Spring 2015
Your Support Keeps Homeless Children on Track!
Meet Jeffrey and Keisha—Back in School and in a new Apartment
Jeff and Keisha hadn’t been to school in
weeks - after losing
their apartment they
had been staying with
friends and relatives.
But no one had room
for a family of three
for more than a few
days. They eventually
came to the Coalition
for help.
We immediately
found them temporary
shelter in a local hotel and the kids joined our children’s program, Bernice’s Place. We got them back to
school but they were both having trouble adjusting.
Homeless children
often fall behind in
their skills as the instability at home makes
it difficult to concentrate and consistently
attend classes. The coordinator of Bernice’s
Place contacted their
school for a full report
of their academic progress and assessed their
reading and math skills. Coalition volunteers helped
Jeffrey improve his math skills and Keisha complete
her missed work. Both children had been suffering
emotionally and it was showing in their behavior at
school and home. We helped the children work out
their feelings about being homeless. We also made
sure they had school supplies, clothing and food.
The maze of social and educational services is overwhelming - so the Coalition’s staff
helped their mother navigate the process to get the
services she needs for her kids such as transportation to school and educational support.
“Children are amazingly resilient ,” said
Carina, coordinator of Bernice’s Place, “ we saw a
huge improvement in their attitudes and engagement after only a few weeks in our program.” We
will continue to talk to their teachers to make sure
they stay on track in school. And more importantly,
we will continue to give them the one-on-one care
they need during this difficult time. We are happy
to report that the family has moved into a new
apartment, mom is back to work, and Jeffrey and
Keisha plan to continue in Bernice’s Place through
the summer.
Learning to love to read in Bernice’s
Place Book Club for Kids
Faces and names of some clients may be changed to protect their confidentiality
Three Gifts of Sister Maryanne
A Hostess with a Purpose– as Director of the Coalition’s
Hospitality House Program
Hospitality: “Hospitality is the way we come out of ourselves. It is the first step towards dismantling the barriers of the world. Hospitality is the way we turn a prejudiced
world around, one heart at a time.” - Joan Chittister
Hospitality was Sr. Maryanne’s greatest gift to Coalition guests, staff and volunteers. While we frequently
teased her about matching paper products at her dinner
parties...it was her why. She so valued her homeless
guests - she treated all with the same respect and dignity. She made sure that the houses were a place
where families
could feel comfortable, heal and grow. She made sure that when a new
family moved in, or a family graduating moved out,
they had all they needed to create a special space to
thrive.
Mentoring: “The delicate balance of mentoring
someone is not creating them in your own image, but giving them the opportunity to
create themselves.” - Steven Spielberg
During her years at the Coalition, Sr. Maryanne was mentor and friend to so many
people. She made sure they had someone to go to and
yet she always knew when to allow them freedom to
make their own mistakes (and have their own successes!). She took young people under her wing and made
sure that they pursued post-secondary education.
Building Community- “And the congregation of
those who believed were of one heart and soul;” Acts
4:32. One of Sr. Maryanne’s greatest gifts to us was
how she built community. She brought guests together
with volunteers, staff and donors. She went to great
lengths to make people feel comfortable and included.
They all worked together for the good of our guests.
She set a standard of graciousness, acceptance and tolerance that is rarely seen today.
There is no event more stressful (or terrifying )than losing your home—
Sister Maryanne knew how to comfort, heal and guide the family
back onto their feet.
Her Guidance Helped Hundreds of Families Regain
Self – Sufficiency With Dignity
.
Sr. Maryanne has recently decided to retire from social work but promises to visit
the Coalition often.
Linda Flores-Tober, the Coalition’s Executive Director, said “It’s impossible to express
the transformative change she had on everyone she met. “ The words of one former
client says it best: “Sister Maryanne saved me and my children —
I can’t imagine where we would be today if it wasn’t for her help”
Yes, I want to Help a Homeless Family!
Here’s what your donation will do
$500 sponsors a homeless child in our summer camp program
$250 houses a homeless working family so they can work and save
$125 buys school uniforms and supplies
$65 for bus tickets so families can get to work and school
Name ________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________
City, State and Zip ______________________________________________
Phone________________________ E-Mail _____________________________________
Please let us know if your company has a matching gift program here:______________
We welcome donations of stocks, bonds or cars. Contact Renaee at 908-355-2060 x206
Send your tax deductible contribution to:
Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, 118 Division St., Elizabeth , NJ 07201
Or you can donate online at www.theelizabethcoalition.org
You Can Make a Difference in the Life of a Homeless Child
Are you making summer plans?
Just like you, we are busy preparing for another
exciting summer camp program.
And like all children, homeless children need enrichment, exercise and time to just be kids during
the long summer days.
Your donation will give a homeless child a summer to remember. The Coalition’s program gives
children the chance to enjoy field trips, swimming
lessons, arts & crafts and one-on-one care.
Make a difference in the life of a homeless child—
sponsor a child in our summer program today!
Inside: Sr. Maryanne Tracey—Hostess with a Purpose!
Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless
118 Division Street
Elizabeth NJ 07201
Phone: 908-355-2060
E-mail: [email protected]
Spring 2015
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Homeless Children
Face More
Challenges than
Other Kids - Will
You Help?
NON PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
ELIZABETH, NJ
PERMIT NO. 11