The Spirit Spring 2012 by Catholic Charities Trenton

The Spirit www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org www.njgives.org

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The Longest Journey Starts With a Single Step Two employees take steps toward renewing their work lives Kevin Countryman Mobile Response and Stabilization Services, Hamilton

Spring 2012

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Who’s Got Spirit?

Beth Sidlow, Client Service Data Analyst Billing Department, Trenton Beth is a highly engaged volunteer and passionate affordable housing advocate who juggles her work responsibilities with graduate study:

Kevin Countryman and his co-workers won Best Team Kevin Countryman and Best Individual Walkers in an agencywide competition geared to improving health and wellness. As a team, the “Mobile Monsters” walked more than 3,000 miles during the 10-week competition and Kevin alone accounted for 1,689,064 steps or 800 miles!

“I recently traveled to Chile with a group called Sin Fronteras - one of our professors from Monmouth University takes a group of students each Beth Sidlow year to a community called La Pincoya in Santiago, Chile. We met with folks who had experienced displacement, imprisonment, torture and the loss of loved ones through death or disappearance as the result of the Pinochet dictatorship. We also assisted at a camp for kids called Colonia Urbana. I was with a group of 9 and 10 year olds and let me tell you, boys will be boys wherever you go. The worse behaved they are, the more I love them, because I know they just want to be loved. I am more committed than ever to complete my MSW and work in this directly with children and their • Catholic Charities’ new families who are look! Page 2 struggling.” • A tribute to Mary Ellen

Kevin says, “I just embraced those 68 days and went nuts, walking more than 3 hours per day, averaging 11.75 miles daily. The best part was walking with coworkers during breaks and after work.” Kevin maximized the benefits of this wellness competition: “I bought an iPod and got to know everyone at Veteran’s Park as I would see the same walkers and joggers and dogs each day. I spent time reflecting on how blessed I am and positive thoughts creeped in throughout each day. I began trying to run 4 laps around the track each day without stopping. It was very hard but I began running a mile a day without stopping, a real accomplishment for me. Now I’m up to running six miles and am in the best shape of my life. This walking competition enhanced and changed my life for the better in so many ways. I am starting graduate school this summer. I am setting and achieving goals. My relationships across all domains continue to grow and get healthier as I get healthier. I am so blessed, cold weather and wind doesn’t cloud my daily run at all. In fact, I welcome it.”

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Blackwell Page 4 La Orilla Hispana Page 6 Title Resource Group Saves the Day… Again! Page 7

From the director... As spring emerges, we are surrounded by signs of new growth and filled with a surge of energy and reinvigorated hope. It’s that time of the year when we seek to realign with our spiritual self and our physical surroundings. At Catholic Charities, we are similarly engaged in a realignment activity to ensure clarity of purpose and direction in our rapidly changing environment. We face policy changes in both the public and private sectors that present us with challenges and opportunities in the near and distant future. We want to make certain that we will continue to provide sustainable, efficient and quality services. We are committed to serving consumers with dignity, sound stewardship of our resources and retaining a professional staff. A few examples of our sustainability and stewardship efforts include: piloting green energy with the installation of solar cells on the roof of our Providence House program in Ocean County; installing software in order to provide webinars, thus minimizing the need for travel between offices; upgrading our healthcare database software to comply with anticipated mandates regarding electronic record-keeping; and as for stewardship, we are expanding our Circle of Friends initiative to involve a wider band of supporters. I invite you to learn more about some of the exciting changes blossoming at Catholic Charities by visiting our newly re-engineered website and by visiting one of our programs or attending an event. Make sure you also take some time along the way to stop and smell the roses and to give thanks. Sincerely,

Donation Station Join us in our March Against Hunger! Emergency & Community Services (ECS) participates in the Alan Feinstein Foundation Annual $1 Million Giveaway to Fight Hunger. The more donations made, the more money ECS will receive from the Feinstein challenge! Contribute online at www.njgives.org or drop off your food donation between March 1st and April 30th at the Emergency & Community Services location nearest you. Contact Barbara Clancey, Community Affairs Manager of ECS, at 609-599-1246 or at bclancey@cctrenton.org for items needed and locations.

BTW we have a COO new website, PROPS, CMO K? New website adds social media tools to expand awareness of agency’s mission

It is often said that an organization’s website serves as its front door. As part of a broad effort to enhance awareness of Catholic Charities as a worthwhile investment among potential stakeholders, the agency’s online “front door” recently underwent a major re-design. A committee comprised of clinical and managerial staff from throughout the agency developed a comprehensive list of recommendations and collaborated with Dragonfly Interactive, a local website and branding firm, to create the new website. Messages and images that better convey our mission and activities were selected and we made it even easier to donate online. New additions include links to social media applications Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to exponentially increase the number of positive impressions we make with friends and supporters. We are also incorporating the new website’s look and feel into our print materials, including The Spirit. Curious? Take a moment to visit www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org and please let us know what you think. If you are interested in receiving The Spirit via email, please contact Kat O’Connor at koconnor1@cctrenton.org or 609-394-5181 ext. 1117.

Marlene Laó-Collins 2

A Memorial: Mary Ellen Blackwell, Director of the Office of Parish Social Ministry Mary Ellen Blackwell, the Director of Parish Social Ministry at Catholic Charities since 1999, passed away peacefully on February 5th, following a 5-month battle with cancer. Her responsibilities included strengthening the partnership between Catholic Charities and the parishes of the Diocese of Trenton and she served as a catalyst and resource for social concerns ministries throughout the diocese and beyond. She belonged to many faith-based social justice organizations and demonstrated an unwavering and passionate commitment to recognizing the dignity of all living creatures and to her belief that we must serve as good stewards of the one earth we all share. A recent high point of her career was achieved when a new program that she had vigorously advocated for finally came to fruition with a generous grant from Bishop Smith in 2008. The Parish Emergency Assistance Program, better known as PEAP, joined parishes and Catholic Charities together to provide assistance to individuals and families in need of financial help. Mary Ellen will be greatly missed by her family of co-workers at Catholic Charities, her shoes are impossible to fill and her iconoclastic, irreverent wit and wisdom is irreplaceable. She kept a favorite anecdote given to her by a friend, its author unknown, and it is fitting to share with a wider circle for it speaks to her spirit of giving: A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. “I’ve been thinking,” he said, “I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone.” “The Wise Woman’s Stone” Author Unknown

Our 2012 Ray of Hope Gala is Friday, April 27th! This year’s honorees are Michael and Mary Lee of St. Leo the Great Parish in Lincroft. Thank you to our 2012 sponsors and underwriters! Gold Level Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Durso

Wakefern Food Corporation Silver Level Circle Hyundai Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Griffin Pewter Level Amboy Bank BA Securities Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Coyle Enform HR Giordano, Halleran & Ciesla Saker ShopRites, Inc. Bronze Level ParenteBeard, LLC 4

Cocktail Reception Underwriter Circle BMW Dinner Underwriter Gibbons P.C. Entertainment Underwriter The Allied Group Underwriter opportunities still available: Décor/Ammenities, Media Please visit www.njrayofhope.org for more details!

A Planned Gift Provides a Surprise Rescue “It is often in the darkest skies that we see the brightest stars.” -Richard Evans, historian It looked as though 2011 would be especially stressful to those charged with minding the bottom line at Providence House Domestic Violence Services. Jean Metz, Providence House Director since 1990 was concerned that funding shortfalls would necessitate cuts to services. Then, out of the clear blue, it happened. Jean recalls, “I learned that Providence House had been named a beneficiary of a $202,418 bequest from an anonymous donor.” Dennis Sailer, the attorney responsible for disbursing the donor’s estate was familiar with Providence House and recommended the program as a good investment. According to Dennis, “I had heard of the good work that Providence House does through the volunteer work my wife was involved in for many years. I am also aware that Catholic Charities is a good philanthropic investment since more than 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly into programs for people of all faiths. As an attorney, when I am asked for suggestions on where to leave money in a will – Catholic Charities is on my short list.” Jean is thankful for this surprise gift: “Providence House relies heavily on the generosity of individuals to maintain the life saving services we offer to survivors of domestic violence. Without the funds from this estate in 2011 we would have been forced to make drastic cuts in programming, making it very difficult to be the lifeline to individuals and their children who are in crisis. I am profoundly grateful to this donor for remembering us in her will. Her generous gift has helped us continue working toward our vision of peace in all homes.” This generous gift clearly provided life saving support to the families who use Providence House services. The rewards of providing support in this manner are also significant for the donor, for they have the satisfaction of knowing a cause close to their heart will benefit from their gift. If you are interested in including Catholic Charities in your estate planning and/or will please contact Nancy Tompkins, Development Director at ntompkins@cctrenton.org or at 609-394-5181 ext. 1161. You should also consider speaking with your attorney and/or accountant as they can provide you specific advice to help determine the exact form of your charitable gift. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and all donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. 5

Save the Date! The Guardian Angel Dinner Dance kick off reception will be on May 17th at The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village. The Guardian Angel Dinner Dance will be on September 23rd, also at The Westin. For sponsorship information and program journal and auction opportunities, please contact Jane Hargraves at 609-394-5181 ext. 1159 or jhargraves@cctrenton. org, or visit www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org and click on the Guardian Angel Dinner Dance button in the middle column. Thank you to our 2012 sponsors: Floral and Band Sponsor Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Video Sponsors Riverview Studios Roma Bank Behavioral Health Services Sponsor Novo Nordisk Archangels Reilly Financial Group, an office of MetLife Guardian Angels Lammey and Giorgio Architects New Jersey Natural Gas St. Catherine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake Angels Georgian Court University J. H. Cohn Peter and Mary Ellen Griffin PNC Russo Music Center St. Robert Bellarmine Church

La Orilla Hispana/The Spanish Edge Roberto Hernandez, director de El Centro de Recursos/Program Director of El Centro

2012 marca el Décimo año que El Centro vive la Pasión de Cristo

¿Se siente estresado en su relacion? El Centro de Recursos para Familias, de Catholic Charities está ofreciendo un programa para el fortalecimiento de matrimonio para todas las parejas latinas que residen en las comunidades de la Diócesis de Trenton. El Centro fue una de las pocas agencias en todo el país que recibió una subvención federal para facilitar este programa.

Durante 12 años, El Centro ha coordinado con entusiasmo la representación de la Pasión de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, incluyendo las estaciones de la Cruz, a través de las calles de la ciudad de Trenton. Es una manera de compartir nuestra fe católica con los miembros de la comunidad más vulnerables. Muchas de las familias que visitan El Centro están en riesgo y muchos, al principio desconfían de las organizaciones que les ofrecen ayuda. Nuestra conexión con la Iglesia Católica nos representa como un refugio seguro para las familias que desean lograr la autosuficiencia con la ayuda que podamos brindarle.

El Centro alienta a todas las parejas latinas antes del matrimonio, casados o que cohabitan en Mercer, Burlington, Monmouth y los condados de Ocean para inscribirse en este curso, llamado PREP (Programa de Prevención y mejoramiento de la relación) Este curso gratuito, ofrece ya sea un fin de semana de dos días o 3-4 clases por la tarde, y ayuda a mejorar la comunicación de la pareja, a sobrellevar el manejo de conflictos y la conexión espiritual que resulta en un ambiente familiar más positivo. En El Centro, creemos que mediante el fortalecimiento de una familia, nos ayudará a asegurar su estabilidad.

La pasión de Cristo cuenta con la asistencia de cientos de personas que se alinean a lo largo de la ruta para vivir la experiencia final de Jesús entre nosotros y animamos a todos a querer ser parte de este gran y acogedor acontecimiento. Siempre deseando que más personas se unan y quieran participar, ya sea como familias, niños, grupos de la iglesia - todos están invitados a unirse a nosotros. Para obtener más información sobre cómo participar en la Pasión, llame a Roberto Hernández al 609-394-2056.

Para registrarse, comuníquese con Bertha Ramírez llamando al 609-394-2056.

Relationship blues?

2012 Marks the 11th Year that El Centro stages The Passion

El Centro de Recursos of Catholic Charities is now offering a free marriage-strengthening course to Latino couples residing in the communities within the Diocese of Trenton. El Centro was one of just a few agencies around the country to receive a Federal grant to provide this program.

For the past 12 years, El Centro has enthusiastically coordinated the re-enactment of the Passion, including live stations of the Cross, through Trenton. It is one way in which we can share our Catholic faith with our most vulnerable community members. Many of the families we see are at risk and some are initially mistrustful of organizations who offer to help them. Our connection to the Catholic Church establishes us as a safe haven for these families who can achieve self-sufficiency with our assistance.

El Centro encourages all Latino pre-marital, married or cohabitating couples in Mercer, Burlington, Monmouth and Ocean Counties to sign up for this course, called PREP (Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program). This free course, offered over a two-day weekend or 3-4 evenings, enhances a couple’s communications, conflict management and spiritual connection resulting in a more positive home environment. At El Centro, we believe that by strengthening a family, we help to insure its sustainability.

The Passion is attended by hundreds who line up along the route to experience Jesus’ final walk among us and we encourage anyone wishing to participate – families, children, other – to join us. To learn more about getting involved in the Passion, call Roberto Hernandez at 609394-2056.

To register, call Bertha Ramirez at 609-394-2056. 6

Title Resource Group Saves the Day… Again! For more than three years, Title Resource Group (TRG), one of the nation’s largest real estate title and settlement providers, has been regularly assisting Providence House, Domestic Violence Services of Catholic Charities in Burlington County with a multitude of projects and services. Despite challenging economic conditions of the nation’s housing market, TRG increased their help each year, expanding their giving to include food drives. According to John Lyons, Chairman of TGR CARES, “Title Resource Group is proud to support Providence House. Our commitment to them has grown because of the volunteer experiences of our team players.” In 2011, TRG volunteered at the safe house helping with numerous projects. And they never come empty-handed. On our “Day of Caring” they brought food, cleaning supplies and personal goods. After their yard work project they donated their yard equipment for future projects. A team of volunteers from TRG tackled a broken metal swing set needing removal. They not only removed the swings, but returned to fund and build a new swing set. TRG also helped us reduce our construction costs by removing additional play ground equipment during a recent construction project. In addition to all the hands-on work, TRG was a supporting sponsor of the Taste of Burlington County, Providence House’s annual fundraiser. We are grateful for their commitment to being a community partner with Providence House and helping us advance our mission to promote peace in all homes.

Great volunteers don’t grow on trees, but they do help raking leaves

David Heskin has established a reputation in Ocean County as a handyman extraordinaire and over the last decade, has racked up thousands of hours as a volunteer for Catholic Charities’ Fix-It program. The program helps seniors live safely and independently in their own homes by providing minor repairs and modifications, as well as spring/fall yard clean-ups at no charge through the good will of volunteers such as David. He was honored as the Ocean County Light of Hope at the agency’s annual Guardian Angel Dinner Dance in 2008 for his commitment to serving the community’s poor and vulnerable.

In addition to his years of work with the Fix-It Program, he served four years on the finance committee of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish in Spring Lake. He is a member of the Notre Dame Club of the Jersey Shore since 1996, serving as President in 2000, 2001, and 2003. He received the Club’s “Award of the Year” in 2002. He has also held leadership and consulting roles with Coastal Habitat for Humanity and Coastal Caregivers. Paula Hoffman, director of the Fix-It Program, calls Heskin “a dream volunteer who takes on an unbelievable amount of responsibility.” Paula also notes that the program is currently in need of volunteers, due to the increased need for services as well as losing some volunteers to retirement and re-location. A recent example of the type of project a Fix-It volunteer could tackle is helping with yard clean ups. This fall, the Fix-It program received many requests for help with leaf collection so David Heskin engaged some extra help from the Notre Dame Club and Christian Brothers Academy. On one day alone, he recruited 42 volunteers which he then broke into three teams who raked at the homes of nine clients. To learn more about becoming a Fix-It program volunteer in Ocean County, contact Paula Hoffman by calling her by calling her at (732) 350-4120 or at PHoffman@cctrenton.org. 7

Publisher: Marlene Laó-Collins Editor in Chief: Lisa Thibault lthibault@cctrenton.org Graphic Designer: Christa Marzan cmarzan@cctrenton.org Contributors: Maria Duarte, Jane Hargraves, Roberto Hernandez, Marlene Laó-Collins, Christa Marzan, Mary Pettrow, Lisa Thibault Printing: Garrison Printing Company Pennsauken, NJ This publication was created at Catholic Charities’ Central Administrative Services. 383 West State Street Trenton, NJ 08607 609-394-5181

Eagle Scout Project at the Safe House Matt Velzy watched his brother build a basketball court at the Providence House Domestic Violence Services Safe House in Burlington County a few years ago. This year, it was Matt’s turn. Matt and his troop came to Providence House to clear the poison ivy infested brush away from the perimeter of our Safe house. He then returned multiple times to measure, install fencing to prevent regrowth, clear the dangerous brush and to mulch the pathway around the perimeter. The children can now play worry-free anywhere in the yard and our staff can walk around the Safe House fence like never before thanks to Matt and his Troop.

383 West State Street P.O. Box 1423 Trenton, NJ 08607-1423 www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org

The Spirit Staff:

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