Sheffield Place

Friday, June 20, 2025

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.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

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

Monday, January 27, 2025

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.

Monday, October 14, 2024

My First Year as a Sheffield Place Board Member

Sarah Sanchex (l) with fellow board
member Missy Andeel at Off the Wall 2024

When I first applied for the Board of Sheffield Place, I was looking for a non-profit to join that had a direction but also felt like I could make an impact in my community. After my visit to Sheffield Place, I could tell it was special and I wanted to be a part of it.

I grew up with a lot of people in my life that could have benefited from a place like Sheffield Place, if they had ever been given the chance. Something that I am very passionate about is that I want to help women and their children thrive in a world that has not been built to represent or even protect them.

I have been looking for a group that can help me give back and truly feel like Sheffield Place was the place to do that. Our country (I believe) is in a mental health crisis that continues to lead to more and more people being unhoused.

So much of our life is based on what we were born into. I am not saying that people cannot better themselves from a situation but when you are five steps behind other people it is a lot harder to get ahead and know how to get there and when there is addiction and/or mental illness people can be pushed even further behind.

Mental health facilities are so underfunded that it makes it almost impossible for people who are suffering to get the help they need. Being able to help even in a small way through an organization like Sheffield Place makes me feel like I am trying to be apart of the solution and not the problem. I have loved this first year as a board member and getting to know the incredible staff and the women and children that make up Sheffield place. I can’t wait to see how else I can help in the upcoming year.

Sarah Sanchez, Board Member

UMB Bank

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

A Cold Call that Opened a World of Opportunity

I would describe my introduction to Sheffield Place as a cold call that opened a world of opportunity. CEO/President Kelly Welch called my office at the East Patrol Division of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department and asked if I could attend an advisory council meeting at Sheffield Place. I agreed, without really understanding all the organization did. But over the course of several meetings, I began to understand how seriously Kelly and the incredible staff there pursued the organization’s mission and how that translated into tangible positive outcomes for those most vulnerable.

In addition to witnessing the Sheffield Place’s impact in the community, I have met some truly wonderful people and participated in events where I was able to meet clients whose lives have been totally changed, and in changing their lives, have changed the trajectory of their kids’ lives—it is truly amazing to see the potential people have when given the tools and opportunity to succeed. It has also been rewarding to meet the other board members who have donated time, money and talent to ensure Sheffield Place continues its success. I would challenge anyone to find a finer group.

After 34 years in law enforcement, I understand how important and wonderful it can be to make a difference. Sheffield Place makes a difference by bringing a calm to its clients' lives and has given many women and their families a safe place to live, and supported them to become wonderful mothers and productive citizens—these are lives and families that would otherwise have been disrupted by incarceration. I am truly honored to help in my small way in contributing to Sheffield’s great success!

Rick Smith

KCPD Chief (retired)

Monday, June 24, 2024

I Invest My Time, Talent, and Treasure Because I've Been Without a Home

It’s not hard to invest time, money and energy to an organization like Sheffield Place when you've experienced the devastation of being homeless.

When my family’s home burned down, we experienced being without a home for a good while. Relatives came to our aid but most of our basic supplies and cherished items went up in smoke.

What I learned from that experience is that it’s important to have people and organizations in the community that know the importance of resourcing mothers and children. It’s one thing to provide shelter but it is another thing to teach mothers how to create and sustain healthy homes.

Sheffield Place not only provides safe shelter but tools our families so they can manage their own lives. In my opinion, this is the best part about Sheffield Place – teaching mothers and their children how to be self-sufficient in all areas of their lives. It’s a generational shift and I remain committed to making sure the mission continues.

- Dionne M. King, Board Member, Sheffield Place

Tammy Edwards (left) and Dionne King (right)
at Off the Wall 2015

Why I Support Sheffield Place

Lundy Joyce, MS, MSW

Chair, Sheffield Place Advisory Council

I became aware of Sheffield Place through my volunteer activities at Kansas City Young Matrons. KCYM participates in writing and addressing thank-you notes several times a year and organizes a collection one month every year of “in kind” donations. A member at KCYM invited me to “Off the Wall” which is one of the fundraisers Sheffield Place holds every year. These experiences led me to support the nomination of Sheffield Place to become the beneficiary of the KCYM Magic Ball in 2021.

I was impressed after these interactions with the staff and learning the mission of Sheffield Place and looked forward for ways to continue my support. Being on the Advisory Board allows me the opportunity to participate in contributions to the two primary fundraisers: “Off the Wall” in October and the annual Golf Tournament in June. The “Back to School” cookout in August provides a fun opportunity to interact with moms and their children while providing backpacks with school supplies. In October, a safe atmosphere is provided for the families to “Trunk or Treat,” and everyone dresses up in their favorite costume. These are just a few examples of activities created by Sheffield Place that connect families, staff, and volunteers.

There are many aspects of Sheffield Place that have earned my respect. Their mission is “To empower homeless mothers and their children to heal from their trauma and become self-sufficient.” They accept women who are continuing to struggle with addiction and their children. The program provides structure and services in a safe environment. The staff is accepting, kind and communicates their expectations.

Much of the success of Sheffield Place can be attributed to the staff. They are dedicated and experienced. They spend a great deal of time and effort acknowledging the community and volunteers that provide support. They are genuine with their gratitude. It is not surprising that they receive recognition for their efforts. For example, they have received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator 8 years in a row establishing their focus on transparency.

It is my goal to continue to support Sheffield Place and the women and children who are benefitting from this necessary and successful organization.
Lundy (left) at KCYM ceremonial check presentation
Lundy at Trunk or Treat
Lundy with other KCYM members addressing
a holiday mailing

Monday, April 29, 2024

Marveling at the Women's Resilience, Strength, & Growth

By Kathy Malone, LPC

I was introduced to Sheffield Place via the Off the Wall event in the old Airline Museum.

I was inspired, went on a facility tour, and was asked by Kelly Welch, CEO, to join the Sheffield Place Board. It was a welcoming and warm environment and it enabled me to learn from the ground up how a successful non-profit is run. I got to see what was involved in the day to day operations, as well as the fundraising, financial and governance side of Sheffield Place.

I have been on the Sheffield board working in some capacity since 2018. In the last few years, I have mainly helped out in clinical capacity and supporting staff. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and have experience working with trauma. I love learning about our client care and advocating for our programs and staff. In this capacity I really saw how amazing the Sheffield Place staff and leadership team is, and how important and difficult it is to live out our mission.

Kathy (right) with husband Pete at the
dedication of the SEVI House in 2021.

I am very proud of the work we are doing at Sheffield, and how we are doing it.

We work with women who have lived at the margins of society, and are often in very dire circumstances when they and their children walk through our door.

Our approach to working with them, supporting them and loving them begins with seeing their innate humanity and dignity. We treat them with respect, and compassion, even when they don’t always treat themselves, each other, us, or our property with respect. We give them a safe space to heal from their trauma, and support to learn new behaviors. We set boundaries for their safety, model behaviors that will enable them to live within societies boundaries. We support them in getting addiction and mental health treatment. We follow with on-going therapy and case management support to scaffold them to independent living. We provide resources to help them become job ready, and find employment. We help them learn skills to parent better, and model ways to love and create attachment bonds with their children.

Then we wait, watch, hope, and marvel at their resilience, strength and growth. We watch many of them become self-sufficient.

We also accept (which is really hard) when they choose to walk away from the support and go back to homelessness, toxic relationships or using. We often welcome them back when they are ready to continue their recovery journey.

I feel uplifted, proud and honored to be a part of this organization (and sometimes saddened by the reality of how hard this work and world is).

Monday, March 4, 2024

Meaningful Difference

Missy Andeel, Sheffield Place Board of Directors

The phrase “meaningful difference” has stayed with me since my very first encounter with Sheffield Place. When I was newer to the area and looking to get more deeply involved in the community, my affiliation with the Junior League of Kansas City provided me with Board training experience. On the last day of that program, we were visited by several leaders of non-profit organizations in the community with Board seats to fill. When I listened to Sheffield Place CEO Kelly Welch talk about the mission of Sheffield Place – to empower mothers and their children to heal from trauma and help them become self-sufficient – and when she said she needed someone to lend some Human Resources expertise, it felt like a perfect opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the agency and to the clients it serves.

I have remained involved for a decade specifically because of the ongoing opportunity to make a difference locally. As a Board, we have supported expansion of the facility for the last ten years because the need is so very great. We opened a second house (SEVI) in 2021 to increase the number of families we could serve. For every family that moves in, there are dozens more on the wait list.

Just weeks ago, we closed on a property and have embarked upon a capital campaign that will enable us to build a third facility with additional housing units for families, more office space for therapy and case management, and classrooms for skill development. All three buildings are within very close proximity, which allows the families to fully avail themselves of services while they live onsite and, importantly, to stay connected for essential aftercare even when they have successfully completed the program and moved into their own secure housing in the community.

Missy Andeel and Mark Orr at Off the Wall

I invite you to get involved by visiting Sheffield Place for a tour or lunch (where you will likely meet a client and hear their incredible story). Or please plan to attend one of our annual special events, either the Golf Tournament on June 7, 2024, or Off the Wall, our art themed gala with dinner and live music, taking place on October 5. It’s extremely satisfying to know that whichever way you get involved, you will be making a meaningful difference in the trajectory of the lives of local families, now and well into the future.

Missy Andeel, center, pictured with Off the Wall attendees Heather Farha (left) and Christy Zehnder (right)

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.

Friday, November 18, 2022

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.

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

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!

Monday, August 29, 2022

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

Friday, July 22, 2022

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.

Thursday, July 21, 2022

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.

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

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