Summer Newsletter June 2014

Summer Newsletter
June 2014
Caring for God’s Presence in our Midst
20 Church Street, Camden, NJ 08105
856-246-1087
www.josephshouseofcamden.org
Rendering of the building at 555 Atlantic Avenue created by Darrin Jellison of Blackney Hayes Architects.
From the desk of the Executive Director...
So much has happened since our last newsletter. We’ve bought a building and renovated it to serve as many as 80
guests each night. Twice now, the Mayor of Camden, the Freeholders of Camden County and Jon Bon Jovi visited to
check in on our progress and encourage others to become involved in our work. We’ve formed key partnerships that
allow our guests to have direct access to addiction services, legal, medical, mental health and Veterans services. And
between January 21, 2014, when we opened our doors on Atlantic Avenue, through May 31, 2014 we’ve offered
hospitality to more than 670 people, many of whom have transitioned out of homelessness.
From a small group of concerned people sitting around a table four years ago, discussing how we might respond to
those sleeping on cardboard outside our building, to the ribbon cutting we celebrated in April 2014, we have
witnessed many miracles and received many blessings. Perhaps the story of the mustard seed is playing out even now
here in Camden.
Thank you for caring enough to become involved in this ministry. Your support makes this work possible. Enjoy the
newsletter! I hope to see you at 555 one day, you are always welcome.
John
Partners in Ministry
Joseph’s House could not provide the services we do without the generous support of so many partners. We receive food,
blankets, personal items, towels, office equipment, and technology support., just to name a few things that regularly come to
us. To our partners in ministry, we express a heartfelt thank you. We couldn’t do what we do without you!
For the first time in our history, JH offers our guests direct access to vitally important social services. We acknowledge the
following service provider partners and thank them for the professional services. Whatever successes JH has in helping people
transition out of homelessness, it is due to the dedication and hard work of our partners. Special thanks to Camden County
Board of Social Services, Center for Family Services, Hispanic Family Center of Southern New Jersey . Last Stop, Our
Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Project HOPE, South Jersey Legal Services, Inc., Twin Oaks, Veterans Multi-Service
Center, and Volunteers of America.
Joseph’s House of Camden Ribbon Cutting & Open House
On April 1, 2014, JH held a Ribbon Cutting for the newly purchased and renovated building at 555 Atlantic Avenue. Jon Bon
Jovi, whose Soul Foundation was the lead donor for the project, attended. Benefactors, community partners, construction
workers, staff members, and public dignitaries came out to formally open the building. Camden County Freeholder Director
Louis Cappelli presented JH with a plaque designating April 1, 2014 as Josephs’ House Day in Camden! An Open House followed the Ribbon Cutting and over 200 people toured the facility. Fr. Mike McCue, OSFS, a JH Board Member, blessed the
building during the Open House.
The building gives Joseph’s House the opportunity to serve more people experiencing homelessness by offering shelter to as
many as 80 guests per night and connecting them with daytime social services to transition out of homelessness. All this is done
at an approximate cost of $24.00 per guest per day!
One Guest’s Journey
I became homeless in March. I’m bipolar and suffer from depression. I was
living in a tent when someone told me about Joseph’s House. It really felt good
to be around others, have a hot meal at night and watch some TV. The staff was
really kind and very helpful. They set me up with Project HOPE right away
which was God sent; I’ve had 3 heart attacks and have a stent. In the first week
I was there I was back on my heart meds. That was such a big worry off my
mind. The next week the staff got me a meeting with Twin Oaks and things
started getting better. I felt calmer and started to have hope again. I felt at home, like staff was family.
After 5 weeks at Joseph’s House I started to look for a place to live and after two weeks found an apartment in Westville. I
could not have done this without Joseph’s House. Thank you just doesn’t seem to say enough for what you’ve given me. I thank
God for Joseph’s House and I thank the staff for helping me find myself again. Joey
Way to go, Ernest!
Ernest Lindsay, an Assistant Program Coordinator at JH, graduated from Camden County
College with an Associates Degree in Human Services for Addiction Treatment Counseling on
May 17, 2014. This upcoming fall, he will continue his education at Rutgers University. Here are
his thoughts on his graduation:
Today I can say that I’ve grown in my life, coming a long way from where I was. I’ve had some
success and achieved things that a lot of non-believers thought I couldn’t. I’m proud of these
accomplishments and I look forward to reaching even higher ground. It feels good that I can
work with others who are struggling to turn their lives around. I believe in Joseph’s House and
stand by their mission. Change can come, it can be done and I thank God for every step I take.
Program Indicators
Thanks to our staff and partners! You’re having a real impact in the lives of our guests.
Between January 21-May 31, 2014:
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JH served 671 individuals (unduplicated)
10,480 guests (duplicated)
20,960 meals provided
125 guests received medical services
37 guests received mental health services
59 guests received addictions services
29 guests received Veterans services, 15 currently in Veterans housing with support
services
45 guests entered transitional mental health and/or substance abuse programs
5 guests found employment
8 guests reunited with family
9 guests found housing (apartments)
2013 Finances
Expenses: $201,727
Sources of Income:
34% Government
28% Individuals
26% Foundations
12% Corporate
Thank You!
Guest Reflections
Joseph’s House was not at all what I expected in a shelter. It is very clean and the staff is amazing and really accommodating.
They helped me so much in finding my own place. I thank God for being there; I was at the right place at the right time. Stacey
Thank you for all the comforts of home and the warm staff interactions. With your support I entered a drug program and know
I can improve things in my life. Patricia
During my stay at Joseph’s House I got the support I needed with my anxiety and depression. Things moved forward quickly for
me and I reunited with my family. The staff at Joseph’s House cared about what happened in my past, where I was in the
present and what my future would hold. Thank you all! Elaine
My wife and I came to Joseph’s House at a really difficult time in our lives. We came with the hope of getting some help and we
did. The staff was so attentive to my wife’s needs and helped me find a job. We’ve got a ways to go to get back on our feet but
we’re heading in the right direction, for sure. William
Staying at Joseph’s House got me indoors and gave me a chance to save money for a place of my own. I could shower each day
and staff got me up on time for work in the morning. Staying at Joseph’s House really helped me get my life on track. I’m so glad
they were there for me. Eric
I needed a place to stay, some stability and sanity in my life. I found that here in this shelter, and they helped me find work too.
Thank you, Joseph’s House. Robert
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Volunteer Appreciation
Wow! Look what you’ve done for Joseph’s House in a few short months…
 100 volunteers donated 1,000 hours of nightly service
 Countless hours spent in the kitchen preparing meals for our guests
 20 volunteers have been with us for all four years
 Weekly runs from Philadelphia to Sicklerville to pick up and deliver evening meals
 Nightly case management services provided to each guest
Facts and figures don’t tell the whole story about our volunteers. In addition to preparing meals and donating time,
our volunteers bring warm hearts and willing spirits on every visit. Our guests are blessed by your presence and
fellowship and we, as staff and management, are sincerely grateful for the commitment you make to our shared
ministry.
Our Mission
Joseph’s House is a
member of the United Way
Donor Choice Program.
Our Donor Code is 50704.
The mission of JH is to work collaboratively
with others to aid the least of our brothers and
sisters by offering a continuum of services
including emergency shelter, a range of
supportive housing, and access to
comprehensive social services.
Contact Information
John Klein, Executive Director
Phone: 856-246-1087 Ext. 201
[email protected]
Mary Beth Kohler, Administrative Assistant
Phone: 856-246-1087 Ext. 200
[email protected]