Dani, right, works with a child in the Project HOPE children's program at Sheffield Place.

Sheffield Place benefited from the services on intern, Danyel Crispin this summer.  Dani is a student at KU and interned full-time at Sheffield Place through the faith-based internship program adminstered by Bishop Sullivan Center.  In the following essay written as a reflection paper for the internship program, Dani explores the insight she gained into the nexus of theory and practice in trauma recovery.  Thank you, Dani, for your hard work and dedication to the children and families at Sheffield Place.

Hurt People, Hurt People

            Every evening at Sheffield Place, the staff members teach the kids a lesson on bullying. This past week, the kids have focused on the question, “Why do bullies bully?” The responses and discussion we have had on this question have been so interesting, and I have continued to ponder this question in relation to counseling and healing (what I am considering going into) throughout the week. The main answer to this question can be summed up in the phrase “Hurt people, hurt people.” With the kids, we talked about the fact that bullies do not just bully for fun; instead, they bully for a sense of control because they feel powerless in another aspect of their lives. Speaking about this topic to a group of children who know very well what it means to feel powerless has a lot of weight, it got me thinking about ways in which I can help others to regain a sense of security in order to prevent abusive and bullying relationships from forming.

            One of the biggest reasons why I was so excited to be at Sheffield Place this summer is because of their emphasis on recovery and rehabilitation. I get to witness some of the most beautiful stories of hope and transformation occur in the lives of women and their children right before my eyes. Whether in movies, on the news, or in real life, I love a good transformation story. The process of healing and recovery is what drew me into being interested in psychology and counseling. I think part of why I am so fascinated by stories of restoration is because it is a reflection of the Paschal Mystery we are all called to enter into.

Sr. Miriam James Heidland, a Catholic speaker, frequently says that “Suffering that is not transformed will be transmitted,” in speaking about the necessity of encountering Christ’s healing touch. In taking the question of “Why do bullies bully?” one step deeper, I can ask myself “Where I am hurting, and how is that transmitting into my relationships with others?” In examining these places of woundedness, I can start to recognize where I need to seek healing and transformation. Healing can take place in all sorts of environments where loving community and truth are present, including churches, gyms, therapy offices, schools, and shelters like Sheffield Place. I believe that total restoration, the kind of wholeness that God is calling us to, takes all of these facets of healing because we are physical, psychological, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual beings.

Any person that we may encounter as impatient, rude, judgmental, etc. is reflecting their pain which has not yet been healed. Keeping this in mind, and looking at someone in this way--as a person with a story, not an obstacle to our happiness--can totally change the way we live. This summer has been an amazing opportunity for me to receive the women and children at my internship as persons with stories who have been affected by their wounds and trauma. Seeing them this way has allowed me to be more understanding and give them extra grace because I only see them as a person who is hurting. It has also given me the opportunity to look inward, recognize my own wounds, and be more merciful with myself, as well.

 May 6,2020 

By David Hanzlick – Director, Program and Development, Sheffield Place
[The post was requested by Country Club Christian Church as a part of their annual stewardship campaign.]

The COVID-19 crisis has cast a dark shadow of uncertainty around the world and on the doorstep of Sheffield Place. The mothers worry about their health, the health of their children, their ability to stay clean and sober amidst the anxiety, and their ability to earn a living. The staff – while also under stress – work to reassure the clients that addiction and mental health recovery are possible and self-sufficiency can be achieved.

In this trying environment, the concern, kindness, and generosity of friends like the members of Country Club Christian Church are valued now more than ever. The Church found ways to help – by providing face masks made by the sewing guild, donating school and craft supplies, supplying funding for emergency needs, and feeding the clients and staff with delicious food lovingly prepared. All of this occurred at a time when volunteering onsite is suspended due to the pandemic.

These expressions of caring touch the hearts and feed the bodies and souls of the families. They know that they are not alone and that people in the community care about them and are cheering for their success.

Sheffield Place has long been blessed by the active partnership of the Church and its members – through Grace at Work and other volunteer days, sustaining grant support, the donation of handsewn items by the sewing guild, and the provision of meals and fellowship provided to the families several times each year by the Bough/Berry group.

It is during the isolation of COVID-19 that clients and staff become intensely aware now more than ever of the many ways our lives are touched by the Church’s love and compassion.

JMU students return to Sheffield Place for Alternative Spring Break

Blog Post #1

Strength is at the core of the women living at Sheffield Place. They sacrifice, take risks, and venture out of their comfort zones to provide for their children. It has been moving and inspiring to hear the perspectives and journeys of some of Sheffield Place’s current clients. Their dedication and resilience is evident in the way they carry themselves. Between attending classes, working full time or multiple part time jobs, caring for their children, and striving toward obtaining permanent housing, these women show they are extremely powerful and capable of anything they put their hearts and minds to. As a woman, I am in awe of their drive. As a student, I am humbled to be allowed into their home to learn and serve. As a future healthcare professional, I am grateful to know there are organizations like Sheffield place working to connect individuals to basic needs that are absolutely essential to our ability to thrive and achieve stability.

Blog Post #2

From this past week of working with Sheffield Place, I have learned so much that I can carry with me into my future personal and professional life. This post is dedicated to sharing the five things that I admire most about Sheffield Place. First, they focus on serving homeless mothers with the highest needs and highest barriers. Very few organizations are willing to dedicate the time and resources necessary to make this possible. It is the perfect niche for Sheffield Place. Second, Sheffield Place is constantly reevaluating the ways in which they can expand their resources and meet the growing need in the surrounding community. Recently, they bought a building that will be renovated into 7 new apartments! The third thing I admire about Sheffield Place is that they commit to providing ongoing services to their clients until they decide they are ready to discontinue. This continued support and long-lasting relationship will undoubtedly make the transition to permanent housing much smoother for these mothers. Next, I am in awe at the amount of services that are even available at Sheffield Place - and in the main residential building, nonetheless. This is not only convenient for these busy mothers, but also necessary for their healing and recovery. Finally, I admire Sheffield Place for the atmosphere of love, hope, and family that they create for all of their clients. When you walk into the main building, you are welcomed, respected, and valued.

Blog Post #3

Sheffield Place has taught me so much about homelessness in regards to barriers women and their children face. Speaking to families about their stories and how they ended up arriving here has moved me in my personal life and career. Being given a new understanding like this one is something that I believe every future healthcare provider should experience. These are some of the most hardworking women I have ever met; from morning until night they are working in classes, at a job, doing chores, or taking care of their children and that is on top of personal stressors, trauma, and other barriers. This facility is phenomenal.

Blog Post #4

The week I visited Sheffield Place, so many emotions were felt, so many different perspectives were gained, but so many people were helped. At first I felt anxious because I didn’t know what to expect. When I arrived at Sheffield Place (SP), I noticed gates, a clean yard, and a sign with a profound statement: “Safe today, Strong tomorrow”. I was curious as to what was inside. When we walked in, well wait. First we got to the door and realized we had to buzz in to get inside. I guess that’s a part of their “double barrier”. David greets us on in with a smile and I see inside all of these colorful posters, beautiful dark wooden furniture and architectural details, but most of all, staff with warm and friendly smiles. I think what Sheffield Place does really well is that they act more like a family and less like a charitable business. Here, people are treated like people, not cases, who need a home with a welcoming family environment. SP takes strong moms without judgement, without victimization and with more empathy and less sympathy. SP actively tries to understand and accept their residents as they seek structure and self-sufficiency, done thru teachings on empowerment. Though SP does a lot for these women. I’d like to say that the women living in SP are already very strong due to the adversity in life they’ve faced, ranging from each unique individual to the next. Nothing made me happier than seeing new women come into the house with their children, with pure excitement of a new chapter. It seemed like there’s always another one coming in needing a little lending hand, left and right someone had boxes to be moved. Sometimes that’s all someone needs. SP inspires me and whoever is reading this hopefully, to extend this gratitude toward others, and to remember that all it takes sometimes is one saving grace. I hope to be there for someone just one time, to change their life completely; the whole trajectory… Just as SP has done for so many, and continues to do more of every year. I guess blood is thicker than water in KC, and everyone just needs to find a family to lean on.

More empathy, less sympathy

More constructive help, less fabricated help

More family, less business profit

More consideration, less assumption

More hope, less dwelling

Future, not the past

Focusing on more of the access, and less of the barriers.

Hope over dreams, which eventually become reality.

Blog Post #5

My experience at Sheffield Place

Being at Sheffield Place this week has taught me a lot to be grateful for. A roof over my head, an amazing support system, and food on the table are some to list. Sheffield Place gives these women the tools for success and self-sufficiency to thrive in the world. They give these women a support system so they do not have to feel discouraged or broken. Sheffield Place is a place for education, growth, and revamping on life. The world could use more centers like this one to give more women in the world stepping stones to a sustainable life. Women are the ones who bring new life into the world thus, women deserve a little more help and guidance along the way in their life if they need it. I will carry this experience throughout my healthcare profession and remaining adult life.

Blog Post #6

I wasn’t sure what the tenants of Sheffield Place would be like before meeting them. I thought maybe they would be timid and closed off and generally ignore volunteers such as myself. After one week of working with the individuals of Sheffield Place, I’ve found the tenants to be very kind and friendly and with a demeanor that displays strength and gratitude. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to meet the women and children of Sheffield Place and the chance to hear some of the valuable life advice/wisdom these women have.

Blog Post #7

Sheffield Place provides so many resources for women and their children that I was unaware of until I came to volunteer here. We helped clean houses, apartments in Sheffield Place, and moved clients. I enjoyed seeing these women transfer out of Sheffield Place and into their “forever homes”. The classes and structure that Sheffield Place provides, inspires a road to recovery and healing for these families. Sheffield Place is slowly expanding and will be able to serve even more women in the future. They are breaking down barriers to homelessness in their community.

Blog Post #8

This week at Sheffield Place has been the most rewarding experience volunteering I have ever had. These mothers have gone through so much and still keep going. They inspire me to keep going in hard times and made me realize how fortunate I am for the things I have. Before coming to Sheffield Place, I assumed all the women would have substance abuse issues but when I got here, I realized that many of the women are normal people that had multiple barriers that caused them to be homeless. This experience has opened my eyes to all the different barriers and challenges with homelessness.