NEWS + SUMMER + 2012 CONNECT
ONLINE: HOUSING + EMPLOYMENT + LIFE SKILLS
825 E. ORANGE GROVE BLVD. PASADENA, CA 91104
WWW.UNIONSTATIONHS.ORG
(626) 240-4550
Dear Friends, In April, members of our Leadership Circle, as well as sponsors of our A Place to Call Home gala attended a special appreciation event, where they got an inspiring, first-hand account of the impact of our programs. Many of our guests were surprised when Joseph came to the lecturn and began to speak about his experience with homelessness. While Joseph may not have fit their idea of what a homeless person looks like, he offered everyone a stark reminder that unfortunate situations can happen to any of us. “I get emotional talking about it….I don’t like to use the word ‘homeless,’ but yes -- I was sleeping outside for a while,” Joseph said.
Joseph was eager and motivated to get his life back on track. Shortly after he became a resident at our Adult Center, he enrolled in Sources, our career development program.
“Union Station is a beacon of hope... This place builds you back up and makes you whole again.”
A year ago, when Joseph’s outstanding bills led him to gambling, he lost everything he had ever worked for -- his home, his life savings, and his dignity. “I really didn’t know what to do. I could not see a light at the end of the tunnel,” says Joseph. “One day, I went to the library and did an Internet search, and that led me to Passageways.” It was at Passageways, Union Station’s intake center, that Joseph began to regain hope. “At Passageways, they told me: ‘Everything is going to be alright. We’ll give you food to eat, a place to stay, and we’ll get you back on your feet,’” Joseph remembers. “It was like they said: ‘You’re a human being and we care about you.’” “Union Station is a beacon of hope. The staff genuinely care about helping people do well and be well. They help you know that better things are on the way,” says Joseph. “This place builds you back up and makes you whole again.”
“The staff at Sources are a dedicated, compassionate inspiring group of people, and they have a true talent for instilling confidence in people and giving them hope for their future,” Joseph said. “They empower people to know they can live a productive life.” Through Sources, Joseph found a job he is proud of, where he can begin to build his career. “I see great things for my future. I know I’m going to be able to make a contribution to the community.” We thank Joseph for his perseverance and courage in rebuilding his life and sharing his story. We thank each of you for your part in his success.
Every year, Union Station must raise nearly $5 million dollars to operate our programs, which help people like Joseph rebuild their lives. As the end of our fiscal-year approaches, we must still raise more than $500,000. We won’t be able to reach our goal without your help. Your donation prior to June 30 will be tremendously helpful! “You make the difference in people’s lives!”said Joseph. “I want everyone to know that Union Station is a place that really helps people gets back on their feet. Our community needs places like this!” On behalf of Joseph and all of the individuals and families who come to us seeking a new beginning, thank you for being such an important part of our Union Station family. Sincerely, Marvin M. Gross CEO
IN THIS ISSUE
2 4 3 Put a Little Love in your Heart: Volunteer Appreciation Month Volunteer Spotlight: Larry Eggers A Place to Call Home - Gala Event Euclid Villa Transitional Housing Goes “Green”
An Inspiration Among Us Planned Giving Old Pasadena Restaurant Week: June 1-8 Leadership Circle
HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN
REBUILD THEIR LIVES AND END HOMELESSNESS