Sarah's Annual Report 2013-2014

ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014

Sarah’s... an Oasis for Women Sarah’s... an Oasis for Women is a home dedicated to safety and dignity for a diverse community of women where they are empowered to begin new and productive lives.

A ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province, since 1996

Greetings, In the seasons of change, we look back on the fiscal year, July 1, 2013-June 30, 2014.

It has been another wonderful year for the women at Sarah’s.

There have been sixteen women who have “come to Sarah’s in order to leave” this year, and we remain at capacity with thirty residents. All have accomplished goals just as we tell them they can when we say, “you can do it!”

We have been as mission­-driven as always as a staff of 3.75 FTEs plus volunteers. We continue to very much appreciate and depend upon the loving support and care of our donors and volunteers who give time, energy, talents, money, and items needed by Sarah’s women.

This year’s report provides information on the accomplishments of both current and former residents. We hope you will rejoice in the achievements of this past year as we honor the women of Sarah’s, our faithful volunteers, and our generous supporters. A special note of thanks to Sarah’s staff, advisory council members, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who founded and continue to support and care for this ministry.

We hosted a staff retreat this year which I hope will become an annual event, providing staff time for development and training. Empowering Sarah’s staff enables us to appropriately assist our residents through referrals to the varied service providers and community members with whom we collaborate.

2

As they heal, our residents become strong enough to set and accomplish many life goals. They come to us desperate but determined. A typical resident lives at Sarah’s approximately twenty-four months.

Our commitment to providing a home dedicated to safety and dignity allows each woman the space and time she needs to begin a new and productive life. Once a resident moves on from Sarah’s, she is able to sustain herself in more permanent housing and in the wider community. Safety, security, confidence, information, skills practice, respect, and dignity become a part of her normal life.

Thank you all for reading our publication and staying connected with and supportive of Sarah’s through your own seasons of change. Speaking of seasons of change, you will see my name gradually changing in all of Sarah’s... an Oasis for Women communications. Just know I am still me! I’m signing today for the first time with my new name.

May peacemaking prevail on Earth today!

Cheryl Cheryl Behrent, Director

Sarah’s Staff, 2013-2014

Angela Ziemer, Staff in Residence Cheryl Behrent, Director Julie McCarthy, House Mentor Martha West, Community Relations Associate Mary Himrod, Ignatian Volunteer Sara Nelson-Pallmeyer, House Manager Sarah Kruger, St. Joseph Worker Summer 2013 Interns: Christina Casey, Kalyse Engebretson Fall 2013 Intern: Nicole Sintler

Cheryl Behrent, Sarah’s Director 2013 Virginia McKnight Binger Award Recipient

Given annually, the Virginia McKnight Binger Awards in Human Service honor Minnesotans who have given time and effort to help others with no expectation of material reward, exemplifying the life-changing difference one person can make through service. Here is an excerpt of Cheryl’s acceptance speech given at the McKnight Foundation Luncheon in August of 2013:

These kinds of words motivate me. At Sarah’s, women thrive and change drastically from the day they walk through the front door. They have a good night’s sleep, safety, and food as well as the support and love of a place like Sarah’s.

One lesson at a time, one woman at a time, one day at a time, working toward justice and peace.

I am honored to be included among this group of amazing people whose work makes such a difference in the lives of people.

I accept this recognition with testimonials from residents, embracing their truths about the place and people involved in making Sarah’s a home. The work is rewarding because we know the women who come to Sarah’s are going to thrive and move on. The following is just a sample of what I hear from our residents: • Thank you for giving me a shoulder and a place in your hearts. Thank you for the affection and love, the food, the human warmth that got me here. You are the family that I never had.

• Sarah’s gave me hope, and a reason to live when everything did not matter anymore.

Celebrating with Cheryl at the Virginia McKnight Binger Awards Luncheon

• Walking into Sarah’s the first time, I was scared I was going to get judged as my spouse had always judged me. Instead, the staff welcomed me. I felt like I had walked into my mother’s house. Sarah’s made me realize how beautiful I was. I could stop avoiding looking deep inside myself.

• Sarah’s is my home. Sarah’s is everything in my life. I found love, help and learned how to live with others, how to love, how to share, how to speak English, my rights and obligations.

• Sarah’s has brought great change to my life. It has tremendously changed me.

• With love, hope, courage, and the strength to rise up... I could look the world in the eye again.

3

A letter from Mary Hunt, Sarah’s... an Oasis for Women Advisory Council Chair Dear Friends, In June 2014 I was invited to join Sarah’s staff for a day-long retreat that gave us the opportunity to dream about and voice our “sky’s the limit” ideas for Sarah’s in the coming year. The suggestions ranged widely, from a kitchen makeover to more help with finding jobs for the residents, from more music to better shoes, and from greater care for the earth through energy efficiency to ever more recycling. As we begin to implement some of these ideas in the coming year, Sarah’s Advisory Council is committed to helping bring them to fruition through direct involvement, financial support, and expanding our connections to resources in the broader community.

Several Advisory Council members completed their years of service on the Council in June, and we recognize with gratitude the many contributions of Wachen Anderson, Kristine Brelje, and Cheryl Maloney. I’m also delighted to welcome three new members to the Council: M. Eunice Abraham, Jeanne Jones, and Valerie Wolff.

4

When I recently walked the Legacy Labyrinth in the southwest corner of Sarah’s property, I was very moved by the inscriptions on the bricks which line the labyrinth’s paths: For all girls who are denied an education; In honor of the earth’s grandmothers; In memory of all the women who triumphed; CSJ Possumus women; Wishing you courage, strength and love right now; In honor of the Grandmothers Circles in Kenya; All are welcome; and many more in memory of or in honor of beloved CSJ sisters, family members, and friends.

What beautiful tributes to and from all who have been touched by the mission of Sarah’s! I invite you to visit this labyrinth (as well as the Dancing Woman Labyrinth on the back of the property) and to consider donating a brick that will add to the experience of all those who come to Sarah’s. You can find more information about donating to this Legacy Labyrinth on our website.

Mary Mary Hunt Chair, Sarah’s Advisory Council

Sarah’s Advisory Council 2013-2014

Baya Clare, CSJ Casie Iwata Cheryl Behrent, Sarah’s Director Cheryl Maloney Colleen O’Malley, CSJ Emilee Sirek Evelyn Lennon Jean Wincek, CSJ, Province Liaison Kristine Brelje Martha West, Community Relations Associate Mary Hunt, Chair Michele Garnett McKenzie Rebecca Makayi Renuka Jayatunge Sarah Beman Wachen Anderson

Volunteers and staff gather in the Grandmother’s Room at Sarah’s for meetings and strategic planning.

“I know I can call you or reach out whenever I need to and you will always be there. I am grateful for you. Thanks for being a part of my life and making Sarah’s so special.”

- A current resident of Sarah’s

Sarah’s Mantras You come to Sarah’s in order to leave.

You are a good woman.

May peacemaking prevail on Earth today!

You can do it!

Sarah’s will always be your home.

One lesson at a time. One woman at a time. One day at a time.

5

Sarah’s Community Collaborators and Partners Safe and reliable housing is just the first step in each resident’s journey towards a new life. Residents receive referrals and on-site support that enable them to build the connections and confidence they need to independently take steps toward their goals. Sarah’s refers women to volunteer and paid employment opportunities, job search services, health and insurance services, legal services, permanent housing, education and training opportunities. Our community-based model ensures women from Sarah’s are empowered with the skills they need to advocate for themselves.

Education, Training, and Volunteering

Portico HealthNet Regions Hospital St. Mary’s Health Clinics American Red Cross University of St. Thomas Carondelet Village Interprofessional Center Century College Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality Council on American-Islamic Relations Women’s Drum Center Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Legal Services Goodwill/Easter Seals Hubbs Center, St. Paul Public Schools Advocates for Human Rights Attorney friends of Sarah’s Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps Bridges to Safety International Institute of Minnesota Center for Victims of Torture Inver Hills Community College Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota LifeTrack Resources International Institute of Minnesota Lincoln Adult Education Center Lutheran Social Services Minnesota Workforce Center Southern Minnesota Regional Legal North Hennepin Community College Services Metro State University Tubman Alliance Midwest Careers Institute University of Minnesota Law Clinic Minnesota Literacy Council University of St. Thomas St. Paul College Interprofessional Center

Health, Safety, and Wellness

Bridges to Safety Network of Services Center for Victims of Torture Creative Health Care Solutions HealthEast-St. Joseph Hospital Hennepin County Medical Center Institute of Himalayan Tradition Jewish Community Center Lens Crafters-Gift of Sight Mind Body Solutions Minnesota Care Minnesota Center for Health Care Ethics Minnesota Knitter’s Guild MNSure Open Cities OneSight Eye Exams (LensCrafters) Places of Worship/Sarah’s Chapel

6

Other Partners

Permanent Housing and Social Services Bridging Center for Victims of Torture CommonBond Communities Dress for Success Hennepin County Medical Center Housinglink.org International Institute of Minnesota Minneapolis Public Housing Minnesota Council of Churches Privately listed housing vacancies

Transportation

Cycles for Change Lift Garage Metro Transit Discount Pass

Work Placement, Income, and Financial Services

AccountAbility Center for Victims of Torture Daily Work Family Means Hennepin County International Institute of Minnesota Jewish Family Services LifeTrack Resources Midwest Careers Institute Minnesota Workforce Center Minnesota Works Job Training Program Ramsey County St. Paul Public Library System University of St. Thomas Interprofessional Center WISE

Ally People Solution Anna Marie’s Alliance Asian Women United Breadsmith Center for Energy and Environment Community Homestead Dress for Success Hope Chest Joseph’s Coat Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Lutheran Social Services PC’s for People Safe Harbor/No Wrong Door Special thanks to the Sisters of Second Harvest Heartland Soroptimist International of Minnesota St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province.

Sponsor a Family, Minnesota St. Paul Police Department

Thank You!

Volunteering at Sarah’s Over 1000 hours of volunteer time were donated to Sarah’s last year by our wonderful group of loyal and dedicated volunteers. Groups from local universities and churches partnered with Sarah’s throughout the year in many different kinds of projects. In addition, Sarah’s is fortunate to have several volunteers who give their time on a regular basis throughout the year.

activities, tutoring, companioning, database entry, correspondence, mentoring, community dinner support, building and grounds maintenance, and labyrinth maintenance.

Volunteer hours include gardening, household support, hospitality, community relations support, administration, fundraising support, wellness

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers!

“I have a dream about how

my future can change. Thanks for being a part of my life, and making my home so special.”

- A current resident of Sarah’s

Sarah’s is privileged to be a host site for the St. Joseph Worker program and the Ignatian Volunteer Program.

Alexandra Philstrom Ann Shields Barbara Brandt Becky Hirdman Brenda Mulry Cheri Bunker Christina Espey-Sundt Barbara Miller Betsy Lemal Carol Florin Cathy Steffens, CSJ Cindy Landis Deb Cushman Debby Reisinger Emily Good Emily Evans Esther Hathaway Gabrielle Regnier Irene O’Neill, CSJ Jean Knutson Jennifer Tacheny Jill Reilly John Hartman Jonette Kreideweis Kathy Berken Katy Taylor Kimberly Fullmer Krista Benjamin Lily Stone Lisa Moriarty Lucy Bruskiewicz, SSJ, TOS Luke O’Neill Mara J. Morley Martha Conway Mary Sutherland Mary Beth Lonnee

Thank You! Thank You!

Mary Pat Fitzpatrick Michelle Nelson Natalie Robinson Nick Germano Pamela Barragan Pat Fitzpatrick Rachel Hayes Serena Pitala St. Catherine University Alumni Center Campus Ministry Nursing Students Student Activities Team Weekend College:

Communications Class Susan Reaney Susan Smith, CSJ Teresa Naughton Youth from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

2014 Garden Tour Gardeners: Carol McCarty Celeste’s Dream Gardeners Expo Elementary School Gretchen Penne Jerry and Lee Shannon Karen Van Norman Linda Gammell Liz Delay Kathleen Freeman

7

Accomplishments of Sarah’s Residents Sarah’s served forty-six unique residents during the last fiscal year.

Residents Who Moved On from Sarah’s Last Year

The average age of a Sarah’s resident is thirty-seven years old.

Those who come to Sarah’s have often been in the United States for several years and have permanent status. Others have been granted asylum or are U.S. citizens.

The average stay for a resident at Sarah’s is approximately twentyfour months. Countries represented at Sarah’s include Benin, Burundi, China, Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Honduras, Jamaica, Liberia, Malaysia, and Sudan.

Current Residents of Sarah’s

Residents are referred to Sarah’s through our wide community of service providers and partners. Onethird of the residents are also clients of the Center for Victims of Torture.

Cost Per Month for One Resident at Sarah’s: $920 • Building & Grounds $400 • Program & Staff

$270

• Utilities

$125

• Food

$80

• Transportation

$25

• Household Supplies $20

8

Life At Sarah’s... an Oasis for Women During the last year, sixteen women have moved on from Sarah’s to more permanent housing, fulfilling their goals as they begin new and productive lives.

Still the need is great as we quickly filled our home with sixteen more women who were desperate, having no resources, no place to live, and no other options for assistance and support.

Jasmine is one of our current residents who is accomplishing many life goals. She writes: “When I first came to Sarah’s I was so afraid of everything.

Even though I was scared, I made my decision to see Sarah’s home.

I was so surprised the moment I came to Sarah’s! The first thing I saw was a beautiful woman standing before me with a wonderful smile; I was so relieved! She said to me, “welcome home”.

I hugged her and as I sat down, I saw my country’s flag in Sarah’s flag bowl. I was moved with joy, and I started to cry! The house was so beautiful, quiet, and clean. This was exactly the home I needed.

Now that I live at Sarah’s, I am making many life goals. I take computer courses at the library. I learned spreadsheet, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, and Google Maps. I have also learned English and many life skills while living at Sarah’s.

My most happy accomplishment is learning to bike ride. With my bike riding, I became a certified League Cycling Instructor (LCI). I became the first African woman LCI in Minnesota and the first immigrant LCI in the USA. Now I’m an American bicyclist LCI. Sarah’s became my blessing in disguise. If I had not come to Sarah’s, I would have not ever started bike riding or been able to accomplish other important goals. Thank you to everyone at Sarah’s and to the Sisters.”

A survey of Sarah’s former residents revealed the following information: • 47% have some type of savings account • 60% earned a degree, certificate, or diploma • 61% own a car • 63% reunited with family or are in the process • 65% own a home or rent without assistance • 67% are US citizens or permanent residents • 70% overall health is greatly improved • 87% are satisfied with support received • 88% have health insurance • 90% improved English proficiency • 91% feel safe in a stable home environment • 94% are employed full or part-time

100% of former residents would recommend Sarah’s to others!

9

Sarah’s Donors and Supporters ~ Thank You! Sarah’s... an Oasis for Women is a program ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province.

Sarah’s is funded through the support of foundations, corporations, grants, individual donors, in-kind donors, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Providence, and their Ministries Foundation.

5 By 5 Design 9 Hole Golf League-Minneapolis Golf Club Adey Belay Alem Woldehawarite Alexa Harnagee Alexandra Philstrom Altrusa International of the Twin Cities Amanda Daigle American Institute of ArchitectsMinnesota Amy Ogren Amy Roos Andrea Cole Andrea Grey Anita Duckor Ann Shields Ann Thompson Anna Behnen Anne and Charlie Leck Anne Drake Arlene Goodman Alm Autowomen Consultants Barbara Brandt Barbara Kalunzy Barbara Kellett Baya Clare, CSJ Bernadette M. Judd Bernard M. Levinson Bernice Caruth Beryl McHale Bev and John Bachman Bev Barrett Blake School Junior Girl Scout Troop Bonnie Wertz Brad Matala Brigette Marty Cara Anthony Carl de los Reyes Carol Gariano Carolyn Glueckstein Carondelet Center Casie Iwata Catherine Fitzpatrick Cathy Hickman Cathy Steffens, CSJ Cecilia Jaisle Cheryl Ann Hess Cheryl and Kathy Ann Maloney Chris Andres Christ Lutheran Church Women’s Quilting Group Christine Treanor Cities 97: KTCZ-FM

10

Claire and Joseph Kolar Colleen O’Malley, CSJ Community Power Rethink Recycling Connie Slipka Corinne Cavanagh Courtney Gerber Cristeen Custer Current Residents of Sarah’s David Vania and Louise Cox-Vania Deborah Zachman Diana Lillicrap Diana Schansberg Diana Windhorst Diane Wielinski Dodie Ruegemer Donna Minter ~ Minnesota Peacebuilding Leadership Institute Donna Murphy Dorothy Sinha Dot Wolking Edina Realty Foundation Eleni Roulis Elizabeth Inserra Elizabeth Rabon Elizabeth Reed Elk River Lutheran Church Emilee Sirek Emily Good Endia Porter Erik and Karen Jothen Evelyn Lennon Expo Elementary School Edible Landscape Girl Scout Troop Florence Stephens FlowerRama Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Gayleen and Bernard Touhey Gerald Olson Gertrude and William Landgren Ginny Claessens McDonald and Bill McDonald Glenys Dolan Gloria Lindquist Guardian Angels Catholic Church Highland Park Women’s Club Holly Swift Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Howard Cutts Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota International Institute of Minnesota

Irene O’Neill, CSJ Jack Flynn Jan Drymon Jane and Richard Gerber Jane McDonald, CSJ Janet Kimmel Janis and Leo Dehler Jason Weidenfeld Jean and William Pociengel Jean Kolles Jean Wincek, CSJ Jeanne Jones Jeniffer Marwa Jenna Guggisberg Jennifer Tacheny Jennifer Weichert Jenny Kelly Jenny Kriha Jill Alverson Jill Reilly Joan McGinty, CSJ Joan Pauly Schneider Joan Sorenson Joan Wittman Joanne Emmer, CSJ Joanne Rabatin John McKigney Joseph and Mary Beth Boyle Joyce Humboldt Joyce Tester Judith Haswell Judith Rodel Judy Classen Julia Perry Julie Goldstein Julie McCarthy Justin O’Brien Karen Schul Karen Smith Kate Brady Kate Weyrens Kathleen Brenner Kathleen Laughlin Kathleen McDonald, CSJ Katheen and Joey Olsen Kathleen Ryan, CSJ Kathryn Pittelko Kelly Blood Kim Gordon Kimberly Nichols Kimberly Sanberg Kristine Brelje Kylie White Laura Thomas

Laurie Greeno Linda Crosby Linda Nininahazwe Linda Taylor, CSJ Lisa Moriarty Lisa Wright Lochlan T. Stuart Loretta Kimmet-Mobley and Andy Mobley Lou Ann M. Tighe Lou Cooney Erickson Louise Hiniker Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Madeleine McElhone Marcia and Richard Reardon Margaret L. Kvasnicka, CSJ Margaret McRaith Marguerite Corcoran, CSJ Marie Murphy Marie Scott Marie Theresa Belanger, CSJ Marilaurice Hemlock Marilyn and Michael Woolley Marjorie Hols Martha Boerschlein Tracy Martha Conway Martha West Martha Wilson Mary Beckfeld Mary Crowley Mary Cunningham Mary Noble Garcia and John Garcia Mary Hasbrouck, CSJ Mary Hess Mary Himrod Mary Hunt Mary Ann Hanley, CSJ Mary Anne Seaton Mary Jane Doll Mary Joyce Flesche Mary Kaye Medinger Mary O’Brien, CSJ Maureen Greenberg Mawoulawoe (Ayoko) Foli Meg and Mark Wilkes Karraker Meredith Fair Meredith Leary Johnson Michael Donahue and Bonnie Wek Michael Ziomko Michele Garnett McKenzie Michele Nelson Michelle Skally Doilney Mindy and Brian Kelly ~ Mrs. Kelly’s Tea Minnesota Knitters’ Guild Nan Beman Nancy Cosgriff

Nancy and Ralph J. Gotto Nancy J. McKay Nancy Parlin Nancy Simon Naomi Mesfin (Gebremariam) Naomi Sobel Nicholas and Joyce Olsen Nick Germano Nue Nu Otto Bremer Foundation Pam Santerre Pamela Krueger Paula Fischer Paula Y. Gallagher Pat Behrent Pat Herje Pat Praninske Patricia Vauk Patrick and Aimee Butler Family Foundation Phil and Julie Ledermann Philip Byrne Polly Preston Rachel Peterson Ralph and Trish Scorpio Ramsey County ~ Going Green Rebecca Lee Rebecca Makayi Renuka Jayatunge Richard Syverson Rita McDonald, CSJ Rita Quigley Rosita Aranita, CSJ Rosita Lee Ruby Hanson Ruth Ryan Saints Food and Vending Services Samira Saleh Sara Abdo Sarah Beman Sarah Herder Sarah Hunt Sarah Brady Shaw Sharon Gondek, CSJ Sharon Mary Fitzgerald Sharon Manns Sheila and Brett Waldman ~ Tristan Publishing Shelly Lindemyer Sherry Bartells ~ Sherry’s Fitness Center Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet CSJ Consociates Justice Commission Ministries Foundation Soroptimist International of the Twin Cities Sponsor a Family, Minnesota

St. Catherine University Center for Community Work and Learning Student Activities Team St. Peter’s Lutheran ChurchSt. Peter’s Piecemakers St. Thomas More Preschool Stephen Clemens Sue Allison Susan and Rick Cummings Susan and Daniel Bembenek Susan Hames, CSJ Susan Hawken Susan and William Mack Susan McKinnell Susan Myers Susan Neisen, CSJ Susan Oeffling, CSJ Susan Reaney Susan Weberg Susan Welch Susan Zoff Tamara Steinke Tami Foster Target Foundation Ten Thousand Villages Teresa Kim, CSJ Theresa Chasar Theresa O’Brien, CSJ Thrivent Financial Tigist Asfaw Timothy and Barbara Ryan Tom and Gretchen Penne Tony Andrade Trader Joe’s Tukirah Fnu University of Minnesota ~ Twin Citiies Freedom by Design University of St. Thomas Advocates for Women Office of Service Learning and Civic Engagement Valerie and Jerry Vagts Victoria’s Secret, PINK Store: Mall of America Virginia McCain Virginia Webb, CSJ Wendi Machen Wendy Ruyle William Hennig Women of Wealth Networking Group Zelda Fahey

Sarah’s Annual Report Graphic Design Donated by Barbara H. Brandt barbarahbrandt.com barbarahbrandt@gmail.com

11

Sarah’s... an Oasis for Women

Sources of Funding for Sarah’s “I wish Sarah’s to live forever and continue for women in need.” - A current resident of Sarah’s

The financial support from our donors allows Sarah’s to provide each resident lifeskill development for selfempowerment.

Thank you for your support!

A ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province, since 1996

651.696.8699

info@SarahsOasis.org

www.SarahsOasis.org