WINTER 2014 Hope for the Holidays Holiday Traditions at Rosie’s Place Our Executive Director on Giving and Receiving Six Ways to Give This Holiday Season
NEWS
The Warmth of Our Community of Friends Winter Wish List Holiday Ornaments and More
Hope for the Holidays
For as far back as she can remember, Bethzaida T. has thought of Rosie’s Place as home. Her first visits were with her mother, who came here not long after her family emigrated from Puerto Rico. Bethzaida’s mother escaped from an abusive marriage and sought us out for meals and help with a new place to live for her and her children. “Rosie’s Place has been my place—the place—for more than 35 years, almost my entire life,” Bethzaida says.
ANDY BLANCHARD
ASSISTANT DINING ROOM MANAGER To Assistant Dining Room Manager Andy Blanchard, the holiday season is the time when Rosie’s Place really shines. Andy, who came to Rosie’s Place in 2000 after retiring from a career in the Army, draws on his military experience to oversee the delivery of more than 90,000 meals annually–and he is never more organized than for our Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.
How are the holidays celebrated in our Dining Room? On both Thanksgiving and Christmas, we open the Dining Room early, at 10 a.m., for a hot breakfast of eggs, bacon, fruit, toast and sausage gravy. The guests find the room decorated—especially at Christmas—and there are tablecloths and flowers on each table. Around noon we start passing appetizers such as chicken wings and crab cakes and offer cheese plates and vegetable and fruit dips. A local jazz singer, Valerie Stephens, is a real crowd favorite and she keeps the fun going all afternoon. We usually have around 150 women with us at midday. At dinnertime we serve a traditional holiday dinner—turkey at Thanksgiving and ham at Christmas—with all the fixings. This Thanksgiving we’re serving apple pie with ice cream for a change of pace. By serving food all day, we try to make it seem like a feast. What do you think makes these celebrations special for our guests? This season can be tough for women who are not connected to their families. When they spend the day with us, they are welcomed into an upbeat and fun atmosphere of good company, food and music. Women can come and go throughout the whole day. They can eat as much as they want, sit for as long as they want. They can sing and dance with the music and are free to really cut loose. It’s nice to see a happier side of some of our guests. I’ve worked every Thanksgiving and Christmas since I’ve been here and it’s always great. What keeps you so committed after almost 15 years? What is so gratifying to me is putting a full plate of healthy food down in front of a guest who needs a meal. It’s a simple thing and immediately rewarding. I appreciate being able to connect with someone on such a personal level.
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Q&A
Over the years, Bethzaida’s mother continued to struggle to keep her family together, and Bethzaida was shuffled between family members and the foster care system. Like so many young people in her situation, she suffered different forms of abuse and fell into drug and alcohol addiction once she was out on her own. But she always returned to Rosie’s Place, knowing she’d find the sanctuary and love she craved and the support she needed.
My mother always told me that
Rosie’s Place would take care of me, and they have. Even when I never really had anything to
hold onto, I had Rosie’s Place.
Bethzaida eventually married and had two sons of her own, but again found herself at our door, looking for a bed for the night. Rosie’s Place not only welcomed her into our Overnight program; our Advocates helped her to enroll in a recovery program and find a place to live. She received assistance for chronic health issues through our Wellness Center and continues to receive medical care from the nurse practitioner she met here. Through creative writing workshops in our Arts Initiative, she started to find her voice. “The staff at Rosie’s Place have always done so much for me,” she recalls. “They are so kind, they keep an eye on me, and keep me motivated and safe. They are my friends” Slowly Bethzaida started to feel hopeful, believing that life could get better. And in the past year, that hope has been realized.
Last December, Bethzaida joined the Rosie’s Place Back on My Feet running/walking group that meets in the early morning, and started on a path toward an incredible 162-pound weight loss. She has been hired as an outreach advocate by the Whittier Street Community Health Center to educate women in the community about HIV prevention. And she’s taking the initiative to give back to Rosie’s Place, which she says has done so much for her.
Bethzaida and her grandson
She noticed that many Spanish-speaking women attending English language AA meetings with her were not fully able to participate, so Bethzaida, who is proficient in both Spanish and English, offered to lead a Spanish meeting at Rosie’s Place. Our Self-Advocacy department funded a facilitation training for her, and since the fall, her Friday afternoon meetings have been growing in attendance. “I love it—it helps me with self-esteem and I’m more motivated to take care of myself and others,” she says of leading the meetings. “It’s easy to close your conscience door when you have nothing to look forward to. Now I can give back for all the years that I was taking.” Bethzaida is doing all she can to make this Christmas different from those that came before it. She is more connected to her sons now and, with her weight loss, has the energy to keep up with her three year-old grandson, who she “adores.” With the help of a Rosie’s Place’s outreach worker who provides in-home support, she has been able to maintain her apartment and has new furniture we have provided. Rather than having her Christmas meal at Rosie’s Place as she usually does, this year she will decorate and bring her extended family together at her home for a joyous celebration. “Emotionally, right now I’m great,” she says. “My mother always told me that Rosie’s Place would take care of me, and they have. Even when I never really had anything to hold onto, I had Rosie’s Place.”
Our Executive Director on Giving and Receiving Dear Friends: In 1961, President-elect John F. Kennedy spoke to the Massachusetts Legislature in his final address before assuming office. In that speech–known as the “City on the Hill” speech–he referenced the Parable of the Faithful Servant, from the Book of Luke. “For of those to whom much is given, much is required. Our responsibilities to the state–our success or failure–will be measured by the answers to four questions: First, were we truly men of courage…Secondly, were we truly men of judgment…Third, were we truly men of integrity… Finally, were we truly men of dedication?” President Kennedy set lofty standards by which to measure whether what was given was what was required. At Rosie’s Place, too, we understand that our community is obliged to do much, as so much is given to us. We too reach for those lofty standards of courage, judgment, integrity and dedication. Our guests bare their hopes and their secrets– and count on us to treat those humble gifts with respect and with love. Our supporters trust us with their time, treasure and opinions—and count on us to use those resources thoughtfully and responsibly. Truly, we are given much! More than ever, this year Rosie’s Place has reached out to our community allies to create ways to support poor women– whether they ever cross our threshold on Harrison Avenue or not. Building on our work with the guests of the city’s Woods-Mullen Shelter, we now have a team of advocates and outreach workers sited at a public housing development in Dorchester. We recognize that not every woman in need can find her way to our home in the South End–but we can provide the same top-notch care and support right where she lives. Building on our work with women awaiting release from the Suffolk County jail, we helped establish and now support the new Court Service Center at the Brooke Courthouse. We recognize that many women must go without legal representation in Housing and Family courts–but we can provide the support and information to successfully manage an intimidating process.
on s a e S y a id l o H is h T e 6 Ways to Giv
Boston Winter Twilight by Sam Vokey
Every holiday season brings a rise in the number of women in need, both at Rosie’s Place and in our community. We make a special effort at this time to reach out to the often overlooked women and provide them with warmth and comfort. Here are some ways you can help us brighten the season for our guests:
3. SEND CUSTOMIZED HOLIDAY CARDS Our 10-packs ($18), variety packs ($24) and custom orders of 50+ are available in five designs, including our newest card, Boston Winter Twilight, by acclaimed local artist Sam Vokey. View designs and order at rosiesplace. org/holidaycards.
1. COLLECT NEEDED HOLIDAY ITEMS Coordinate an effort with your workplace, school or family to collect holiday gifts for our guests. Contact kamoro@ rosiesplace.org for details. Our most-needed items include:
4. PURCHASE GIFTS FROM OUR STORE Giving becomes more special when you choose a gift that gives back. Browse our new ornaments; jewelry including necklaces, earrings and bracelets; gift items such as key chains and bookmarks; and more from our Women’s Craft Cooperative at rosiesplace.org/shop.
• $25 gift cards (Target, Old Navy, Walgreens, Payless, Marshalls, CVS, etc.) • Lotion and body spray gift sets • Comforters, blankets, sheets and towels • Movie passes • Make-up or beauty products • Full-size toiletries 2. CATER A MEAL IN OUR DINING ROOM Gather a group of up to 10 coworkers or friends to prepare and serve a meal for 150 to 200 women. Cater a lunch or dinner and underwrite the $350 cost for the entire meal by splitting the donation among friends or finding an organization to support you. Contact volunteer@rosiesplace.org.
Thanks to your help and support, we embrace our duty to protect every woman who visits us. From 1974 to the present day, you’ve made it possible for us to keep the doors open and the lights shining–you’ve provided a sanctuary for women alone, scared and sad. Thank you so much for caring. Best wishes for the new year! With faith,
6. DONATE TO ROSIE’S PLACE Visit rosiesplace.org/give to support our vital programs and services for 12,000 women each year with a one-time gift or monthly donation that underwrites our work year-round!
“…this experience has put actual faces, hundreds of them, on the sometimes-abstract words “homelessness” and “scarcity.” It has humanized the people who are systematically dehumanized. When I start to feel distant from issues of scarcity or talk about social justice in lofty or abstract terms, this will be my anchor to bring me back to the actual people who struggle under these burdens on a daily basis and whose short and long-term needs Rosie’s Place is struggling, but always striving, to meet. I am thankful to Rosie’s Place and its guests for taking me into the learning zone, in which I received, and participated in, vital lessons in patience, compassion, and humanity.”
Building on our successful partnerships to engage high school and college students in our volunteer program, we employ four Boston teens every summer and enroll more than 40 suburban teens in our innovative Social Justice Institute. We recognize that every employer and every volunteer organization has a duty to include young people–and engage them in a way which inspires passion, commitment to justice and a desire to serve. So many amazing individuals and organizations understand the commitment to duty and service, which comes with the gifts we all enjoy every day. Rosie’s Place strives to be counted among this number–and we know that in so doing, we are working to earn your faith and trust.
5. BENEFIT ROSIE’S PLACE WITH AN EVENT Consider including the WCC in your local craft fair or personal holiday party (contact bsummers@rosiesplace.org to schedule). Or make Rosie’s Place the beneficiary of your community event, holiday gathering, or food or coat drive. Contact kamoro@rosiesplace.org to get started.
Katherine Fleming, a Brookline High School senior who took part last summer in Rosie’s Place’s Social Justice Institute, excerpted from a reflection essay written following her participation.
Katherine “Rosie’s Place gives you a reason to keep going. They help you to pick your face up off the floor and say ‘Okay, it’s not that bad.’ They make you feel like you can do it…They helped me to feel better, not feel like I’m down here on the ground. I could raise my head up again. I’m a worthwhile person…It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help, so when you need it, it’s ok. So I asked, and I’m glad I did ‘cause today’s wonderful.” Theresa M., a guest whose story of surviving domestic violence was told in a video shown at the Funny Women…Serious Business luncheon, sharing the impact Rosie’s Place has had on her life.
Sue
QUOTABLE Rosie’s Place accepts no government
funds and relies instead on committed supporters like you!
“I came to Rosie’s Place to volunteer in 2002 because I wanted to learn more about homelessness–what drives women to the streets and what can be done to help them. From my first day, I saw a welcoming and safe place where staff was positive and guests were respected. Wonderful experiences in the Dining Room and with tutoring women in our Women’s Education Center led me to the board of directors. I have learned so much about the ‘perfect storm’ of factors that can lead to homelessness and poverty and I am pleased to be part of an amazing team at Rosie’s Place striving to meet the needs of our women in the future.”
ROSIE’S PLACE NEWS is published three times a year to inform our friends about activities and events taking place throughout the Rosie’s Place community. OUR MISSION is to provide a safe and nurturing environment to help poor and homeless women to maintain their dignity, seek opportunity, and find security in their lives. Executive Director Sue Marsh Director of Development Leemarie Mosca Director of Communications | Editor Michele Chausse Communications Coordinator | Contributor Cara Rotschafer Design Colette O’Neill We’d love to hear from you! Please contact us with your comments at 617.318.0210.
Theresa
Isabelle
Isabelle Stillger, chair of the Rosie’s Place board of directors, excerpted from the FY2014 annual report celebrating our 40th anniversary.
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In July, Rosie’s Place hosted our first-ever Self-Advocacy Retreat at the Connors Center in Dover, MA. The retreat was planned for guests as part of our 40th anniversary celebration, and allowed 18 women to rest, enjoy the outdoors and make new friends and connections. Over the two days, guest took part in activities such
The 2014 Funny Women…Serious Business luncheon raised a record-breaking $580,000, an increase of more than $100,000 over last year. Contributing to this success were the 1,500 generous attendees, table chairs and sponsors, especially Headlining Sponsors Bank of America and Boston Interiors and Presenting Centerpiece Sponsor Neiman Marcus Natick. The exceptional women who added so much to the program are, from left, author Alice Hoffman; Kim Khazei, WHDH 7; co-emcee Karen Holmes Ward, WCVB 5; featured speaker, author Cheryl Strayed; Rosie’s Place Executive Director Sue Marsh; co-emcee Susan Wornick; Lisa Hughes, WBZ 4; and Latoyia Edwards, NECN.
as fitness and outdoor recreation, arts and crafts and personal growth and development. For many, it was the first time they had ever stayed in a country setting, where they were surrounded by the new experience of chirping crickets and bright stars in the night sky.
Rosie’s Place has committed to help our Rosie’s Place board member Kelly Race (right) was joined by NESN’s Dining Playbook co-host Jenny Johnson at the Dining Playbook Gala at the Castle at Park Plaza on November 15. Rosie’s Place was the grateful beneficiary of a live auction at the event that raised $15,000 to support our vital work.
NECN news anchors Latoyia Edwards (left) and Mike Nikitas (right) joined NECN meteorologist Nelly Carreño at her Game of Thrones-themed Halloween party at Back Bay Harry’s, which raised new friends and funds for Rosie’s Place.
guests and other women in the community sheltered by the state by providing special care packages (818 at last count) so that families with little or no comforts from home are equipped with essentials such as toiletries, non-perishable food and school items. Contact kamoro@rosiesplace. org to help with this effort.
Thanks to a donation from CBS Outdoor, Rosie’s Place is raising awareness on a billboard facing north on Route 1A throughout the holiday season.
Rosie’s Place is offering a $40,000 fellowship to a woman who has new ideas, talent and energy. The Kip Tiernan Social Justice Fellowship is awarded annually for an independent and innovative project in the New England area that will improve the lives of poor and homeless women. Visit rosiesplace.org/fellowship for more information. You can support Rosie’s Place while you do your holiday shopping at Amazon.com! Go to
http://smile.amazon.com/ch/04-2582187
(which automatically selects Rosie’s Place for you), and shop as you ordinarily would. Amazon One of three teams of employees from Old Mutual Asset Management (OMAM) recently served a meal to more than 150 guests of Rosie’s Place as part of their 6th annual week of volunteer service. Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Officer Christopher Hadley (standing, third from left) also presented a check for $35,000 from OMAM to Rosie’s Place Executive Director Sue Marsh (on his right).
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BUTTON BOX What could be better than giving a gift that not only looks good, but actually does good too? This holiday season you’ll find something for everyone on your list from our wide selection of jewelry and gifts handcrafted by the artisans of our Women’s Craft Cooperative. Our new elegant ornament, created for this holiday season, is formed from iridescent crystal beads shaped into a wreath that is 2–2.5” in diameter. Available in three colors— hematite, moss and topaz—it is topped off with an organza or satin ribbon and sells for only $10. It joins our existing delicate, dangling ornament, crafted from a variety of colored crystals.
winter
WISH LIST
Winter can be the most difficult time of the year for our guests, many of whom find themselves outside—trying to brave the elements—for hours at a time. They have come to rely on Rosie’s Place for warm clothing and other items that can keep them going through our coldest months. The most-needed items this winter include: • Cold weather gear: Hats, gloves, scarves, mittens, socks, sweaters , large and extra large coats, fleeces, sweatshirts and jeans of all sizes • Hot drinks: Coffee mugs, individual packets of hot chocolate, tea bags and instant coffee • Everyday essentials: Blankets, throws, comforters, bath towels, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, wet wipes, toothbrushes and deodorants Through your generosity, we can continue to make the cold months a little warmer for our guests. All donations can be dropped off at Rosie’s Place between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Thank you for your support!
You can find holiday ornaments, jewelry and many other gifts online at rosiesplace.org/shop or make an appointment to visit our boutique at 47 Thorndike St., Boston. As always, your purchases help support the vital programs and services at Rosie’s Place. We also invite you to meet the women artisans of the WCC and shop our extensive collection at one of our upcoming holiday fairs at South Station and other locations. Check our website for dates and places.
Please support Rosie’s Place by donating online at rosiesplace.org/give or by sending a gift in the enclosed envelope.
Illuminating the Zakim Bridge
December 12-14, 2014 The Shops at Prudential Center, Boston
DATE SAVE THE
Rosie’s Place is delighted that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will be lighting the Zakim Bridge “Rosie’s Place pink” from Friday, December 12 through Sunday, December 14. The illumination will be a public and positive way to cap our yearlong 40th anniversary celebration!
We thank you!
Salon Mario Russo
Safe and Sound Gala
Salon Mario Russo is in the spirit of holiday giving this year. When you visit the salon on the next two Thursdays in December and present your invitation to a holiday party, Mario Russo and his team of hair experts will donate a portion of the proceeds from your blow-dry or updo to Rosie’s Place. Call 617.424.6676 (Newbury Street) or 857.350.3139 (Fan Pier) for an appointment.
Please join us for a special evening of food, friends and philanthropy at our annual Safe and Sound gala. Join us for delectable cuisine prepared and served by celebrity chefs with fine wine pairings—and the chance to win unique insider-only auction packages. Sponsorships are available and tickets begin at $500. For more information, please contact Katie Amoro at 617.318.0211 or kamoro@rosiesplace.org.
December 11 and December 18 Newbury St. or Fan Pier
Tuesday, May 12, 2015 Space 57 at The Revere Hotel
www.rosiesplace.org 889 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02118
NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID BOSTON, MA PERMIT NO. 14526