Students from Michigan State University spent a week at Sheffield Place over their winter break. Here are some of their reflections on what they gained from their experience.

"The Sheffield Place is an incredible organization and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend a week volunteering there. The families they serve are some of the most resilient, hopeful, and brave people that I will ever have the chance to meet. I continue to be, and will always be, inspired by their courage, determination, and love." - Michelle Chavdar

A group of eleven of us went on a trip to Kansas City, MO during winter break little did we know how much that week at Sheffield Place was going to change us, and the people around us. As the week went on we spent more time delving into the issue itself by talking with the mothers and getting to know them, and hearing their stories. Every person had a different reason as to how they became homeless and it was really humbling to listen to different women’s take on their own personal struggles, and how they are overcoming them. It was a great way to learn how to appreciate what you have been given in life, and how fortunate you are, even little things like taking a course at Michigan State won’t be taken for granted. All in all I am very happy that I took the time out of my own break to be there and learning more about something that completely changed my view of the world around me. Etana Bates

I will never forget the week that I volunteered at the Sheffield Place, when we first started I had no clue what to expect, and now I can honestly say that it was one of the best experiences of my life. I met amazing women who truly touched me with their stories of struggle; it seemed like no matter how much the world was working against them they continued to fight. I have never seen such strength. The women were incredible, but even more so was the spirit of the children who lived at the Sheffield place, they always had smiles on their faces and kind spirits that welcomed me and my fellow Spartans from the second we walked into their home. We gladly welcomed invitations to play and goof around, and I truthfully believe that some of us made friends for life. What the Sheffield Place and the people who work there do for the many families they have helped in the past is remarkable. In this world of materialism and incredible selfishness I learned from my week at the Sheffield Place that it’s not what we get that brings true happiness, but what we give. Kelli Smith

"After traveling 12 hours to Kansas City, Sheffield Place welcomed Alternative Spartan Breaks with open arms. Coming into my week of service, I had one view of homelessness. I sometimes even caught myself thinking, "This is an issue that victimizes only those who have FAILED". I could not have been more wrong. Hearing the powerful stories of the women and children of Sheffield Place truly opened my heart and mind. I quickly found out that these people were not failures at all, but some of the strongest people I would ever encounter in my lifetime.

I came to Kansas City to make an impact on others but had no idea how much of an impact these people would have on me. A sense of inspiration, strength, happiness, and community engulfs this wonderful organization and I wish every client that goes through Sheffield's programs all of the luck in the world. I have true faith that they will create promising futures for themselves and their children." - Carly Meshew

What I've Learned About Family Homelessness

I joined the Sheffield Place staff just over two years ago as the director of development.  I came to the job with no background in human services, but with some exposure to homelessness and domestic violence through volunteer experience.  As an outsider looking in, I’ve learned much about family homelessness in that time.  Here are some of the lessons:

The problem is huge.  I hadn’t realized.  Millions of people – up to 3.5 million by some counts – are homeless in America at some time during the year.  In Kansas City, 17,000 people experience homelessness annually.  What’s even more shocking is that nearly half (48.2%) of the homeless population in our community is made up of people living in families.  The vast majority of these families are single mothers with young children.  That’s nearly 8500 mothers and children without housing.  Yet they are invisible.  They don’t stand on street corners.  Rather, they couch surf, stay “house to house,” sleep in their cars, or camp out in park shelters, bus stops, or vacant houses. 

I talk with them every day.  We receive 100 calls a week.  They call Sheffield Place looking for housing.  We’ve greatly expanded our capacity since I started here, but we’re always full and have a long waiting list.  The homeless shelters are always full as well.  It is difficult to think about the women and children who can’t find shelter. 

The problem is deep.  The economy does not produce enough jobs to employ everyone who needs work.  The jobs that exist for people with few or no skills – barely pay enough to support a minimal existence even with public assistance. 

But that’s not the only problem.  These mothers and children are reeling from the effects of the trauma they have endured.  The mothers recount childhoods filled with the chaos of poverty, homelessness, sexual assault at the hands of family friends, beatings, psychological abuse, living in households where alcohol and drug abuse were the staples of daily life, and simple neglect.  Their relationships in adulthood mirror those they witnessed growing up.  Without intervention, the pattern will continue with their children. 

Band-aids won’t fix this problem.  Unless these families receive the sort of intensive therapy and other services over a sustained period of time, such as those Sheffield Place provides, the generational cycle will continue.

The problem is often misunderstood.  Many people think of homelessness as a man standing at an intersection asking for handouts.  That’s part of it.  Homelessness exists on a continuum.  On one end we find the people of the street.  Most of them are the victims of severe mental illness and chronic substance abuse.  At other end are people who cycle in and out of homelessness.  These people can become self-sufficient with adequate support as they recover from mental illness and addiction.

Change is possible.  I have had the privilege of seeing mothers transform themselves and their families.  Their example inspires me every day.  One mom is in recovery from alcohol and meth addiction.  A 6^th grade dropout who used to prostitute herself of drug money, she is completing her GED and plans to become a substance abuse counselor.  Another mom – a teenage mother – is also in recovery and works full-time to support herself and her children. 

Many dedicated, thoughtful people are eager to help.  I’m also inspired by the hundreds of people who assist in innumerable ways at Sheffield Place – as volunteers in the children’s program, as tutors for the moms who are in school and for the children, as office helpers, as facilities maintenance workers, as special event volunteers, bakers, quilters, and as donors of monetary and in-kind support.  Without them, Sheffield Place would not be able to change lives and empower families to become self-sufficient.

All told, the past 2+ years have been among the most challenging, rewarding, and enjoyable of my career in fundraising and nonprofit management.  I look forward to many more.

David Hanzlick, CFRE
Director of Program & Development 

Moving Mountains

It’s not the traditional lifestyle, family, or home. But it doesn’t need to be. It’s where you’ll find a mother and her child(ren) day in and day out. Sheffield Place is designed to build this relationship and help the mother in the journey to rise from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

During Spring Break 2012, I went on a mission trip with St. Isidore’s Catholic Church, my home church while I’m at school at K-State. We went to St. Louis and had the opportunity to serve more than four different places and use our strengths in different areas that were needed at the time. I knew help wasn’t needed in St. Louis alone, so I looked into how I could help in Kansas City and almost immediately got set up with Sheffield Place.

After a series of e-mails, I walked in on the first day and had no expectations except helping to make a positive difference in the lives of the mothers and their children every moment I could. That first day I saw shame, fear, guilt, anger, abandonment, contempt, and self-centeredness, and I knew this was where I needed to be.

From meeting the child therapists Stephanie, and Mickie, and child care workers Janise, and Patty, I could tell that their hearts were so eager to feed love to the children at Project Hope day in and day out! They help mothers learn to make sounds decisions and have better judgment per each situation. It’s been incredible, and a life-changing experience at that, to see teachers and volunteers put in valuable time to instill values in the mothers that can be transformed to the children. In the short time of two months that I’ve been volunteering, I can see progress being made everyday. And this is just one of the reasons I keep coming back.

Sheffield Place is not just a brick building where fourteen mothers and their children live. Sheffield Place allows mothers and children to find hope in their home. They change the direction and perspective of their lives. It hasn’t been easy and it’s not about the past. I’ve learned it’s about moving forward, day by day, and it teaches children to find refuge in the comfort of their own family. Sheffield Place is positivity, humility, love, growth, progress, happiness, and most of all… hope. This is Project Hope.

This journey I was expecting to help others on, inadvertently became a journey for me.  In the end, I was the one who was moved and blessed beyond belief. There are quite a few lessons I have learned from spending my time in here three times a week -- From how to discipline children to seeing different perspectives in the right light.  But the greatest of these is this: Mountains can move.

By: Abby Guenther

2012 Goal - Expanding and Enhancing Children’s Programs

Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its hope for the best future.

- John F. Kennedy 

The National Center on Family Homelessness reports that each year 1.6 million children - 4,400 daily - are homeless in the US.  Homeless children suffer from hunger, poor health, mental health issues, and barriers to education including limited proficiency in core subjects.  

Homeless children have three times the rate of emotional and are four times more likely to have developmental delays.  By age 12 the vast majority (83%) of homeless children has been exposed to serious violence and is sick four times more than other children.  More than 60% of clients served at Sheffield Place last year were children – most under five years old.  In 2011,  64 children – 39 under 3 years old - called Sheffield Place home. 

Sheffield Place is focusing on expanding and enhancing children’s services in 2012.  The goal is to provide services to help our youngest clients be successful and healthy.  

Sheffield Place provides children’s therapy, support and family therapy.  Therapy strategies include Parent Child Interaction Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children, Ages & Stages, and other best practice interventions.  In addition to mental and physical health, physical and intellectual development, and education, children’s programming also includes drug prevention. 

Children’s services are necessary for the children to be successful now.  Children’s services also are critically important to break the cycles of homelessness, domestic violence, untreated mental illness, and addiction. 

Kelly Welch
Executive Director

New Beginnings

The holidays provided a wonderful ending to a great year at Sheffield Place.  Foundations, corporations, civic groups, sororities, professional associations, congregations, and individuals provided financial support, gifts for the families, supplies, and a wonderful sense of caring for the homeless mothers and families we serve.   One mother – let’s call her Cora – expressed her appreciation to the organization that adopted her family through a letter:

“I would like to thank you for adopting us. I have been clean and sober for almost 7 years. Before that, I was homeless and addicted to crack for 13 years. I lost three children to the State. My mom and dad were both alcoholics. I went into the (foster care) system at age 11 and stayed there until I turned 18. I have made many poor choices. When I found out I was pregnant with my son, I turned my life around. I lived at Sheffield Place for nearly 2 years. Sheffield Place taught me how to live my life. I’ve been in my own apartment for almost 2 years. I have a part-time job and am trying to obtain a GED. I am involved in the alumni group at Sheffield Place. Thank you so much.”

This mother clearly has experienced a new beginning.  Her success in overcoming addiction, gaining employment, bringing up her child, and improving her education inspires the other alumni moms and the current residents to keep working toward their goals.  Her example of a new beginning also encourages volunteers and members of the staff in their daily work. 

As an agency, Sheffield Place has also experienced a new beginning this year by substantially expanding the number of people we serve and the depth and breadth of the services we offer.  For example:

• The number homeless mothers and children we served in 2011 (50 families) was 150% more than the 20 families the agency served in 2010.
• The hours of service (individual therapy, group therapy, educational groups) the residents are required to receive expanded to 10 hours per week.
• The expanded programming includes work readiness and personal financial management, a community garden to teach good nutrition, pet and music therapy, and a mentoring group in which the mothers share and teach their particular skills such as cooking, knitting, or first aid.
• A new outpatient case management program provides continuing support to 20 families that have transitioned to permanent housing and case management for up to 75 homeless women and their children who need non-residential services case management and other supportive services.
• The Missouri Department of Mental Health granted provision certification with full certification expected in 2012.

The New Year will bring a host of new beginnings for the families at Sheffield Place.  Fifty homeless families will receive the residential, treatment, and supportive services they need to follow in Cora’s footsteps on the path to self-sufficiency.  Dozens of other families will receive the outpatient services they need to remain or become self-sufficient. 

For all of this, Sheffield Place is deeply grateful to our many friends and supporters in Kansas City and well beyond.  To each of you, I wish a very Happy New Year!

Kelly Welch

Executive Director

Sheffield Place is Promise

A message from Kelly Welch, Executive Director

For the homeless women and their young children that the program serves, Sheffield Place is promise.  Promise is defined as:

1. Declaration that something will be done.

Sheffield Place provide services that address homelessness, trauma, mental health and substance abuse. Through our groups, individual therapy, and supportive housing, our       families receive declaration that something will be done to address the many issues that have    resulted in their current situation of homelessness and despair. Our promise to our families is that if they engage in services, they will acquire self-sufficiency, housing, income, and improved health.

2. An express assurance

All of the services provided by Sheffield Place focus on identifying and addressing    trauma—abuse, violence, homelessness— so that our families can improve their health to move forward. Trauma informed care recognizes that while everyone experiences trauma in their lives, the sheer volume of trauma that our families have experienced is overwhelming to the point of being unable to function. Sheffield Place provides safe, secure, supportive housing for families. Often it is the first time they have been in a place where safety is assured.

3. Indication of future excellence or achievement

The vast majority (90%) of families that complete the program are successful in          becoming self-sufficient, strong families. Sheffield Place helps families to visualize and reach a promising future.

After 20 years of service to more than 2,100 women and children, Sheffield Place’s promise to the community is to enhance and expand services to serve more families.

In the past year—

· The number of required program service hours has expanded substantially. This expansion is made possible through the addition of groups, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, HIV risk reduction, parenting, music therapy, mentoring, pet therapy and financial literacy.

· Sheffield Place began offering health care services onsite to mothers and children.

· Sheffield Place recently inaugurated a structured case management pilot program to serve former residents who have completed the program (aftercare), as well as to families before they enter the program (outreach).

· We have developed a new community garden onsite to teach residents about the nutritional and therapeutic value of gardening.

So far in 2011, we have served 40 families through inpatient services and ten families in aftercare services. In total, Sheffield Place has served more than double the number of families served the previous year.

It is only with the support of volunteers, community agencies, corporations, foundations, the faith community, schools, youth groups, government agencies, civic groups, and YOU that Sheffield Place can fulfill our promise to homeless families and their children. Thank you for all that you do to assure a promising future to homeless mothers and their children.

Homelessness - An 8th Grader's View of a National and Local Crisis

Homelessness

I live in the suburbs, yes. So people I know sometimes just think that it’s weird whenever they see a homeless person or make fun of them. I think that is wrong. It’s wrong because these people from school and sports and friends judge homeless people because of their appearance. They don’t understand what has happened to these people, and some just don’t care. It saddens me.

I remember one of my friends has this crazy mom. This mom is so crazy, judgmental, and a whole bunch of other things you wouldn’t like to be. Well anyway, she’s scared of homeless people. She’s so afraid of their “abnormality” and thinks that they’re just bad people in general. But the truth is, even if you’re a “bad” person, you don’t deserve to be homeless.  Back to the crazy lady; well she kind of raised her kids to be the same way. 

I mean, do you think people go around saying, “Oh golly. I hate my job. I’ll be homeless instead.”  No. That’s not how it works. Some of the reasons why people are homeless are because they lose their job, get evicted, or domestic violence. 

What’s annoying about this is that maybe if her kids take her seriously; when they have kids they’ll pass along the message and then their kids, and so on. And if you think about it, that’s only ONE family. So think if there’s a million other families out there that think the same thing: Homeless people=bad.

I couldn’t even imagine what it’s like to be homeless. But that doesn’t mean you or I should pity homeless people. We should all try to help them instead. You can help by volunteering at shelters, donating money and clothes to the shelter, feeding the homeless on Outreach or at a soup kitchen. It might surprise you, but it’s actually fun helping people. It just makes you feel better about yourself and you know you helped someone in need; at least that’s how I feel whenever I help out.  So go out and help today.J

Together We Can

The color of the blackish hue forms a colossal

Depressed thought,

This is what we have done to our world,

Broken cities,

Broken hopes and dreams,

A broken place to live.

No one helping,

All cheating,

People fighting,

No one caring,

People lying,

Little kids crying,

People dying.

But when we help each other,

Together we can

Feed the starving,

House the homeless,

Clean the Earth,

Make our world anew.

Yiken Jongerius is an 8th grade student who is also an active volunteer for agencies that serve the homeless.  Sheffield Place is grateful for her perspective and insight.