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.

 May 6,2020 

By David Hanzlick – Director, Program and Development, Sheffield Place
[The post was requested by Country Club Christian Church as a part of their annual stewardship campaign.]

The COVID-19 crisis has cast a dark shadow of uncertainty around the world and on the doorstep of Sheffield Place. The mothers worry about their health, the health of their children, their ability to stay clean and sober amidst the anxiety, and their ability to earn a living. The staff – while also under stress – work to reassure the clients that addiction and mental health recovery are possible and self-sufficiency can be achieved.

In this trying environment, the concern, kindness, and generosity of friends like the members of Country Club Christian Church are valued now more than ever. The Church found ways to help – by providing face masks made by the sewing guild, donating school and craft supplies, supplying funding for emergency needs, and feeding the clients and staff with delicious food lovingly prepared. All of this occurred at a time when volunteering onsite is suspended due to the pandemic.

These expressions of caring touch the hearts and feed the bodies and souls of the families. They know that they are not alone and that people in the community care about them and are cheering for their success.

Sheffield Place has long been blessed by the active partnership of the Church and its members – through Grace at Work and other volunteer days, sustaining grant support, the donation of handsewn items by the sewing guild, and the provision of meals and fellowship provided to the families several times each year by the Bough/Berry group.

It is during the isolation of COVID-19 that clients and staff become intensely aware now more than ever of the many ways our lives are touched by the Church’s love and compassion.

JMU students return to Sheffield Place for Alternative Spring Break

Blog Post #1

Strength is at the core of the women living at Sheffield Place. They sacrifice, take risks, and venture out of their comfort zones to provide for their children. It has been moving and inspiring to hear the perspectives and journeys of some of Sheffield Place’s current clients. Their dedication and resilience is evident in the way they carry themselves. Between attending classes, working full time or multiple part time jobs, caring for their children, and striving toward obtaining permanent housing, these women show they are extremely powerful and capable of anything they put their hearts and minds to. As a woman, I am in awe of their drive. As a student, I am humbled to be allowed into their home to learn and serve. As a future healthcare professional, I am grateful to know there are organizations like Sheffield place working to connect individuals to basic needs that are absolutely essential to our ability to thrive and achieve stability.

Blog Post #2

From this past week of working with Sheffield Place, I have learned so much that I can carry with me into my future personal and professional life. This post is dedicated to sharing the five things that I admire most about Sheffield Place. First, they focus on serving homeless mothers with the highest needs and highest barriers. Very few organizations are willing to dedicate the time and resources necessary to make this possible. It is the perfect niche for Sheffield Place. Second, Sheffield Place is constantly reevaluating the ways in which they can expand their resources and meet the growing need in the surrounding community. Recently, they bought a building that will be renovated into 7 new apartments! The third thing I admire about Sheffield Place is that they commit to providing ongoing services to their clients until they decide they are ready to discontinue. This continued support and long-lasting relationship will undoubtedly make the transition to permanent housing much smoother for these mothers. Next, I am in awe at the amount of services that are even available at Sheffield Place - and in the main residential building, nonetheless. This is not only convenient for these busy mothers, but also necessary for their healing and recovery. Finally, I admire Sheffield Place for the atmosphere of love, hope, and family that they create for all of their clients. When you walk into the main building, you are welcomed, respected, and valued.

Blog Post #3

Sheffield Place has taught me so much about homelessness in regards to barriers women and their children face. Speaking to families about their stories and how they ended up arriving here has moved me in my personal life and career. Being given a new understanding like this one is something that I believe every future healthcare provider should experience. These are some of the most hardworking women I have ever met; from morning until night they are working in classes, at a job, doing chores, or taking care of their children and that is on top of personal stressors, trauma, and other barriers. This facility is phenomenal.

Blog Post #4

The week I visited Sheffield Place, so many emotions were felt, so many different perspectives were gained, but so many people were helped. At first I felt anxious because I didn’t know what to expect. When I arrived at Sheffield Place (SP), I noticed gates, a clean yard, and a sign with a profound statement: “Safe today, Strong tomorrow”. I was curious as to what was inside. When we walked in, well wait. First we got to the door and realized we had to buzz in to get inside. I guess that’s a part of their “double barrier”. David greets us on in with a smile and I see inside all of these colorful posters, beautiful dark wooden furniture and architectural details, but most of all, staff with warm and friendly smiles. I think what Sheffield Place does really well is that they act more like a family and less like a charitable business. Here, people are treated like people, not cases, who need a home with a welcoming family environment. SP takes strong moms without judgement, without victimization and with more empathy and less sympathy. SP actively tries to understand and accept their residents as they seek structure and self-sufficiency, done thru teachings on empowerment. Though SP does a lot for these women. I’d like to say that the women living in SP are already very strong due to the adversity in life they’ve faced, ranging from each unique individual to the next. Nothing made me happier than seeing new women come into the house with their children, with pure excitement of a new chapter. It seemed like there’s always another one coming in needing a little lending hand, left and right someone had boxes to be moved. Sometimes that’s all someone needs. SP inspires me and whoever is reading this hopefully, to extend this gratitude toward others, and to remember that all it takes sometimes is one saving grace. I hope to be there for someone just one time, to change their life completely; the whole trajectory… Just as SP has done for so many, and continues to do more of every year. I guess blood is thicker than water in KC, and everyone just needs to find a family to lean on.

More empathy, less sympathy

More constructive help, less fabricated help

More family, less business profit

More consideration, less assumption

More hope, less dwelling

Future, not the past

Focusing on more of the access, and less of the barriers.

Hope over dreams, which eventually become reality.

Blog Post #5

My experience at Sheffield Place

Being at Sheffield Place this week has taught me a lot to be grateful for. A roof over my head, an amazing support system, and food on the table are some to list. Sheffield Place gives these women the tools for success and self-sufficiency to thrive in the world. They give these women a support system so they do not have to feel discouraged or broken. Sheffield Place is a place for education, growth, and revamping on life. The world could use more centers like this one to give more women in the world stepping stones to a sustainable life. Women are the ones who bring new life into the world thus, women deserve a little more help and guidance along the way in their life if they need it. I will carry this experience throughout my healthcare profession and remaining adult life.

Blog Post #6

I wasn’t sure what the tenants of Sheffield Place would be like before meeting them. I thought maybe they would be timid and closed off and generally ignore volunteers such as myself. After one week of working with the individuals of Sheffield Place, I’ve found the tenants to be very kind and friendly and with a demeanor that displays strength and gratitude. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to meet the women and children of Sheffield Place and the chance to hear some of the valuable life advice/wisdom these women have.

Blog Post #7

Sheffield Place provides so many resources for women and their children that I was unaware of until I came to volunteer here. We helped clean houses, apartments in Sheffield Place, and moved clients. I enjoyed seeing these women transfer out of Sheffield Place and into their “forever homes”. The classes and structure that Sheffield Place provides, inspires a road to recovery and healing for these families. Sheffield Place is slowly expanding and will be able to serve even more women in the future. They are breaking down barriers to homelessness in their community.

Blog Post #8

This week at Sheffield Place has been the most rewarding experience volunteering I have ever had. These mothers have gone through so much and still keep going. They inspire me to keep going in hard times and made me realize how fortunate I am for the things I have. Before coming to Sheffield Place, I assumed all the women would have substance abuse issues but when I got here, I realized that many of the women are normal people that had multiple barriers that caused them to be homeless. This experience has opened my eyes to all the different barriers and challenges with homelessness.

Shannon’s journey to healing and self-sufficiency

Shannon shared her story at Off the Wall.  Thank you, Shannon, for inspiring attendees with your strength and determination.  To video featuring Shannon and her family, visit www.sheffieldplace.org

“More than two years ago, I found out about Sheffield Place.  I had just gotten out of 120 days in prison as shock time for forgery and for resisting arrest.

 

“You see, I had been in and out of jail since I was 18.

  I was high all the time – meth, marijuana, alcohol – whatever was available.  Addiction was all I knew.  Both of my parents used drugs and had been in prison as well.  But I wanted a better life for myself and my daughters.

“I was discharged from prison to a half-way house and then came to Sheffield Place.   I was able to get daughters back.   At that point I thought – I can do this myself – so I didn’t really buy into the program for the first few weeks. 

“The staff helped me do better.  They came and got me for groups and worked with me on addiction recovery one-on-one in addition to groups.  One of the therapists worked on parenting with me and taught me how to be involved with my children and focus on the positive.  I just didn’t know how to do it, but I learned.  

“After two months at Sheffield Place, I got a job working at a local hotel.

 

“In November 2018, Sheffield Place offered me the opportunity to rent one of their houses.  I am grateful for the ongoing support and accountability that comes with it. 

“I celebrated 2 years of sobriety on September 13 of this year.

“Now I’m happy.  I have my children, a home, and a job.  I look forward to going back to school when my girls go to school.  We can all do our homework together.  I’d want to be a substance abuse counselor or enter another helping profession.

 

“Thank you, Sheffield Place, for helping me and my family have a healthy future.  Thanks to all of you for being here and for helping the many other moms who want to do what I’ve done.” 

From homelessness to homeownership - Misty's story

When my children and I walked through the doors at Sheffield Place three years ago, I had no idea what an impact it would make on my life. Sadly, I was lost and hurting with no idea where my life was headed.

You see, the story of my childhood is one of despair. My parents were alcoholics and addicted to drugs. As a result, my brothers and I suffered frequent mental and physical abuse at the hands of our step-father. We never had enough food and were constantly living without heat, electricity or water.

Evictions were common, resulting in a constant cycle of homelessness. We lived on people’s couches, in cars, even in tents at campgrounds. We never went to shelters though, because my parents said that they we horrible places.

So, you can imagine my apprehension when first coming to Sheffield. I had no idea what to expect.  Never did I think that I would be learning and growing there. I mean, before coming to Sheffield, I had issues that I didn’t even comprehend. Growing up, I was never taught about credit, budgeting or boundaries and it showed.

During my late teens and twenties when I was out on my own, I lived a damaging life. I made poor relationship choices and ended up raising three kids on my own. I made poor career choices and was perpetually unsuccessful. I made poor financial choices and was chronically homeless… just like my parents. Even though I didn’t have a drug problem and was always a good mommy, my adult life did feel somewhat like my childhood in that, I struggled to feed my children and couldn’t pay my bills.

Thankfully, Sheffield Place helped me break the cycle. First, through counseling I was able to identify boundary issues and heal from the traumas in my past. Through case management I was able to make plans to achieve the goals that I had previously been too broken to even acknowledge. Through mentoring I was able to define me that I wanted to be and move towards being a functional, happy person. Lastly, through the daily classes, I was taught how to become self-sufficient and maintain financial stability.

With a lot of hard work, and help from the Sheffield staff, I am now living my best life. I have a rewarding job, but I am also attending college courses online to continue my education and further my career. For the first time in my life, I have a budget and I am financially secure. Therefore, I am able to feed my children and pay my bills.  Plus, because I have been living in an extremely affordable Sheffield house for the last two years, I had the money to repair my credit. As a result, I have been approved for a home loan and I am currently looking to buy a house! With my past, I had never dreamed that home-ownership would be possible.

Because of Sheffield Place, my future looks brighter than I had even imagined. You all pushed me to dream big, to work hard and to believe in myself. Then, you helped me to develop the skills that I needed to succeed. Now, my family is happier and healthier than ever before. My children and I thank you.

With love,

Misty


Postscript - On June 14, Misty completed the purchase of a house for her family.  She is now a homeowner just a few years after being homeless.  

A Volunteer Shares His Experience Working with Sheffield Place Moms

In my experience, Sheffield Place is one of the best and most effective social service agencies I have ever seen. They work with a group of people who have many issues including being abused at all levels as a child and adult, who are homeless, substance abuse issues, no income, and have not had the opportunity to develop sound decision making skills.

This is a very difficult group to have success with. Sheffield Place provides a place to live that is safe and has reasonable rules that are enforced. Sheffield Place teaches good emotional growth, good judgement skills, and good coping skills. Each resident has a chance to learn what they need to become a functioning adult with the skills to live in society and be an effective parent.

The staff is hard working and streetwise enough to know when someone is trying to avoid responsibility. Sheffield Place requires each resident go to groups, engage in treatment, get a job, obtain a stable living environment, and participate in social groups. These, along with developing organizational skills, will help the individual stabilize their life.

Sheffield Place wins national awards for the work they do with their residents. The awards are well deserved. 

My situation is that I am a retired male clinical social worker who worked in the field for over 40 years. I have been truly amazed how willing the women are to work on their issues and listen to feedback on ways to improve their lives. This would never be true without the very effective work of the Sheffield Place staff.

Sheffield Place wins my whole support and respect for the great and measurably effective work they do.

David Showalter LCSW

Sheffield Place Volunteer

James Madison University Students Spend Spring Break at Sheffield Place

The community at Sheffield Place is one built on resilience and empowerment. I felt so fortunate that I was able to come back this year as a leader for the alternative spring break program. The mothers I spoke to this week are some of the hardest workers I’ve ever met and taught us so many lessons about perseverance and strength. Each one of them is here because they want to make a change and build a better life for their children. I am incredibly inspired by the amazing work Sheffield Place does to empower homeless women and children. Sheffield Place gives me hope that people who are struggling can always turn their life around. 
- Grace Moran, Health Science Major 

It is difficult to find the words to describe the week we’ve had. Speaking with the residents, interacting with the children, and cooperating with the staff at Sheffield Place has been such a rewarding and eye-opening experience. It felt like a community from the moment we stepped through the doors. The optimism and hope for the future that each resident and child showed was incredible and I believe this is an attitude that Sheffield Place fosters; they truly embody their mission and I feel so grateful to have been a part of it this week. 
- Meghann Bugg, Elementary Education Major 

Sheffield Place is an amazing community and home for so many women and children experiencing homelessness. I am so thankful to have met all these children and mothers that are here. I have loved having the opportunity to hear all their stories and how strong they are. In addition, all of the workers at Sheffield are so friendly and hard working. Their dedication to helping these families is so inspiring. We got to see the houses that Sheffield rents which gives mothers a home when they leave Sheffield. We also got to learn about all the services and therapies that Sheffield has to offer. It is truly an incredible place and I am so grateful to have came here to experience the life changing services they do everyday. 
-Kaitlin Flannery, Health Science Major

The week I spent at Sheffield was both humbling and hopeful. There is something so beautiful about empowering women to believe that they really can create better lives for their families. The staff and the mothers have to work hard to facilitate the healing process but it is so worth it. My favorite way to serve was by cleaning and setting up rooms for incoming mothers. I am so grateful that places like this exist in the system to provide the resources and support needed to break the cycle of addiction. Everyone believes in the women here at Sheffield Place. Little bit of good are what make this world a brighter place & Sheffield is doing all kinds of good!
-Grace Lloyd, Nursing Major 

This past week has been nothing short of inspiring. The security and structure that Sheffield provides for the women and children help build a sense of community. We helped organize storage units, cleaned houses, picked up litter, and played with the kids; it’s the little things that build up to make a powerful impact. Sheffield is such a special place. The groups that the mothers attend are catered to their needs. The kids do activities to improve their social skills, learning skills, and emotional expression. There’s also family time for the mothers and children to bond. Sheffield is the tool box for the families, and it’s up to them to use the tools they are given to improve their lives. This place helps families back on their feet and teach self sufficiency. Overall, I could not be any more thankful to take part in something so life changing.
- Cathy Dang, Nursing major 

Coming to Sheffield Place I expected to see the stereotype of a homeless shelter, a line of beds close together in a big dark room. I was also expecting the mother’s to be standoffish and unwilling. I was completely wrong. Sheffield is an amazing facility that offers so many programs like drug counseling, group therapy, and family bonding sessions. It is also very well decorated, every where I look I see a motivational picture or phrase. The women here are phenomenal. They are all very loving, very lively, and attentive people. Watching them bond with their kids really just reminded that they are just people who deserve to be happy like anyone else. I want to thank Sheffield for having such an amazing community and abiding by their mission statement “To empower homeless mothers and their children to heal from their trauma and become self sufficient”. Volunteering here gave me a sense of hope that I haven’t felt in a long time.  
- Milan Burton, Health Service Administration Major 

Sheffield Place is not what I expected. It doesn't only provide a roof over women and children, but welcome them into a safe community where they can only grow. Learning their stories shows how resilient these mothers are and how determined they are to heal not only for their children, but for themselves too. I enjoyed helping Sheffield this past week by helping clean out houses, sending out thank you notes, and organizing Sheffield Idol for the mother and children. This trip made me realize that everyone has something going on, but it is what you do next is what matters. 
-Olivia Trompeta, Industrial Design Major

It’s nearly impossible to put into words what this week has meant to me. Having the opportunity to talk with mothers about their stories was inspiring to hear their dedication to their children. I’ve learned so much more about homelessness and addiction and how the clients at Sheffield Place are mothers and people just like anyone else. I was given insight into a world with which I was unfamiliar, but at our core we have a lot more in common than I thought. Sheffield Place is an amazing facility because it offers services aimed at combating addiction and homelessness and breaking the cycle of abuse. I’m so thankful for being able to meet everyone at Sheffield Place this week and to go to a school that provides such ample opportunities. You never know which experiences in your life are going to leave a lasting impression, but I am certain that my time at Sheffield Place is one of those special experiences. 
-Caroline Diebler, IDLS Special Education Major 

At Sheffield Place, their mission "to empower homeless mothers and their children to heal from their trauma and become self-sufficient" isn't just something that sounds nice and looks good on their website and brochures. It is a living mission, embodied every day in their work. A common sentiment from the mothers who shared their stories with us is a strong respect and appreciation for the structure and programming at Sheffield. It's not easy but it gives them the tools to be self-sufficient and serve their children and communities. Personally, I'm inspired and energized from hearing these mothers' stories. There's common themes of heartache, obstacles, failure, success, and support. The most compelling theme is hope. 
- Ashley Curtis, JMU University Planning and Engagement Office Assistant 

Learning about all that Sheffield Place has to offer this week has been an incredible experience that I truly cannot properly articulate. Meeting all the mothers and hearing about their stories has allowed me gain so many new perspectives. In addition, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the children, especially the more introverted ones as I’ve been able to empathize with them in unexpected ways. Each of them are going to offer so much to the world, and I cannot wait to see how their mothers and them are going to progress into the hopeful future ahead of them. Sheffield is definitely a place that prioritizes these individuals’ stories and provides them a safe space. I am greatly appreciative of the opportunity to contribute to such a great organization and will continue to apply all the values and experiences it has given me this past week. 
-Mykim Hang, Health Services Administration Major