate toda y ! 8 9 3 - 7 2 2 2 e x t . 3 1 0
In Support
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he Hope Center is always in need of volunteers and donations to help us continue to support the families and individuals in need in the Broadway-Fillmore district. We are a 501(c) organization, so all of your donations and services are tax-deductible! Checks can be made payable to “The Matt Urban Hope Center.”
d o n at i o n s i g n - u p
Yes, I would like to donate to the Hope Center! Most Wanted Items These items are common, but indispensable:
□ Socks □ Soap □ Blankets □ Toilet Paper □ Deodorant □ Underwear □ Dishes □ Sheets □ Blankets □ Small Appliances □ Gift Cards
Major Items □ Outreach Van
The homeless outreach team is in need of a van to transport clients to shelters, or to help them move into their new homes.
Sponsorship Opportunities □ Formerly Homeless Job Development Worker
Sponsor one homeless individual in a job activity for one year. The goal of the program is to prepare individuals for employment. a n n ua l c o s t pe r pe r s o n : $ 2 ,0 0 0
□ Housing First Bowling Team
This therapeutic activity allows Housing First participants to bowl on a monthly basis for one year. a n n ua l c o s t pe r t e a m (o f f i v e ) : $ 2 , 4 0 0
□ Funshop
Funshops allow us to educate clients in a fun, creative environment. Prizes, materials, decorations, and refreshments. c o s t pe r e v e n t: $1 0 0
vo l u n t e e r s i g n - u p
Yes, I would like to volunteer for the Hope Center!
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e are in need of volunteers for the Urban Diner, at Funshops, to sort donations, to answer phones and to do clerical work, or to join a fundraising committee. If you would like to lend a hand, we can find a way for you to help!
Name Email
Phone
Address
Group/Organization
No. in Group
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BUFFALO, NY PERMIT #1180
Help the Hope Center: volunteer or donate today! Call 893-7222 ext. 310
Most Wanted:
Socks Soap Blankets Toilet Paper nt DeodoDrisa hes
Underwear
Sheets Blankets Small Appliances Gift Cards
de si gn & pre sen tat i o n d o n at ed by: