Hi, my name is Maureen Purcell. I am a current Board member for Sheffield Place. This organization is very near and dear to my heart. I once was close to being homeless with two little children and through the help of many hands, I was able to complete schooling and gain work that could support my family. I learned in those times how difficult it is to pull out of poverty all on my own.

Sheffield Place’s mission is to lead homeless women with children toward self-sufficiency. It provides a safe environment for them as the family gets to a place where they can live a much better life than they had.  I have been a donor since 2006 so that I could be one pair of silent hands by funding the care the women and children receive at Sheffield Place. It also is a way I can give back to the community that helped to stand me up so many years ago.

We are coming upon the holiday season which is a great time to open our hearts to the grateful lives we lead
and a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives not just of the mothers but also their children. It is a gift that can have a lasting effect for generations if the cycle that brought the family to Sheffield Place is broken. Please consider making this one of your charitable organizations for giving.

Thanks for reading my story - hope the rest of this year as well as the upcoming one is full of grace and blessings for you and your own family.

 

A Client’s Story as delivered at Off the Wall, October 8, 2022

 My parents were both addicts.  My dad used cocaine and my mother used weed. I started using cocaine, weed, and liquor at 15.  I was prescribed pain pills for cramps – the opioids that we hear so much about.  I became addicted and eventually began using heroin.

 I became involved in an abusive relationship, had my son, and eventually went to prison for nine months on assault charges.  Except for the time in prison, I always had my son with me.

 Once I was released from prison, I was not ready to be clean. Eventually my abusive partner went to prison. I was about to lose my left arm to infection and at 31 years old I had been high nearly half of my life.  I was tired of that life and wanted to change. I found my way to Sheffield Place with my 9 year old son.  I would like to be able to say that I loved it from the start, but that wouldn’t be true.  So many times, I wanted to walk out.  I was a mess for the first 9 months.  I went cold turkey off of all drugs and narcotic medications.

All along the way, the staff cared about my success.  My case manager, Regina, rode me hard because she knew I could succeed.  And I did. I stayed at Sheffield Place for 11 months and then moved into a Sheffield Place house where my son and I have lived for 2 years. 

I am proud of my successes.  I’m off parole.  I’ve had my job for two years.  I’m three-fifths of the way to obtaining my GED, and my son is involved with school activities.  I have learned that I can take care of myself, make my own decisions, and pay my own bills.  I’m taking steps to buy my own home including improving my credit score.  

But it hasn’t been easy.  I’ve had to process my feelings of guilt for what I put my son through.  I thought I was only hurting myself, but I realize I was hurting him too.  At Sheffield Place he opened up and told me that he was always scared that he would find me dead.

I am still trying to find my way and probably always will be.  When you are trying to create a life for yourself and your son – one of safety and stability – it’s hard when you’ve never seen what that looks like.

I took a wrong turn this summer and relapsed for six weeks.  I could blame it on a bad relationship or on a death in my family, but I have to accept responsibility.  I had stopped taking my mental health meds. I isolated myself. I felt lonely.  I put my job and my family’s security at risk. 

At one point during my relapse, I was in a drug house.  I remember sitting there high with other people who were also struggling. They were high, in pain, and had lost their children to the state. I remember looking around and thinking to myself what am I doing here? I deserved better than this. I had never thought like that before, not in this situation. That I deserved better. 

I reached out to my counselors at Sheffield Place to let them know what happened. I knew that I had to be honest in my recovery.  I didn’t want to get away with using.  That would only leave the door open for me to consider getting away with it again – another path to another relapse.  That’s how an addict’s mind works.

Since then, I have worked on building my support system. I realized my coworkers, that have been in my life for the last two years, are huge supports. I have gone back to NA meetings and am finding a church. I have dreams for my future and my son’s future that include finishing my GED, going to community college, becoming a cosmetologist, and opening my own business.

Thank you for listening and for supporting the work of Sheffield Place.  It saved my life.      

 

 

Board Member Chris Bradley Reflects on the Opportunity to Serve

I am pretty fortunate to have gotten to know some very good people that introduced me to Sheffield Place a couple of years ago which turned into an opportunity to serve on the board.  Being relatively new I gravitated towards an area of comfort and am on the Facilities Committee.  Working in the construction industry allows me to offer my best talents.  I’ve seen such tremendous growth in the living spaces with the remodel of the main facility on 12^th Street, renovation of single-family residences and the new complex on Newton Ave.  And now there is potential for even further expansion across the street.  It’s been, and will continue to be, an exciting time and a great opportunity to serve.

Obviously all this is done for the real purpose of Sheffield Place and that is to give the women and families an opportunity to get back on their own.  This is such a unique opportunity because of the openness with which they can start and still allow them to have family members with them.  I remember the first time I visited and went in the basement and saw all the little kids and how so many of them were immediately accepting.  To know that they could be able to stay with their mom was such a great feeling.  These women are already going through so much I can’t imagine how much more difficult it would be not having your children with you or having limited ability to interact with them. 

I am truly thankful my family and my Excel Constructors family can be a part of such a great organization.  Hats off to a tremendously talented and hardworking staff.  We all know not everyone that enters the program is successful but just think about how much better the world is for those that are!

 

 

Board Member Kenny Yeung Describes His Involvement with Sheffield Place

I was first introduced to Sheffield Place by a friend who was on the Board at the time. I attended a luncheon, house tours, and fundraisers (golf tournament and Off The Wall), which provided me opportunities to witness the impact of Sheffield Place.  

Each event had testimonies from clients of Sheffield and all their stories had a common thread: They were stories of resilience, redemption and new beginnings! Sheffield Place provided these ladies and their families a space – both literally and figuratively – to reflect, heal, and holistically support their desire to turnaround their lives, and consequently, that of their children/families. My personal life, though not as traumatic as these ladies, is a story of redemption.  We all have a redemptive story to varying degrees, so I was sold – and who wouldn’t be?! 

I decided to join Sheffield and support its mission both with my talents and finances.  Each time I have had the opportunity to attend events (or even Board meetings), it reinforces why I joined three-plus years ago: (1) it’s an opportunity to serve and give-back out of personal gratitude, (2) impact and love on my “neighbors” and share in their sorrows, joys and success; and (3) set an example for my children and open our eyes to our neighbors’ struggles while instilling the values of service and giving back to the community. Well, selfish as it sounds, I get way more out of Sheffield Place than what I’ve put in!

I invite you to come and check out Sheffield Place like I did – but, I’ll warn you: You’ll get attached and want to get involved!  

 Join us…and an early “welcome” to Sheffield Place!

 

Board Member/Golf Chair Bryan Peterson Reflects on Why He Supports Sheffield Place

 

Bryan Peterson (left) with his team at the 12th Annual Sheffield Place Golf Tournament

Sheffield Place is an organization my family and I have supported for years.  My passion and commitment to the organization have only grown over time as I continuously see the love and dedication coming from the organizations leaders, the direct impact the mission has made on lives of women and children, and the high success rate. 

The women that enter Sheffield Place want to succeed.  The mission is to support them in their effort to gain health and happiness for themselves, become more effective mothers to their children and become positive contributing members of society.  When a woman makes the choice to enter Sheffield Places program, they are looking to get healthy so they can succeed.  They have found the personal drive to work towards meeting their goals.  The Sheffield team is able to offer them the support they need.  Every time I have the opportunity to visit Sheffield Place, it reinforces my commitment to continue to help the women and children who are ready for that step.  The smiling faces of the children are all I need to show me the love and safety they feel at Sheffield Place. 

My family has found multiple ways to get involved with Sheffield Place including back-to-school functions, organizing essential needs drives, barbeques, serving on the board, and donating gifts at Christmas for the women and children.  We are consistently able to see our financial and time donations working.  The success stories from the graduates of the program make it all worth the work.  I encourage you to get involved with Sheffield Place.  With this organization, you will see your hard work and dedication directly impacting the lives of those that need support in our community. 

Bryan Peterson

Board Member Diane Smith Reflects on Her Service at Sheffield Place

 

I was first introduced to Sheffield Place by a friend who was on the board at the time. Out of respect for our friendship, I decided to go to a luncheon at Sheffield Place and take the tour. 

I never expected to feel so deeply about an organization and its mission as much as I do for Sheffield Place! That day my eyes were opened to a world I have never known.  I felt overwhelmed with the thought of helplessness.

But that day, I also learned how the team at Sheffield Place helps the young mothers and their children by giving them the right tools to work through their trauma and the skills necessary to live a productive and loving life.

Since that first visit, I have joined the Golf Committee and have had the privilege of serving on the Board.  I am committed to spreading the word about Sheffield Place and sharing my experiences with anyone I meet! 

Please take the time to visit Sheffield place and get involved----it’s a life changer for you and those women and children you are helping!

Diane Smith pictured with fellow board member Ben McAnany.

Summer Intern, Helen Willis, Reflects on her Experience at Sheffield Place

 

Every week I have noticed small but meaningful encounters of preserving one’s childhood. As I pass by the moms in the lobby, outdoors, or in group I witness their nurturing and protective nature. When some moms come to drop off the kids at Project Hope they play small little hide and seek games with their children as they say their “I love you” and goodbyes, and when they come to pick them up, the children are greeted with a bear hug and soft kiss. As I witness these small interactions, I know how meaningful their actions are to their children. With some situations being fleeting, such as food to eat or a bed to lie in, always knowing there is a hug waiting for you can mean the world.

Some have said there is no perfect or correct way to be a parent, and of course there are an infinite number of situations that affect parenthood, but recognizing when you need help and when you have to be vulnerable can be the hardest step to take. By allowing yourself to heal and be supported by Sheffield Place is a way to create a healthier environment for you and your child. Even within the few weeks I have spent with the kids, I have noticed their development and growth. Whether it is coming in and reading quietly without being asked or sharing their coloring pencils with other kids, noticing the small but meaningful actions is a representation of the staff’s hard work.

Just like there are no correct ways to parent, it is extremely difficult to try and carry all of the weight alone; and although there are no biological ties to the children, the Sheffield staff cares for each parent and child as if they was their own family. Whether it is making sure there is a full pantry of sweet treats for snack time or access to stuffed animals for the child, there is an aspect of support that goes beyond just basic needs to live. To come into work and witness individuals eating family style or playing with another woman’s child, it is a building that houses structure, but more importantly loving support. I am very lucky to be a small part of the large growing family, and I am taking
each encounter to continue the preservation of a beautiful childhood. 

Helen is a summer intern working at Sheffield Place through the Morning Glory Ministries made possible by a grant from Catherin V. Merrill Foundation. The agency has benefitted from this partnership in each of the past four years.

 

Sheffield Place Board Member, Dan Mueller, Talks about Why He Supports Sheffield Place

Dan shaved his COVID hair and beard to raise funds for Sheffield Place.

To me, the critical part is how Sheffield Place helps the mothers and their children become self-sufficient, which entails helping the mothers provide for their children and become a contributing member of society. This is no easy task based on the trauma that these mothers have experienced, and there is not a 100 percent success rate. However, Sheffield Place continuously dedicates time and effort to help each family become self-sufficient and break the cycle that they currently find themselves within.

For each family that is successful, this program provides both the mother and their children the opportunity to hopefully achieve greater happiness within each of their lives and then continue not having those prior experiences for future generations. That is why I truly believe in Sheffield Place, not just the ability to impact the present but also the ability to change the future. While my impact will never be to the significance that Kelly and the staff at Sheffield Place have on these families, it is with the full support of the Board of Directors as well as the other advisory committees that I believe we help put Sheffield Place in the best position to succeed.

And for each family that is successful in escaping their trauma and becoming self-sufficient, Sheffield Place continues to have a significant generational impact on those families but also within its surrounding community, which is why I continue to truly believe in Sheffield Place and dedicate my time and efforts in helping the organization with their mission.

Dan Mueller, Board Member

Grant Thornton      

Students from James Madison University return to Sheffield Place for spring break

After a one-year absence due to COVID-19, James Madison University students were back at Sheffield Place for their Alternative Spring Break – Go Dukes!  The 10 students painted the interior of one of the Sheffield Place houses to prepare it for the next family, organized storage, helped a client move to one of the agency-owned houses, picked up litter in the neighborhood, and held a special session with the mothers in honor of Women’s History Month, among many other tasks. 

Here are excerpts from their reflection papers that describe their experiences:

 After spending the last few days at Sheffield Place, I believe my perspective on homelessness and poverty have been utterly reshaped.  The experience at Sheffield Place was eye-opening on the importance of one’s childhood and the effects of traumatic incidents on one’s life in the long-term.  One of my favorite highlights of this journey is seeing one of the mothers move into her new house after we cleaned it.

***

Through the voices of the women at Sheffield Place, I’ve learned of the forms that trauma can take and the effects if can have on a person and their life.  Trauma, poverty, and addiction can happen to individuals regardless of their education, family life, or economic status.  In spite of the adversity in their lives, they are at Sheffield Place and are taking steps toward a life of success and happiness, and I’m so glad to have had the opportunity to learn about this place and the stories of some of the women.

***

Through this experience, I was granted unforgettable memories.  A very happy memory was seeing a mother moving into her new house with her baby.  I remember her saying, “a year and a half ago, I would’ve never thought I would be here.  I was in the streets with heroine.”  I felt very grateful that I played a small part in her journey.

***

What really inspired me was seeing how this shelter actually works.  They have different programs, a lot of rules, and a lot of restrictions.  The longer women stay in the shelter, the more they get out of it.  We heard from clients that say staying 30 days or more is tough, but you’ll reap the benefits and you will grow!  I had no idea that it was even possible to have a place that can give a homeless person a permanent fix instead of a temporary one.   I’ll miss Sheffield Place!

***

Through my time at Sheffield Place I learned about the systemic issues that impact the homeless population, how trauma and scarcity can influence every decision you make, and how much domestic violence can take away from you.  However, I think the most important part of my learning was getting to know the incredible women who stay here.

***

I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but I will say the first interactions I had with staff members created excitement and comfort I’ve not experienced in other volunteer roles.  Everyone was so approachable and friendly.  This is when I know that Sheffield Place would make an impact on my perspective on poverty and homelessness. 

***

 I was unaware of all the services and resources that Sheffield Place provides for the women and children here.  My eyes have been opened to the barriers that women face regarding homelessness and the struggles they go through to get out of it.  Sheffield Place is an amazing organization that provides love and hope for the families.  I would not have wanted to spend my spring break any other way.

***

During my time at Sheffield Place, I was able to engage in meaningful service onsite while being exposed to the stories and experiences of the mothers at the facility.  While I will never fully andstand what these women have gone through or how they ended up at Sheffield Place, I have learned so much about the value of a place that sees these women through the lens of empowerment. 

***

I admire three things about Sheffield Place that make this place great.  First, they focus on serving mothers and have a great children’s program.  To me this is what makes the place so special.  Second, the focus is on the clients.  They make the clients feel safe and build trust between them and provide so many services to these women as well as a support system.  Third, I love how Sheffield Place is always open with love and family.  When someone walks in the front door they are welcomed with open arms and hearts ready to listen without judgment.

***

Sheffield Place has deeply changed my perspective on family homelessness.  I always knew it was a nuanced issue, but I now understand that there are so many issues that go into the reasons why a person is homeless.  I also now understand why it is so difficult to escape poverty, especially if they are breaking intergenerational cycles.