Although the summer weather is still very much here, the
summer has come to a close for our summer interns, Diamond
and Sarah. Throughout the summer, Diamond and Sarah have
been instrumental in building capacity for new programming,
strengthening existing efforts and providing friendly camaraderie
along the way.
Lisa Zimmerman recently joined the Joseph’s Home Board of Directors. She is the director of global business operations at Quadax, Inc., a health care revenue cycle management company.
Perseverance in Hope, the Joseph’s Home Benefit Luncheon, is an annual event that celebrates the remarkable healing and achievements of the medically fragile men experiencing homelessness who have stabilized their health and transformed their lives at Joseph’s Home. Due to concerns related to COVID-19, the event will be virtual this year. It will be broadcast live on October 28, 2020.
The coronavirus has exposed deep, persistent cracks in our society that were not as evident in the rush of our everyday lives just a few months ago. Or, perhaps, we used our busyness as an excuse to look past them or pretend they were not there.
To get housing, you need ID. To get an ID in Ohio, you need a proof of legal residence in the United States, proof of Ohio residency and proof of a social security number. Those are the minimum requirements. How do you provide any of these documents if you have been experiencing homelessness or living on the streets and in a shelter?
-Due to the current state of the COVID-19 virus, we are not accepting used clothing or household donations as we are taking several precautions to keep the vulnerable men at Joseph’s Home safe. But as the weather in Cleveland begins to warm up, the residents at Joseph’s Home are in need of some summer items. We ask that you visit our Amazon wish list to purchase items such as sunscreen, shorts, and t-shirts for the men.
“Things are relatively calm and peaceful here, even amidst the chaos.” – Raven Kauffman, Respite Care Manager
As the COVID-19 Pandemic continues, residents at Joseph’s Home remain diligent with their social distancing but even still are finding ways to accomplish their goals and socialize with one another.
Peer Recovery Specialist Jeffrey Saunders is the newest member of the Joseph’s Home family. Jeffrey was hired in April, in the mist of the COVID-19 pandemic but has already brought a sense of support for the residents and alumni despite the challenges of the pandemic. In his role, Jeffrey serves as someone who shares some lived experience with residents and alumni, and who has undergone training to support those who struggle with substance use, mental health, or psychological trauma.
All of us at Joseph’s Home are appalled at the violence and racism inflicted on African Americans, as evidenced most recently by the horrific killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and others. Joseph’s Home extends its deepest sympathies to all who have suffered from these injustices.
A group of St. Angela Merici confirmation students created artwork and wrote notes of encouragement to the medically fragile men experiencing homelessness at Joseph’s Home.
Joseph’s Home residents and alumni are among the populations considered at high risk of complications from COVID-19. “For everyone’s safety, we are restricting outside visitors and all trips but for essential appointments,” said Joseph’s Home Executive Director Beth Graham. While Joseph’s Home staff and residents work diligently to maintain social distancing practices, limiting appointments and visitors, and suspending volunteer activities and programs, the risk of social isolation is high.
Joseph & Mary’s Home, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System, provides a nurturing, caring environment for adults without resources who have acute medical needs, helping them heal and achieve independence.