Kaelyn Schroeder is the summer intern at Sheffield Place. She is part of the Catholic Summer Internship Kansas City (CSIKC) which is made possible by the Catherin V. Merrill Foundation. Sheffield Place has had summer interns through this program for many years.

Reflections of the Summer Intern

I started working here at Sheffield Place about a month ago as the summer intern through the Catholic Charities Summer Internship Program. I am studying Social Work at Wichita State University, and found this internship completely by accident with a quick Google search, and ended up being accepted and placed here at Sheffield Place. Although I came across this opportunity accidentally, it is no secret that it was something I was called to pursue and experience.

Through the summer intern program, I was assigned to Sheffield Place to work full time and to complete various requirements with the other interns throughout the summer. Although I have only been here for one month, I can say that Sheffield Place has already made an impact on my life. I primarily work in Project Hope, a preschool center in the basement the children learn and play while their mothers also attend class. I have taken on the role of a lead preschool teacher working with children ages three to eight. We work with them on calendar skills such as days of the week, months of the year, dates, alphabet, and number practice.

For some of the children, this is their first exposure to classroom structure and materials. We also love to have fun reading books, doing crafts, and having free play. Being able to work with the children here has allowed me to witness what it means to love, not only how I can show them love, but how they show me love. These children often come to Sheffield Place in tough situations that I have never had to experience, but they come to class with smiles and open hearts.

Sheffield Place is like a loving family; everyone checks up on each other, and I am always greeted by other staff and feel very welcome. Throughout my time at Sheffield Place, I have also been able to work preparing units for incoming families, which has allowed me to understand our mission and role as a community.

We help mothers and their children who are homeless, who have faced addiction and trauma, to help them become self-sufficient. The program Sheffield Place offers completely changes the lives of so many women and children who come through those doors and leave as new people. They are held to schedules with chores, groups, and class, with assistance provided for their families. When these women accomplish their goals, it is a win for everyone in the building.

Being part of this family has allowed me to witness what it means to live as we are called to be, serving others, showing love and forgiveness, especially through the hard times. All I can hope is that I have left a portion of the impact on Sheffield Place as they have left on me.

Finding Deeper Purpose through Service on the Sheffield Place Board

Board members Jennifer Hogan (right) 
and Bryan Peterson (left) worked
recently on a house owned by
Sheffield Place.

When I made the decision to move from Minnesota to Kansas City in 2022, I was looking for something more than just a new job. I wanted to find deeper purpose, something that would connect me to this new chapter of my life. 

But, like many big changes, it came with its own set of challenges—new city, new job, and an overwhelming sense of searching for meaning. Then, a co-worker invited me to join her for a luncheon at Sheffield Place, where she helped provide financial literacy to the mothers who called this place home. 

That invitation, simple as it seemed, turned out to be a turning point I didn’t even know I was waiting for. I remember stepping into Sheffield Place and meeting the mothers, hearing their stories, and connecting with the incredible community there. 

It’s true what they say: "Things happen for a reason." I was immediately struck by the heart and resilience of the women I met, and I felt an undeniable pull. I knew, in that moment, that this was where I was meant to be—where I could make a real difference.

Sheffield Place isn’t just a nonprofit; it’s a place where lives are being transformed, and I felt honored to become a part of that story. Sometimes, the greatest purpose comes when we least expect it—through connection, compassion, and the simple act of showing up. For me, Sheffield Place was that unexpected call to action, and it has been nothing short of life-changing. 

Jennifer Hogan 

Board Member

Why My Commitment to Sheffield Place has Grown - Bryan Peterson, Board Treasurer

 

Bryan Peterson (third from left) at the 13th Annual Sheffield Place Golf Tournament

My love and commitment to Sheffield Place's mission has only grown over the years. The unwavering dedication of Sheffield Place’s leadership, the impact on the lives of mothers and children in Kansas City, and the incredible success stories make this a charity worthy of our support.

The mothers who take the steps to join Sheffield Place are determined to succeed. They aspire to become more effective mothers to their children.  The ladies become strive positive contributing members of society. The dedicated Sheffield Place team and their mission provide the crucial support needed to make this a reality.

My family has found numerous ways to get involved with Sheffield Place.  Helping with back-to-school drives, assisting with the annual golf tournament, organizing essential needs drives, supporting the annual gala, serving on the board, and donating gifts at Christmas for the women and children. We consistently see the tangible results from the contributions of the people of Kansas City. The success stories from program graduates make all our efforts worthwhile.

I am proud to be involved with Sheffield Place. With this organization, our dedication and hard work directly impact the lives of those in need within our community.