Sarah's annual report 2012 2013

Annual Report 2012-2013

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

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

From Sarah’s Director: At a time of transition in seasons, the world, and our lives, our feet pass over many stepping stones along the journey. We are in motion and trying to settle on firmer ground. As we struggle to keep our foothold, it seems a challenge to pause and “smell the roses” along the path. But it is important to enjoy all the moments in life and be fully present in those moments. Our 2013 Annual Report is one of those moments when we pause with joy and gratitude to reflect on our journey of the past year.

Sarah’s staff and residents hope that you will enjoy reading this annual publication. We know you will celebrate the many accomplishments of women who have lived here in 2012-13. This publication is also a tribute of thanks to those whose generosity has come from their pocketbooks, hearts, and toolboxes of skills and energies towards accomplishment of Sarah’s mission.

You make such a difference in the lives of women at Sarah’s!

For those of you who have followed Sarah’s for years you know that we typically have had a print publication in the spring and that last year we added a printed report in the summer. We’ve combined these two for a summer annual report. We will continue to bring you quarterly updates via email. As always, we encourage you to let us know the best way to communicate with you about Sarah’s (by email, mail, or social media). Again, thank you for all that you do. May peacemaking prevail on Earth today!

Cheryl Steeves Director, Sarah’s… an Oasis for Women

Our 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.”

Kristine Brelje, Advisory Council Member It’s an honor to be in community with this incredible ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The women at Sarah’s have tremendous courage and strength in how they rebuild their lives. Even further, I am humbled by the depth of the human kindness of the staff, Sarah’s supporters, and friends who lovingly illustrate to the women, “We walk hand-in-hand with you every day.”

Kristine Brelje

Mary Hunt, Chair, Sarah’s Advisory Council It’s my pleasure and honor to begin my term as chair of Sarah’s Advisory Council as we share this annual report of the remarkable work being done at Sarah’s by the residents, staff, and volunteers. This ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph and Consociates boldly exemplifies the community’s commitment “to act for justice and to walk with suffering people” and to address issues “…which demean or deny human dignity…” The women who come to Sarah’s in great need transform their lives, step by step, as they prepare to re-enter the wider world with renewed skills, strength and spirit.

We are all indebted to the commitment and leadership of Cheryl Maloney in the role of SAC chair these past four years. Cheryl’s expertise in the world of nonprofit leadership, combined with her passion for the many issues faced by the women of Sarah’s, has been invaluable to the organization itself, as well as to the Advisory Council. Thank you, Cheryl, for your dedication and support!

Our Advisory Council supports the residents and staff through the members’ individual expertise and connections by partnering with organizations, helping with events and fundraising, and sharing the stories and successes of Sarah’s in the broader community. This past year we have also worked with staff and other contributors to create a new strategic plan to guide our efforts over the next three years. The plan focuses on our core work of serving the women of Sarah’s, enhancing awareness and fundraising, honoring the CSJ legacy, and finding new ways for the Advisory Council to be effective.

If you are inspired by what you read in this Annual Report, I encourage you to contact us to learn more about how you can be a part of the mission and work of Sarah’s. Opportunities abound!

With gratitude for your support,

Mary Hunt

“From Sarah’s, I got confidence; I got to accomplish my dreams.”

- Former Sarah’s Resident 2012

Accomplishments of Sarah’s Residents Education and Training All women who live at Sarah’s are employed or attending school, and some residents do both. Nine of our residents are either in process or have completed a job training program. Twenty-nine of Sarah’s residents are currently in school. Twenty-three attend English language classes, and six are in enrolled in college.

Legal, Housing, and Transportation Several of our residents at Sarah’s were able to obtain an immigration attorney, prepare for immigration proceedings, apply for asylum, and apply for permanent residence. Additional legal assistance included paying taxes, filing for divorce, and filing for an order for protection. Sarah’s residents use public transportation; however, a few are able to buy/lease a car or get one from a relative or friend. We also encourage bike riding whenever possible. Determining transportation needs, as well as budgeting for transportation, is part of the goal-setting process at Sarah’s. Additionally, eighteen months is the expected amount of time that residents will live at Sarah’s. When they arrive, none of Sarah’s residents have any other safe housing options or qualify for any other housing program.

Cost per month for one resident at Sarah’s: $750 • Household Supplies

$35

• Food

$80

• Utilities

$175

• Transportation

$55

• Building and Grounds $405

Health and Family This year, five women worked on reuniting with their families. Sarah’s provides phone cards, legal referrals, and other support to facilitate t h e reunification process, which can sometimes be stressful. Health issues addressed here at Sarah’s include the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of each resident. We work to ensure that every woman has access to the care and support she needs to reach her health-related goals. These goals include obtaining health insurance, exercising, addressing trauma-related issues, having eye exams, getting glasses, and receiving dental and medical care.

Work and Employment Eighteen of the residents at Sarah’s are working either full- or part-time jobs. Eleven of our residents volunteer their time outside of Sarah’s, and one woman volunteers as Resident Staff at Sarah’s. Those who are able are asked to contribute toward their living expenses at Sarah’s. The average living expense paid per resident was $150.00 per month. This covers approximately 20% of the total monthly cost for one resident at Sarah’s.

“I have lived at Sarah’s for five months. I go to school during the day, and I work to pay bills to send my family support.”

- Current Sarah’s Resident

Life at Sarah’s In addition to housing, community and safety, Sarah’s provides residents with opportunities to develop life skills. New residents complete a survey assessing experience with life skills that are needed. Then, a strategy for developing skills is incorporated into each woman’s goal plan. Many times, it is the staff here at Sarah’s who mentor women in these areas, including: resume writing and employment, budget planning and banking, cooking and food planning.

Some of the life skills that the residents of Sarah’s are working on are: • Sustainable living • Make/Follow a budget • Use public transportation • Finance • Care for garden/yard • Recycle • Compost • Cultural transition • Cook/set table

Some of the goals for the residents at Sarah’s include: • Obtaining education • Learning English • Feeling safe • Obtaining employment • Gaining access to healthcare • Reuniting with family • Community building • Learning to drive • Developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle • Finding permanent housing

From a Current Resident, 2013 I have been in the USA for one year. I have been at Sarah’s for almost five months. I decided to come here because I needed a peaceful place to live. I want to rebuild my life at Sarah’s. Being at Sarah’s so far, I see a dramatic progress in my life. I am improving my English: speaking, writing and reading. I attend college readiness at the International Institute of Minnesota to get ready for college this fall. Staying at Sarah’s, I have to do my household chores and also care for and share with others.

I have also learned a lot of things from the women, and I am integrating into the new culture.

Every Wednesday we have dinner and eat together. It’s a big family that cooks, shares and eats food from different countries together. Overall, I hope to accomplish my goal, which is to go to college. I find peace, joy, safety and hope at Sarah’s. I am so grateful to all staff members for their support and help (physical, mental and spiritual).

About Sarah’s Services Safe and reliable housing is just the first step on each resident’s journey toward a new life.

Residents receive referrals and on-site support, which 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, and education and training opportunities. Below are some of the service organizations with whom Sarah’s collaborates. This community-based model ensures that women from Sarah’s are empowered with the skills they need to advocate for themselves.

Health

Permanent Housing & Social Services

Ramsey County

Bridging

St. Paul Public Library System

Center for Victims of Torture

WISE

CommonBond Dress for Success Hennepin County Medical Center

Minnesota Council of Churches

Institute of Himalayan Tradition HealthEast-St. Joseph’s Hospital

Transportation

Lens Crafters-Gift of Sight

Cycles for Change

Minnesota Care

Metro Transit Discount Pass

Open Cities Places of Worship / Sarah’s Chapel

HousingLink.org International Institute of Minnesota

Hennepin County Medical Center

Education/Training/Volunteering

Portico HealthNet Insurance

Council on American-Islamic Relations

Regions Hospital

American Red Cross Minneapolis Public Housing

Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality St. Mary’s Health Clinics

Carondelet Village

Women’s Drum Center

Century College

Friends and Volunteers of Sarah’s

Ready for Success Joseph’s Coat Goodwill/Easter Seals St. Paul Public Library System

Hubbs Center, St. Paul Schools

Legal Services

St. Paul Public Housing

Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps

Work Placement, Income, & Financial Services

International Institute of Minnesota

The Advocates for Human Rights

Center for Victims of Torture

Lehmann Center

Bridges to Safety

Family Means

LifeTrack Resources

Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota

Hennepin County

Lincoln Center

International Institute of Minnesota

Metro State University

International Institute of Minnesota

Jewish Family Services

Midwest Careers Institute

Lutheran Social Services

LifeTrack Resources

Minnesota Literacy Council

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services

Midwest Careers Institute Minnesota Work Force Center

St. Paul College

Attorney friends of Sarah’s

Volunteering at Sarah’s Sarah’s currently has over 20 people who volunteer in and around our home on a regular basis. Additional volunteers participate in special events or programs.

Sarah’s is also a host location for the St. Joseph Worker and the Ignatian Volunteer programs, and we are deeply enriched by their dedication to the mission and work of Sarah’s. There are many opportunities for individuals or groups to become more involved in the life of Sarah’s. We are grateful for all our volunteers!

Mary Himrod, Ignatian Volunteer My name is Mary Himrod and I am an Ignatian Volunteer.

As an Ignatian Volunteer, I commit to volunteering at least thirty-two hours each month. My volunteer area is Sarah’s... an Oasis for Women, and I have been a volunteer at Sarah’s since November, 2012. I am older than any of the women here at Sarah’s including staff members; so, I feel very grandmotherly most of the time-but not a bossy grandmother, I hope! My role is to be present for the residents, and provide assistance with the

plants, baking cookies, organizing closets, having tea with

Akudo Omeoga, St. Joseph Worker

the women, and engaging in other tasks that the staff may

At the beginning of my time at Sarah’s, I was excited to work with

need completed. When I have an opportunity to visit with

women who have experienced trauma within their lives. I was

upkeep of our beautiful home. You will find me watering

the women, we share the memories of our youth. They were surprised that I milked cows while I was a teenager.

They were more surprised that a young girl would milk cows in America. At Sarah’s, we take care of each other.

When I am dusting and I need a ladder, the women want to do it for me so I don’t fall. They are generous when preparing their meals and usually invite me to join them.

They are so hospitable. I love them very much, and I love

fresh out of college; I was young and ready to conquer the world, I didn’t really think about how I would be affected doing advocacy work. As the St. Joseph Worker, I have learned many life lessons about resilience, self-worth, and happiness. I have had the opportunity to work alongside women who are rebuilding and strengthening their lives to be more stable and secure. I have built bonds with the women, staff, and volunteers. To be enclosed within the walls of Sarah’s is a blessing; I have found here hope, home, healing, and above all, friendship.

volunteering at Sarah’s!

“I feel happy with the caring and warm love of the people at Sarah’s.”

- Current Sarah’s Resident

Sarah’s Supporters Sarah’s… an Oasis for Women is part of the CSJ Ministry Collaborative, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Sarah’s is funded through the support of foundations, corporations, individual donors, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province. The financial support of all our donors ensures that Sarah’s is able to provide life skill development for the self-empowerment of women.

Individual Donors

Hercules & Wendy Muehlberg

Mary Jane Doll

Abebech Haile

Janis & Leo Dehler

Mary Joyce Flesche

Adey Belay

Jean & William Pociengel

Matthew Chapman

Amanda Skorich

Jenna Guggisberg

Angela Anodebe

Jenny Kelly

Anne & Charles Leck

Jill Reilly

Ayoko Foli

Joan Wittman

Barbara & Timothy Ryan Bernadette M. Judd Beth Carlson Betty Inserra Beryl McHale BIrhane Mussa Bonnie Wertz Brunhilder Fnu Ngwish Carol & Brian Breuss Carolyn Glueckstein Catherine Fitzpatrick Cathy Hickman Cecilia Jaisle Cheri Bunker Cheryl Ann Hess Cheryl Maloney Chris Andres Connie Slipka Cristeen Custer Current Residents of Sarah’s Debra & Keith Miner

Joe Lineweaver Joseph & Mary Beth Boyle

Meg & Mark Wilkes Karraker Michael Donahue & Bonnie Wek Michele Garnett McKenzie Michele Nelson Nicholas & Joyce Olsen Nue Nu

Josiah Swanson Pat Behrent Joyce Humboldt Philip Byrne Julie Goldstein Karleen Reller Kate Weyrens

Philip & Juliana Ledermann R.E. Syverson

Kathleen Brenner

Rachel & Nathan Hanson

Kathy Sallee

Rebecca Dobias

Katie Zarbock

Renee Crepeau

Kimberly Anderson

Renuka Jayatunge

Kristine Brelje

Richard Syverson

Lauren & Edith Davies Loretta & Andy Kimmet-Mobley Maeze Kifle Mariam

Ruth Ryan Sharon Loftsgaarden Sharon Manns

Marcia & Richard Reardon Sherry Bartells Margaret L. Kvasnicka, CSJ Margaret Pharris Marie Damien Adams Marie Scott

Susan & Daniel Bembenek Susan Cotten Susan Weberg

Marie Theresa Belanger, CSJ

Thelma & Chuka Obah

Marilaurice Hemlock

Theresa Chasar

Martha Phillips

Tracy E. Farr

Mary Beckfeld

Virginia McCain

Mary Hunt Evan Creed & Johanna Hatch

William Hennig, in honor of Carol Neuburger, CSJ

Heather Tracey

Yodit Fekadu Ayalew

Donna Murphy Elizabeth Inserra Emebet (Mimi) Gebremeskel Erik & Karen Jothen

Helen Dehen

Organizations & Corporations

Sarah’s extends a special “Thank You” to the following for their extraordinary gifts of time, talent, or support.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Community Relations

9 Hole Women’s Golf League, Minneapolis Golf Club

Mary Beth Boyle Mary Hunt

Altrusa International of St. Paul Mary Sutherland

Celeste’s Dream

Baya Clare, CSJ

Immigrant Law Center

Bernice Caruth (Shaklee)

Edina Realty Foundation

Betty Zehringer

Expo Elementary School

Breadsmith

Highland Park Women’s Club

Brenda Mulry

Otto Bremer Foundation

Carondelet Center

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province

Cheri Bunker, Women’s Drum Center

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province Justice Commission

Cheryl Maloney

Meg Wilkes Karraker Meredith Leary Johnson Michele Garnett McKenzie Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

Christina Casey Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province Ministries Foundation Soroptomist International of the Twin Cities

Dan (Klecko) McGleno Elk River Lutheran Church Evelyn Lennon

St. Catherine University Gloria Lindquist Target Foundation Jennifer Tachney Ten Thousand Villages Joe Lineweaver The Patrick & Aimee Butler Family Foundation University of St. Thomas, in honor of Pat Alexander

John Hartman Jonette Kreideweis Kathy & Denny Getten

University Advocates for Women and Equity, University of St. Thomas

Kim Fullmer

Women of Wealth

Kristine Brelje

Sarah’s annual report graphic design donated by Nicholas Germano III nick@nickgermano.com

Sources of Funding for Sarah’s

Natalie Robinson Native Oaks Farm (Anne & Charles Leck) Pat Alexander Russel Travis Sarah Beman Sr. Lucy Bruskiewicz, SSJ, TOSF Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province Soroptomist International of the Twin Cities St. Catherine University Activities Team Yarn Tamers & Luann Dummer Center for Women; University of St. Thomas Tracy E. Farr Susan Smith, CSJ Trader Joe’s

Lisa Moriarty (Paths of Peace)

Twin City Graphics & Printing (Nick Germano)

Lisa Wright

Wachen Anderson

Margaret L. Kvasnicka, CSJ

Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality

Sarah’ s. . . an Oasis for Women Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet 1884 Randolph Ave. St. Paul, MN 55105

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. I promise to come back and visit again, and always, my sisters I carry in my heart. Hugs, blessings, and much strength to you.

Thank you for the Oasis of Peace. –C.

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

651-696-8699

Info@SarahsOasis.org

www.SarahsOasis.org