I was a stranger and you invited me in..." 
Matthew 25:35 NIV
Thank you to all the Secret Santas for making Christmas wonderful
for all 16 residents at Frederick Place
Director's
Corner
by Tammy Modic
I Believe There are Angels Among Us

Although I already believed this before the Christmas season it was proven again to me this month. On December 7 th Jessica contacted Frederick Place through our Facebook page asking for more information about adopting an adult resident for Christmas and also about our meal program. I described the process to Jessica. We have the current adult residents (the children had all already been adopted) give us three items that they would like for Christmas. As the “adopter” she would shop for the items, wrap them, and label them “female #” on a post it note, and we would put the name tag on. All we asked is that the gifts be brought to Frederick Place by Christmas Eve so that we could put the items under the tree to be opened Christmas morning.

Later that same day Jessica wrote Frederick Place: “I think that this year my children have forgotten the spirit of Christmas – and I want to do something that will hopefully help remind them what Christmas is all about.” As Jessica had other questions about our meal partner program, I asked her to give me a call at Frederick Place since I was working in the house that day. She and I spent some time on the phone discussing how the meal program works. I explained that it would be very easy for her family to sign up using our website, www.nathnorthwoods.com and clicking on the “Meal Provider Sign Up” link. We ended our discussion with her family adopting a female here at Frederick Place and her being very excited to share the information with her family.

On December 17 th Jessica again contacted me through Facebook and wrote: 

“Good Morning Tammy!

So, this weekend while we were out of town, our Elves (elf on the shelf…we have two because of how many kids we have) left the kiddos a note talking about homelessness, the center, what the center does, and that the Elves would like the children’s help with purchasing gifts for a mom at the center. The elves also told the kids about making a dinner for the center, not just within the next few weeks, but trying to do something monthly to show compassion and be helpful. I’m not sure what I was expecting from the kids, but let me tell you, it brought tears to my eyes with how much they want to help out. The elves said that one of the kids will need to contact you to discuss a “dinner day.” The kids last night decided that everyone HAS to be home that weekend…so it probably won’t be for 3 weekends that we sign up. Then they talked about planning dinners and wanted to talk to you about ideas they will be coming up with.”

Jessica also went on to say that they would be willing to adopt another adult if all were not adopted, and that her kids were talking with their grandmother about what the elves had told them and asked them to do. Because of this their grandmother wanted to bring some of the clothing she was going to donate to Frederick Place instead. I told her that would be wonderful as we allow the residents to look through the clothing, take what they need, and then we donate items to Warm for Winter and other local thrift stores.
Jessica informed me that they would be dropping off the gifts on Saturday afternoon, as the kids also discussed making Christmas cookies to drop off, too. Jessica thanked me for my help and stated, “I’m really happy about the excitement this has sparked in the kiddos and their urgency to help – they email me occasionally through the day and today I’ve received emails and texts from all of them with ideas and questions – so I’m really hoping we are able to build a helping relationship with them and the center.”

Jessica and her family are only a few of the angels that walk among us here at Frederick Place. ALL the residents were adopted and received gifts under the tree Christmas morning. The adults often expect that the children will be “taken care of” at Christmas, but never imagine that they too will be receiving gifts under the tree. The awe and appreciation that ran through Frederick Place Christmas morning continues throughout the year.

Thank you to all the Secret Santas who helped make this Christmas one to remember for sixteen individuals who had to spend Christmas at Frederick Place. I do believe there are angels among us.
Upcoming Events
Tribute Corner
In Honor of

Bill and Carol Miller
Stephanie Roou
 Dr. Mary Padgett


Partner's Corner
These four lovely ladies baked and decorated Christmas Cookies for Frederick Place.
From Left to Right:
Jane, Peyton, Katie and Allison


Kyle Rogers and Andy Wyss presented Tammy Modic a check from the Rhinelander Turkey Trot on behalf of St. Mark Lutheran Church.
" Employees of Rhinelander Chrysler came to Frederick Place today. They were given a tour by Tammy Modic and learned a little more about NATH - Frederick Place. They presented us with a generous donation. Thank you for your partnership. Left to right: Robby Tietz: Sales Manager, Adam Merkel: General Manager, Tammy Modic: Executive Director, Megan Bettinger: Business Development Manager and Jennifer McKenzie, Administrative Assistant.
 Sue Schultz was one of Santa's elves delivering many of the items off of NATH - Frederick Place Wish List from the Red Hat Group from Hiles, WI. Her sleigh (truck) was full of these wonderful items. Thank you ladies for your generous gifts.
Ron Welnetz presented Tammy Modic with an amazing donation of items off of the NATH-Frederick Place Christmas Wishlist. These items and the monetary donation were given by the Northwoods Associations of Realtors. They collected the items for us at their annual Christmas Party and the money was raised through a 50/50 donation. The 50/50 winners (Jeanne & Marte Smith) donated their winning back to NATH - Frederick Place. Thank you so very much.
These wonderful donations were received from the Lakeland Noon Rotary Club of Minocqua. Thank you for your partnership.
Thank you to our partners Peoples State Bank for the wonderful donations.
Faces of NATH
by Susan Statezny
A current resident wrote what you are about to read. She shared it with all of us and posted what she had written on the Frederick Place Facebook page. I’ve been struggling to come up with the words to introduce her, so I decided I would not. There is not one word I could write that would do justice to this amazing young woman. I can’t even come up with a Springsteen quote. However, I will share what Jennifer’s words did for me. A couple weeks ago I had been having a frustrating night at work. I was questioning if I made a difference, because I felt like my job was to jump up and answer every bell that rang.  I was tired of people and longed for the simple existence with surgical instruments who can’t talk back. I was wondering if it was time for me to move on. Knowing I was having a rough night, another resident suggested I take the time to read what Jennifer wrote. I did. My eyes started leaking, and all I wanted to do was find Jen and hug her. So, that is exactly what I did.

I am a current resident of this very special place. My time here is quickly nearing it's end. While that is the goal for everyone here, I find myself with mixed emotions.

I made some poor decisions and placed faith in people who had no desire to deserve that faith. People I loved and still love dearly, who are so broken that they didn't know how to love themselves, much less anyone else.

I lost everything and everyone that mattered to me. I was facing serious prison time. My children were far from me physically and emotionally.  I had to find a home for my dog and lost my other "fur children" to the humane society. I have never felt more ashamed or lonely in my life. Ever. Not ever.

I came to this place out of necessity. I didn't want to. I had nowhere else to go. Even a bed here isn't guaranteed. I had to meet their criteria. I had to be clean and sober, I had rules to follow that I didn't like. I had to live amongst other people who I didn't know and adjust to living with 5 toddlers, 3 teenagers, and 8 adults who had to adjust to living with me. Through this period there has been complaining, gossip, indifference, disrespect, and anger. I am no exception. I'm guessing the staff here might be more than done with my ranting alone.

I reflect on this time here and it's very easy to count down the days until I don't have to deal with all those small things that grind my gears.

What is not easy or expected, are the tears that blur my vision when I think of how much I wish we could all be together forever. With all those things that make living in a shelter dreadful, there has been laughter, encouragement, support, kindness, and a genuine love for one another. It is guided by the staff with patience and empathy. We are ignorantly unaware how much we sincerely care for each other until our goodbyes draw near so fast.

I've never been without a home; But felt out of place.
I've never felt homeless, not once since I've been here. For the first time in my life, I have a family.

Thank you.

I am again at a loss for words to explain what I feel in my heart. Jennifer has been a bright spot in the daily grind of life at Frederick Place and a blessing to all who cross her path.  Although we will be excited for her when all the pieces fall into place and she has a home of her own, we are not looking forward to Jennifer’s last day.  The house will be quiet without her laughter. There will be less laughter due to the departure of her unique sense of humor. The dynamic will change as it always does when someone leaves. We will miss her, but we will never forget Jen. She has given us an invaluable gift with her words. I will open that gift every time I have a frustrating shift, as a reminder that I do make a difference, and it isn’t because I let somebody in from a frigid winter night because a bell rang.

Thank you, Jen, for all you are, all you’ve done, and for the impact you have had on your Frederick Place family. I will miss you.

Ways you can become a NATH Partner and donate  
We’ve joined the Buzz Points network! Buzz Points has partnered with Ripco Credit Union or Park City Credit Union to give their cardholders a free rewards program.
 Here’s how it works:

Ripco Credit Union or Park City Credit Union

Cardholders earn points for every dollar they spend using their enrolled debit or credit card.
When enough points are accrued, they can be redeemed for rewards to local or national  businesses. Points can also be redeemed as a monetary donation to local charities on the Buzz Point network.

If you’re a cardholder of either establishment, it’s now easier than ever to donate to a local cause. When your ready to redeem your points, our organization will be listed in the Buzz Points online and mobile Rewards Directory. Please consider donating in this manner to NATH.

If you debit or credit card is not registered go to  https://www.buzzpoints.com/

Thrivent Making a Difference
Are you a member of Thrivent?

Apply for your Thrivent action Team to assist NATH.

Go to Thrivent.com/action team to get started. Here are some questions you may see when applying. What is the need you and your volunteer team want to tackle? How will your volunteer team spread generosity in your community? When will your project take place? How will you use your $250 seed money to make a bigger impact?

Once you submit your application, it’s typically review within a few days. When you project is approved, you will get to customize a hand packed Thrivent action kit based on what your team needs, including promotional banner, Live Generously T-shirts, step by step guides, invitations, thank you notes and a $250 Community Impact Card to use as seed money to get your project off the ground.

Some of the ways you could help NATH/Frederick Place, would be as a sponsor for Summer Raffle, Anniversary Benefit, Harvest Hoedown, Soup for Shelters, Golf Scramble or by preparing a meal or two for the house residents. Any contributions are greatly appreciated.
Amazon Smile
When you shop online!
Thank you to all who use Amazon Smiles
to Help NATH when you shop

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at  smile.amazon.com , you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as  Amazon.com , with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support.

How do I shop at AmazonSmile?

To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to  smile.amazon.com  from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to  smile.amazon.com  to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.
NATH Wish List
DECEMBER
MEAL PROVIDERS
Each month many partners in the community donate meals to Frederick Place. This month NATH and Frederick Place thank the following individuals and groups. 
Check out our new Sign Up Genius to see the most up to date open meals dates
  • Ascension
  • Ali Schroeder
  • Jerry
  • Peoples State Bank
  • Carly Ratliff
  • Elizabeth Kowieski & family
  • First Congregational UCC - Rhinelander
  • Orrin
  • Pastor John & confirmation class
  • Human Service Center
  • Pioneer Lake Lutheran Church
  • Deb Bruso
  • Montessori School
  • Dawn Roesler
  • Nancy Swenson
  • Kohler Behavioral Health
  • Karyn Hansen
  • Pine Grove Church
  • Melissa Gauthier
  • Immanuel Lutheran Church
  • Laura MacFarland and Jenny Tuckey
  • Rhinelander Café and Pub
  • Tiffany Ory
  • Jerri Knuth
  • Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church - Rhinelander
  • Xylina Graf & family
  • And the many others who donated Christmas treats and other food.
Open Meal Dates
Meals Needed
Ever ask how you can help? Become a meal provider for the residents of Frederick Place. There are multiple ways that this can happen.

  1. You can make the meal at home, or pick up something from a local eatery and deliver it to Frederick Place.
  2. You can drop off ingredients for a meal and either staff or residents can cook the meal for the evening meal.
  3. You can bring the ingredients and cook the meal at Frederick Place and then stay and eat dinner with them.

We will call you the week prior to let you know how many residents we currently have at the house and if there are any known allergies. You will normally be cooking for approximately 16 residents and 1 staff member. You can make whatever you would like to make, we ask that you also bring a gallon of milk for dinner as well.
We have changed the way we are having people sign up and will begin to utilize Sign Up Genius for this volunteer endeavor as well. You will find the calendar below, marked with symbols that represent days that need meals. Sign Up Genius with the most updated calendar. If you would like to help out, click on the button below and find a date that will work for you and sign up to bring a meal. It is a way to bless many with one simple act of kindness.