The DeNeuville Message - DeNeuville Learning Center

DeNeuville Learning
Center Mission
The DeNeuville Message
House of the Good Shepherd of Memphis DBA
To assist women of all
DeNeuville Learning Center
backgrounds and
W I N T E R
cultures in learning the
skills necessary to make
positive choices for
themselves and their
families.
INSIDE
THIS ISSUE
A note from
Sr. Lakshmie
2
Welcome Lori
2
In Kind donations &
Services
2
New Board of Directors
3
Annual Gala
3
Annual Gala
3
Sponsors
4
In Honor of & In
Memory of
4
Donors & Grants
5
Holiday celebrations 6
Wish List
6
2012 Board of
Directors
Ms. Kym Clark Akers
Mr. Burton Bridges
Dr. Tracie Burke
Dr. Lisa Clark
Rev. Richard Coy
Mr. Alan Crone
Dr. Ellen S. Faith
Ms. Linda Goodspeed
Ms. Linda Heitzman
Sr. Madeleine Munday
Ms. Maria Teresa Lensing
Mr. Andrew Menezes
Ms. Katy Burke Nair
Ms. Nakia Nedab
Ms. Tami Salvaggio
Dr. Annette Smith
Dr. John D. Tosi
Ms. Meera Vasu
2 0 1 2
Dreams Come True
Five beaming faces marched down the aisle of Marian Hall in the Cathedral of the Immaculate
Conception proudly wearing caps and gowns on the evening of May 17, 2012, anxious to move their
tassels to the left and be officially recognized as GED graduates. Sister Lakshmie Napagoda, director
of DeNeuville Learning Center, put it best when she said, “When a woman enters DeNeuille’s doors,
our hope is that they achieve their educational goals and celebrate their accomplishments. These ladies have just done that. Congratulations.”
Monsignor Valentine Handwerker, Pastor of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, provided the invocation, praying that all—but particularly the graduates—would use the gifts they had
been given to continue to improve their lives and the
lives of those around them. Reverend Richard Coy,
Board member of the House of the Good Shepherd
(HGS) of Memphis, congratulated the graduates and
emphasized the DeNeuville’s mission “to assist women
of all backgrounds and cultures in learning the skills
needed to make positive choices for themselves and
their families.” For these graduates, that mission has
been achieved.
Ms. Sara Carpenter was the featured speaker of
the evening due to her personal history and passion for
the education of women, particularly single mothers.
She shared her own fears about being able to take care
of her family and later realizations that education was
2012 Graduation
the ticket to freedom for both her and her son. She then
shared a quote from the book She by Kobi Yamada: “She not only saw a light at the end of the tunnel;
she became that light for others.” Ms. Carpenter concluded her charge to the graduates by encouraging them to live out this quote by dreaming big, setting goals, not being overwhelmed, and not forgetting about those coming behind them.
After these words of encouragement came the moment the graduates had been waiting for.
Barbara McGee, Hilda Mejia, Noemi Quinones, Victoria Vega, and LaQuita Whigham were announced
by DeNeuville instructor Ms. Elaine Hansom as GED graduates. Diplomas were presented by Ms.
Mary McDaniel, Chair of the Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis. Jessica Demorse informed
DeNeuville that she passed the GED test but was unable to attend the ceremony.
Each graduate took advantage of the opportunity to thank those whose support made this
educational goal possible, as well as encourage those in attendance to never give up in the face of
adversity. While each woman traveled a slightly different path, they all acknowledged that it was the
hope for a better future that led them to DeNeuville.
Sister Lakshmie concluded the ceremony by sharing her hopes and prayers for every woman
who registers at DeNeuville and her specific hopes for the graduates that they continue their educational journeys. The evening ended in joy and laughter as graduates and students celebrated with
family and friends.
Give 365, a project of the Community Foundation for a Greater Memphis, awarded $7,500.00 grant
to DeNeuville Learning Center. DeNeuville was recognized for its programs and efforts to use a
comprehensive approach to care for women educationally, socially, spiritually, and economically.
The funds will help support classes that prepare low-income adult female students for their GED.
PAGE
2
A note from Sr. Lakshmie
Dear Friends of DeNeuville,
Time has come for me to leave Memphis. It was in January 1998 that I said “yes” to help create a
center for women which has become the DeNeuville Learning Center for Women (DLC). DLC has
been a life giving ministry for me. Those fifteen years were the best years of my life. They were filled
with many opportunities and many challenges, as well. Memphis became my “ second home” and
DLC friends became a part of my life.
I was not planning to be the last Good Shepherd Sister to leave Memphis. However, thanks to our committed
board, volunteers, staff, foundations and our faithful friends like you. the ministry of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd of
Memphis will continue to be a beacon of hope for women and children we serve. We are confident that our new Executive director, Lori Bramlett, will invest her time, energy and expertise to lead the Center effectively. Of course, she will
need your support as you have been a support to me.
Thank you for believing in DeNeuville’s mission and thank you for your trust. I learned a great deal from each of
you. I also know that there were times I failed to meet some of your hopes and expectations. I may have not been the
kind or compassionate “Sister” you wanted me to be. Please accept my apologies. I will be taking a three month long
sabbatical at School of Applied Theology in Oakland, CA. After that…. So far, no plans and no assignments.
Thank you for all you have been to DLC and thank you for your continued support. You will remain in my heart
and prayers.
With gratitude,
Sr. Lakshmie Napagoda, RGS, LCSW
A year of change!
Welcome Lori!
Lori Bramlett will be the DeNeuville Learning Center’s second Executive Director. Lori is embracing
the program with a sense of commitment and a
passion for the mission. Lori has a Masters in
Public Administration with emphasis on Nonprofit
Management. You will hear more about her qualifications and experiences in the near future. Lori
was invited to go to St. Louis to meet with the MidNorth America Province Leadership Team.
Photo: from left to right: Sr. Catherine Massi, Lori
Bramlett, Sr. Madeleine Munday, & Sr. Liz Schille.
In-Kind Donations and In-Kind Services
All Covered - technical support
Huey’s—Christmas dinner for women & children
Joseph Cutrall - web site update support
Hutchison School for Girls Mike Robilio of Lucchesi- DeNeuvile Christmas party sponsor
New Board Of Directors
PAGE
3
DeNeuville Adds to Board of Directors
DeNeuville is excited to welcome a distinguished group of individuals to
the Board. Burton B. Bridges, ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Dr. Tracie Burke, Christian Brothers University; Alan Crone, Crone
& McEvoy, PLC; Linda Goodspeed, ServiceMaster; Maria Teresa Lensing, AT&T; Andrew Menezes, Fouts & Morgan, CPAs, PC; Nakia Nedab,
Memphis VA Medical Center; Tami Salvaggio, Memphis Door & Hardware; John Austin Tubbs (associate member), Christian Brothers University.
Burton Bridges
Maria T. Lensing
Each of these new board members brings unique qualities, talents, and
expertise that will enhance the very important work we are doing at the
Center.
Annual Gala-”All Shook UP…”
Dr. Tracie Burke
Andrew Menezes
Despite the downpour, DeNeuville Learning
Center’s 11th Annual Gala and Auction was
held at Hutchinson School on Saturday, November 3, 2012. The mood was festive and
attendees were greeted with the music by
Earl Randle and delicious food prepared by
Chuck Pettit of Chuck’s Catering.
Throughout the night, attendees mingled and
bid on the numerous silent auction items
generously donated by Hutchinson Upper School and various supporters.
Several speakers also took this opportunity to speak about what a special
and important place DeNeuville is for the women of Memphis.
Alan Crone
Nakia Nedab
While the silent auction continued in the background, attention
shifted to the live auction led by the auctioneer for the evening, Charlie
McKinney. The auction was spirited, yet reached its peak when numerous people bid on the opportunity to provide funds for DeNeuville’s muchneeded security system.
As the evening neared its conclusion, Sister Lakshmie thanked
all those who made the evening possible. Sister also issued a special
thanks to Dr. Annette Smith and Hutchison School who provided the
venue for the event, the food and beverage donors, and the countless
volunteers, particularly the Auction Planning Committee. Before relinquishing the floor to the evening’s entertainment, Sister reminded the
crowd about the purpose of all this hard work and the impact it makes on
the women served by DeNeuville.
Linda Goodspeed
Tami Salvaggio
John A. Tubbs
It was time for Elvis—aka Brian Lee Howell—to take the stage.
Carrying on the “All Shook Up!” theme, Elvis performed a number of his
greatest hits from the 1960s and 1970s, much to the delight of the crowd.
Many began by tapping their feet to the familiar tunes until they started to
dance outright. After a brief intermission, Elvis returned in one of his famous jumpsuits and passed out scarves to several lucky ladies in the
audience.
The evening can be considered a success by any account. Not
only did auction attendees experience an enjoyable event with great food
and entertainment, but they raised $50,000 for DeNeuville through sponsorships, donations and generous bids.
PAGE 4
Annual Gala Sponsors
Donor
In Memory of
ACH Food Companies, Inc
Derene Akins
James Henze
AT&T
Camille Bennett
Ed Bennett, Sr.
Cisco Systems
George & Linda Bond
James Henze
Coca-Cola Distribution Center
George & Linda Bond
Rienzie Pintoe
Darby Dental Supply, LLC
George & Linda Bond
Mae O. Whitten
Electronic Vaulting Services, LLC
Joan Clayborne
James Henze
Independent Bank (Poplar)
James & Debbie Cochran
Barry Barton
Inventory Locator Service
James & Debbie Cochran
Alma T. Crockett
Memphis Chapter Society for Info. Management
James & Debbie Cochran
Everleen McBee
Memphis Door & Hardware
James & Debbie Cochran
James Henze
Presidio Networked Solutions, Inc.
Sarah Colvett
Terri Murphy's brother
Rev. Richard Coy - In honor of Sr. Lakshmie
William F. Craven
James Henze
Service Master
Anthony & Mary Ann Cremerius
James Henze
Janice Tanner - In honor of Sr. Lakshmie
Triumph Bank
Vanick Digital
Golf Tournament Sponsors
Brent & Katy Nair
Carol Bregenzer
Cornerstone Systems
CRONE & MCEVOY
Denise Higdon
Dobbs Honda on Mendenhall Road
Donald & Elizabeth Stewart
Ellen Faith, Ed. D. - In honor of Mike & Linda Heitzman, Msgr.
Valentine Handwerker, Sr. Lakshmie
Edward & Mary Jean Crenshaw
James Henze
John Gavin
James Henze
Lawrence & Christine Gavin
James Henze
Paul & Heather Gavin
James Henze
Mary Kay & Gene Nyhuis
James Henze
Nancy Graham
James Henze
Ursula Hannaford
James Henze
Keith & Elaine Hansom
James Henze
Marian Hart
James Henze
Paul & Sue Hausmann
James Henze
Ronald Hawkins
James Henze
Robert & Melinda Heard III
James Henze
Germantown Knights of Columbus Council # 7449
Mike & Linda Heitzman
James Henze
Higher Visibility
Michael Henze
James Henze
John Tosi D.D.S.
Kay Werner Henze
James Henze
Knights of Columbus Holy Sprit Council #15196
Gearld & Cynthia Hiegel
James Henze
Luttrell Belting & Supply Co., Inc
Susan Irvin
James Henze
National Cities Corp Little Caesars
Sr. Stephen Jahn
Sr. Esther, Jim Henze, R. Pintoe
Sisters of the Good Shepherd-Province
Sr. Stephen Jahn
Ernst Sterner
Thomas Cooper Agency
Mary Johnson
James Henze
Watkins Uiberall
Frederick & Jacquelyn Mahr
James Henze
Zoccola Kaplan PLLC
Eugene C. Mangiante Jr.
James Henze
Sue McKnight
James Henze
Priscilla McLaughlin
John & Irene Schwemberger
Steve & Ellen Mitchell
James Henze
Patricia Newbill
James Henze
Frances Paulson
James Henze
Betty Pechak
James Henze
Meera Pejaver
James Henze
Margaret Pongetti
James Henze
Sr. Mary Della Quinn
Rita Quinn
Nancy Randall
James Henze
Harry & Ruth Rike
James Henze
Joan Romer
Dan Romer
William & Shirley Seamon
James Henze
Dorothy Stewart
James Henze
Arthur & Carol Straughn
James Henze
Janice Janner
Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Cau
Mary Ann Wehrum
James Henze
Christopher & Catherine Werner
Everleen McBee
Ann Wieties
Minie Young
James Henze
James Henze
Donor
In Honor of
Jennifer & Zak Autian
Burton Bridges
Tracie Burke, Ed.D.
Lisa Clark, Ph.D.
Debbie & James Cochran
Rev. Richard Coy
Alteena Edwards
Ellen Faith, Ed.D.
Ken Hall
Linda Heitzman
Sr. Stephen Jahn
Christi Moss
Tony & Tami Salvaggio
Nancy Simpson
Dr. Annette Smith
Carol Ann Spiering
Meera Vasu
C. Thomas Whitman
Dr. Jan Young
Memphis Light & Gas Divison
Nativity Church
Linda & George Bond
Dr. Bradford Pendley
Dr. Bradford Pendley
Dr. Bradford Pendley
Sr. Lakshmie
Dr. Bradford Pendley
Linda & George Bond
Dr. Bradford Pendley
Jeni Stephen
Dr. Bradford Pendley
Sr. Lakshmie Napagoda
Ruth Looper & Alex Peers
Dr. Bradford Pendley
Keith Urban and Family
Dr. Bradford Pendley
Sr. Joan Spiering
Dr. Bradford Pendley
Sr. Lakshmie Napagoda
Sr. Lakshmie Napagoda
James McWillie & Bill Crawford
Mike Heitzman
Sisters of the Good Shepherd
Dr. Bradford Pendley
PAGE
5
Thank you for your contribution to DeNeuville
Donors—2012
Geary Fleischut & Sharon Hutchison
Mary Ann Shaw
Antonino & Mary Incardona
Linda Shaw
BNSF Railway Foundation- Andrew Jenkins/
matching fund
Catherine G. Arnoult
Eric Baertels
Paul & Carolyn Black
Gianni & Katherine Boccuzzi
George & Linda Bond
Dale & Ruth Ivy
Manette Singer
Scott & Kim Jenkins
Dr. Annette Smith
John and Constance Kapner
Patricia Smith
Ray Karasek
Delaine Smith
David & Jane Kavern
Stanley & Virginia Sorensen
Rami Khouzam & Samia
Tom & Barbara Southwell
Martha Lanier
Anthony & Mary Spiering
Jean Breen
Burton Bridges
Judge Jennie Latta
Eugene Spiotta, Sr.
Robert and Toya Brungardt
Michael Bruns
Cecilia Leal
Regina McBride Burchfield
David & Diane Cambron
Sarah Carpenter (Obnibene)
Kirk & Kathrine Cervetti
John & Susan Lewallen
William and Marie Branch
Yolanda Lazarini
Sharon Chapman
Frances & Mary Chiozza
Brad & Maria Teresa Lensing
Rita Linder
Edward & Cheryl Lockhart
Ryan Manns
Paul Massa
Virginia Clardy
Lisa Clark, Ph.D.
Marilyn Conner
Mary Alice Mastellone
Teresa Dalle, Ed.D.
Genie Davis
Mairead Deehan
Carol & Phil Dunavant
Judge Tim Dwyer
Karen Early
Mary Hays Evans
Lee Grace & Scott Mathews
Triumph Bank-behalf of David Lusby
Mobil Retiree Matching Gifts-Louis Hart/matching fund
Carrie McCrrillis
Ray & Lee McGarity
Katherine Stanton
Laurie Stanton
Jennifer Stephens
Arthur & Carol Straughn
Kathleen Sullivan - The Huisking Foundation
Carole Thompson
Clare Tiffany
Mary Ann Trainor
Mimi Trouy
Dr. Renga & Meera Vasu
Jagoe B. Wade
Nancy Walker
Christopher & Catherine Werner
Donor Appreciation: June 21 - December 31, 2011
Ellen Faith, Ed.D.
Elizabeth Fields
Donna Fields
Robert & Jean McIvor
Charles & Rosemary McKinney
David & Karen McManus
Mr. & Mrs. John McNary
Joseph & Paula McPeak
C. Thomas Whitman
Evelyn Williams
Minie Young
Uncle Donald's Restaurants, LLC (Huey's)
Ladies of Charity
Lance Forsdick
Patricia Fortner
Jeanine Messer
United Way Donor Choice
Combined Federal Campaign of the Mid-South
donors
Howard Montgomery II
Brent & Katy Nair
St. Thomas More Catholic Lawyers Guild
William (Bill) Fortner
Charles & Kate Foster
Amy Norsworthy
Ned Franks
Kevin Nuckolls
Grants
Peggy Frazer
William & Jean Oldham
Community Foundation -Give 365 Project
Sara Frey
Elvia Olivas
International Paper Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Gadomski
Margaret O'Neil
Madonna Circle Projcet
Adam & Gretchen Gintz III
Linda Goodspeed
Dr. Fereidoon Parsidoon
Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis Fund
Dr. Brad Pendley
Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis
Andrew Menezes
Robert Halfacre Jr.
John & Joan Hargett
Edmund Perera
Lewis R. Harris
Ford & Harrison - Delaine Smith/matching fund
Louis & Elva Hart
Carol Prentiss - Prentiss Foundation
Dr. Michael & Kay Harty
Dr. Jane Hayden
Alissa Heirigs
Mike & Linda Heitzman
Margaret Henze
Darla Hopkins
Diane Pettit
Robin Ringleka-Kotte
Fred Roberts
Timothy Roberts
John & Linda Romeo
Providence Rose
Cynthia Ross
Christian Roy
Dr. Julio & Maria Ruiz
Carter Hord
Adalgiza Salais
George & Lorena Horishny
Tony & Tami Salvaggio
Billy & Cecelia Howell
Barbara Salvaggio
John & Amy Schuler
The Walter H. McClenon Fund, Inc
PAGE 6
Christmas celebrations at DeNeuville
:
DeNeuville Learning Center Wish List
Would you like to become more involved with DeNeuville Learning Center? There are several ways you can donate.
Items Needed for DeNeuville
Educational supplies (pens, book bags, notebooks, etc.)
Snacks for children
Household items (toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates and cups)
Stamps—first class (new and cancelled)
Gas cards and Gift cards from Kroger, Target, etc. to help women who attempt to overcome their obstacles
Volunteer Needs
English as a Second Language Instructor
GED teachers: writing, reading, social studies, math, and science
Receptionists: Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30
Baby sitting during the day or doing activities with kids in the evenings
Creative classes—cake decorating, flower arranging, arts, crafts, sewing
Financial Contributions
Please consider a general donation to help fund the salary of an instructor, child-care worker, or textbooks, educational
supplies, or general operating expenses.
Thank you for your gifts! Donations are tax-deductible.
The DeNeuville Message
DeNeuville Learning Center
190 S. Cooper Street
Memphis, TN 38104
Tel: (901) 726-5902
www.deneuvillecenter.org