Franciscan Ministries' Newsletter - Spring 2022

SPRING 2022 NEWSLETTER The Begging Bowl

From the Desk of

Executive Director, Sarah Wagner, LISW-S, CDCA

I

t has been a very busy time at Franciscan Ministries (FM) since I assumed the position in late November. As is the case with most organizations, COVID continued to wreak havoc in 2021 and into 2022. FM’s programs were/are no exception. Most programs operated at a diminished capacity (however, stayed operational) and have only now begun to recuperate and rebound.

I have been awed by the quality of the organization; both staff and program. FM is clearly mission-driven and focuses entirely on lending a hand up to those who experience hardship, trauma, and other challenges. FM believes in treating its employees with respect and dignity and it is apparent the moment you enter its facilities and is paid forward in our work with clients. I am honored to be a part of such a special organization and look forward to what lies ahead.

Welcome!

Franciscan Ministries would like to welcome Pamela Carroll-Dean and Grace Marie Eckman to our FM team.

Pamela Carroll-Dean joined Franciscan Ministries as Director of Tamar’s Center. Pam comes to FM with a wealth of experience, particularly in the domestic violence arena, and will lead Tamar’s to continue as a highly regarded program in the city and one that complements and enhances what is already available in our new neighborhood. Pam will be paramount in future planning as well. Pam joins Julie Mulcahey in the daily operations of Tamar’s Center.

Pamela Carroll-Dean, B.S.,LCDC II

In January, Grace Marie Eckman joined FM as The Development Coordinator. Grace Marie has held previous positions from teaching to administrative assistant to a planned giving coordinator. Grace Marie brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role and is a welcoming presence to FM. Grace Marie Eckman

Haircuts from the Heart

Tamar's Center

Tau House

Community Garden

1

New Beginnings for Tamar’s Center Franciscan Ministries is proud to announce a new location and home for Tamar’s Center.

F

ranciscan Ministries is proud to announce a new location and home for Tamar’s Center. After years of searching, Franciscan Ministries is abundantly grateful to the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor for providing funding to secure the purchase of a 2,500 sq. ft. house in Lower Price Hill. The new facility has the room to offer assistance to more clients looking for rehabilitative services.

The three levels of the house have been redecorated and repurposed to suit the needs of the clients, and offices for the staff. Clients can shower, sleep peacefully out of harm’s way and enjoy a meal prepared by the professional kitchen staff in the dining room dedicated to Sr. Grace Pleiman, the founder of Tamar’s Center. A welcoming outdoor space has been refurbished into a relaxing patio and the front of the house now has flowers and greenery to welcome its guests. Clients also receive pivotal case management services to aid in their healing and recovery.

Franciscan Ministries would like to extend many “Thank You’s” to all those that gave their time, talent, and treasure to bring Tamar’s Center to the welcoming home it is. A

•

•

2 2 | Info@FranciscanMinistriesInc.org

Program News very grateful shout out to a few: a master of organization, Holly Maly‘s skills turned mountains of donations Holly Maly‘s skills turned mountains of donations into neatly catalogued and more tranquil rooms in which its contents are easily found. Ann Andriaccio painted the landscape mural that greets guests as they enter the house and Jeff Green graciously framed The Summer Fair Posters found throughout the house. The Tamar’s Center sign is the work and gift of Mary Ann Kerscher. The sign identifies the house to those looking for a welcoming space. We hope these beautiful works of art and their whimsical designs will be a bright spot in a client’s day.

An Open House took place on March 25th after renovations were completed. Members of the community were invited to join us in Sr. Marilyn Trowbridge, SFP, Sarah celebrating the new Wagner, Executive Director, Elaine Ward, facility for women in Pamela Carroll-Dean, Director, Tamar’s need of a safe place. The Center. community has been very welcoming and we are blessed to be among so many committed and dedicated social service and educational organizations.

Arts/Crafts – coloring books, crayons, paint sets, paint brushes, card stock and rubber stamps to create greeting cards, word search books, journals, ink pens, pencils, puzzles, playing cards, Uno cards, crochet set and yarn Rubber Stress balls, poetry books

• • • • •

Women’s shoes – all sizes (including size 11) Women’s pants – all sizes, including jeans Small hand held umbrellas Small decorative/colorful book bags 3 Shark bag less vacuum cleaners

Community Garden, Haircuts from the Heart, and Tau House.

Director of Operations Marci Peebles has begun this new year on a very positive note.

Community Garden - New and returning gardeners are reserving their plots and collecting their seeds for this year’s Community Garden. Although it is still too early to plant, preparations are being made to ensure all gardeners will have an abundance for their family table.

Haircuts from the Heart – Following the Covid-19 pandemic hiatus, Haircuts from the Heart is returning to service and making a few changes. After securing a new barber/stylist, the mobile salon will be stocked and ready to serve clients at our partner sites. Having mobility allows Haircuts to serve clients at locations where they are already receiving other services. We hope to provide this service at a greater number of sites to more individuals as the year progresses.

Tau House – We have already welcomed groups of young people from five states in 2022! Groups from Misericordia University (PA), Keuka College (NY), Assumption HS (KY), Providence Cristo Rey HS (IN), and Kent State (OH), have stayed with us while providing essential volunteer hours to local nonprofits that need the extra hands. So far, the time has been spent in service with Matthew 25 Ministries, St Vincent DePaul, Tikkun Farm, Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, New Life Furniture, Habitat for Humanity, Freestore Foodbank, and People Working Cooperatively. Additionally, we have hosted a handful of university groups spending time in retreat. We are in the midst of planning for full summer and fall seasons ahead.

To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit www.francinscanministriesinc.org To donate support: Email info@franciscanministriesinc.org Call 513-761-1697 Kroger Community Rewards link your Kroger Plus Card to Franciscan Ministries and shop. Kroger processes the donations and sends them to us!

Amazon Smile Visit Amazon.smile.com, sign in to your account, select Franciscan Ministries, and shop. Qualifying purchases will start earning to provide for the underserved in our community.

FranciscanMinistriesInc.org | 3

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PA I D CINCINNATI, OHIO PERMIT# 2580

Franciscan Ministries, Inc. 110 Compton Road Cincinnati, OH 45215

2021-2022 Annual Appeal

Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) Grant Received In March 2022, Franciscan Ministries was awarded $45,000 to help re-ignite programs affected by the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

The Grant was co-written by Sr. Marilyn Trowbridge, SFP, Sarah Wagner, Executive Director, and Marci Peebles, Director of Operations.

This funding will allow FM to hire staff to meet client and organizational needs. Also, one of our programs, Tamar’s Center, has recently relocated, further straining resources which are dearly needed to successfully re-launch and grow that ministry in its new location. Thank you LCWR!

Franciscan Ministries and the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor say a big “Thank you” to our neighbors and friends for supporting our ministries and programs for the underserved community.

Although The Covid-19 pandemic created difficulties for many, the Franciscan Ministries’ Annual Appeal was the recipient of Cincinnati’s generosity. As of February 1, 2022, and the close of the first wave of FM’s pinnacle fundraiser, $14,571.00 was received. The second wave of the Annual Appeal fundraiser will take place in May of 2022. A letter will be sent to individuals that may not have had the opportunity to previously donate.

Although we don’t set a goal for our fundraising efforts, to exceed the original accomplished dollar amount of $14,000. The additional funding will allow Franciscan Ministries to return to pre-pandemic status and also to expand program offerings. With the opening of the new Tamar’s Center in Lower Price Hill, we will reach a new community of women in crisis and offer the assistance they seek. Haircuts from the Heart will expand its mobile outreach and be accessible to more individuals in greater Cincinnati. Tau House will continue to host volunteers and empower these groups to work side by side with other local agencies and allow them to assist those they serve. The Community Garden will have fencing installed and new hoses will be purchased for the gardeners use.