An Incredible Year
Keevi’s Story
The work and growth of Lodi House has been nothing short of miraculous this past year. While coming out of a pandemic, the strength, endurance and grit of the Lodi House community, staff and board has been tested and refined. We are now a stronger sustainable organization that shines bright in the midst of much hopelessness and despair.
This year we provided direct services to 50 individuals in our shelter program. Eighty percent of the women obtained full-time employment and independent housing. Six mothers were reunified with their children who were previously living in the foster care system. Lodi House’s shelter staff received extensive training to better understand the devastating impact of trauma and how best to care for women and children in our program. We have increased the number of direct service hours and currently provide an Shelby Young, Executive Director average of 5 hours a day of relationship building to the mothers and children. This totals over 700 hours of care invested in the life and future of each family we serve. We expanded our work partnerships to include five new businesses that offer job opportunities to Lodi House residents. Lodi House Thrift Boutique was added to this list with the development of our newly launched work training program. A property with four housing units was purchased this year, more than doubling our ability to offer extended transitional services, accountability and the next step in independence for our graduates. Through generous donations at the thrift store, we were able to furnish these apartments and set up each new household comfortably. Overall Lodi House experienced increases in many key areas — new donors, in-kind and financial donations, community partnerships, volunteer hours, social media followers, grants, fundraisers and thrift store revenue. While the mission of Lodi House can feel overwhelming, this year’s gains illustrate a growing commitment, belief and generosity that keeps us moving forward. Your partnership makes our continued success possible. I am in awe of all we have been able to accomplish this past year and excited to see what is next as we work together empowering homeless women and children.
Keevi Reed had a childhood filled with abandonment, begging, murder, shoplifting, homelessness, school expulsions, fear and desperation.
The seeds were planted to form Lodi House 22 years ago, and it has been an amazing journey of dreams and growth. Since our Task Force first came together to develop a shelter for homeless women and children, we’ve seen the original home on Washington Street evolve into a safe place to land, into a transitional home for women to continue to grow, on to establishing Lodi House Thrift Boutique for a steady revenue stream and this past year adding our second transitional housing facility. The original dream has grown beyond our wildest imagination. And we are very thankful for all of you and the Lodi House staff who made it happen.
As a child, Keevi’s mother and stepfather left her often to fend for herself with several brothers and a sister. At 7, her stepfather taught her how to beg for money that he used to buy drugs and alcohol.
Now we need to plant more seeds to secure the future of Lodi House. Annual donations received each year, along with fundraising events and grants have been our lifeline, and we thank you! Looking into the future, our new dream is to focus on providing a more long-term plan for our loyal donors to consider. Including Lodi House in your estate plan can be done by donating stocks and bonds, listing Lodi House as the beneficiary of annuities, life insurance policies, retirement plans and listing Lodi
At 13, she was homeless. Her stepfather was gone, her mother lost housing support and moved Keevi and her four other kids into a van. Sometimes they stayed in motel rooms or moved in with any relative who would take them. At 15, her mother was in jail, and Keevi lived with her grandmother. She was expelled from high school for fighting. She started going to a continuation high school and finally stopped going to school altogether. Keevi was surrounded by violence and insecurity. By the time Keevi was 17, two family members had been shot and killed. A few years later, she held the hand of a friend as he died from gunshot wounds.
House to receive required minimum distributions from your IRA or other retirement plans. A financial advisor or Lodi House can easily assist you with setting up these types of financial plans that will keep mothers and children safe for years to come.
At 21, Keevi got arrested the day after her daughter’s first birthday. She spent 5 days in jail and her daughter was put in a foster home. It was the lowest Keevi had ever felt.
These past couple of years have been a struggle for many, but because of your loyalty and generosity, Lodi House is going strong. Let’s keep working together to secure Lodi House for those who need a safe place to land long into the future.
She struggled to find a way to get her life on track. She worked at a few jobs but typically left after the first paycheck. She enrolled in parenting classes and an online continuation high school. She slept on air mattresses and couches with different cousins, aunts and her grandmother.
“I let my daughter down. I let myself down,” she said.
A social worker told Keevi about Lodi House where the program could help her get the stability she needed. She got on the waiting list, but was soon pregnant again.
Christ’s Peace, Jim & Annette Murdaca, Lodi House Founders
17 adults and 33 children totaling 50 This is double the number of children served in 2020
At 10, she witnessed a drive-by shooting that left a young man dead.
At 19, she became pregnant and gave birth to her first daughter although she was still homeless and staying with different relatives.
Let the favor of the Lord be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17
SHELTER PROGRAM SERVED:
“I was a troubled kid,” Keevi, 23, said simply.
She was depressed, angry and lonely. She then became involved with a man who was a bad influence.
Dear Lodi House Donors,
Lodi House by the numbers
TRANSITIONAL PROGRAM SERVED:
In September 2021, Keevi moved into Lodi House. She gradually learned to trust others. She helped staff and discovered she loved preparing meals. “I just can’t thank God enough for placing me where he knew I needed to be,” she said. On Nov. 17, 2021, Keevi was awarded custody and reunited with her daughter Kh’Mirah. Two months later, her second daughter, Kh’Morah, was born.
8 adults and 27 children totaling 35 This is over twice as many children served in the prior two years combined MEALS
“I’ve been blessed to have a second chance at life and a second chance at being a mom again,” she said. Now Keevi is working as a prep cook at Hollywood Café. She’s saving money and will soon get her high school diploma. She’s looking forward to moving into a Lodi House transitional apartment. “I’ve come so far. I would never want to go backwards,” she said. “Because I went through a lot, I want to make sure my kids don’t.”
To other women facing trauma and desperation, Keevi said, “Keep faith, don’t ever lose it. There is hope out there. There are people who are strangers to you who will help you.”
13,140 a year COUNSELING
70 hours a year of professional family therapy
80% of participants were successful in obtaining employment and housing
6 families
Lodi House Board of Directors Mandy Whatley, Chair
Claire Forsythe, Treasurer
Joey Ferrari
Melina Puente
Dave Payne, Vice Chair
Michelle Munoz, Secretary
Kevin Kent
Josh Redding
Roya Main
were reunif ied out of the foster care system while in the Lodi House program
Thank you 2021 Donors $40,000-$45,000 Bart & Georgia Robertson Sunlight Giving
$5,000-$9,999
Emily & Heath Loney ALL KIDZ LLC - MICHAEL LEWIS R Zaballos & Sons Inc Nathan A. Kludt, MD John & Edyth Ledbetter Suncrest Bank Callie and Nathan Crum James Ehlers Insurance Lodi Rotary Satellite Club USG Corporation W Troy Beckman & Renee Beckman Trust Vino Farms Inc San Joaquin, Mental Health Grant Emergency Shelter and Food Grant
$15,000-$25,000 Marty & Christi Weybret Jim & Annette Murdaca San Joaquin Mental Health Joe & Darlene Clark DART Foundation $10,000-$14,999 B. Bowers Christian & Nancy Phillips L/G Anderson Family Foundation, Inc. Tiger Lines Inc. LangeTwins, Inc. Crete Family Foundation Emergency Solutions Grant
$2,500-$4,999
Eric and Kelly Collins Neil & Shelby Young Richard & Sheri Longmire United Way of San Joaquin County Erik & Suzanne Roget Family Trust David & Kandas Vaccarezza David & Pam Payne Kris Colwell Vink Custom Farming (Julia Vink) Alegre Trucking, Inc. The Gordon T & Melissa A Egan Family Foundation California Waste Recovery Systems
Government Funding
3%*
Thrift Boutique
17%
Private Donations & Grants
47%
Lodi House Fundraisers
37%
*This does not include Government American Rescue Act Funds of $846,811 for Transitional Apartment Property.
2021 Donations Given in Memory of: Weibel Vineyards Nancy Shock Hugh Merriam Tony & DeAnna Morefield David & Carolyn Krienke Kenneth & Nancy Mullen Charlotte Thomas Emanuel American Lutheran Church Jullian & Julia Meares Industrial Commercial Refrigeration Co. Attn: Jeff & Valerie Mustin Barbara George Judy & Daniel Lewis Jan & Patrick Sherman Kate Weybret Joe & Darlene Clark Family Trust
$1,000-$2,499
First Baptist Church CB Merchant Fund Nick Bokides & Kerry Heckman-Bokides Jon & Diana Hildebrand Robert & Letha Pinnell Betty Miller-Stinnett & Chuck Stinnett Penny Beckman James & Yoshiko Kim Geneva Logue Lodi Masonic Lodge No. 256 FHL Bank S.F. Bright Funds Foundation Lodi Community Foundation Donald & Marwedell Norman Nathan & Jeni Kludt Joe & Susan Maley Nick Digiovanni Steve & Jill Mann Stefanie Skirvin Randall & Kathleen Thomas Marolyn Watts Dianne Wheeler Compagnia Dei Italia Bersaglieri JSG Concrete Inc California Rock & Ready Mix Gates Concrete Construction Inc AM Stephens Construction Inc Golden State Restaurant Group Meehleis Sinclair Family Foundation American Ag Credit
UFP Thornton, LLC Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central CA American Online Giving Foundation Phillip & Daphne Felde Charley & Kim Hauner Raymond & Georgianna Rishwain Family Trust Benevity Community Impact Fund Randy & Laura Gwyn John & Melissa Yarbrough Pam Aberle Joseph & Mary Beth Handel Breanne Schrader Diana Marler Vinewood Community Church Thomas & Margaret McKenzie Sandra Shackelford Mark & Nancy Adams Robert & Sarah Aronno Beverly Borra Stephen & Barbara Bova Robert Carloni Mark & Jan Chandler Jeff & Kerri Dern Jack Fiori Loren & Sandra Flemmer Janet Hamilton Scott & Susan Hennecke Richard & Meryl James Ji Young Li Thomas Martin April Nathan Joseph & Jeannette Petersen Duane & Kathy Reynolds Richelle Marasigan & Christopher Russo Ken & Lisa Smith Don & Peggy Walters David & Kathy Warner Ilse Karen & Ronald Williams Sheila Wishek Susan Zamora Poole Petrick Family Fund Zeiter Eye Medical Group, Inc. Boston Financial Investment Management Gill Medical Group Discover Church
$500-$999
Meghan Schrader Bradley & Sandra Alderson Jason & Stacie Range Mandy & Brian Whatley Jeffrey Woltkamp Cynthia Ramos Peter & Meghan Hohenthaner The Blackbaud Giving Fund James & Sandy Musgrave Lee & Ruth Eichele Betty Roget Bruce & Joy Sasaki Gail Fuhrman Tom & Earline Lund Braden Revocable Trust Claire Forsythe Erick & Julie Albert Bruce & Norma Burlington Eddy & Lorene Freggiaro Christiane Graves Jeremy Lenser Dave & Barbara Luiz John L. & Robin Miller Sasaki Accountancy Corp. Amanda Cottrell Paula Gordon Steven & Lisa Mayfield - Mayfield Brokerage Bart & Joan Morrison D’Arlene Rosenau Linda Wick Smith & Johnson Law A Professional Corp Turner Road Vintners - J. Kasavan Lodi Lodge - Odd Fellows Mary Joan “Mamie” & Charles Starr Craig & Deborah Anderson Jennifer Archer M.D. Management Gary Wager James & Barbara Peck Pamela Sanchez Don & Diana Schmierer Thomas Wheelhouse Thomas & Janet Breen Franca Guidi Mike Corning
Trent & Kate Diehl Thomas & Wendi Alexander Betsy Beck Stephen & Christine Benson Robin Boriack Raymond Delgado James & Babette Demera Chad & Susannah Eichele David & Paula Fisher Bryan & Carla Fletcher Ted Goodsell Deborah Gordon Stephen & Karen Haley Robert & Laurel “Rose” Hathaway Melissa Hockett John Hunnell Brenda Jones Robert & Andrea Kellar Howard Larimer Clifford & Glenda McBride Matthew and Martha McGladdery Anna Mello Janis & Jackson Morehead Carol Nakashima Leah & Jeff Palmquist Schaffer Partners LP Donna Reynolds Donald & Janice Ritzman Paul & Leslie Sackschewsky Wally & Jo Sandelin Kenneth Schrettner Lisa Shinn Wilma Spice Steve & Debbie Swanson Graham-Ultch Unitrust Mark & Doujuana Vincent Linda Welk Betty Williams Susan Williamson Laurel Wisenor Richard & Victoria Wright BAC Community Bank Pacific Coast Producers E.F. Kludt & Sons, Inc ~ Kludt Oil Schumacher Insurance Solutions Metcalf’s Handyman Service Vineyard Christian Middle School
$200-$499
Susan Crosby Patricia Harrington
Callen Cochran Paula & Rick McCormick Phil & Debra Lenser Melina Puente Ronald & Elise Forbes Maureen Sansevero Seldon Brusa Insurance Agency, Inc Lodi Police Dispatchers Association CA. Concentrate Co. Susan Pirie Tami Whittle Barbara Barber Bradley & Monika Clasen Pati DeMartinis Toni Murdaca Margaret Muther Tom & Sandy Stokes Karrie Heilbrun Jennifer Wallace Jeff Zahorowski Christian & Tara Anderson Christopher & Christina Brown Joey Ferrari Kettleman Station Truex Insurance - James Watts Johnny & Michelle Munoz Vaccarezza Murdaca Family Foundation Michael & Carol Hakeem Robert & Debbie Whittaker Kent Steinwert Patricia Bortolotto Carrie Wheeler Engh Jason & Hannah Andre Kenny Bagley Galindo Patricia Fehling Joseph & Barbara Fiori George & Pat Kishida Gerald & Karla Nazareno James & Inga Nederostek Dawn Rocha Raymond & Mary Kaye Schramm Mary Louise Sherrill Kathryn Siddle Virginia Stapleton Gregory & Shannon Stephens Young Ladies Grand Institute-91 Queen Of Peace Flatlander Fine Finishes
Kathleen Macias Andy Solaris
Martin Brower & Cheryl Mattsen His Magesty’s Secret Service Schaffer and Company Realtors John Shinn Dan & Heather Panella Jamie & Ross Vilinskas James Hamrick Becky Beeman Jan Berg Audrey & W.T. Churchill Margaret & Charles Dollbaum Peter Drummond Terri Dupriest Douglas Eddy Linda & Ron Faria Janet Fortier James & Elizabeth Grady Debera Horst Thomas Jardine Chris Katzakian John & Gail Kautz Doug & Joy Kilner Roger & Diana Lund Carmelo & Mary Ann Maggio Joanne McDermott Scott & Kristen Morais Jeffrey & Mary Pell Richard Prima Ada Quierolo Jesus & Amelia Ramirez Charles & Kathleen Robertson Roderick & Sandra Schultz Gary Silva Terrence & Teri Spring Crystal Wright Police Officers Association of Lodi Corvettes Of Lodi Oak Ridge Winery Pinnell’s Flooring America Russ Nicholas Kirk Sasaki Michael Jonson Lutheran Women Missionary League Lodi Garden Club Brian & Karin Shirk Judith Costa Victoria Lucero Glen & Jani Barnes Bob & Valerie Dumlao
Because of your gifts, we get smiles like this!
Robert Kennedy Susan Inez Johnson
Shirley Ford Margy Gish Richard Green Judy Hayes Roberta Hoffman Ted & Jami Howland Jennifer Kakatin Donna Kelso William & Rita Kooyman Lyle & Lauren Liden Myron Marzolf Steve & Linda Mazza Nada Metcalf Nick & Penny Meyers Ronald & Michelle Navone Christine Novo Daryl & Kathi Payne Charles Piazza B Jean Mueller & Tim Rough Marlan & Lorraine Shropshire Victoire Turner Jeanne Vetter Shirley Walker Wayne & Mary Young Kirsten & Gordon Young
Creating New Memories
Investing in the Long Term
Lodi House is seeing laughter and play lift up our families in our new monthly Family Fun Outings. When families come to us, they are carrying the burdens of trauma and homelessness, and children view life with anxiety, fear and anger. Our monthly outings give families those moments of joy, laughter, silliness and bonding that transforms them. In these outings, children are free to let loose and be themselves and experience the healing power of playfulness with their mothers. Our first outings enjoyed the magic of Christmas with the bus light tour and Santa visits. Some of our planned events for this coming year include a picnic by the river, a visit to SkyZone, the WOW museum, a train ride to Sacramento and Fog Willow Farms. If you would like to be part of restoring wonder and creating new memories for Lodi House families, please contact us to find out how you can support our upcoming activities.
In these outings, children are free to let loose and be themselves and experience the healing power of playfulness with their mothers.
Many today are concerned by homelessness in their communities and find themselves asking, “How do we help get people out of homelessness?” This is a valuable question but only tells half the story. At Lodi House, our commitment to investing in long-term success requires us to ask a second important question: How do we ensure the people we help don’t return to homelessness? For over 20 years, Lodi House has offered a shelter program that is effective in helping women and children take the first steps out of the vulnerable and tragic life of homelessness. Our compassionate approach to prioritize therapy and meaningful relationships in combination with the practical needs of employment, savings and housing has proven to be a successful strategy. But how do we address the second question of ensuring the families we serve don’t find themselves back in cycles of homelessness, instability and unsafe relationships?
Lodi House is proud to share that we are increasing our efforts to help our shelter program graduates continue building lasting, stable and meaningful lives by expanding our transitional housing program. This expansion includes more affordable housing units, increased staff oversight and resources. All of this is aimed at helping women continue to grow and avoid the common pitfalls that often lead them back to homelessness.
• Make a one time or monthly financial donation
This program answers the immediate need for our graduates to obtain affordable housing while also setting them up for long-term success. Some solutions such as job advancement, adequate savings, healthy support networks and improved credit only happen over time. Graduates are given that gift of time by living in transitional housing and maintaining the dignity of paying rent while working hard towards self-sufficiency. Our efforts include:
• Shop, donate, volunteer at the Lodi House Thrift Boutique
• Expanded transitional program
• Financial advising and budgeting support
• Volunteer at the shelter
• Seven housing units
• Ongoing family therapy
• Become a Lodi House Business Partner to connect clients to job openings
• Case managed by Lodi House MSW
• Graduates give back through monthly volunteering
How You Can Help
• Monthly meetings hosted in graduate homes
• Connect rental properties with Lodi House graduates • Sign up to support Lodi House with every Amazon purchase at www.smile.amazon.com
The reality is that healthy and thriving families do not happen overnight. They are built slowly over time. That truth has compelled us to find ways to continue meaningful relationships centered on trust, support and accountability.
• Include Lodi House in your planned giving • Remember Lodi House Thrift Boutique provides estate sales services
In-kind donations 2021 West 12 Ranch Adventist Health Lodi Memorial Jen Alberti Jade Alexander Jeannie Beaton Kristen Bell Bokisch Vineyards Buffalo Wild Wings Burton’s Shanon Cabebe Cali Customs
Cheese Central Chill Nutrition Center Julie Christensen William & Erika Clark Consulting Wine Cindy Coon Corner Scone Karen Cornfield Costco Cupcakes by Kristine Daughters of Isabella
Jim & Babette Demera Donohue Family Lee & Ruth Ann Eichele Endless Escape Games Joey Ferrari Fiori’s Butcher Shoppe First Baptist Church John & Marcia Fitzgerald Jayden Franklin Fresh Print Stickers Frosted Flour Galt Emerald Village Sewciety
Gervasi Photography Grace Point Church Todd Hillstrom Honey Treat Yogurt Rilette Hugo ICR Refrigeration Ironstone Vineyard Joe Hassan’s Mohammed Lahim Bobbie Landau Charlene Lange LangeTwins Inc. Lauren Satoshige
• Family recreational opportunities
Lodi Cyclery Lodi Fire Department Lodi Police Department Lodi Montessori School Lodi Tokay Rotary Emily & Heath Loney MarVal Stables Emily Marino Irma Marks Linda Mazza Denise McCall Mel’s Dive In Michael David Winery
Newcomers Group Nothing Bundt Cake Oak Farm Vineyards Wes & Danene Ohlhauser OneEighty Teen Center Pacific Coast Supply Pacific Towing Paskett Winery PG&E ~ Stockton Branch Plastic Surgery Center of Stockton Steve Plath & Wrenching for Jesus
Melissa Popnoe & Chris Presley Range Transportation Royal Party Bus LLC Ruby’s Bakery & Cafe Andrae & Kim Sanchez Shannon Scott Bianca Simmons Fabiana Simmons Wilma Spice St. Anne’s Community Project Sofia Quesada
Starbucks (L. Sac Location) Stella Mitchell Rosanna Sterni Steven F. Brizendine DDS, MS Stogies Lounge Sunrise Rotary Sutherland Distillery The Shock Family Tin Roof BBQ Tokay FFA Ag Matt Vierra Eileen Traina AndrewTripp and
Ms. Guisto University of Pacific Duplicating Dept Valley 4H Vigna del Sole Farmstead Patty & Jeff Wallior Cathy Washer Nichols Waste Management Gayle Watts Patricia White Woodbridge Country Club Johnny & Melissa Yarbrough
Letter from the Board Chair
What an honor it has been to serve on the Lodi House Board of Directors during this incredible year of growth! We began the year with the goal to expand our transitional housing. We thought that would be a long range goal. But with tremendous support, we were able to add four more apartments by the end of the year! Homelessness is one of the most vexing challenges our community faces today. Basic shelter and food helps, but that alone does not fix the problem. Lodi House’s dedication to providing women and children with support, counseling and life skills training is truly making a lasting impact. In this way, we empower them to live courageous, healthy and independent lives. And we couldn’t do it without your support. We are humbled by the generosity of our community. To all the companies that have offered employment, sponsorships and donations, we thank you! To all the families who have included Lodi House in financial donations, gifting of stock and estate and donations to the Thrift Boutique, we thank you! You are all truly changing lives and breaking the chains of homelessness. If you are interested in finding other ways to help, please visit our website LodiHouse.org. I also encourage everyone to consider Lodi House when meeting with your financial advisors to learn how donating through estate plans and retirement accounts can provide tax advantages to your family. Thank you for partnering with us and investing in the future of Lodi House. Mandy Whatley, Lodi House Board of Directors Chair
County of San Joaquin awarded $846,000 to Lodi House to purchase transitional housing
Lodi House Thrift Boutique is where every purchase and donation helps change the lives of homeless women and children LODI HOUSE THRIFT BOUTIQUE 221 West Lodi Avenue (209) 365-7622 thriftstore@lodihouse.org STORE HOURS Monday to Saturday 10 am - 5 pm DONATION HOURS Tuesday to Friday 10 am to 4 pm Saturday 9 to Noon
Working Together to Change Lives Since 2010, our community has generously donated items, volunteered and shopped at the Lodi House Thrift Boutique. The Lodi House Thrift Boutique and shelter programs thank you for being on the team with us! LODI COMMUNITY
LODI HOUSE THRIFT BOUTIQUE
LODI HOUSE SHELTER AND TRANSITIONAL PROGRAMS
Donate
Thousands of donated items processed, inventoried and sold every year
Free store vouchers for Lodi House guests and graduates for clothing and household needs
High quality “boutique” merchandise is now reflected in the new store signage and our new Ebay store
Personal styling by store staff for job interviews
New or gently used household and clothing items
650 average Our new moving truck assists in dropoff donations each large donation pickups and helps graduates moving into Lodi House month
Donations to the store were used to completely furnish four transitional apartments for shelter graduates
Shop
Record-breaking annual revenue goes directly to support the women and children in the Lodi House program
33% of the shelter program is funded by revenue from Lodi House Thrift Boutique
19 amazing store volunteers allow the store to grow and flourish
Lodi House transitional graduates give back through volunteering at the store
apartments
EBAY STORE
Volunteer
282 volunteer hours donated every month
New work training program gives first time employment experience to Lodi House guests
ESTATE SALE INQUIRES thriftstore@lodihouse.org BOUTIQUE VOLUNTEER INFO Call or text 209-294-9533 Email volunteer@lodihouse.org Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
801 S. Washington St. Lodi, CA 95240 (209) 334-6346 Info@Lodihouse.org www. Lodihouse.org
Lodi House Thrift Boutique Director Ed Beeker proudly unveils the new store sign alongside Lodi House graduate and current participant in our new work training program.