Giving back, Getting back

Being in transition has given me the opportunity to explore a variety of venues I never would have experienced. Having been in large nonprofits my entire career, I was pleased to be able to experience a community-based not for profit. Budgets may be smaller but not challenges. I signed up for the Legacy Leadership Institute to mentor not for profits a little over a year ago and luckily was paired with Lincoln Park Community Shelter. After meeting the staff, I immediately knew it would be a pleasure to work with them. The staff have big smiles to match their big hearts as well as a tremendous amount of creative energy-a winning combination which adds to their successful operation of LPCS.

From day one I was completely taken by the sense of community at LPCS. Staff, guests, volunteers and board members are all committed to support and serve. The spirit and atmosphere at LPCS is filled with hope and possibilities, not an easy task in today’s world much less in the world of homelessness. Working with LPCS has changed my own conceptions about homelessness. Walking into the lounge area, I was struck with the notion that I could as well be in a local coffee shop, not a shelter. The time spent working with LPCS has been personally rewarding to me; in the process I have become more aware and understanding of the plight of the homeless and much less judgmental. I look forward to more volunteer opportunities to work with the staff and the LPCS community.

--Teri Somrak, LPCS Legacy Leader Volunteer

The Legacy Leadership Institute program focuses on teaching individuals how to develop much-needed funds for important causes. As a Legacy Leader, volunteers put thier know-how into action after being matched up with a nonprofit organization of their choice.  To learn more about the Legacy Leadership Institute, visit http://www.matherlifeways.com/documents/pdfs/LLI-Ind.pdf

A trip to Springfield

Working in such a hands on environment at the shelter, truly at the grassroots level, is so valuable in terms of understanding the day to day struggles of homelessness. But it’s always important to take a step back and recognize the systemic problems that make homelessness happen. Being in Springfield jolted me back to that reality. It is easy to “blame the victim,” profess that individuals need to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. But homelessness, at its core, is a musical chairs dilemma. More people than places to sit. This is something that I tried to get across to people I spoke with at the capitol. When I sat down with my state rep, it was apparent that he actually did understand this, that affordable housing is limited. The problem was that he put the burden on the non-profits themselves to find the resources to create all of the housing necessary. The fact that non-profits might not be in the business of MAKING MONEY hadn’t dawned on him. It is important for groups of people to continue reminding our state representatives and senators that fighting homelessness is a struggle that requires the collaboration of non-profits doing on-the-ground work, individuals being empowered to make positive life decisions, AND the government shaping a just and equitable system via their lawmaking.

Being given the brush off by two of my legislators certainly made it clear to me that they are not worried about the homeless population in terms of their ability to shape the next political election. It’s true, persons without a home are much less likely to register to vote, go door to door for candidates, donate to campaigns, and show up at the polls on election day. That’s why it’s important for those of us who DO engage in such political actions to speak out and be the best voice of homeless individuals that we can possibly be. Helping provide day to day services to people in need is something I take pride in. But remembering that shelter guests are a SYMPTOM of the problem, and not the problem itself, is critical. This trip to Springfield helped encourage me to look to legislators in helping ameliorate some of these struggles, as opposed to putting all of the responsibilities on non-profits and the individuals themselves, which I sometimes do. No matter how impressive this shelter is, and no matter how much good work it does, we can’t forget that the buck stops in capitol buildings.

--Katie McNamara, LPCS Volunteer Coordinator, Americorps*VISTA

My time at LPCS...

I came to work at the LPCS through the Lutheran Volunteer Corps, which provides volunteers with a year of experience in a social justice agency. My experience was challenging in many ways, and it provided me insight into my own communication style, methods of handling conflict, and taught me to consider all the factors that may be going into someone's reaction to a situation. I came to Chicago knowing very little about the city and the resources available for the homeless population, and am amazed by how much the case managers and guests themselves have taught me. I realize that I still have a lot to learn, but am grateful for the experience I have been given.

--Claire Hannemann, former LPCS Interim Housing Manager

Thanks for sharing!

This week, I would like to share links to a couple of interesting things that have come across my desk recently, sent in by volunteers.

Here is a shocking story about H&M and Wal-Mart stores destroying brand-new merchandise, rather than donating it: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/h-m-and-wal-mart-destroy-and-trash-unsold-goods-562909/

Are you an LPCS volunteer?  Have you ever wondered where you fit in with other Americans who volunteer?  Check out this fun, interactive graph: http://www.good.is/post/transparency-where-we-volunteer/

Have you seen any interesting article you'd like to share?  Please send them to me at hreynolds@lpcsonline.org.

Happy Anniversary!!

Twenty-five years ago today, the Lincoln Park Community Shelter opened its doors to our homeless neighbors.  Check http://www.lpcsonline.org/ for upcoming events and celebrations!  As part of the celebration, LPCS is very excited to unveil our new logo!  Let us know what you think!

Update on Ryan

In the last issue of Transisitons, LPCS' print newsletter, we spotlighted a guest names Ryan.  Since we printed that article, Ryan has since moved out.  He recently sent an email updating the staff on how things were going.  Here is what he had to say:

"I want you to know I greatly appreciated the opportunity at LPCS. I thank all the volunteers and their efforts. Especially those who helped me prepare my resume. I thank [the staff] and the board members who make this possible for those who struggle in this time of need. I know, nobody was harder on myself than me...Through this experience I learned alot about myself and life. I value this experience and I hope you all reach the success that you strive for in each and every individual you bring there!
I am doing very well, I am an office manager in a doctors office. I left Illinois Masonic Medical Center after they did cutbacks, but because I did a good job as a volunteer, being hired as an employee, my manager referred me to a couple of doctors who were looking for an office manager, and I landed [my current] job. There is hope for everyone. I will be the first to say, I had alot of doubts, but it all worked out...I thank you again!"

Save the Date!

Save the date for this year’s fantastic party! Lincoln Park Community Shelter 25th Anniversary Metamorphosis Party will be held on Friday, April 23rd at the Saddle and Cycle Club from 7pm to midnight. Last year nearly 200 people gathered to support the LPCS on a beautiful June evening, enjoyed fabulous food, drink, and music, and raised more than $70,000 to support our programs! This year promises to be another great event featuring live and silent auctions, food, music, and more! So mark your calendars and come out and support LPCS, celebrating 25 years in the community!  For more information visit: http://www.lpcsonline.org/metamorphosis-party.