Becky's Experience at LPCS (Farewell)

The Lincoln Park Community Shelter has been an absolutely transformative experience for me on my journey to becoming a social worker. I am extremely grateful to have been placed here for my first year internship. I came in with very superficial ideas of what I would be doing for the year and what kind of people I would be working with. I have learned more from the Guests here at the shelter than I did in any class.  

I think the main thing that I have realized throughout this process, is how realistic privilege is. Most of us walk around with all sorts of privilege but we don’t actually acknowledge it. This year I was forced to not only acknowledge it, but come to terms with it. I would find myself buying groceries or a pair of shoes and get a pit in my stomach thinking “what could some of the Guests do with this money”; however, privilege is not just a financial way of being. I have also learned how ones family can quite literally become a safety net for people.  

Some of the Guests at LPCS do not have these privileges and that was one of the hardest things for me to come to terms with. Interning at the shelter has shed light on what true flaws and utter unfairness exist within our society today. There were times when I felt defeated, useless, and beaten down by these injustices. However, at the end of the day – and mainly due to the help and pep talks of the LPCS staff – I feel more determined than ever to not just help people facing these challenges, but do my part to change the infrastructure of our society as a whole so this cycle of inequality is put to an end.

This year, I have learned to appreciate everything that I have including my placement at LPCS, my family, and this experience as a whole. The Guests at LPCS have opened my eyes to what true strength, perseverance, and resilience really is. The Guests have been an inspiration to me that I will never forget. 

Thank you to LPCS for giving me this amazing experience. 

Becky Rosenberg, Intern Case Manager 

Volunteer Spotlight: Mallika Sabrharwal

Mallika Sabrharwal, has become seasoned in many volunteer roles with the Lincoln Park Community Shelter. Volunteering her time since September 2013, she began her volunteer journey as a Front Desk volunteer; moving on to overnight volunteer, and now has jumped into the Track Activities. Within the Track Activities, she leads some Daily Living Skills classes; including creating her own class, Stretching and Meditation. During the Stretching and Meditation class, Mallika teaches stretches that are specific for major muscle groups, and allows a time for Guests to relax and de-stress.

Born in New Delhi, India, and Mallika moved to Florida and now lives in Chicago. She says that she is new to Chicago, so is always open to suggestions of fun things to do in the city. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as running.

Mallika’s favorite thing about volunteering at LPCS is the sense of community among volunteers, Guests, and staff. She also enjoys learning about life experiences of Guests through regular conversations. When asking her most memorable experience here, she stated “observing a DLS (Daily Living Skills) course in the computer room with the facilitator’s dog running around. Most Guests and I were distracted and laughing during the whole class!”

Thank you, Mallika, for all of your hard work and dedication to LPCS!

An Opportunity to End a Cycle of Homelessness

James came to LPCS last summer seeking not only a bed and meals, but also an opportunity to end his cycle of poverty, dead end jobs, and homelessness.  James previously worked in the retail and fast food industries, which often left him feeling unfulfilled, as well as short on funds to make ends meet.  When a relationship ended, he had to move out, becoming homeless.  He turned to LPCS where he knew the support would go beyond addressing the bare necessities.

James’ goal was to find a career path that would lead to sustainable employment; jobs that could pay the rent, in addition to offering fulfillment.  James began attending intense job skills training at Jane Addams Resource Corp, learning skills to become a CNC (computer numeric control) Operator in a work-like environment.  He earned his certifications for OSHA, forklift operations, and National Institute for Metal Working Skills.  James says it wasn’t always easy sticking with the program; he often stayed up late to study math and to practice his formulas.  He arrived at school every day to prepare and get in extra studying.  With James’ dedication, he rose to the top of his class, becoming appointed as a shop supervisor at his training site.

We’re happy to share James’ news that he accomplished what he set out to do: Last week, James began working a full time job, with benefits, at Howe Corp as a drill press operator.  What’s next in store?  As James passes his probationary period at work to ensure stability, he’ll be saving income to successfully move out into his own apartment, and soon become a graduate of LPCS.

A Message from our Board of Directors

Dear Friend of LPCS:

On behalf of the Lincoln Park Community Shelter Board of Directors, I want to thank Erin Ryan for her many contributions towards the success of the organization over the years.  Although we will certainly miss her leadership, we are very happy for Erin as she embarks on an exciting new chapter in her career.

Leadership transition can be both a challenging and exciting time for any organization.  I want to assure you that the LPCS board has a plan in place that will ensure this transition will be as smooth and efficient as possible.  We have established a Transition Task Force that will assist in all aspects of the transition period, including the process of searching for and retaining a new Executive Director. 

As part of our transition plan, I am happy to announce that we have appointed George Kuhlman as Interim Executive Director.  George has been involved with LPCS as a volunteer in a variety of capacities for more than two decades.  He has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors, including as board president.  George has served as a loyal ambassador for the organization and his efforts have significantly contributed to the expansion in our base of support within the community.  We are confident that George’s experience and passion for our mission will result in a smooth transition and continuity of operations while the board conducts its search for the next Executive Director.

We will continue to update our friends and supporters during this transition period.  In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with me at any time.  My email address is bcarstensen@ameritech.net.

For now, please join me in thanking Erin for her many years of service to the organization, congratulating her on her new career opportunity, and wishing her much success in her new role.  
 
Brent Carstensen
President, Board of Directors

Farewell from our Executive Director, Erin Ryan

Dear Friend of LPCS,
 

It is with gratitude for your many years of support that I would like to announce my planned departure from my position as Executive Director of the Lincoln Park Community Shelter to pursue a new career opportunity. After nearly 15 years at LPCS, and nearly 8 years as its Executive Director, I truly feel that LPCS has served me as much as I have served the organization and its Guests.

I am pleased with what we have been able to accomplish together at LPCS over these years, and especially want to thank our amazing staff and Board of Directors. During my tenure with LPCS, we have grown the organization and shepherded it through many important milestones. Some highlights include:

• Renovating space for our programs, enabling 24/365 shelter operations for the first time, and ensuring financial stability for future growth.

• Rebranding our image as a homeless shelter to a comprehensive service provider for adults experiencing homelessness.

• Expanding our mission and services to meet the changing needs of Guests to include permanent supportive housing; securing our first government contract to provide 15 unit of scattered site housing.

• Most importantly, during my time with LPCS we have been able to assist over 700 men and women end their homelessness and move into stable housing of their own.

I will not be available at LPCS after May 16, 2014. See below for a message from our Board President describing the next steps for the organization's leadership. I have no doubt that LPCS is in a strong position to continue on its mission. Thank you for all your support over the years and especially during this period of transition. 

Sincerely,

eryan@lpcsonline.org