St. Mary’s Center Quarterly Newsletter
Fall 2009
Dance to End Poverty!
T
he idea of a Party to end poverty might seem strange. Yet
at St. Mary’s Center the weight of the world is best shouldered
by realizing we are united in a spirit that does not paralyze our
feet or close our heart.
On October 17th, 2009 people around the world will
be gathering to observe the International Day to Eradicate
Poverty. We will be in Oakland, a city where more seniors live
in poverty than any urban area in the country. As the hurt of
poverty touches deeper (see article on State budget cuts in this
Newsletter), this event comes at a most appropriate time. Event
proceeds help over 2,400 seniors, children and families who
count on our collective concern and support each year.
for homeless seniors so they become advocates for themselves
and leaders for us all,” commented Johnson.
The origins of the group date to 2000 when St. Mary’s
hosted a conference to recognize the Millennium Jubliee
Year of Justice. The event - “Hope & Justice: Conference on
Homelessness and Hunger” brought together over 250 people,
representing 81 different nonprofit and government agencies.
The event will honor Father Michael Norkett and St. Mary’s
Senior Advocates for Hope and Justice. It will include an Art
show and offer some of the areas best restaurants and outings
as part of the fundraiser.
Father Norkett’s relationship with St. Mary’s Center goes
back two decades when he was pastor at Old St. Mary’s Church
at 7th and Jefferson. In 1992, when the Center had to move
from the church site, he and Father Jim Keeley arranged for
the Center to move to St. Francis de Sales Community Center
on 22nd Street. And then three years ago, when the challenge
to get a permanent home came into focus – so did Father
Norkett.
Keenly aware of the importance of St. Mary’s he introduced
several prospective donors to the mission of the organization.
His approach as a leader on the Capital campaign was personal
– asking people to join him for lunch at the Center, a tour of the
programs and then a meeting so they could better understand
the financials, timelines, need and hopes.
Executive
Director
Carol
Johnson
noted
“the theme of our
event this year
really characterizes
Father Michael –
helping hands, open
heart and I would
add
generous
spirit. The other
thing is laughter – it
is a good time when
he is here – you feel a sense that anything is possible!”
Father Michael will share the spotlight with St. Mary’s
Senior Advocates for Hope and Justice at the big event. This
leadership team of seniors is far from typical. “We seem to be
the only group in the country that integrates leadership training
Tackling a range of issues –the need for affordable
housing, the accessibility of healthcare, issues of hunger and
nutritious food in low income neighborhoods, the cost of public
transportation, the stigma of mental illness, the senior leaders
have more than a few success stories.
Their testimony, artwork and poetry capture attention
whether in Oakland, Sacramento and even Washington DC. On
a recent trip to Sacramento, Senior Advocates visited California
Assembly Member Sandre Swanson, a friend and supporter on
issues of concern. Melvin, one of the senior leaders, took some
candy from the desk while joking “If you keep cutting my check,
I’m going to have to grab a lot more candy than this.” Three of
the staff members laughed. Melvin thought a little harder about
what he had said and continued, “Actually, if you keep cutting
my check, I’m going to have to move in here with you.” There
was more laughter and then a moment when the painful truth
seemed to set in.
It is this common sense approach and wisdom that has
impressed so many policy makers. Senior Advocates use the
stories of their lives to help us see their humanity. We honor their
courage, their voice, their wisdom. For more information on the
36th Anniversary event check the website www.stmaryscenter.org
or call (510) 923-9600 x 222.
Taming Our Emotions
A
“
nger is a basic human emotion
that is experienced by all people.
Typically triggered by an emotional
hurt, anger is usually experienced
as an unpleasant feeling that occurs
when we think we have been injured,
mistreated, opposed in our long-held views, or when we are
faced with obstacles that keep us from attaining personal
goals.” Harry Mills, Ph.D.
When Shirley Cheney, Recovery 55 Director of St. Mary’s
Center read this quote from Dr. Mills, she asked, “Now imagine
the pent up feelings of seniors who are homeless.” Aware of the
implications of anger is why St. Mary’s Center is introducing a
new program ~ “Taming Our Emotions”.
“The goal of the program is to give seniors practical skills,
not psycho babble on how to manage anger”, said Cheney.
Designed as a twelve week class for mental health and substance
abuse clients, Shirley is excited about the possibilities it presents
for individuals and the St. Mary’s community. “Periodically, we
have asked people to leave St. Mary’s as they were not able
to manage their anger. Now we have a program that can help.
We have invited back members who have been suspended. It
feels good to have new tools to mend our community,” Cheney
commented.
Seniors learn strategies that are both immediate and
preventative. Immediate strategies include: taking a time out,
deep breathing exercises and thought stopping. Preventative
strategies include developing an exercise program and changing
irrational beliefs.
The goals of the class are straight forward: learn to manage
anger, stop violence or the threat of violence, develop self control
over thoughts and actions and receive support and feedback
from others. Participants use a workbook and homework to
sharpen awareness and skills.
The class also helps to dispel the myths about anger. It is
not inherited, does not automatically lead to aggression, people
don’t need to be aggressive to get what they want, and venting
anger is not always desirable.
One participant who did not feel he had anger issues
observed, “I meditate and did not think I had any anger problem.
Now I realize it was bottled up and would come out in different
ways. This class is giving me new skills to deal with it.”
A Neighborhood Preschool
This cognitive behavioral therapy treatment (CBT) helps
individuals to: identify events that trigger anger, recognize
the cues and warning signs and develop anger management
(cognitive behavioral) strategies in response to the event and
cues.
As people become aware of the events that trigger anger
(long waits to see the doctor, crowded buses, being wrongly
accused, etc.) and paying attention to the cues (heart beats
faster, voices get louder, feel disrespected, etc) they are better
able to monitor it.
An “anger meter” is one of the tools that help people
become aware of anger and how to monitor it. On a scale of 1 –
10, each person rates encounters that are anger provoking. The
exercise helps the senior to see the progression. 1 represents
no feeling of anger, 10 represents a very angry and explosive
loss of control that leads to negative consequences. Few reach
10 immediately. By learning coping skills, individuals take
advantage of the time to stop the anger from escalating.
P
arents in this West Oakland neighborhood are delighted
their children have the advantage of St. Mary’s Preschool.
Greeted each morning and afternoon with enthusiastic teachers,
there is great anticipation as a new school year begins.
This year the program has been expanded to reach more
children. Forty-eight children and their families will experience
a program that takes a holistic approach to learning. Reaching
children often unable to access early childhood education is St.
Mary’s specialty. Many of the families live in areas of violence,
do not speak English, and live in extreme poverty.
Yet such deficits are not noticed as school begins and
teachers easily maneuver between English and Spanish, putting
both parents and children at ease. Such a feeling of welcome is
a St. Mary’s Center trademark.
The National Institute for Early Education Research notes,
“While public preschool programs are expanding across the
country, there is a lag in participation by the nation’s fastest
growing and yet most educationally challenged group of
Hispanic children.”
Photographs: Tom Lowe, Mina Gaskell, David Bacon
Preschool Director Lorita Riga sees the difference the
program makes. “Our attention is also on the families so they
get the resources they need to stay involved in their child’s
education. We know having a good preschool experience
enhances the chance the children will graduate from high
school. In Oakland that is critical – right now African American
and children of Hispanic descent have a better chance of
dropping out of high school than graduating. But here they get
a foundation in how to share, a love for learning and a chance
to play – critical things to help them beat the odds!”
The Impact of State Budget Cuts
E
xecutive Director of St. Mary’s Center, Carol Johnson describes the state budget as a “double whammy”. She explains the
budget takes aim at the programs helping the poorest people in our community in two ways.
“It cuts lifeline programs – groceries and in-home support which help people manage very tough situations and it cuts
their SSI so they will have even less money to buy the necessities,” said Johnson.
When state legislators finally passed a State budget, some of the cuts proposed earlier were averted. Yet on July 28, 2009, California’s
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a revised budget using the line item veto to gut many safety net programs.
The Legislature is questioning whether the line item veto, a power typically applied to appropriations, is legal in making budget
revisions. Yet while there is an attempt to block this austere budget, it may be too late for the programs and people affected so
drastically by it.
Here is a glimpse of how the State budget affects St. Mary’s Center and the extremely low income seniors helped by
the program.
Cuts to Services
• The Governor used his veto power
to eliminate funding for Mercy Brown
Bag program, a collaborative partner
with St. Mary’s Center. This cut affects
125 seniors at the Center who get
groceries and fresh produce every
two weeks. This cut comes at a time
when extremely low income seniors
face significant cuts in their income, and
increased costs for medicines and other
necessities.
• In Alameda County 3,200 people will loose their In-Home
Support Services. For medically frail seniors, this help with
bathing, medications, and light house work ensures their quality
of life. 366 seniors at St. Mary’s count on this specialized
care.
• The budget eliminates all state funding for the Senior
Companion Program, a program for low income seniors that
provides friendly visiting, grocery shopping and help with daily
tasks. 50 isolated elders will loose this weekly support
which helps them live independently.
• Adult Day Health Care programs will be cut from five
to three days a week. This therapeutic care setting is especially
important for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other
dementias. 192 St. Mary’s seniors and their care givers use
this critical program.
• In addition, previous funding for our Winter Shelter
through EHAP has been eliminated and much of the money for
Alameda County contracts come through
State budget coffers.
Cuts to Senior’s Income
•
SSI – Social Supplementary
Income has been cut by $62/month for
individuals and $172/month for couples
since October, 2008. While the cost of
food, transportation, rent, medications,
etc have increased, seniors on SSI are
not getting promised Cost of Living
Allowances, they are getting additional
cuts. Many seniors wonder how they will
survive.
•
Low –income seniors working as “Companions”
received a stipend of $200 each month, helping to stretch
their limited budgets. The elimination of funding for the Senior
Companion program means these stipend positions will not
be available.
• In home support workers will loose their jobs because
of cuts to program. Several St. Mary’s Center seniors
supplement their income with this program.
• Cuts in General Assistance Grants will have a grave
impact on many homeless seniors served by the Center.
Seniors who come to the Center without income first need to
apply for GA. Researching and applying for other benefits like
SSI is often a long process and can take 6 months to a year or
longer. GA cuts will also affect:
a. Those sharing housing (often the only option given the
small amount of money) will see a reduction of 15-25% unless
living with a spouse or domestic partner.
b. GA recipients not covered by Med-Cal will have
their grants reduced $40 each month to cover the cost of
medical care.
c. Beginning January 1, 2010 employable individuals
will receive GA for a maximum of three months in any 12
month period.
Reflection from Executive Director Carol Johnson
At St. Mary’s Center, we remember when a person living
on General Assistance could afford to live in a single room
occupancy hotel room and have money for food. A person on
SSI could have a one bedroom market rate apartment, enough
for food and other necessities. Now as the richest state in the
United States we are basically saying “It is okay for people to
be homeless and not living in some dignified situation.”
How you can help –
•
Give a contribution to
St. Mary’s Center to help ensure
program funding,
• Call or write your elected
representatives and ask them
to fund these needed programs,
• Tell your friends and family
about these grave cuts and
invite them to learn more about
St. Mary’s Center.
Celebrating A Dream Come True
It was a beautiful day – sun shining, banners flying, Martin Luther King, Jr. standing watch and over 300 people
celebrating the completion of Courtyard and Garden at St. Mary’s Center. The day was June 25, 2009.
“I can’t believe how fast this all happened”, remarked Lillian Cadenasso, a long time supporter. Others
commented how it seemed “a little piece of heaven”, “a place where anything seems possible.” And so it is.
In three and a half years, 633 people, foundations and government entities contributed $6,751,000 to help
create St. Mary’s Center Village. The diverse group of supporters were well represented at the celebration: Al
Dossa from the Y & H Soda Foundation, Mike Desler of the Wayne & Gladys Valley Foundation, Nancy Nadel of the
Oakland City Council, Dutch Haarsma from Northern California Community Loan Fund, Bishop John Cummins of
the Oakland Catholic Diocese, seniors and families who count on the program, donors of all ages content with the
accomplishment and first timers wanting to learn more.
An Art show featuring photographs by Roy
Manzanares, sketches by Judith Mortenson and artwork
by Tom Lowe and others helped weave the stories of
lives changed. Tours of the facilities helped supporters
better understand the depth of the programs and how
the space improves the ability to serve. An invitation to
Tai Chi, chance to learn about the organic garden, enjoy
food from the Future Chef Academy and music by Bill
Wigfall, Mejin Leechor & Kate Lammers all contributed
to a most remarkable afternoon.
Executive Director, Carol Johnson remembered
words that inspired in 2006 as the idea of a permanent
home started to resonate. “A vision without a task
is but a dream. A task without a vision is drudgery. A
vision with a task is the hope of the world.”
Noble Johnson, a senior helped by the Center,
echoed the sentiment as he re-counted the multiple
ways his life has changed at St. Mary’s – money
management, counseling, finding a place to live and
feeling hope again. Erica Guerrero, a young mother
spoke of the importance of the Preschool in helping
children get ready for Kindergarten and having a place
to go that is safe and offers help to families.
Board chair Dick Gilpin summed it up this way, “we
have created a place where those falling on tough times
feel the hand of another. Thank you for your support.”
Planting Peace
On Monday, September 21st, St. Mary’s
Center and neighborhood collaborators
planted a Peace Pole in St. Andrews
Park on San Pablo Avenue. Using the
occasion of the International Day of
Peace, the gathering remembered those
who have died because of violence. “Too
often we have street memorials bearing
witness to another death. Last spring
we had one in this very park, an aunt to
one of our Preschool children. Now we
will have another image – a peace pole –
an outward sign to this community that
people care about each other”, remarked
Executive Director Carol Johnson.
When I first saw this portrait I said, “This is not me here!” I saw a part of me I’m
not happy with. The face that I portray is happy and joyful: everything’s going fine.
This portrait depicts the hidden sadness of my heart through my eyes. It goes beyond
my façade. This sadness is something that I could never put my finger on, couldn’t
put a name on, still can’t. Sometimes my heart feels very broken. This shatters the
positive image that I show to everyone.
Recently my life has taken a turn: some horrifying and terrifying things have
happened. I am rolling with the curves. I shall succeed in my endeavor to heal the
hurt in my heart. I am open to venturing out in new ways in a positive manner. I meet
challenges in my life head on! Whether I fail or succeed, at least I have made an
effort. I lay out a plan including various options geared to my successes. I remember
both my past successes and failures. My failures remind me to pursue different
avenues for success.
I can handle looking at myself, being open, and searching for the truth. It takes
time to accept the truth. If something lives inside me, I become ready to accept it and
to deal with it. If I don’t, I am cheating myself by leaving out a part of myself.
I’m learning that I can’t change what is: it is what it is. There is hurt in me and in
others too. I see positive help at St. Mary’s Center and feel understanding from other
people; I can speak openly and honestly.
I experience love and trust with others at St. Mary’s Center. That in itself is a
success!
Judy Aguilar
August 23, 1948
Houston, Texas
I didn’t think the artist would make the picture look like me. I am surprised. I feel
very connected with the person in this portrait; it shows something true and that’s a
good feeling.
I see a little sadness: it shows up in the mouth turned down. But this is not the
way that I usually feel. I have a lot of gratitude for being in recovery and blessed with
good things.
I began living on the streets when I was seventeen years old. Drugs were the
only way that I knew how to cope. I couldn’t and wouldn’t talk about my feelings. The
times that I did, I got crushed.
I’m now 59 years old. I’m just starting to come in off the streets. I’m not using
drugs anymore. It’s really strange. I can get through life without getting high. I have a
home. I am reunited with my family and we are getting along. I thank God everyday
for the blessings that I continually receive.
I’m just here. I have a story to tell and I want to help other people. I now say,
“Drugs are not the way, a lot of prayer and faith are!” I have a lot of faith today; I owe
everything to my higher power.
I see faith in my eyes: security. I see myself in a different light than what I’m used
to, a wonderful light! I have a lot more to give. If there is any way that I can give back,
I will.
I see the real me through this portrait. I want to put it on a wall in my home as a
reality check!
Sharon Lewis
March 16, 1950
Oakland, California
Many thanks to Artist Judith Mortenson for doing sketches of St. Mary’s Center seniors.
Wish list
To make arrangements for drop off,
call (510) 923-9600 x 222.
Sister Marilyn and the Kitchen Crew could use:
For the Shelter
Gently used sheets and blankets
Sweatshirts and sweatpants (gently used/new –
Large and XL)
• a LARGE stainless steel pot
• Dinner Forks & Teaspoons
• Pot holders
• Dish Towels
Socks (new and white, if possible)
• People to cook a shelter meal (Shelter runs from December 1st – April 30th)
Large white grease board on rollers
New underwear for men and women (larger sizes)
T-shirts (L, XL, XXL, 3X).
Bar soap.
A Happy Life
The idea of a happy life for seniors
is the goal at St. Mary’s Center. While
many face very complex issues –
homelessness, lack of health care,
bankruptcy, hunger, despair – at
St. Mary’s these issues are slowly
untangled with a focus on the well
being of the individual.
Unlike many social service
agencies there is no “wrong door”
to get help. Some first come to the
Center for a hot meal or shelter bed.
The hospitality of this place makes it
easy to access other help. Many look
back and realize they have a whole
new life - a happy life.
Senior
Homeless
Program
Counselor Gretchen Blais is a Licensed
Marriage and Family Therapist with
20 years experience in working with
people with co-occurring disorders
(mental illness and substance abuse).
She describes the process that marks
St. Mary’s success. “It is a place of
welcome. In every aspect people are
treated with respect.” At St. Mary’s
the issues people face tell more about
our society, policy and economics
than about the individual. And that
subtlety makes a huge difference in
terms of approach.
Realizing that we all deserve a
happy life, Gretchen uses this simple
question with seniors during the
intake interview - “What do you need
to be happy?”
Gretchen explains how the answer
helps to set goals. “Today I asked a
homeless man what he needed to be
happy. ‘My own place, my
own pots and pans, my own dishes
so I can take more responsibility
for myself. I’d like to move back to
Memphis with my children and old
friends’.
Articulating what he wants helps
this senior to develop an action plan
to achieve his happy life. Using
motivational interviewing, counselors
and case managers ask about the
barriers that are interfering with their
hopes. Gretchen notes, “We find
ways to applaud their success and
work with them to get what they
need.”
Realizing how people get lost in
systems, case workers often go with
the senior to untangle problems.
Gretchen recalls, “The other day I
was in a local bank with a man on
SSI who had overdrawn a couple of
dollars from his account and now is
faced with $190 in fees. The senior
found out too late that his “overdraft
protection fees” was neither. I asked
the manager if they would waive the
fees. Barely looking at the man, the
person remarked, ‘No we can’t’. And
then she got up and walked away’.
The lack of concern and respect was
reason I pulled my own account out
of the bank and moved it across the
street.”
Such conviction speaks to the
relationships seniors have with
staff. The trust goes two ways, as
concern raised by seniors is why
St. Mary’s is on the cutting edge
with treatment programs. Executive
Director Carol Johnson notes, “St.
Mary’s started a new program in
2002 so people could get help for
mental health and substance abuse
issues at the same time. Seven years
later, it is the industry standard. But
then we were trail blazing alone.”
Now Alameda County requires all
contracting agencies to provide such
an approach.
It is this courage to push for
effective programs that has the
attention of so many around the
county and state. Gretchen serves
on Alameda County’s Change Agent
Process and will be joined with
other staff and seniors to present at
conferences around the state. “We
use everyway we can to say to the
seniors – you matter. When a senior
helps present at a workshop it helps
practitioners better understand our
approach.”
Giving Back
When Sandy Meekins decided to retire for a second time
she knew she wanted to make a difference for others. “I
knew I wanted to assist seniors, and when I mentioned it to
my parish priest, Father Michael Norkett he let me know he
had the perfect place, she remembers. And he was right!”
Sandy is the friendly voice that greets callers and seniors
two mornings each week. “You know there is need but until
I came here you don’t have a face and name. I enjoy all of the people that make up the family here – the seniors and
those that assist them. I wish I was a millionaire to help more. There by the grace of God.”
Sandy’s smile puts people at ease, her professionalism makes the office run smoothly and her generous spirit makes
her part of the family!
The Difference They Make
What People Say About Senior Advocates for Hope & Justice
“The public has a perception that homeless people don’t want housing. While that might be
the case for some, when formerly homeless people tell their story about being housed, they
positively influence both the public’s misconception and thus build empathy for the plight of
homeless people, but they also encourage other homeless people to explore all their options.
Thank you St. Mary’s Center for providing housing to homeless seniors and for spreading the
seeds of hope.” ~ Oakland City Council Nancy Nadel
“Thank you for your courage to speak for those unable to speak for
themselves. I will remember you. You know what people go through
and truly need.” Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg - California State
Senate
Pictured here with St. Mary’s Center Leader Milas Hackett on
presentation of his artwork.
Your voice is critical because you have experienced first hand the
injustices and inequities of our social system. Your courage and strength
to speak out is an inspiration to us all. Please know that your efforts can
impact the lives of others and have already. We honor each of you as
Change-Makers with voices that will be heard for many years to come.
Dianne Yamashiro-Omi - Senior Program Officer, The California Endowment
“The world needs to hear about their successes in overcoming these
problems and their work to challenge the causes of poverty. I am proud
that St. Mary’s Center is part of my district.”
Congresswoman Barbara Lee
“The voice of seniors is critical towards ensuring that we are building a
just and equitable community”
Boona Cheema -Executive Director, Building Opportunities for SelfSufficiency
“St. Mary’s Center Hope and Justice Program’s amazing seniors are an example of spirit, energy and power – they are always
at the forefront of the struggle to align the will of the government with the good of the people. Their motivation, determination
and dedication to fight for a more just world are a constant inspiration to those who work with them. We are honored to salute
them in their efforts to be solid reminders of the world as it could be if everyone actively participated and exercised civic
responsibility.” Suzan Bateson – Executive Director, Alameda County Community Food Bank
“As a professional working hard to fight hunger in California,
some days can feel very dark. But on days when I’m feeling
the most discouraged, I hear the rhythm of the St. Mary’s
band in my heart and remember the incredible testimonies
that I have heard through the years at St. Mary’s Center and
feel renewed optimism.”
Jessica Bartholow – Program Director California Association
of Food Banks
“The first time I was introduced to St. Mary’s Senior
Advocates for Hope and Justice was when I was asked to
come and talk about the services of my organization. I must
say that I was the beneficiary that day. I left believing even
more deeply in the magic created by people who are moved
to make a difference because they know what the alternative
is, intimately.”
Wanda Remmers - Executive Director, Housing Rights, Inc.
Wish List for Preschool
Items for Snack:
(milk (non-fat or 1%), tortillas, turkey lunch meat, cheese,
cream cheese, frozen waffles, cheerios, honey nut cheerios,
or rice krispies, graham crackers, cheese-it crackers,
saltine crackers, turkey hot dogs and buns, jello packages
Art Materials:
Construction paper (all colors), glue sticks, art paper,
buttons, yarn, felt, chalk (big and small)
Outdoor items:
Tricycles (new or lightly used), basketballs, soccer balls,
kick balls, bubbles, water/sand table, seeds (flowers,
herbs, vegetables)
To make arrangements for drop off,
call (510) 923-9600 x 222.
Adopt a Family for Christmas
Each year St. Mary’s Center brightens the holidays for 350
families giving gifts to each child and money to help with
holiday foods. If you, your business or church want to
find out more about how you can help, call Sister Marilyn
at (510) 923-9600 x 220.
Meditation In Motion
Jiaqi Han of Outreach and Advocacy leads a group in
Tai Chi twice a week at St. Mary’s Center. While watching
Tai Chi is relaxing, doing it is even better. It reduces stress,
increases flexibility, improves muscle strength, increases
energy, stamina and agility and increases feelings of well
being. The Mayo Clinic describes Tai Chi as “meditation in
motion promoting serenity through gentle movements that
connect mind and body.”
Such benefits are especially valuable for seniors. Tai
Chi and other strength building exercises are ways the
Outreach and Advocacy staff help frail elders to prevent
falls, stay active and improve their well-being.
Reserve your tickets for
October 17th Anniversary event today
(510) 923-9600 x 222