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.    

 

 

 

EXPANDED TAX BENEFITS HELP INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES GIVE TO CHARITY DURING 2021

Here is a summary of soon-to-expire changes in the tax code that may be of interest to you!

CARES Act Special Charitable Contribution Rule

·         When? Option Expires December 31, 2021

·         Who? Any individual who itemizes deductions

·         What? Can elect 100 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI) for cash charitable contributions to a public charity such as Sheffield Place.

CARES Act Special Charitable Contribution Rule

·         When? Option Expires December 31, 2021

·         Who? Any individual over 59 ½ years old with an IRA

·         What? Direct your IRA to send a cash distribution to a public charity, ensuring no taxable income from the IRA this year. IRA funds are considered taxable income.

CARES Act Expanded Special Charitable Contributions:

·         When? Option Expires December 31, 2021

·         Who? Any individual who takes the standard deduction

·         What? Typically, those who elect standard deductions are not allowed to claim additional cash charitable deductions. CARES Act expansion allows you to take both the standard deduction AND an additional full deduction for a cash gift to public charity up to $300.00 (or $600.00 for married filing joint returns).

For more information, please read this information from the IRS. This information is  not intended as tax or legal advice.  Please check with your legal, tax or financial advisor to ensure you are selecting the best option for your situation.

 

 

Gabby Grimaldi is serving as an intern this summer through the Catherin V. Merrill Foundation Intern Program administered by Bishop Sullivan Center.  A requirement of the program is provide a reflection each week on the experience.  Here is one of Gabby's reflections.

Going into my first week of my internship, I had no idea what to expect, but after this week I am very excited for the rest of the summer and think Sheffield Place is the best place for me. After only a week I feel like I have developed good relationships with my coworkers and the children we care for.

Everyone at Sheffield Place was extremely welcoming and approachable and made my adjustment to the new job much easier. I also met the kids who live at Sheffield House with their moms. It was a really eye opening experience because these kids have had such different lives than I have had. These kids are so young but have already been through so much, which makes my job even that much more important.

When they are with us at Project Hope, they just get to be kids and not have to worry about anything else. They get to play and have fun and enjoy things that most kids get to. We want to be able to offer a safe space for them and let them take a break.

One of the moments that sticks out the most from my first week is with one of the 2 year old boys named Jayden. It was during afternoon group and the younger kids were running around playing with different toys. Jayden brought a plastic octopus up to me and put it on my head. I tilted my head and it fell off, which made Jayden burst into a huge laugh. He picked up the octopus, put it on my head, let it fall, and laughed again. This continued for about 10 minutes, switching between me putting it on his head and him putting it on my head.

Seeing him with such a huge smile on his face made my day, and I felt like I could see God through him giving me a bright spot in my day. Those little moments in the day of the kids make the long hours of cleaning and trying to get the kids to listen worth it.

This week I felt grateful for the life that God gave me, and even more grateful for this opportunity to serve those who have faced more hardships in their lives than I have. Service has always been a big part of my faith, as I feel that giving back to those in need is the best way to try to live a life that exemplifies how Jesus lived.

I know how blessed I have been in my life, so I see service as a way to help those who have not been as blessed and remind them that God is always with them even through the hard times. This is more than just a summer job to me. I hope that I can have an impact on the lives of these kids and families in need, but I also know that they will have a huge impact on mine too and help me look at things from a new perspective.

 

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.