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From Our House to Yours
July 2018
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Day-by-Day...A Note from our Executive Director
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Now that we have opened a second
house at 1178 Peabody (Loretta's House), we are serving six families at a time...three in each house. The adjustment has gone very smoothly and one of the wonderful surprises is that we are now enjoying a total of fourteen children. We love seeing their excitement (and exhaustion) when they get home from daycare and summer camp each day. And watching the little ones cuddle with their moms gives us a special sense of why the Dorothy Day House exists.
The sense of "home" is important to all of us and we are happy that our children feel comfortable and loved in the DDH. In years to come we hope they remember their time of homelessness as a time of real security and joy.
Our special than
ks to all the volunteer
s who have recently helped with childcare, transportation, special outings for the children and school supplies. You are a big part of what makes the Dorothy Day House so unique!
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Good Luck, Genevieve!
Over the past two years we have been blessed to have Genevieve Spears serving as our Volunteer Coordinator. She has been a wonderful support for volunteers who want to help our families through hands-on work and her constant enthusiasm and love for life have been good for all of us.
Genevieve recently announced that she will begin work on her Master's degree at the University of Memphis. We hate to see her go, but we are excited that she is taking this next step in her professional life. We celebrated Genevieve with a "going away party" on her final day with us, July 27th
Please join us in applauding Genevieve and all that she has been to the Dorothy Day House!
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As soon as we heard of Genevieve Spears' plans to end her work as Volunteer Coordinator, we posted the job opening and began to spread word that the position would be filled as soon as possible. We expected a few applications. Imagine our surprise when we received 43 applications! (We're glad to know that lots of people want to minister at the Dorothy Day House.)
After interviewing six potential candidates, we are happy to announce that Sidney Dennis is our new Volunteer Coordinator.
Sidney, a native of Little Rock, AR, received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies from Texas Christian University in 2017. She also has a Certificate in Community Transformation from the Memphis Center for Urban Theological Studies.
Sidney previously worked at SOS (Service Over Self) and her resume caught our attention because it said "Coached middle school and high school students in construction projects with power tools." In addition, it said "Designed and ordered materials for 5+ construction projects each week." It seems clear that she will be able to juggle all the aspects of the Volunteer Coordinator position and continue the wonderful work that Genevieve has done for us.
Welcome, Sidney!
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Inaugural Memphis Chicken and Beer Festival
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Join us for the Inaugural Memphis Chicken and Beer Festival, benefiting the
Dorothy Day House, Saturday August 11th from 4-8 PM.
Location: the field at the Liberty Bowl Stadium.
Ticket cost includes entrance to the event, a souvenir cup, allowing all persons 21+ years older, to sample beer from a variety of beer vendors, and games.
Volunteer Opportunities:
All persons 21+ years older, click the link below to sign up for a
volunteer position at Chicken & Beer Fest.
Details for Volunteers:
The volunteer shift is from
3:15-8 PM. Volunteers receive free admission. They will be given the opportunity to enjoy parts of the festivities, beer sampling,
and a free souvenir cup (chicken not included).
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Our specia
l thanks to all those who responded to our Summer Appeal letter.
We appreciate your generosity!
Please help us spread the word that no gift is too small. We need everyone to play a part in making the dream of the Dorothy Day Village come true.
In the coming months we will be hosting a number of house meetings where we will tell the Dorothy Day House story...past, present and future. We hope these meetings will make the participants more aware of the problem of family homelessness and the ministry of the Dorothy Day House. Please contact us if you know someone who would be interested in attending a house meeting.
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Special Guests
We were happy to welcome some very special guests to Loretta's House on Monday, July 30. Jackie Wagner, matriarch, and her daughters, Tonya and Cheryl brought dinner for our families. Much of our conversation centered on Loretta Garland, the woman for whom the house is named.
Loretta and Jackie were best friends for many years and all three women have great memories of Loretta. We are so glad that they came to celebrate Loretta Garland and all she means to us.
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The 2018-19 school year is fast approaching and, as usual, we will be supplying current and former Dorothy Day House children with school supplies. We hope you will help us by purchasing school supplies and dropping them off at Dorothy's House (1429 Poplar) between 9:00 and 4:00 on a weekday.
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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 sessions are Tuesday, August 28th and September 25th.
Please contact
Sidney Dennis at 901-726-6760 if you or someone you know would like to attend.
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| "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 through Volunteer Compass here or contact Sidney Dennis at 901-726-6760. |
| 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. Event starts at 5:30pm and usually ends around 7pm. If you would like to volunteer to bring a meal for a future date, please register through Volunteer Compass here or contact Sidney Dennis at 901-726-6760. |
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From the Teachings of Dorothy Day
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"You must receive
as humbly
as you give."
- Dorothy Day
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- Paper plates (Large, heavy duty please)
- Forever Stamps
- Copy paper (yellow, beige, blue)
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Pine-Sol Cleaner
- Air freshener
- Fabric softener (sheets)
- Toilet paper
We're thankful for all donors who donate in-kind items or contribute financially to our ministry. Keep in mind, the Dorothy Day House depends primarily on private donors to help us keep homeless families together.
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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.
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Our Board
Larry McBride
Chair of the Board
- Denzel Briggs
- John Cannon
- Lea Carr
- Mike McCormick
- Susan Mealer
- Jacqueline Oselen
- Laura Paylor
- Robin Riggins
- Jerry Schwartz
- Brenda Solomito Basar
- Lauren Squires Ready
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Our Ministry Team
S. Maureen Griner
Executive Director
- Josh Burgess
- Tracy Burgess
- Brandy Green
- Michael Kauffman
- Angela Pieroni
- S. Margaret A. Zinselmeyer
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Our Staff
Tracy Burgess -
Director of Development and Communications
April F. Draine - Development and Communications Coordinator
Brandy Green -
House Manager at 1429 Poplar Ave.
Angela Pieroni -
House Manager at 1178 Peabody Ave.
Sidney Dennis -
Volunteer Coordinator
S. Margaret Ann Zinselmeyer -
Bookkeeper
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