yout 1 - L`Arche Jacksonville

UPCOMING EVENTS
November
FALL 2013
The Spirituality of L’Arche
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dignity
wholeness?
Jean Vainer.
The Challenge of L’Arche p 267-68
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3
Luke 14: 12-14
1 Corinthians 12: 22-24
FTCN*
6pm, Blanchart Center
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Groundbreaking for
new Rainbow Workshop
December
By Chad Allen, L’Arche assistant
f you want to discover the Spirituality of L’Arche come and honor, they are the “core.” As St. Paul states: “the members of
share a meal with us. Come, join us, and have a chat with the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those
Chip or Sharon, two core members who have been a part of members that we think less honourable we clothe with the greater
this community for over 25 years. It is through the likes of these, honor…God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor
that you will discover a deeper and more approximate under- to the inferior member.”3 That’s why when committees or boards
standing of the spirit of L’Arche. But, let us try, to paint a little get together with their “ideas” concerning L’Arche they go round
picture. L’Arche’s founder Jean Vanier, who felt above all else, and round in circles! If a core member was present, he or she
called by God to begin this journey, sums it up accordingly: “The would most likely return us to our bodies; they would return us
spirit of L’Arche is based on the Gospels, the good news of Jesus to the essential need.
Lastly, L’Arche is founded on pain.
Christ. The Beatitudes are at the heart
How is that for a recruitment tag line? This
of our communities. If we forget this ini…what does the
should be in every brochure! Jean Vanier
tial inspiration, then the real meaning of
individual
writes: “L’Arche and Faith and Light are
the handicapped people will be lost; they
founded on pain, and in some small way,
will no longer be seen in their capacity to
core member need they
want to be a response to pain.”4 We
live and grow in their openness to God
are a wounded humanity; there is no hiding
and in the beauty hidden in their weakto live a life of
from this. This woundedness becomes obness.”1 L’Arche is a call from Jesus to invite
vious once one commits a significant
the poor, to invite those on the periphery
amount of time to living in community.
of our societies into the very heart of comand
Likewise, in a culture that gives precedence
munity: “When you give a banquet, into pleasure-seeking and competition, those
vite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and
who are the weakest are often left on the
the blind. And you will be blessed, besidelines; this too creates a deep suffering, a
cause they cannot repay you, for you will
be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”2 It is from this call, suffering our core members know all too well. Our L’Arche comthis mission, that we begin to discover what true blessedness munities are not places to wallow in pain, however. They are
means. The poor are our teachers, the weak our professors of love. places for healing, places of transformation. We must look
L’Arche is also founded on the body. When Jesus sees the plainly at reality, in its sufferings as well as its joys, and rejoice in
crowds, he has compassion on them; he sees that they are hun- God’s loving providence; how he has brought us together for a
gry, that they need to be fed. So too with L’Arche, we must begin purpose, for a mission. It is within this trust that transformation
with the essential needs of the core members. We must contin- begins, and, when we can be free and honest with one another,
ually ask ourselves, what does the individual core member need a miracle blooms, and we begin to see hints of the Kingdom,
to live a life of dignity and wholeness? The miracle of L’Arche is whispers of a New Heaven and a New Earth. Through the weak,
that the weakest members of the body are given the place of we see the miracle of life, in all its fragility and radiance.
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4 Jean Vanier. Letter to my Brothers and Sisters
in L’Arche and in Faith and Light, March 1999
Peace and Freedom Award
The founder of L'Arche, Jean Vanier, received the Pacem in Terris Peace and
Freedom Award on July 7. For the first time in its history the Davenport-based
award was taken overseas to France, where Bishop Martin Amos presented the
award to Vanier in the village where he founded L’Arche in 1964.
The award honors Pope John XXIII and commemorates his 1963 encyclical
letter Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth). Previous award recipients include John
F. Kennedy (posthumously), Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, Dorothy
Day, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Cesar Chavez,
Sister Helen Prejean and Lech Walesa.
Bishop Martin Amos presented the
Pacem in Terris Peace & Freedom Award
to JeanVanier
A celebration in Davenport, Iowa, was held in late August. Members from L'Arche Heartland (Kansas), L'Arche St. Louis, L'Arche Chicago and
L'Arche Clinton (Iowa) were present. Mollie Feldman represented L'Arche Harbor House; Joan Mahler and Nick Connell represented L'Arche USA.
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Living Nativity
6pm @ St. John’s
Episcopal Cathedral
February
6
FTCN*
6pm, Blanchart Center
March
6
FTCN*
6pm, Blanchart Center
10
GOLF TOURNAMENT
@ Timuquana CC
* First Thursday Community Night
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Linda Tisdale, President
J.D. Moorehead, VP
Jim Sebesta, Treasurer
Dawn Smyser, Secretary
Ron Pendleton, Past President
Mary Baer
Jagdeep Bhandari
Mark Cashen
Bishop John Snyder
LEADERSHIP
Community Leader
Amy Finn-Schultz
Development Director
Lori Rush
Community Coordinator
Sharon Toth
Community Coordinator
Bridget Cashen
Office Manager
Karla Smith
Accountant
Sherry Williamson
Rainbow Workshop Coordinator
Nicole Panella
L’Arche Harbor House
700 Arlington Rd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32211
904-721-5992
904-721-7143 FAX
larchejacksonville.org
We all know well that we can do things
for others and in the process crush them,
making them feel that they are incapable…
To love someone is to reveal to them their
capacities for life, the light that is shining
in them.
—Jean Vanier
D A Y
P R O G R A M
O
ur L’Arche Rainbow Workshop continues to explore new avenues in meeting
the needs of our core members. In the past
few months, programs such as Zumba classes,
piano lessons, and music and dancing with the
Rainbow Rhythm Band have been incorporated
into our program! These additions not only
meet the core members’ need for movement
and exercise, but they promote a festive, joyous
atmosphere.
We have also experienced transition in
our Rainbow staffing. A heartfelt thanks for
the coordinators and assistants who are no
longer employed at the Rainbow – many of
them continue to volunteer: Janet Plummer,
Dottie Klein, Marie Mudd, Lora Tyler and
Charlotte McAuley. Their love and dedication led us deeper into the heart of L’Arche
and helped to make the new L’Arche workshop a feasible option. We are hoping to break
ground during the month of November.
We are so very pleased to introduce our
new team members: Nicole Panella, coordinator and Nora Ramirez de Santamaria &
Christin Tomy assistants. They exude energy, creativity and
gentleness.
Please
come by the Rainbow
to meet them at your
earliest opportunity.
Ready, Willing and Able: Core Member Chip By Lori Rush
When Chip enters the room he does so with a smile on
his face and joy in his heart. He has lived at L’Arche Harbor
House for more than 25 years and currently calls Nouwen
House home. Chip is a loving, compassionate and giving person.
Chip is a man of many talents. He works at Pine Castle
where he prides himself in always being at work. He knows
he is depended upon and strives to uphold his responsibilities. One of Chip’s favorite things to do at work is drive the
forklift. He practices often and assists in moving pallets
around the garage. When he isn’t working in the garage, Chip
cuts wire to specifications for AT&T. He understands the importance of his work being completed
in an accurate and timely manner. Before working at Pine Castle he worked at the Wedge Café as
a dishwasher and Voque Body Shop boxing clothes.
Chip is a critical part of daily life in Nouwen House. He helps the assistants in many ways. He
takes walks with Tommy and comes to the office to pick up the mail. He is responsible for all trash
receptacles in the house and taking the trash to the dumpster. He assists his fellow core members with
their chores and even helps in the office. Chip is a “go-to” guy. He is always willing to help and does
so with kindness and compassion. Recently he came to my office and made thank you calls to some
of our donors. When I asked Chip about helping me with calls he responded by saying “It would be
my honor, Lori Rush. That is important!” This is Chip: Ready, Willing and Able.
Chip adores his family and loves to share pictures. He and I share tips about our phones and
talk technology. Jimmy Buffet is one of his favorite musicians/singers, he loves country music and
looks forward to riding a bike again. More importantly Chip’s biggest goal is to stay at L’Arche Harbor House forever. He stated he is very happy here and never wants to leave. We’re happy to hear
that, Chip. We feel the same way!
The Human Calendar By Laura Raymond
Who is Viva? She is nicknamed “The Human Calendar” because
she can recall days, dates and often times of day when important
things have happened in the community. She is the official memory keeper of Peace House. Viva works at the Rainbow Workshop
three days a week doing clay and beading. At Pizza Hut, she has
recently gone from one day a week to two days a week folding
boxes and sometimes packing wings. When she was asked about
her favorite thing about Pizza Hut, she answered, “Both wings and
the boxes and putting coupons in the boxes and putting paper in
the boxes.”
In the Peace House she enjoys going for walks, cooking on Wednesdays with Sister Betty,
and emptying the dishwasher. She uses Facebook, plays Candyland, and likes watching movies
when she has spare time. She has a special relationship with each person in the community and
delivers her trademark kisses and hugs each morning.
My favorite memory with Viva was a trip to the Shrine Circus. During an intermission we
used the restroom, and then the clowns began to hype the crowd with a rendition of “YMCA,”
encouraging the audience to sing along. She ran right out of the bathroom over to the balcony
and sang vivaciously at the very top of her lungs, with the largest smile and the best laugh you’ve
ever heard. No one can stay in a bad mood for very long while Viva is around.
L’Arche USA
Welcome to the new Rainbow team: (Top) Nicole
Panella, (L-R) Nora Ramirez, and Christin Tomy
In L’Arche USA, there are three new Community Leaders. L’Arche Chicago welcomes Michael
(Mic) Altena, who has shared life in L’Arche Chicago and L’Arche Irenicon (Boston) and served
as the Interim Community Leader during the community’s transition. L’Arche Clinton, The
Arch, welcomes Pamela Hoogheem as their new Community Leader; Pamela is an ordained
minister in the Presbyterian church and has been familiar with L’Arche for many years. L’Arche
Portland welcomes new Community Leader Andrew Noethe.
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From Lori Rush, Development Director
ANNUAL REPORT
We Are Family Fund
Other
Grants
Fundraising
The following annual report is a recap of the 2012-2013 fiscal year which
ended June 30. I’d like to take a few moments to review the information. While
the 2012-2013 fiscal year ended in a deficit, we have taken action to close that
gap for 2013-2014. The L’Arche Harbor House Board of Directors and staff are moving forward
with an aggressive, but necessary, plan to raise a minimum of $420,000 this fiscal year.
Let’s start with Income. You can plainly see the six sources from which we receive our funding.
Here is some detail you will find interesting.
1. Government Funding: the majority of our income (72%) decreased this past fiscal year by
$45,000. The state of Florida has cut funding to Medicaid waiver, transportation, and program support. We are not aware of any new cutbacks scheduled for this current fiscal year.
2. Donations: funds received from loyal supporters, many of whom are family of core members.
This funding source increased slightly by $7,000. This year’s goal is to raise $140,000.
3. Fundraising: revenue from specific events such as our annual golf classic, Birdies for Charity,
Gate River Run, etc. This too, has increased slightly. We added two new major events this
year: the Trip for Two to Rome Raffle and Evening in Rome Italian Feast dinner. This year’s goal
is to raise $140,000.
4. Grants: decreased by $63,000. We lost a $33,000 city grant for the Rainbow Workshop Day
Program. Our Sunday Visitor, along with a number of other grant sources, was not awarded
this year. This is happening more often as federal funding cuts affect non-profits everywhere.
Grants are a priority this year; our goal is to increase our grant funding to $85,000.
5. We Are Family Fund: our annual giving campaign. This source of funding was down by
more than $15,000 last year. We are focused on increasing membership in the annual fund
this year with a goal of raising $55,000.
6. The majority of the Other category is interest income. This number has stayed virtually the
same as the previous fiscal year.
Donations
INCOME
Government
Funding
Spiritual Enrichment
Unfunded Adult Day Care
Legal/Professional
Core Member Stipend
Salary
35 Full/Part-time
Employees
Food
Fundraising
Utilities,
Phone, Internet
Maintenance
Homes/Auto
EXPENSES
Insurance
This past fiscal year deficit of $123,000 was a result of decreases in revenue from government
sources, grants, and the We Are Family Annual Fund.
Our Expense category is pretty self-explanatory. As with most operations, salaries, medical expenses* and insurance make up the bulk of our
expenses. Maintenance, utilities, food, fundraising (it costs money to raise
money), core member stipends, legal & professional, unfunded adult day
care, spiritual enrichment & education are all daily expenses of community life. The “other” category covers such things as books, dues, conferences, supplies, postage, rent, property tax and depreciation.
L’Arche Harbor House has so much to be thankful for and continues
to give thanks for all we have and for all that the future holds. We are a
family, and together families celebrate the joys and lift each other up dur-
Other
Medical
*
Annual Budget: $1.24 million
ing the hard times. YOU are part of our family too. You have supported
us in countless ways for more than 28 years and we trust in your continued support. As we face another year of financial challenges, I ask,
“Will you play a part in our future?” We ask you to please keep us in
mind during your holiday gift giving. Gifts in honor, or in memory of
loved ones and friends are a wonderfully generous way to celebrate life
events while helping to raise awareness of our community and its mission.
Thank you for being part of the L’Arche Harbor House family. Most
importantly, thank you for prayers, love and support.
*To comply with Affordable Care Act requirements, health insurance premiums will increase 40% in 2014.
Wish List
As a large community with very
limited means, we couldn’t do
what we do without the generosity
of our friends and supporters. Ifyou
choose to donate an in-kind gift,
please deliver it to the
Blanchart Community Center
office or inform us of the
donation in order to receive proper
acknowledgment for income tax
purposes.
Wish List updates are posted
on larchejacksonville.org.
* Tea kettle
* Paved walkway to gazebo
* Help in the garden
* Wingback recliner
Greatfull House
* Sewing machine
* Small watering can
* Vacuum
* KitchenAid Electric mixer
* Bed sheets – Queen & Twin
* Bath towels
* Office cubicle divider
* New wireless router
Peace House
* Brita water pitcher
* Desktop computer or laptop
* Bathroom cabinet
Community
* Silverware – spoons and forks
* 6 air mattresses (single/twin)
* Locking metal file cabinets
Rainbow Workshop
* 2 stationary exercise bikes
* Michaels/Hobby Lobby gift cards
* Rags
* Canvas – New & Used
* Kiln Shelves
* Wire Ribbon – various lengths
* Stained glass pieces
* Acrylic paints (white)
* Card stock
Nouwen House
* Potting soil
* 2 extra firm twin mattresses
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* Talking clock for Katrina
* Tea kettle
Prayer House
* Driveway paving (great need)
* Digital camera
* 4 chairs for round table
* Computer
Sunflower House
* Volunteers to help with yard
* Twin Comforters
* Full sized bed & frame
* Patio set
* KitchenAid stand mixer
* 2 bathroom vanities
* Vacuum
* Recumbent Exercise Bike
* Record player
Our Donor Tributes
6/20/12 - 10/10/13*
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n this issue of the Harbor Beacon, we gratefully acknowledge tribute
gifts made to honor the life events of friends and families. Contributions
have been made in memory of a loved one, or in celebration of special
events such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc. For all tributes,
L’Arche notifies the recipient of the gift and the donor receives a grateful
acknowledgment of the tax-deductible gift.
*The following tributes were received between 6/20/12 and 10/10/13. Please let us know if there are any omissions or errors.
In Honor of:
Dino Baron
Renee Baron
MiKayla Guzman
Rebecca & Raul Aleman
Mr. Baron
Gaetano Petrelli
Amy Finn-Schultz
Michael & Kathy Finn
Fr. Tim Lozier
Mjid
Thomas Raines
Dottie Klein
Sharon Toth
Sherry Williamson
L’Arche Assistants
Charlie & Linda Tisdale
L’Arche Core Members & Assistants
Barbara Bath
L’Arche Core Members
Joseph & JoAnn Bennett
J.P. & Danielle Mahoehney
Brian Anderson
Ken Breaux
Gerald Kenneth Hoehn
Katie Jacobi
Sally Koch
Jim & Linda Mahoney
Kyle Patterson
Marisa Villano
In Memory of:
Robert McCormick
Elwood L. Browning
Joy Miller
Matthew Miller
Thomas Raines
Keith R Raines
Jim Sebesta
Susanne Weisman
Jim Setser
Drew & Julie Setser
Nancy Smith
Sherry Williamson
Patricia Thomas
John & Jodie Luciano
Sarah Thullbery
Marion Thullbery
Sharon Toth
Jean Fries
Karl & Dorothy Klein
Sherry Williamson
Kathryn Vallencourt
Don Byrne
Margie Weinstein
Sharon Toth
Sherry Williamson
Sherry Williamson
Karl & Dorothy Klein
Reba Browning
Elwood L. Browning
Elma Lou Corriveau
Nancy Smith
Joe Dobos
Colleen Dobos
Gene Dunham
Frank Dunham
Gene & Kathleen Dunham
Jeff & Nancy Smith
Kerry Jacques
Karl & Dorothy Klein
Evelyn Kuhn
Joseph & JoAnn Bennett
Peter & Lida Lipkovic
James Donald Moorehead, Sr.
J.D. & Rev. Kate Moorehead
Richard Russell
Mary Tricia Heintz
Nancy Smith
Frank Scruby
Jeff & Shannon Henderson
Jim Setser
Patricia Askew
Fred & Joyce Barnes
Mrs. J.J. Burris
Carranna Davis & Susan Cochran
Ruth Ellen Coyle
Curlin, Inc.
Derek DeLoreto
David & Lonna Field
Edward & Debora Fleming
Linda A. Foley, PH.D and
H. Roger Sharp, P.E.
Constance Goodbread
Margaret "Peg" Hallam
Stephen & Joann James
Karl & Dorothy Klein
Claretta Lamusga
Norma Landers
Special Memories.
S
ince our last newsletter, L’Arche Harbor House bid sad farewells to
four dear friends of the community. Barbara Vallencourt, beloved
mother of core member Kathy, passed away in July 2012 after a lengthy
illness. In September 2013, Jim Setser, father of core member Stacy, died
after a courageous battle with cancer. And in the spring of 2013 we lost
longtime volunteers Richard Russell and Marc Skarin. These devoted
supporters and friends will be sorely missed and remembered always.
Norbert & Theresa Lechwar
Mary Malone
Gary & Mary Ann Miller
Ann Sabatino
Jeff & Nancy Smith
Margaret Stiles
David & Kathy Teichert
Gregory & Yolanda Totten
Gregory & Carol Ann Westbrock
Nicholas & Natalie Winiewicz
Enid Winkler
Vincent Shea
John & Joan Shea
Marc Skarin
Jean Fries
Nancy Smith
Barbara Vallencourt
Dennis & Barbara Byrne
James Davidson
Christine Fitzgerald
Nancy Glasscock
Ellen Godfrey
Lucy Jensen
Jay Ledbetter
Delores A. Long
Paul Mahla
Reagan & Co., Inc.
Ann Sabatino
Nancy Smith
Robert & Susan Swan
Deborah Lynn Thomas
Francis & Barbara Vallencourt
Maureen Smith
Jack Walthall
Joe & Bern Crawford
Scott Weinstein
David & Margie Weinstein
Nell Williamson
Sherry Williamson
Dina’s Family
Long-time assistant and house coordinator, Dina
Bigcal, welcomed her family from the Philippines
in early 2013. After receiving her greencard, Dina
was able to petition for her husband, son, and two
daughters to join her and her other son Kyle who
have been living in Jacksonville for years. This is
a dream come true for Dina and her family to be
reunited and set up new roots in Florida!
We rejoice in the arrival of Grace Michele
Finn-Schultz, born Sept.14.
Congratulations, Amy, Patrick & Celeste!
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Activities
&Volunteers
Faith and Sharing 2013
By MiKayla Guzman
This August I got to participate in Faith and Sharing, a retreat at Camp St. Johns,
for those looking to strengthen their relationship with Christ. It was not only a retreat for the core members and assistants, but a bonding experience built on our
relationship with God. During this retreat my buddy was Jo Marie. Watching her
participate allowed me to see God through her eyes. Her enthusiasm, love for
music, and willingness to communicate with all those around her challenged me
to open up and see God’s love in a whole new light. I am often held back by fear
of what others will think, not allowing people to see me for who I am. But Jo
doesn’t seem to have this issue. She is who God made her to be and I want to be
like that. It doesn’t matter what gifts you have or what you are lacking, you can
always be a friend to someone. There were many beautiful moments in that retreat such as daily Mass, skits,
group activities, singing, dance but most of all the pure love of God could always be felt.
Three cheers for our wonderful volunteers!
NOTE: We are grateful to Anne Coyle and the retreat team which hosted a performance of “David and the Psalms”
as a fundraiser to supplement the cost of the retreat for L’Arche core members and assistants.
• Twice a month we welcome a group of students
from Alden Rd. Exceptional School. They help us
in a variety of ways from cleaning chores to stuffing
envelopes for mailings.
Special Olympics
• Congratulations to Stacy who, by finishing 3rd in the Florida State Swim Meet, qualified to compete in the 50-meter breaststroke in the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games
June 14-21 in Princeton, N.J.
• On September 21 Dino, Jeffrey, Larry, and Paul participated in Special Olympics Bowling. They are to be commended for great sportsmanship and a genuine love for the game.
They stood proudly at their lanes and stared down at the pins as if to intimidate them, gripping their bowling balls with power and determination. That’s followed by the sound of
laughter, feet tapping on the ground, and shouts of joy. It’s that moment when you realize that
this was more than just a game. It is a pure loving experience. Congratulations to Dino, Jeffrey, Larry, and Paul for a job well done.
Welcomed With Open Hearts
• We love and appreciate our college students who
visit from: FSU Wesley, Gator Wesley, and College of the Holy Cross. They spend time in the
homes and doing yard work.
• Students from Darnell Cookman performed service
projects and enjoyed Bingo with the core members.
• Young adults from St. Paul’s United Methodist
Church inTallahassee were very helpful with many yard
and “outside” projects on campus.
• Thanks to the family of Sharon Starling for welcoming the community to their lakefront home,
for swimming, good company and a great meal.
Jeffrey & Nelson
By Terasa Banks, Volunteer
I first came to L’Arche Harbor House because I needed to fulfill a requirement for school – 100 volunteer hours to complete
my BSN for University of Central Florida—a daunting task with classwork and a full-time job. I was excited to finally have a
place to volunteer after several false starts, but the stress I was feeling to get everything done was overwhelming! Knowing that L’Arche is faith-based made a deep impression on me, and I was happy
to have an opportunity to be here. The first time I came to the beautiful property, I felt the Lord
was saying to me, “This is where I want you to be!” Despite that, I still had some concerns when I
walked into Peace House – how would I be received? Would the core members like me? I needn’t
have worried – I was welcomed with open hearts and arms. The same is true when I volunteered
at Rainbow Workshop. I learned skills I didn’t know before (for example, how to “modpodge” a
vase). I also started working with core members who were learning to count money and to tell
time.The friendships I have developed over time are invaluable to me. I’m so grateful to have been
allowed into the lives of such precious people! I continue to volunteer even after graduation because not only is it an outlet and
stress reliever for me, I’ve been spiritually enriched as well. I look forward to continuing to grow and learn and share with my
new friends at L’Arche.
Destination: Cincinnati
Ask Tommy about his favorite things, and you’ll get a list. Topping that
list is the Sound of Music, but coming in a close second is Cincinnati,
his hometown and a bottomless reservoir of memories. He returned for
a much anticipated vacation at the end of September, accompanied by
his sister Nancy Smith and core member friend Chip. The 5-day trip
included a Reds baseball game, an afternoon at Old Coney Island, a
visit to the Cincinnati Zoo, spending the day with his beloved Aunt
Kathryn, sightseeing familiar family places, and daily stops for his all-time
favorite hamburger at Frisch’s Big Boy. Not to be missed, a visit to Graeter’s for
a chocolate ice cream cone. Chip enjoyed the “Tommy Tour” and became a fan
of Frisch’s fish sandwich! All had a great time; Tommy has lots of new photos
for his album and another bucketful of memories!
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• We treasure ALL the volunteers who so generously give of their time and talent to help in the
homes: Natasha D. & Terasa B. – Peace House;
George & Debbie R. – Sunflower House; Stacey B.
– Greatfull House; Nino S., Dennis M. & Sean –
Nouwen House. You are priceless!
Many Thanks to:
• Air McCall for purchasing a
new freezer for Sunflower House
• David & Donna Terry for
donating a refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave to our
community and Tom Turnage
for donating his time to deliver
the appliances.
Former assistant
Jessie Byrd joined the
vacationers at Frisch’s
after the ball game.
Chip, Tommy & Nancy
enjoyed watching the
Reds v. Pirates.
The Terrys
• Jeff & Nancy Smith for the wonderful assortment of office, house,
and outdoor furniture donated to the
community. A special shout out to
Jim of Helping Hands Movers,
who donated a truck, three men, and
their time to pick up and deliver all
the furniture.
Events & Fundraising
There’s No Place Like Rome!
By Lori Rush
The time had come, 8:00 p.m. The
tickets tumbled in the drum and everyone
in the room was on the edge of their seats.
The ticket was pulled and I immediately
identified the winner as being with us in
the room. I thought how awesome is that
Lori congratulates Maripat Meide.
and announced, “The winner is MARIPAT
MEIDE!” The room roared with excitement. What a perfect way to end the
night; Maripat is past president and member of our L’Arche auxiliary and sister to core member Tommy.
I
n March of this year, core member Kathy suggested L’Arche Harbor House
host a spaghetti dinner to raise money, providing we served wine! Being
an avid traveler and passionate lover of all things
Italian, I put on my thinking cap and began figuring
out the details of a spaghetti dinner. A good starting
point... but why not host a memorable event for a
larger group, an occasion to learn about L’Arche – all
while eating great food and enjoying delicious wine.
Then came the idea for a raffle – a Trip For Two to the
Eternal City – and the winning name would be pulled
during the Italian dinner!
Tickets for the Trip for Two to Rome sold for $150 each, with only 150
for sale. 139 tickets were sold raising $20,850. The Italian Feast dinner and
the Rainbow Workshop raised $3,277 for a grand total of $24,127. This event
is the second largest fundraiser of the year. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to
all who made this fantastic event possible: those who donated services and items;
L’Arche Auxiliary for working to decorate, serve and clean up; Cheryl and Juanita
for manning the wine bar; the Vietnamese Cultural Center; Janet Plummer; and
volunteers from Bishop Snyder High School.
Thanks to the generous support of Mr. & Mrs.
Core member Kathy
Mike Vallencourt (core member Kathy’s brother and
sister-in-law), Olive Garden catered the dinner. Wine was donated by European Street and desserts by JJ’s Bistro. Meanwhile in Rome, Italy, G. Parasporo, President & CEO of Cities/Roman Reference donated 5 days/nights in
an apartment in Rome for two, L. Colangeli donated airport car service in
Rome, and the airfare for two was donated by an anonymous friend. Bellisimo!! Food, wine, dessert, and a Trip for Two to Rome!
Who knows where we’ll travel to next… Perhaps back to Rome…maybe
another city… However it works out, it promises to be another great evening
and fabulous experience for the
lucky winner.
On Friday, September 20, 130 people joined the entire L’Arche Harbor
House community for An Evening in Rome. The highlight would be announcing the winner for the trip for two to Rome. Core members and assistants dressed in togas, along with two paparazzi and a Roman soldier! Core
member Katrina entertained all 180 people by singing We are the World and the
evening’s hostess Kathy sang That’s Amore. We gave away door prizes, the
Rainbow Workshop had the core members’ beautiful artwork available for sale,
violinist Beverly Chapman strolled through the crowd, and Italian music and
photos of Rome filled the room.
CIAO!
Core members and assistants dressed for the occasion.
SAVE THE DATE:
Monday, March 10, 2014 - Timuquana Country Club
Join us next year for the 2014 Spring Golf Classic
2013 Spring Golf Classic at TPC
FIRST PLACE Gross
FIRST PLACE Net
SECOND PLACE Net
THIRD PLACE Net
Michael McKenny
Dick Pierpont
Hunter Pierpont
Jeff Harrison
Jonathan Meide
Billy Meide
Neil Powell
Bobby Cronin
Matt Saxton
Mike Dailey
Mike Halusek
David Boehm
Jim Sebesta
John Biggs
Aaron Zarle
Marc Turko
PRESENTING MARSHAL
An Anonymous Loving Supporter
GRAND MARSHAL
Vallencourt Construction Co., Inc.
The Warren P. and Joanne C. Powers Charitable Foundation
TEAM
Ernst & Young LLP
GT Leasing
COLO5
Julie & Michael McKenny
Air McCall
SunTrust
Fickling Construction, Inc
Grubb & Ellis|Phoenix Realty
Henderson Appraisal Group
Christ the King Catholic Church
JaxBeachCondos.com
PATRON
1-2-1 Financial Credit Union
Brooks Health System
Surety Markets, Inc.
HOLE
Cherokee Printing
Guardian Pharmacy
Down to Earth Farm
The Dunham Family
James Knutzen, CPA
Acura of Orange Park
A-Coin
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JP Perry Insurance, Inc
PQH Group
Copytronics Information
Systems
Sign It Quick
Bishop John Snyder
Brown & Brown Insurance
Congratulations to: (top) First Place Gross team
and (bottom) First Place Net team winners.
BENEFACTOR
Ann Sabatino
Stan Entsminger
Bank of America
Eileen Smith
Fr. Luke McLoughlin
John Harrington
Ann May
Marjorie Burke
BB&T
John & Heather Knechtle
Richard Jantz/Milliard
Management
Jeff & Nancy Smith
Douglas Harden
Barbara Scholtz
Rev. Rene Robert
Craig Anderson/Bono’s
Michael & Kathy Finn
Transitions
$250 K
Annual Fund Update
The We Are Family Fund, our annual giving campaign, is a great way to connect people to a cause we all cherish. The majority of funds received go directly
to meet operating expenses. Like families everywhere, we must buy food, pay
$119,740
utilities, repair our homes and meet the individual needs of our family members. We are pleased to recognize the generosity of our current members in the list below.
If you are not yet a member, please join today and help us reach our goal.
In Gratitude to Our Family Members
BENEFACTORS $5,000 & up
Robin Carter
Christ the King Catholic Church
James & Pat Setser
St. Paul's Catholic Church
PATRONS $2,000 to $4,999
Dan T. Fitzpatrick
Gerald & Sharon Kistka
John & Carol McLaughlin
J.D. & Rev. Kate Moorehead
Jon & Missy Pierce
Jeff & Nancy Smith
Bishop John Snyder
Charlie & Linda Tisdale
Terry & Jeanne Vliek
Sherry Williamson
SPONSORS $1,000 to $1,999
Elwood L. Browning
Beatriz Harrington
Mary Hice
Ann May
Michael & Julie McKenny
Mike & Janice McCormick
Ron & Patricia Pendleton
Paul & Mary Scagliarini
Gary & Maria Sease
Mark Scruby
St. Pius V Catholic Church
David & Kathy Teichert
Curt & Dianne Welch
John & Carol Wilber
FRIENDS $500 to $999
Susan Armel
Bank of America Foundation
Barbara Bath
Ronald & Cheryl Bisaillon
George & Patricia Brown
Dennis & Barbara Byrne
Michael & Dorothy Cascone
Clarity, Inc.
Tom & Ann Crowder
Gerald & Polly Dirvin
John & Jean Grant-Dooley
Dunham Family Fund
Stan & Rita Entsminger
Jeff & Shannon Henderson
Estal J. Fette
Patrick & Amy Finn-Schultz
Mark Heilman
Ray & Mary Kelly
Karl & Dorothy Klein
Carrol & Patricia King
John & Heather Knechtle
Brian & Kristin Lapinski
Fr. Tim Lozier
Alfred & Wanda Martin
(Cumulative giving from 11/2010-10/2013)
John & Laurel McCarthy
Randy & Joyce McCormick
Amy Norris
Cheryl O'Connor
Victor & Irene Puleo
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
Thomas Rath
Edward Rooney
William & Eileen Ryan
Lorraine Scruby
Virginia Shields
Eileen Smith
Pat & Gayle Thornton
Keith & Lynn Urtel
Jody Windsor
CONTRIBUTOR $1 to $499
Marquerite Allen
Sister Rita Baum
Joseph & JoAnn Bennett
Debbie Benoit
James & Janice Benton
Pasquale & Dolores Bianco
Eleanor Blanchart
Cheryl Lynn Bridges
Carlos & Davron Cardenas
Yolanda Cerqueira
Danielle Cifonie
Chip & Lori Crabtree
Mark & June Costello
Crossroads Automotive
William & Helen Damato Sr.
Bette Davis
Jim Davis
Carl & Carole Demery
Diocese of Palm Beach
William & Jeanne Dias
Larry Doege
Frank Dunham
Joseph & Bernice Edden
Wayne & Anna Lou Entsminger
Howard Emerick
Kathy Faryon
Michael & Kathy Finn
Joe & Barbara Fitzmayer
Chris & Jennifer Flakus
Larry Freeman
George & Trudy Harris
Elise B. Higbe
Elliott & Mary Jo Horne
Ben de Luna & Gretchen Hoss
Florence Johnson
JJ's Cuisine and Wine
Molly Johnson
David & Kathy Keel
Ralph & Maura Kelly
Robert Kline
Bob & Helen Lambert
William Lamprecht
Bart Walchle & Steve Lear
John & Jodie Luciano
Stephen & Lauraine Ludwig
Robert & Ann Marie Maige
Michael David Mason
Sister Mary Alice Mannix
Helene Kirkpatrick & Patrick Mayhew
William & Maripat Meide
Arthur & Katherine McCaughan
Peggy McClure
Joseph & Kathleen Michael
Albert & Terry Miller
Frank Moorman
Licet Molina
Rita Musante
William & Carolyn O'Connor
Louis & Darlene O'Neal Jr.
Kathleen Oakes
Richard & Patricia Parsons
John & Judy Pinson
Shirley Poore
Prince of Peace Catholic Church
Prudential Foundation Matching
Nancy Powers
Adam Rheingans
David & Julie Risha
Fr. Rene Robert
Julie Rothery
Alan & Lori Rush
Mary Russell
Jean Sell
Barbara Schultz
Sidney Simmons
St. Paul's Catholic School
San Juan Del Rio Catholic Church
Catherine Scanlon
Robert & Eleanor Serich
Betty Skinner
Dennis & Dawn Smyser
Ruby Carreras & David Starling
Gerald & Denise Stinson
Roy Sturdavant
Tom & Glory Sullivan
Fr. John Tetlow
Marion Thullbery
Sharon Toth
Tom & Frances Towle Jr.
Lou & Betty Trad
Trad's Garden Center & Pest Control
Conrad Ussery
Mike & Kathy Vallencourt
Estelle Vickery
Nelson Viera
Thomas & Belle Vogl
Sandra Walker
Anne Widener
Eric & Joyce Wolber
Join the family ONLINE at www.larchejacksonville.org and click the link on
the Home page; or contact the Office at 904-721-5992.
L’Arche Thanks Gate River Run
Once again L’Arche Harbor House participated as charity volunteers for the 36th annual
Gate River Run. L’Arche was represented by 18 volunteers – core members, assistants, auxiliary, and friends – who gathered at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds Expo on Friday, March 8, to
assist with distribution of the race packets, official T-shirts, and goodie bags. L’Arche Harbor
House is grateful to have received a check for $3,000 as one of the Gate River Run charities!
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The Rainbow Workshop
It is with heartfelt gratitude we thank Janet Plummer
for her dedication and hard work at the Rainbow
Workshop. Janet retired after seven years of leading
our workshop team. The Rainbow Workshop is
grateful for the competent and caring leadership during this last year of transition: Dottie Klein served as
interim Workshop Coordinator for six months. As
always, Dottie brought her many gifts of experience,
creativity, organization and love of the core members
to this role. Marie Mudd served as the Workshop
Coordinator for six months during the first part of
2013. Having come from L’Arche Clinton, Marie
brought the spirit of L’Arche and new ideas to our
programs; Marie has returned to her hometown of
St. Louis to be close to her family and to share life in
L’Arche St. Louis. In July, Nicole Panella was hired
as the new Rainbow Workshop Coordinator. Nicole
comes to this role with enthusiasm, a willing spirit,
and years of experience working with persons with
disabilities. Welcome, Nicole!
Sunshine State To Golden State
Catherine Bain moved from Jacksonville to Los Angeles. Catherine was a part of daily life at L’Arche
Harbor House for three years, first as a part-time Development Assistant and then as an Administrative
Assistant. Catherine gained
greater responsibility as the
full-time Operations Coordinator. Catherine was known
for her willingness and ability to learn anything, her
bubbly personality and her
thoughtfulness and friendship with the core members.
Birdies for Charity
Thanks to the generosity of THE PLAYERS Birdies
for Charity campaign, L’Arche
was one of more than 200
local charities that benefited
by collecting entries, guesses,
and donations again in 2013.
We wrapped up the campaign by raising
$2,400! Many thanks to everyone who responded to the 2013 appeal.
Community News
700 Arlington Rd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32211
Non-Profit Organization
US POSTAGE
PAID
Jacksonville, Florida
PERMIT NO. 2502
Faces of Change
We Welcome:
Karla Smith was hired as our Office Manager in
early 2013. Karla comes to L’Arche with an abundance of knowledge and experience in the field.
She is known for her peaceful personality, quiet wit and competency
in her role. Karla has a sister with intellectual disabilities, Krista, who
inspires Karla in her work.
MiKayla Guzman grew up down the street from
L’Arche and has been a camp buddy and leader at the
DOSA Camps for years. She is now sharing life in
Greatfull House and hoping to pursue a career in nursing. MiKayla brings experience and love for persons
with disabilities to her role at L’Arche.
Christina Jindra comes to L’Arche through the Catholic
Volunteers in Florida. She is a recent graduate of University of Akron, where she studied Psychology and Spanish . Her interests include playing the piano, speaking
Spanish and spirituality/religion. Christina shares life in
the Peace House.
Kate Schulte also comes to L’Arche through the
Catholic Volunteers in Florida. Kate recently graduated
from Missouri State University, where she studied Biology and Chemistry. She is originally from Iowa and is
one of ten children. She is interested in attending medical school in the future. Kate shares life in the Greatfull House
Micha Jung is from Germany and came to L’Arche
through a German volunteer and service program. He
holds a degree focused on persons with disabilities. He is
most interested in learning and experiencing how persons
with disabilities are integrated into our American culture.
He comes with a joyful spirit and desire to jump right into
life here. Micha shares life at Nouwen House.
Sam Green arrived from England, where he has recently completed his studies in Theology at University of Cambridge. Sam’s interests include reading,
spending time in nature, discussing theology and understanding the intersection of ministry and disability. Sam shares life in the Peace House.
We Say Goodbye:
Ben Neville moved back to his home state of Michigan
after two years of sharing life at Greatfull House. Ben
contributed many gifts to L’Arche, including his strong
leadership skills, musical talent and boisterous sense of humor. He and his
wife Mary continue to experience intentional community life; they are
both volunteers with the Franciscan Capuchin Corps, building relationships and sharing their gifts with those who are underserved in the innercity of Detroit.
Mollie Feldman has been an assistant and house coordinator for the last three years, primarily in Sunflower
House. Mollie is known for her exuberant laughter, her
kindness and good leadership skills. Mollie was a selfless
advocate for the core members, always thinking of their
best interest; she served on the Spiritual Life Committee
and was always willing to help when asked. She built strong relationships
within Harbor House, and also with members of L’Arche throughout our
A portion of the production
of this issue of The Harbor
Beacon made possible by:
Get the Best Deal in Town on Jaguars Tickets
While Supporting L’Arche Harbor House.
For each ticket purchased to a Jaguars 2013 regular season home game, through the
secure Give and Go 100 site, $10 is automatically donated to HandsOn Jacksonville.
Once the organization has sold 25 tickets, your $10 donation will be matched dollar
for dollar by their WeGive.org* project, instantly doubling your impact! And even
better, once HandsOn Jacksonville sells 100 tickets, the match becomes a 3-to-1 deal,
which means we could make up to $30 per ticket purchased!
Find this link at larchejacksonville.org. Thank you!
*WEGIVE.org is an online fundraising platform hosted by the NonProfit Center of
Northeast Florida. This is an opportunity for you to help fund aquatic therapy for some of the core members.
Please visit wegive.org. You can find our project by searching for us in the organizations category.
region. Mollie will spend two months volunteering at L’Arche Clinton, before moving to Minnesota,
where she hopes to continue her studies and pursue a degree focused on persons with disabilities.
Chad Allen first came to L’Arche Harbor House in 2009 and shared life in Sunflower House for a year before entering a monastic community in California. We
were overjoyed to welcome Chad back for another year as he continued his discernment of religious life. Chad has spent this past year as an assistant in Prayer
House and as someone willing to help out in all of the homes, at any time he was
needed. In addition, Chad has served in a pastoral role, helping to plan and lead daily
prayer, community celebrations, prayer services and formation. Chad brings many
gifts to the community: an incredible sense of humor and a talent for doing impersonations of
community members; a contemplative and peaceful spirit that helps the community to be more
grounded; and most importantly, the heart of L’Arche – God is present and revealed through the
weakest members and it is our vocation to listen and be present to them.
Mike Hanck has moved to New England to continue his ministry and studies towards ordination in the Lutheran Church. Mike shared life at Peace House for 9
months and continues to keep in close contact with the core members via phone
calls. During that time, Mike was known for his sense of humor and taking time
to pursue the interests of the core members; he had a special way of communicating with Katrina. Mike sees his experience at L’Arche as a learning experience and often shares
about his time at L’Arche in his sermons and education.
Laura Raymond returned to her hometown of Chicago after sharing life in Peace
House for 14 months. Laura helped connect the core members and the Peace House
with the social networking world via Facebook, an activity the core members loved.
She was gifted with arts and crafts and enjoyed spending her spare time at the Rainbow. Laura also continued the tradition of holding monumental water fights with Jeffrey. Laura had strong relationships with the core members and plans to continue
working with people with disabilities.
Anna Goike spent 8 weeks this past summer sharing life in Peace House. Through
the University of Notre Dame’s Summer Service Learning Program (SSLP), students are placed at a service site and participate in a course that involves study,
writing and theological reflection. We are grateful for Anna’s time at L’Arche and
enjoyed her energy, openness to contribute and try new things and generous spirit!
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