feat ur es
GSEP Students Partner with
the Hope Gardens Family Center to Lift People Out of the Despair of Homelessness
creating a positive relationship with them to help them realize their highest potential,” he explains. “We want to create an environment that’s safe and help clients to gain the coping skills for the difficult situations they will face on the outside.”
From left to right: (back row) Dr. Clive Kennedy, James Cephas, Kevin Ramotar, Shaquita Tillman, and Dr. Paulette Melina (front row) Gianna Maunu, Kristen Brewer, Lori Meono, and Jessica Magallanes.
W
here do you turn when dealt a blow such as unexpected unemployment—without the safety net of friends or family—or sudden homelessness due to illness, immigration, domestic violence, or mental health problems? The Hope Gardens Family Center in Sylmar, California, is one source of support, helping people recover from the crushing hopelessness of homelessness. Students of the Graduate School of Education and Psychology work at the center, which houses up to 225
18
pepperdine Magazine
women and children from Los Angeles. Kevin Ramotar (MA ’09) was among students from the GSEP Urban Initiative program and Union Rescue Mission partnership who share the skills they learn at Pepperdine and help train new student interns. While studying for his master’s in marriage and family therapy, Ramotar offered therapeutic services to the individuals and families who call Hope Gardens home for two years of rehabilitation and education. “My method was strength-based, as in pointing out their unique strengths and
Fall 2009
Paulette Melina, mental health director of Hope Gardens, stresses that very often, the only difference between people who survive hard times and those who become homeless is the support they receive from family and friends. “Many of the women and children living at Hope Gardens have experienced trauma, betrayal, and abandonment, often by those whom they trusted,” says marriage and family therapy student Kristin Brewer, who also serves the Hope Gardens community. “Yet over time they begin to bond with each other and staff members,” Brewer adds. “To see people grow and flourish at Hope Gardens is so rewarding.”