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From Our House to Yours
February 2019
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Day-by-Day...A Note from our Executive Director
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We recently discovered that one of our DDH children, a kindergartner, was having trouble with his vision. He was referred
by his teachers
to
the school system
for special vision testing
. H
e failed that vision test
and
the tester encouraged his mom to take him to an optometrist for further testing. The optometrist told her that nothing was wrong with his eyes!
Of course
we were befuddled and
hardly knew what to think. After looking at the little boy's insurance, we realized that he would have to wait another six months before he could be tested again. Knowing that he needed more immediate attention, we
took him
to another optometrist and the Dorothy Day House paid for the examination. That examination revealed a problem and he was sent to get glasses.
A small problem? Not for that little boy. His eye problems we
re not only causing him to falter in kindergarten, but also contributed to his lack of confidence. Glasses will help him successfully complete this kindergartner with confidence.
Who paid for that final eye examination? You did.
Who paid for the heavy work shoes that we recently bought for a mother who got a warehouse job? You did.
Who paid for the birthday gifts we gave to a
seven year old
last week? You did
.
Yes, your contribution, no matter how big or how little, can have an impact on our families.
Bless you
and thanks from that little boy.
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Welcome to New Board Members
We are happy to welcome four new
DDH
boa
r
d
members who began their
three year
term in January 2019.
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Julie White
is a relatively new Memphian, having moved here to take up the
position of Client Manager and Video Producer at Forever Ready Productions, LLC.
When talking about herself, Julie says
, "Serving and helping others has always been a passion of mine...I look forward to the
opportunity to be part of a team that cares so much for this community and the people it serves."
St
ev
e Hieatt
is the husband of Jennifer and the father of four
who first learned about the DDH through a service project with the Notre Dame Club of Memphis. He currently serves as the Associate General Counsel at International Paper Company.
Steve told us
, "
I am attracted to committing my time and resources to DDH because of its Catholic character,
I love Dorothy Day's unique combination of being caring, loving and religious while also being a rebel
and change maker and because I think DDH is tackling a critical need in Memphis."
Dick Wager first learned of the DDH through Pierre Landaiche, a longtim
e supporter and former board member of the DDH.
He quickly became involved as a vo
lunteer at Café du Memphis, the fundraiser that is sponsored by the Rotary Club for the benefit of the DDH. Dick is President at Courageous Leaders, LLC where he assists business owners and executives through one-to-one coaching, peer advisory groups,workshops, strategic planning and customized offerings.
Brandy Parker
has been involved with the Dorothy Day House in a number of ways over the past few years.
She has been especially helpful by providing school supplies, Halloween costumes, Christmas gifts, pantry items, and Monday night meals. Brandy and her husband, John, live in Germantown with their eight-year old son, Gavin. A graduate of the University of Memphis, Brandy is an Executive Assistant/Office Manager at Scales Consulting Group.
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Special Gratitude
Dr. Freddy Chang and his wife, Fleda, have been friends of the Dorothy Day House for many years. They seemed to take special pleasure in occasionally surprising us with a car full of items that had been listed on our mo
st recent needs list. Unpacking that car was always a joy for them and for us.
Dr. Freddy loved teaching and was known as a favorite professor during his 15 years at the Southern College of Optometry. His generous heart and beautiful spirit were known well to his students, colleagues and the DDH staff.
Now we feel special gratitude because of the significant bequest that came to the Dorothy Day House following Dr. Chang's death on
November 17, 2018.
Please join us in continued prayers for him, for his wife, Fleda Belcon-Chang, and their family.
(photo credit: Southern College of Optometry)
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Lucy J's Bakery
Lucy J's Bakery has expanded their menu beyond sweets. The
y are offering savory croissant pockets such as:
- Ham and Swiss (with or without jalapenos)
- Artichoke and Spinach with a Creamy cheddar and
- Spinach and Mushroom with Mozzarella
These items paired with a bag of chips and a drink ($8) make a quick lunch option at Crosstown Concourse for when you are on the run.
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A Double Baby Shower!
We're thankful for our friends at the Notre Dame Club who helped host a double baby shower for two of our DDH mothers, on Sunday, February 17th. The mothers and babies all received needed supplies, clothing, and more. Special thanks to our volunteer, Sally Nickele, who helped to coordinate this beautiful time.
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Did You Know?
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Did you know that the Dorothy Day House frequently provides volunteer tutors who help both our adults and children who need extra help with their studies? Our list of volunteer tutors is long, but right now we are especially grateful to
Malcolm Pratt, Sarah Ball, Seth Atkinson,
and
Matt Pitts
who are currently working with our families.
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The Dorothy Day House will be hosting our annual Volunteer Appreciation Gathering on Sunday, April 7, from 4:00-6:00 at Loretta's House (1178 Peabody). This is our special way to thank the hundreds of volunteers who are such an important part of our ministry to homeless families. We will announce and celebrate our 2018 Volunteer of the Year at 4:30. We hope you will be there to applaud with us! If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Sidney Dennis ([email protected]) no later than Thursday, April 4.
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Planning for the Future of DDH
Our thanks to the entire Dorothy Day House Board of Directors who gathered on Saturday, February 23rd, for a day of strategic planning. Under the direction of Michael Synk, a business coach who served as our first board chair, board members took a good look at our past and our future. Together they clarified where we are headed and how we are going to get there!
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Cafe du Memphis
"Shrimp and Grits,
and Beignets, Au Lait!"
Returning for its 5th year, the Rotary Club of Memphis presents "Cafe du Memphis," Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Tiger Lane! This event benefits
the Dorothy Day House of Memphis and the families we help serve.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available; for more information, please contact fellow DDH member and Rotarian, Dick Wager at [email protected] today.
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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, March 26th and April 30, 2019.
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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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
Lauren Ready
Chair of the Board
- Denzel Briggs
- John Cannon
-
Steve Hieatt
-
Larry McBride
- Mike McCormick
- Jacqueline Oselen
- Brandy Parker
- Laura Paylor
- Robin Riggins
- Jerry Schwartz
- Dick Wager
- Julie White
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Our Ministry Team
S. Maureen Griner
Executive Director
- Young Anderson
- Josh Burgess
- Tracy Burgess
- 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
Young Anderson -
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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