Sheffield Place: 2023

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

I’m for the underdog - every rag-tag sports team, scrappy animal that finds its way home and single mother with fingernails dug into the ledge to keep her head above water. Hollywood often takes “the underdog” one step further portraying a con artist or a band of criminals carrying out an intricate art or money heist. Do you fall for it too? These movies are so convincing that by the end we’re all rooting for the bad guy.

But in the reality of our everyday life the underdog presents quite differently. Today’s underdogs are found in every city, in every school classroom and in a red brick building in the heart of Kansas City. Most every child during the height of the COVID pandemic experienced a developmental and/or emotional setback. During a time when socialization is pivotal to their development, they were forced to quarantine. When they needed to be watching faces and lips to learn how to correctly pronounce sounds and words, they were forced to look into masked faces. And when they needed people in their bubble for reassurance and support, they were forced to maintain “social distance”. Despite what they may or may not have received during that time, today they need even more.

Right now,these incredible little humans need someone who simply looks them in the eyes and someone who listens to them talk – even when it’s just baby jabber. They need someone to proclaim “you did it” when they achieve their tiny victories. I don’t know the details or challenges the Sheffield Place Mama’s face. But what I can tell you is they are doing an amazing job. The antics of their little ones always make me laugh. There’s a tot that can barely walk but can dance to “Wheels on the Bus” like nobody’s business, random tackle hugs, the often-sticky-fingered high-fives that Miss Heather taught them and the precious moments we get to cuddle sweet babies and smile as they gaze into your eyes.

It’s near impossible to leave them without experiencing a moment of pure joy. When David asked me to write a post as to why I volunteer, I had to stop and think. Volunteering often appears like we’re doing something for someone else’s benefit, but really there’s just as much to be gained ourselves. So, I’m for the underdog and I’m guessing you just might be too. Pablo Picasso once said “The meaning of life is the find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away”.

We were all made to fulfill a unique purpose in life. These awesome Mamas and their tiny underdogs need a hand, and we all have something special to offer. I personally cannot think of a better place than Sheffield to give your gift away. Volunteer, Sudie J.

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Past Board Chair Susan Escher discusses the accomplishments of Sheffield Place

What makes an agency effective? The ability to prioritize the right things to do at the right time, while not losing sight of the overall goal.

Susan Escher (right) with husband, Mitch, at the
dedication of the SEVI House.

Through my years working as a volunteer at Sheffield and as the Board Chairperson, I have seen the organization adapt to the needs of the community while working to make a positive impact in the lives of the women and children we serve. That included setting up a “classroom” during COVID to accommodate student learning. It has been in the addition of the SEVI building to expand the number of families that can be served. Also, it is the ongoing strengthening of the after-care program to continue to support our families long after they leave our facility.

Susan Escher (left) speaking at the SEVI House dedication
with CEO/President Kelly Welch (right) and client Hope (center).

In addition, every day we help mothers improve their parenting and coping skills, work with them on budget and work skills and help the kids have areas for creativity and learning in a safe environment. So many come from tragic, trauma-filled circumstances with little hope for the future.

Martin Luther King Jr said, “out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope”.
Sheffield is a stepping stone of hope for so many families. As we look to the future, Sheffield will continue to reassess how we can be effective – whether that is expanding services or improving our facilities.

I am honored to work with the excellent staff, volunteers and Sheffield families to improve the quality of life in our community and encourage everyone to get involved.

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

2023 Board Chair Kyle Siner Discusses the Reasons for His Involvement at Sheffield Place

Tiffany Siner and daughters deliver backpacks

My wife, Tiffany and I, were introduced to Sheffield Place well over a decade ago by some very dear friends of ours who invited us to Sheffield Place’s gala fundraiser event – Off The Wall at Drexel Hall. We thought “Great - a fun night out with friends while supporting a good cause!” At the event we got a glimpse into the work that the team at Sheffield Place does and met several of the great staff that have dedicated their efforts full time in support of Sheffield Place’s mission. Ever since then, we’ve only become more inspired to support Sheffield Place in its mission of empowering mothers to recover from trauma and become self-sufficient.

I was honored to be chosen as a member of the board of directors nearly six years ago, and this year I’m truly humbled to have been asked to serve as the board chair. Tiffany and I and our three daughters have been involved with Sheffield Place in many ways continuously since we were first introduced to the organization. The organization’s approach to helping women who have decided that they want to support themselves and their children by holding them accountable but supporting them in any way necessary resonates with our family.

Kyle (2nd from L) and colleagues assemble bunk beds

It has been amazing to see the growth of Sheffield Place over the years. At that first Off the Wall event, Sheffield Place announced its acquisition of its first house that could be used to provide housing to a woman and her children after she had demonstrated initial success at the main facility. Today, Sheffield Place has 10 separate offsite housing units and a couple of years ago it acquired and rehabbed a building a couple of blocks away from the main facility that added seven additional living units. This has enabled Sheffield Place to help more families each year.

I believe that the continued growth that Sheffield Place has been able to make in our community is directly attributable to the hard, humble work that the staff at Sheffield Place does every day. It is not glamorous, and I understand that it is often very frustrating for everyone involved when some clients don’t succeed at Sheffield Place, but each time I hear the traumatic stories that these mothers have endured in their lives and their willingness to do what it takes for themselves and their kids to stand on their own, it makes me want to help in any way that I can.

I invite you to come visit Sheffield Place and get to know the long-term beneficial work that they are doing to help some very disadvantaged families become sufficient and contributing members to our community.