For those dealing with trauma, it is often difficult to discuss or express the events that have shaped their lives. Sometimes the words just cannot be said for fear of reliving the trauma.
As part of the holistic healing process for residents, the vast majority of whom have experienced traumatic events, Joseph’s Home launched a partnership with Ursuline College to provide art therapy.
More than 320 people attended the sold-out Perseverance in Hope annual fundraising luncheon in June at Windows on the River in Cleveland, raising over $52,000 to benefit the men of Joseph’s Home. The Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez, Bishop of Cleveland, was the keynote speaker and Dan Moulthrop, CEO of The City Club of Cleveland, served as emcee.
The last four years have been a time of great excitement and growth for Joseph’s Home and our mission to care for medically frail homeless men. As you are an important partner to this ministry, I want you to be among the first to know that Christine Horne, having successfully served as executive director of Joseph’s Home since 2015, has accepted a new position as senior director of business intelligence and strategy at the Catholic Charities Corporation of the Diocese of Cleveland.
More than 320 people attended the sold-out annual fundraising luncheon, Perseverance in Hope, June 19 in Cleveland, raising nearly $52,000 to benefit the men of Joseph’s Home. Bishop Nelson Perez was the keynote speaker, telling the crowd, “Hope in the midst of despair is at the center of Christianity. The resurrection offers us hope. Joseph’s Home is a sign of hope.”
It’s said that the best way to get to know someone is to “walk a mile in their shoes.” For Certified Peer Recovery Supporter Will, this isn’t just a saying to live by, but his passion.
Richard M. and Jeanne Colleran Weaver made a visionary gift that has become the seed of the first Joseph’s Home endowment fund, the Sister Joan Gallagher Endowment Fund. The fund celebrates the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine’s enduring legacy of responsive ministry and service to those in need, as well as Sr. Joan’s leadership.
Bishop Nelson Perez recently visited Joseph’s Home to meet with staff, residents and alumni to learn more about its healing ministry for medically fragile homeless men and to prepare for his keynote speech at the Perseverance in Hope fundraising luncheon on June 19.
Dick Clough loves celebrating Christmas and the spirit of giving. He loves both so much he celebrates every year by giving away nearly 9,000 pieces of clothing, toys and gift cards to more than 1,500 adults and children.
As behavioral health director, Michael Biscaro, PsyD, spends a lot of time at Joseph’s Home working with residents. He was only too happy to come in over the holiday break to spend more time with residents serving dinner.
The following article appears in the fall 2018 issue of the Joseph’s Journey newsletter. Read the complete newsletter for additional news, upcoming events, stories of how Joseph’s Home carries out its mission, and more.
Cardboard Campout Connects St. John Neumann Youth to Joseph’s Home
Sleeping in a cardboard box isn’t normally high on the list of how a teenager would like to spend a weekend night. But for a group of 25 teenagers from the St. John Neumann parish in Strongsville, cardboard boxes and the church lawn were home for one chilly night in April.
The group was participating in the annual cardboard campout event, which is a 20-year tradition that offers members of the parish youth group the opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of giving prayers, time and treasure to those in need.
This was the first year Joseph’s Home and St. John Neumann connected for the event, which was facilitated by Trena Marks Pacetti, social concerns director at the parish. The youth group did some volunteer work at Joseph’s Home and decided it was a perfect fit for the cardboard campout.
“We all fell in love with Joseph’s Home and its mission,” said Paul Koopman, St. John Neumann youth director.
During the event, the teenagers, who ranged in age from freshmen to seniors in high school, wrote letters to residents, prayed and ate soup together. They also heard about Joseph’s Home from Executive Director Christine Horne and learned about being homeless from Mike, former peer recovery supporter at Joseph’s Home. Mike spoke about what led him to being homeless, going through recovery and working at Joseph’s Home.
“Mike was struck by the maturity of the teens and their thoughtful questions. One question was, ‘How did you find God when you were homeless?’ The youth were very engaged and willing to put aside any preconceived notions about homeless people,” said Christine.
The group raised $2,000 for Joseph’s Home by collecting money at the masses that weekend. Paul said the event was a big success. “Participants felt a connection to those in need, developing love and respect for them. We look forward to continuing to partner with Joseph’s Home for this annual event,” added Paul.
Christine said she was impressed that the group of youth were taking part of their weekend to devote to learning and advocating for the homeless. “They were willing to step inside someone else’s shoes and that action spoke volumes about their commitment to social justice and following God’s commands to love one another,” said Christine. “I was extremely grateful and inspired to meet these students and share the ministry of Joseph’s Home.”
