January & February 2013

www.ourhouseshelter.org 302 E Roosevelt Rd; Little Rock, AR

Some of Our House’s biggest supporters are also the littlest.

A Learning Center alumna returns after 21 years, this time as a donor.

See some of Our House’s rarest photos.

Our House currently has 49 team members. Meet two of them in this issue.

newsletter design & all photos by Amanda Woods, an Our House VISTA, except pg 4 photo by Cecillea Pond-Mayo, pg 5 photo by Georgia Mjartan, pg 6 photo from the Our House photo archive, pg 17 bottom photo from Delta Theta Sigma © 2012-2013

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Look here for one-click access to every issue of our newsletter.

Apply to be a Summer VISTA at Our House.

Look Cool. Do Good. Shop & donate at My Favorite Thrift Store.

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by Amber Hood, Learning Center Child Care Coordinator

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, Mary Mayo, a student at e-Stem Public Charter School, decided to use her day off from school to raise money and awareness for the working homeless men, women, and children at Our House. Mary created signs to celebrate the life of King and to encourage friends and neighbors to donate what they could to Our House as a tribute to him. Mary served hot drinks to those who stopped by her booth. Even when passersby didn’t donate

money, Mary was still sure to tell them about the residents at Our House. Mary has been involved at Our House before, volunteering with the youth programs with her mother, Cecillea Pond-Mayo. Mary also hosted a lemonade stand in her neighborhood this summer to raise money for Our Club.

by Joy Ritchey, Case Manager As Case Manager for the residents of The Shelter, I work very closely with our Learning Center. Michelle Allen and her staff of VISTAs and teachers do an amazing job helping our residents set and attain their educational goals while also assisting in the job search process. It turns out that the Our House Learning Center has a long history of assisting not only Shelter residents but community members as well. One day last December I was leaving The Shelter and almost ran right into a smiling, energetic woman who explained to me that she was here to give a donation to the Learning Center. Her name is Sonia McNeil, and she attended one of Our House’s first computer courses in our Leaning Center in 1991.

Photo: In the early ‘90s, Our House was the first organization in the nation to offer “computer jobs” training to homeless people. Sonia McNeil was one of the first clients of this program.

Ms. McNeil explained to me that the computer course she took here at Our House prepared her for the workforce and changed the nature and quality of her subsequent career. Ms. McNeil said that she had set aside some money to donate to a charitable cause but was unsure where to donate. Then she was struck with the memory of Our House and the profound impact our Learning Center had had on the course of her life. She decided to drive over and make a donation. We are proud to serve Sonia McNeil and members of our local com-munity, whether or not they live on our campus, and we are thrilled to learn of her success and the role our organization played in it. We are deeply grateful for those who have been a part of our community and return to give back!

The Learning Center continues to

provide adult students with com-

puter classes through our Hands-

On IT course led by volunteer

Denise Palmer.

Ms. McNeil’s generous donation

could not have come at a better

time. Thanks to her, we were able

to purchase enough flash drives to

support Learning Center students

looking to sharpen their computer

skills.

In addition to computer training,

the Learning Center offers GED

prep, job skills training, job search

assistance, and life skills classes.

If you’d like to donate to the

Learning Center, call or e-mail

Michelle Allen.

501-374-7383 ext 210

[email protected]

Click here to visit the Learning

Center’s webpage.

It’s an unusual sight: Our House in the

snow. Early on the morning after the

snow fell, our photographer walked to

work for the rare opportunity to

photograph our wintery campus while

the snow was fresh & free from the

footprints that would soon cover it.

Click here to see the photos.

how were you greeted at your last summer job?

how were you greeted at your last summer job?

20 positions available in these areas

Little Learners Child Development Center

My Picture Perfect Summer (Youth Program)

& other Our House programs

Positions run May 30th to August 9th, including training.

Members get an $928/month living allowance and their

choice of either an Eli Segal AmeriCorps Education

Award OR a cash award of $250 at the end of service.

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to

Jamal at [email protected].

be an Our House Summer VISTA

My first job ever was working at a tuxedo company as the final inspection on the assembly line.

My current goals are to finish school & med school to become a psychiatrist, but I really love the work I do here, so I may end up changing my mind.

I don’t have a whole lot of free time outside of work, but typically I like to relax & play video games & my guitar.

My position primarily focuses on improving the efficiency of the campus to save us time & money. I also work on improving the safety of the campus.

I started here in June in a similar position, as a summer VISTA. I helped with the logistics of the summer youth program. That summer was a bucket of fun & a big reason why I wanted to stay on full a full term. Working with Our Club is always a lot of fun & is probably the best part of working here.

hometown Ottawa, Illinois education Psychology major, sophomore, Eastern Illinois University Our House staff since June 2012

education Master’s Degree in Social Work (May ‘13) Our House staff since August 21, 2012

My heroes are those who educate themselves well & stand up for their beliefs, especially when these beliefs are met with opposition. One of my favorite quotes is from Audre Lorde who says, “What are the words you do not yet have? What do you need to say? … Your silence will not protect you.”

My biggest wish is that my children grow up to be happy, confident members of their community.

In 10 years I hope to be confi-dent in the decisions I have made & still dreaming up new experiences to have.

I assist with the provision of individualized case work, including performing assessments & referral of services into the community. I am case manager for the Transitions program which provides support to women who have a criminal record. I also create & facilitate a weekly stress management group.

I was 8 years old when I first worked. I helped my uncle wash windows. In exchange, I would get all the soda I could drink, pizza from Pizza Hut, & occasion-ally a five dollar bill. I loved it.

Zac Hale, Education & Workforce VISTA, Our House

in photo: matching pair of lamps $44.99; 3-piece set of tables $329.99; cards 99¢; on Zac: shirt $5.99, sweater $6

benefitting Our House

Our new Jacksonville store is now open! 605 W. Main St. Jacksonville 501-772-5139 open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday—Saturday 109 N. Van Buren St. Little Rock 353-0642 4606 JFK Blvd. North Little Rock 246-5741 Pick-up is available for furniture donations.

First Security Bank The group had a Dress for Success clothing drive to provide our residents with interview & work attire.

Arkansas Interfaith Power & Light The group insulated our power sockets.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation Kimberly-Clark donated 87 crates of paper products for our kitchen, children’s programs, & The Shelter.

Loblolly Creamery Loblolly donated 44 pints of ice cream, including a new flavor created specifically for Our House.

Bill Cobb Bill donated a generator to keep our refrigerators & freezers cold during future electrical outages.

Food Donations Thanks to all of the people who lined up in our driveway to donate groceries of all kinds to replace our food that spoiled during the December electrical outage. We had so many food donations that day that they didn’t all fit in one room—or in one photo.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Delta Sigma Theta celebrated their 100th anniversary in January with a service project at Our House. They had a fun game night for residents at The Shelter.

CGI, Inc. had a holiday party for our youth programs. First Presbyterian Church donated $1,600 in gift cards to our children’s programs to help purchase gifts for the holidays. Second Baptist Church decorated the Family House for the winter holidays. Sylvan Hills Baptist Church decorated The Shelter for the winter holidays. Brandi Bengtson, Gina Brown, Jill Childers, Brandi Wright, Cami Wright, Families RAP, Fellowship Bible Church Women’s Group, Hendrix College Volunteer Action Committee, & Invisible Children helped sort holiday donations, made stockings for the Stocking Stuffers program, and wrapped shoe boxes that would later be filled with gifts for our residents.

Mike Abele Dianne Ackerman Cindy Adams Anonymous Donor Arkansas Department of Emergency Management Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism Sandy Baker Beth Bandy Steve Bardwell Kristine Barnello Debi Barnes Tim Benton Jessica Brogdon Gina Brown John Brown Elizabeth Browning Sandra Bunn Rose Marie Carp Lindsay Carter Caterpillar Ryan Chmidewsk The Container Store Mike Cowling Adrienne Dallas Sarah Donaghy The Dunn Family Pamela Duran East Harding Clint Edrington Richelle Eoff Rita Fagen Mike Fellona Fellowship Women Vicki Finch Charleen Francis Kristi Fuller Lindsey Gillham Jennifer & Clay Glasgow Lou Graham Halina Hale Krystal Hammons Julie Harris Frankie Harrison Amy Hartsfield Amanda Hughes Casey Huie Katherine Irby Christie Ison Beth Jacks Michael Johnson Margaret Kimball Jessica Kirkpatrick Kim & George Knollmeyer Jeanie Korte Jenny Kyle Jo Lawton Hope Lee Little Rock SDA Youth Group Lissa Loa Jo Luck Lynn Luther Lee Mackey The Marcks Family James Martin Heather Mazander Candice McHenry Scott McLeod Katie McKnight Sherry & Chuck Middleton Lynn Murray Melanie Orintas Molly Owens Denise Palmer Alyce Parker The Phelps Family Practice Plus Tinika Ricks Kim Rousseau Cathy Rushing Chance Schanzlin The Shannon Family Susie Shinn Florence Sims Christy Smith Jane Thompson Janie Tucker U.S. Pizza Co. Jessica Virden Ashley Wadsworth Jane & Bob Wayland Chris Webb Angel & Drew Weber Erin Weber Nancy Weber Bridget Weiss Kelsey White Mary White Cindy & Mackey Yokem

Whitney Bartley Ashlee Bechdoldt Laurie Bonds Lacy Caldwell Nancy Cole Kathy Davis Brooke Edwards Tracy Ferrell Shannon Ford Jenny Freyman Melissa Gardner Jay Gordon Beverly Green Biff Grimes Hamid Habibi Yolanda Harden Steve Jenkins Emily Johnson Terry Jones Amy Langham Virginia Lee Katina Leland Tiffany Lindsey Caroline Martin Karyn McCarver Wendy Phelan Nancy Qualls Matt Reddin Amanda Reising Paige Scott Kristy Sheperd Amber Silva Barry Sims Ellie Smith-Walker Aaron Strobel Phil Tacker Paige Vaughn Ellz Walzer Phillip Watts Amy Westmoreland Mary White Rita White Yolanda Williams

Individuals Janet & David Adcock Twylla & Drew Alexander Kay & Bill Allen Edward & Kevin Allis Ann & Joel Anderson Emily Andrews Mary Sanders & Alfred Angulo Anonymous Donor Amy & Hamlin Au Elizabeth & Clint Aymond Linda & Donald Bacon Danette Baker & John Haley Kathryne Baker Miranda Burchfield Baker William Baker Debi Barnes Jane & James Beachboard Ian Beard Roberta & Paul Belviy Janna Bishop Robin & Scott Bishop Pat Booth Jane & Douglas Bown Sheila & Stephen Boyd Miranda Burchfield Baker Fredrick Black Laurie Black Mary Boaz Michale Brinkley Michelle Burgess Frederick Campbell Geneva & Rolf Carlsten Jennifer & Adam Carter Miles Chism Robert Clark John Collins Tura Campanella Cook Patty & Jim Dailey Eileen & Steven Denne Kevin Ducey Lori Ducey

Jami Eaves Susan Elder Richard Elimon Astrid & William Elliott Michelle & Dean Elliott Dan Farley Sarah Floyd Kathy & Larry Fluharty Ann & John Freely June Freeman Charles Friedman Christine & Jeffery Gardner Tanya & Brian Giles Diane & Gregory Graham Bettylee Green Deborah Gene Griffith Louise & Roy Gutierrez Rosemary Hallmark Kevin Hamman Mary Lou Hartman Janet & Gregory Hartz Jon Michael Haslauer Allyson Haut Julia & Lyle Heim Mary & Andrew Hiegel Ashlee Hill Joe Hilliard Glen Hoffman Allison Deman Holland Sarah & Theodore Hood Naomi & Gene Hooks Allan Horne Dan Howard Mary Sue Jacobs Mary & Clark Jennings Mary & Steven Jennings Tom Jewart Julie Johnson Meredith & Christopher Johnson W. Wilson Jones Jill Judy

Deirdre Kaniewski Brenda & Terry Kent Lance King Whitfield Knapple Steve Knollmeyer Mrs. Frank Kumpris Wendy Lair Linda & Dr. James Landers Ann & Ralph Lassiter Matthew Lefrancois Teresa & J. Gardner Lile Beverly Lindsey Frank Lorusso Derick Malone Alan Malzewski Gena Mandle Michael McCarty Terri & Don McClure Paulette McConnell Linda McFall Sonia McNeil Lynn & M.C. McSpadden Sara Meeks Heather & Daniel Mendoza Sherry & Charles Middleton Joanne & Charles Mills David Mitchell Melissa Moody Michael Moore & Mark Rowe Cathy & Michael Moran Anthony Morehead Mike Mosley Jackie Murphy Teresa & Dr. Joseph Murphy Betsy & John Murray Marita & Sarkis Nazarian Angela & Duong Nguyen Ali Noland Kent Oots M.J. Orellano Beth & Roger Page

Linda & Gene Pfeifer Jolynn Pickens Dawn Pier Carolyn Pierce Elizabeth & David Powell Kyleen Prewett Carol Rasco Noah Rhodes Jennifer, David, & Pierce Ripa Sandy & Rex Robbins Jack Robertson Rosemary Rodibaugh Evelyn Rose S.H. Roussel Billie & Skip Rutherford Ingrid & Brent Sadler Guy Sallis Garrie Salmon Ellen Samples Chris Schaffhauser Calvin & David Schildknecht Melissa & Doug Serfass Leslie & Ricky Seward Jean & Doyle Shook Harryette Shue Brittany & Robert Smith Diane & Dennis Smith Tammi & Stephen Sossei Steve Spencer James Stooker Anna & Aaron Strong Suttles Family Reunion Vali Talbot Glynda Tarpley Cynthia & John Tisdale Lou Tobian Dorothy & R.F. Toll Jeanette & Robert Trimble Erin Tripcony Jeffrey Trowbridge Nicolas Trujillo

Individuals, continued Bridget & Andrew Upchurch Joan & Brian Wakelyn R.A. Walker Andrew Watt Julia Henderson & Michael Watts Edwarda & James Robert Wayne IV Angel & Drew Weber Nancy & Harlan Weber James Clay Wellborn Kathy & George Wells Susan Wilkinson Alfred Williams Heidi & James Williams Anna Wingfield Beverly Wittenberg Tanya Wright Dorothy & Paul Young Jan & Don Zimmerman

Congregations Cathedral of St. Andrew Christ the King Catholic Church Christian Science Society Church of the Immaculate Conception Faith Lutheran Church Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church Park Hill Christian Church St. Anne Catholic Church St. James United Methodist Church St. John Baptist Church St. Luke’s Episcopal Church St. Marks Foundation St. Michael’s Episcopal Church Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Society of Friends Trinity United Methodist Church United Methodist Women— Jacksonville United Methodist Women— Marmaduke

Corporations ABC Financial Services, Inc. Anonymous Donor AR Special Nutrition Program Bank of America Drennan Insurance Marketing, Inc. Garver, LLC GE Foundation Kerry Ellison Realty Magna IV Pulaski County

Government AR Special Nutrition Program DHS—AmeriCorps DHS—ESG HUD Supportive Housing HUD Transitions Pulaski County

Grants Blue & You Foundation Caterpillar Foundation Good Family Foundation Heart of Arkansas United Way J.W. Benafield Charitable Foundation United Way of Greater Philadelphia & SNJ Windgate Charitable Foundation

Organizations Chapter C PEO First Peter 4 7-11 Foundation Lighthouse Group, LLC Wheelettes Social Club

Capital Campaign Anonymous Donor Christie & Steven Bardwell Kyanna & Deshun Beard Blissard Management & Realty Mary & W. Dabbs Cavin Courtney Cobbs Coulson Foundation Nancy & Tom Crow Dan Farley Fred Darragh Foundation Dillard’s Thomas Embach Faith Lutheran Church Jennifer & Bret Franks Charles A. Frueauff Foundation, Inc. GE Foundation David Gill Julianne Grundfest Keith Harvey Linda & Dr. Thomas Hesterberg Hussman Foundation Mary & Steven Jennings Philip R. Jonsson Foundation H.H. Ketcher Margaret Koone Kim & George Knollmeyer Vicki & Thomas Kovaleski

Pat & John Lile N.J. Lloyd Susan May Karen & Peter A. Miller Georgia & Dominik Mjartan Lakshmi Mohandas Sharon Mosby Sue & David Mosley Thomas F. Navin Judy & David Nelsen Cecilia & William Patterson Chester Phillips Southwest Power Pool Sterling Financial Corporation Andrew Teague Charlotte & Dewain Tennant Van Tilbury Dorothy & R.F. Toll UBS Financial Services Deborah K. Walker Mary & William Waters Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Found. Angel & Drew Weber Mike White Robert M. Winter Rebecca & John Womack

All issues of Our House’s newsletter are viewable on issuu.com or by clicking a cover on these two pages. An index of articles from our newsletter’s first year is in the May 2012 issue.

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