From Our House to Yours

August 2016
Welcome to those who are receiving the Dorothy Day House eNewsletter for the first time. We hope you enjoy learning a little bit about the daily happenings in the DDH and that the eNewsletter will be a regular reminder of our need for your prayerful and financial support.
Day-by-Day...An Update from Sister Maureen
St. Francis de Sales once said, "After we have planted and watered, it is up to God  to  make things grow."   That phrase keeps coming back to me as I watch all that is happening at the Dorothy Day House right now.  We have been planting and watering for over ten years and now new growth is all around us.
 

We hope you enjoy this eNewsletter.  Thank you for partnering with God to make all this growth happen.

News Brief
New Staff Members
Genevieve Spears, a 2015 graduate of Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA, will serve the Dorothy Day House as Volunteer Coordinator and  Education Assistant. She came to Memphis as part of the Teach for America program  in June 2015. After teaching kindergarten students in a low-income school for one year, she decided to get involved in the non-profit world. 
 
Genevieve came to us through Volunteer Odyssey, the local non-profit that provides volunteer experiences for job seekers, introducing them to the varied opportunities available in Memphis.
 
We know that Genevieve's youth and enthusiasm will serve us well at the Dorothy Day House.  Watch for communications from her about volunteer opportunities.
Since the opening of the Dorothy Day House we have put special stress on taking care of the day-to-day needs of our families.  Everyday we help them work through the hurdles that are keeping them from getting back on their feet again.
 
Our expansion plans include three family houses and that means that we will need a house manager in each house.  The house managers will be responsible for the smooth running of the house and will be present to help the families work toward their goals.
 
Angela Pieroni has been hired as our first house manager and will learn the job by "shadowing" Sr. Maureen as she continues to work with the families in the current house.  Eventually Angela will take over as house manager at 1429 Poplar and then continue that role when we move to one of the new houses.
 
Angela's experience as a mother and as a teacher since 2004 has given her the skills she needs to serve our families well.  She interned with us for about ten days in early August and in that time we discovered that she is energetic, organized, resourceful, goal-oriented and compassionate.  We are looking forward to having Angela work with our families everyday!

What's Better?
Q:  What's better than a birthday party?                          
A:   A birthday party for twins!
 
On Sunday, August 28th, we celebrated the first birthday of Briley and Brayton, the one- year-old twins who are currently living in the Dorothy D ay House with their brother, sister and
mother.  Decorations, a crowd of well-wishers, presents and a beautiful cake from Lucy J's Bakery made the celebration perfect.



Thanks for School Supplies
Our thanks to all who donated school supplies for our Dorothy Day families.  Because of your generosity, we were able to provide supplies for 22 children.  Bless you!

What's Happening?
Many people are asking about our expansion plans.  At this moment, we can tell you that:
  • We have a handshake agreement with the Church Health Center and a private owner to purchase four houses near Peabody and Bellevue.
  • We recently had a very successful meeting with the neighbors around the new properties.
  • We will be launching a capital campaign soon
  • We are applying for multiple grants.
  • We will eventually sell our current property at 1429 Poplar.
We are taking one step at a time.  Please keep us in your prayers as God makes things grow!

Upcoming Events
Lunch and Learn

Each last Tuesday of the month, we host a "Lunch and Learn event. It is an opportunity for people who are unfamiliar with the DDH to hear about our ministry to homeless families, tour the house, and enjoy a free lunch. Our next Lunch and Learn is Tuesday, September 27th.

 

Please contact Lea Carr at 901-232-2421 if you or someone you know would like to attend. 
Sunday at Six

"Sunday at Six" is a casual opportunity for volunteers to serve at the DDH. This ministry was formed by prayer, and we feel it is essential to provide an occasion where we can come together and express our compassion and concern for issues affecting our community.

 

We gather with volunteers, board members, donors, DDH families, and friends at 6:00pm. We pray around 6:20 and then enjoy a dessert that is brought by a volunteer. The evening wraps up around 7pm.

 

Come as you are, bring a friend, bring your family, and children are welcome. If you would like to volunteer to bring dessert for a future date, please sign up online here or contact  Genevieve Spears at 901-726-6760.
Monday Night Meals

Each Monday, the Dorothy Day House has a family supper provided by individuals, families, or small groups. Volunteers have an opportunity to provide a simple meal and hopefully join us to enjoy time around the dining room table.

 

If you are interested in volunteering for a future date, please sign up online here  or contact Genevieve Spears at 901-726-6760.
From the Teachings of Dorothy Day
"I firmly believe that our salvation depends on the poor."

~ Dorothy Day


Ways to Stay Involved
Current Needs List
donation_jar_give.jpg
  • Dial bath soap
  • Kroger gift cards
  • Supplies for our medicine cabinet
  • Small bottles of Pine-Sol
  • "Forever" stamps
We're so thankful for all the donors who donate in-kind items or contribute financially to our ministry. Keep in mind, the Dorothy Day House relies primarily on private donors to help us keep homeless families together.
Our Mission

Rooted in the tradition of the Gospels and inspired by the vision and passion of Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement, the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality provides temporary housing and support services for homeless families in Memphis, TN. Working with other local agencies, staff members and volunteers provide families in need with a safe environment and the means to re-establish their independence. All guests are welcomed as Christ with no discrimination.
Our Board
 
Alison Powers
Chair of the Board
  • Lea Carr
  • Barbara Higgins
  • Pierre Landaiche
  • Larry McBride
  • Mike McCormick
  • Karen McManus
  • Susan Mealer
  • Brenda Solomito Basar
  • Lauren Squires Ready
  • Michael Synk
  • Carol Walker
Our Ministry Team
  
Sr. Maureen Griner
Executive Director
  • Joshua  Burgess
  • Tracy Burgess
  • Judy Gray
  • Paul Gray
  • Michael T. Kauffman
  • Peggy Steffan
  • Sr. Margaret Ann Zinselmeyer
Our Staff

Tracy Burgess
Director of Development and  Communications

Angela Pieroni
House Manager

Genevieve Spears
Volunteer Coordinator
 
Sr. Margaret Ann Zinselmeyer
Bookkeeper

PO Box 40269 | Memphis, TN  38174 | 901-726-6760 | www.dorothydaymemphis.org
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