shelterworks News from the Willis Dady Emergency Shelter
Dusty’s Corner “Though nothing can bring back the hour of the splendor in the grass, of the glory in the flower; we will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind; In the primal sympathy which having been must ever be’ In the soothing thoughts that spring out of human suffering…” ~William Wordsworth~
Jamie was well-kept, articulate and by all standards, a pleasant person to be around. If you saw her on the street she would smile and greet you, you would do the same, not thinking anything was odd or strange about her and go about your day. However if you spent any significant time with her, you would come to realize that her logic in conversation did not make sense at times.
Spring
2013
I was introduced to Jamie by an outreach worker from the ABBE Center for Community Mental Health in July of 2008. She was sleeping outside with nothing but a couple of blankets and a small sack in which she kept everything she owned. It came to our attention that Jamie had been diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic but was refusing to take her medications. Her belief was that her husband and children were looking for her and would one day find her. In reality her husband had left her, taking the children due to dangers caused by her untreated mental state. Jamie slept outside for many years. We visited her several times every year but were never able to convince her to accept services. Efforts were made to commit her to the hospital but because she was not a danger to herself or others they were unsuccessful. In late 2012 I received a phone call informing me that Jamie had become Ill and checked herself into the hospital. Doctors were able to diagnose her mental health conditions and got her on the correct medications. Jamie is now in a local assisted living program and will be moving into her own apartment soon.
--Dusty
Dady Doings 2nd Annual Willis Dady Benefit Concert & Silent Auction 6:30pm Saturday, March 2, 2013 Featuring Anji Kat and Kevin ‘B.F.’ Burt Location: Marion Knights of Columbus Hall, 5650 Kacena Avenue in Marion Sponsored by U of I Community Credit Union Purchase tickets on our website: www.willisdady.org.
Benefit evening at Devotay
117 N. Linn St. in Iowa City Sunday, April 28, 5:30 – 9:00pm
2nd Annual Run For Shelter 5K event,
Saturday, August 24 Look for more information on our website and in the Summer 2013 shelterworks.
Willis Dady Emergency Shelter Board of Directors Janet Slimak, President David Fisher, Vice President Tim Wilson, Executive Director
Bobette Ash, Secretary Jasmine Almoayed Gabe Erickson
Kay Henry Eric Jacobs Rebecca Jacobs
Sam Jones James Locke Theresa Ann Trimble
Jason Vestweber Robin Wagner
Most of us who enter into the social services do so in part because we enjoy helping people. Sometimes the results of our efforts are glowing success stories, but much of the time, we do what we do without ever learning about the impact of our actions. Below is a recent example of local professionals from different offices working together to help someone in a particular moment of need. It is excerpted from an email I received from Jeff Tourdot, Interim General Assistance Director for Linn County, which I am sharing with Jeff ’s permission. -- Tim Wilson
was there sitting with the gentleman listening to his story and providing him water and Kleenex. Brian accommodated the gentleman, Martha, and I with the Treasurer’s conference room and then later brought the man a cup of coffee.
Third Act of Kindness: Martha was able to talk to the gentleman in a way that he listened. Martha reassured him he would not be sleeping in the cold tonight and asked that he come to Willis Dady to get a warm shower and a good night’s rest. Martha told him the rest could I wanted to pass along my appreciation for everyone’s be sorted out tomorrow. I then drove the gentleman to efforts in getting a homeless man that was in the cold Willis Dady per Maggie allowing me to use the case to shelter this evening. Maggie (Beavers, Linn County management vehicle to accomplish this need. MHDD Services) received a phone call from Kathy Fourth Act of Kindness: The staff at Willis Dady (Silhanek, Linn County Community Services) just greeted the gentleman and again reassured him he after 4:00 PM and asked for my assistance. A man at would be out of the cold tonight. Martha reminded him the Jean Oxley Building front desk was asking to shovel she would be back tomorrow to help him figure out the people out so that he could be out of the cold. Kathy next step for his life. asked if we could help. …I was proud of our community and the fact we have First Act of Kindness: My first phone call was made to organizations such as Willis Dady that at a moment’s Willis Dady. I was able to speak with Martha (Carter, notice drop everything they are doing to help. I wanted Case Manager) and inform her of the situation. Martha to pass this story on as a reminder that each of us in without hesitation stated “I will meet you over there.” our own way makes a difference…I close with this Second Act of Kindness: When I arrived at the Jean statement Martha made to the gentleman in terms of Oxley Building, Martha was waiting for me. We walked hope as he stated feelings of despair… it is simple but in and were told the gentleman was at the top of the it is true…. “Tomorrow is a new day.” I left with that steps. (Linn County Deputy Treasurer) Brian Gradoville thought, reminding me it is another opportunity.
Give to wdeS
How Can I Help? Overnight Volunteer
Volunteer at Willis Dady
Financial Support
Donate Items to Stuff, Etc.
Willis Dady is in need of volunteers to staff the overnights. If you would like to find out how you can help and volunteer please contact Paul at 319-362-7555, or vista1@willisdady.org Help Now To contribute to shelter operations and services:
Online 1. Go to http://willisdady.org/ 2. Click on “How to Help” 3. Click on the box near the bottom labeled “Donate Now through Network for Good” 4. Enter your donation and credit card number
Invest In Our Future To help ensure that shelter and services continue into the future, make a donation to our Prairie Fund Endowment at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.
Online 1. Go to https://gcrcf.org. 2. Move cursor to “Donors” option near top of page 3. Click on “Giving Options” 4. Click on “Search Giving Options” 5. Scroll down to “Willis Dady Emergency Shelter” on alphabetical list and click on “Action” at far right Phone 1. 319 366-2862
Our Sunday Table Program
Willis Dady is looking for groups to prepare a Sunday lunch for approximately 30 people and bring it to the shelter; we provide tableware and the mouths to feed. Clients and staff enjoy the meal and conversation. All help clean up. “ A few 2013 dates are still available, especially in the summer.
WDES is proud to be a Partner Agency of the United Way of East Central Iowa
Willis Dady is always in need of volunteers for all kinds of tasks. Please contact Paul for details at 319-362-7555, or email vista1@willisdady.org WDES has made arrangements with Stuff, Etc. to accept items on behalf of the shelter. Proceeds from sold items will be applied to our account. When dropping off at Stuff, Etc., 252 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE C.R. Please use account number 13519.
Thank
Special thanks to some of Those who have recently given Donations or awarded Grants Adcraft Printing Cargill City of Cedar Rapids CDBG Fairfax State Savings Bank First Congregational United Church of Christ First Presbyterian Church Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Community Fund Organizational Development Fund JF Kennedy High School Student Government Mercy Medical Staff St. Pius X Catholic Church Thrivent Financial Toyota Motor Corporation
Willis Dady Emergency Shelter, Inc. 1247 4th Ave SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 49 Cedar Rapids, IA
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Board Members Meet Our Board Members!
Jason Vestweber
Jason Vestweber grew up on a farm in North Central Iowa and attended Waldorf College and Mankato State University. He moved to Cedar Rapids in 1999. In recent years, Jason left the corporate world and joined Sue Byers to form Vestweber, Byers & Sellers and now directs his owns real estate team at Skogman Realty. Jason is a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and a member of the Graduate REALTOR institute (GRI). Jason also serves on the board of Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC). He and his wife Heather are the proud parents of 11 year old Maddie and 9 year old Cooper. They live in Northeast Cedar Rapids. Jason is proud of the work being done for the clients at Willis Dady. “This is a fantastic community service and the clients WDES serves are forever grateful for their efforts.�