PMN Programs

Summer 2017

Providence Ministries for the Needy, Inc. 40 Brightside Drive, Holyoke MA 01040 Phone: 413-536-9109 Fax: 413-536-1137

PMNAdmin@ProvMinistries.org - www.provministries.org

Consider paying tribute to a friend or loved one by dedicating a gift in their name to

Providence Ministries

Established by the

Sisters of Providence

in 1980

Greetings from Executive Director Shannon M. Rudder

Growing up, my grandmother encouraged me to broaden my life perspectives to realize that each of us in a community has a unique story - a journey and purpose. She often reminded me that none of us gets through life alone and that but for God’s grace, our stories could be reversed in the blink of an eye. She would often motivate me by saying to whom much is given, much is required. Lessons from my grandmother are essential to the core of who I am. It is why I am completely honored to serve the remarkable people of Greater Holyoke as the new Executive Director of Providence Ministries.

Since my onboarding in June, I have recognized this as a valued time of great reflec-tion, renewal and restoration for Providence Ministries. It has been absolutely essential to learn from whence we came, to appreciate the spirit of our foundress Sister Margaret McCleary and the support of the Sisters of Providence’s to intentionally participate in the journeys of those most destitute amongst us, to raise the responsiveness of social justice and to work alongside those seeking to make a better life for themselves and their families.

I am deeply moved by the concerted effort taken to ensure our mission through each of our programs. In fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, Kate’s Kitchen served 63,004 guests daily nutritious lunch; Loreto House provided 8,743 nights of shelter and both Broderick House and McCleary Manor was home to nearly 70 men on their individual recovery jour-neys; Margaret’s Pantry assisted 7,412 individuals with groceries, our well-established culi-nary training program, foodWorks, graduated 17 students to increase their own capacity towards self-sufficiency through training and job placements and St. Jude’s Clothing Center provided clothing and other household items to our community members. I am exhilarated by the overwhelming support of partnership within the community for Providence Ministries’ life affirming work. This issue highlights just a few of those essen-tial partnership moments. I invite you to stay connected with us via Facebook, Twitter and email to see even more real time feature stories of those giving back in such meaningful ways. Every effort Providence Ministries makes is with the dedication of our awesome Team and YOU our staunch supporters; THANK YOU!

Each of us carries within us the catalyst to real change; it is a collective responsibility and exchange. Let’s pay it forward, TOGETHER! Whether you know Providence Ministries well or are interested in taking a tour to learn how you might plug in; I welcome a time to collaborate. I envision the creation of a community safety-web to support those marginalized among us. Our united voices are strong. Please reach out to me any time at: srudder@provministries.org to create a world of difference right here in Holyoke.

Kate’s Kitchen 51Hamilton Street, Holyoke

413-532-0233

foodWorks@Kate’s Kitchen

413-536-9121

Loreto House 51 Hamilton Street, Holyoke

413-533-5909

Margaret’s Pantry St. Jude’s Clothing Center

413-538-8026

Broderick House SRO 56 Cabot Street, Holyoke

413-536-9109

McCleary Manor SRO 40 Brightside Drive, Holyoke

413-536-9109

Become a Sponsor-A-Meal Hero

Your business has the power to provide more than 150 people a nutritious hot meal; here’s how: Recruit a team of colleagues within your business and commit to a goal of raising $250 to cover the cost of the meal. Add a business matching gift of $250 as incentive. It’s the perfect Team Building opportunity, coupled with a true community impact. Your business benefits too! Your business will receive a ‘Sponsor-A-Meal Hero’ certificate and your sponsorship will be recognized at Kate’s Kitchen on that day with tons of social media attention. We are grateful for any plateful you can help us provide!

Page 2

My Recovery Journey

Michael Clark, Case Worker, Resident Advocate, Loreto House, Broderick House & McCleary Manor

I started drinking as a teenager hanging out with friends and getting into trouble with the law. My mother could no longer deal with my behavior and I was told to leave and not come back until I straightened out my life.

My life didn’t get better, only worse. I ended up couch-surfing and continued to party until I was arrested.

I was incarcerated for 12 months and during that time, I had nothing to do but think about how much I had lost and how I needed to change.

In 2006, I heard about the Loreto House and their work with men in recovery and made that phone call not know-ing how much this would change the person I was to the person I am today.

I was told I had to attend 14 AA meetings a week. We all had chores that were assigned to us and we needed to help when called upon to support Providence Ministries functions such as food drives and Golf Tournaments as volunteers. I learned to get along with many personalities and gained friendships which, to this day, continue to grow. I found a job at a furniture store and started saving money, worked on getting my license, bought a car and secured an apartment in Chicopee. I had been a resident

for 18 months when the Staff and ‘Mr. G’, the ex-ecutive director at the time, asked if I would be interested in being a Resi-dent Advocate. After five years of being a Resident Advocate, I was promot-ed to Case Worker/Resident Advocate. Cur-rently I serve eight clients.

The most difficult part of my job is to see men fail themselves. The most rewarding part would be seeing the men work on their lives and witnessing success. And, as for myself, I have been sober for 12 years! Many of the men work on all that is required of them and start saving so they can move into one of our SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Programs where we still have contact with them, and many others move into their own apartments and lead productive lives.

I do what I do because I know there is help out there for people like myself. I am proof of that. I have gotten my family back. I have my own apartment with my girlfriend and we live a good life, thanks to the Loreto House and Providence Ministries.

This is me ‘Paying it Forward.’

In 2017 we celebrated 17 graduates that achieved certifications in Serv-Safe Food Handlers, Serv-Safe Mangers, and Nutrition and Allergen Training. Of those we know that 14 are employed and giving back to the community.

Our current foodWorks@Kate’s Kitchen class features six rising stars set to graduate this November! To sign-up or sponsor a student: email us at PMNAdmin@provministries.org.

Preparing Futures: foodWorks@Kate’s Kitchen

Looking for that first step toward employment? Know someone you can refer? foodWorks@Kate’s Kitchen is a twelve week culinary training program that offers unemployed and under employed individuals job training in the culinary field. The mission of the program is to empower, educate, train and provide nutritious meals to people in need. In addition to culinary arts, the curriculum features job readiness and life skills towards job placement with the support of local partners and food service providers.

General Wish List Loreto House

Twin Mattresses, Twin Sheets, Blankets, Towels, Wash Cloths,

Heavy Duty Tub & Stall Shower Curtains, Privacy Drapes/Curtains,

Cleaning supplies, Spray Bottles

Kate’s Kitchen

Bar Towels, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper,

Chili Powder, Oregano, Paprika, Cooking Oil, Prepared

Casseroles

Margaret’s Pantry

Turkeys, Canned Soups, Tuna Fish, Meals-in-a-Can, Canned Vegetables, Hamburger Helper, Canned Meats, Tomato Sauce, Ramen Noodles,

Cookies, Cake Mixes and Baby Food

YOU help us IMAGINE a brighter future for those we serve. YOU inspire us to BELIEVE our life-saving work matters.

YOU make us ACHIEVE more with less.

‘Thank you!’ no longer seems to do justice to the countless hours our volunteers devote to our ministries. Our volunteers do all sorts of ‘jobs’ - from filing to stocking shelves, preparing to serving meals; cleaning to painting or donating your resources. You ARE Providence Ministries. We cannot imagine us without YOU!

Here is a small glimpse into the ENORMOUS outpouring of volunteer support just these last few months:

Photo Credit Elms College

Ministry-to-Ministry

When Kate’s Kitchen Manager, Jasmin Colon was asked what would make her job come alive, she immediately exclaimed: “Making Kate’s feel like my dining room so that each of our guests feels at home!” The Elms’ Campus Ministry led by Sr. Carol Ann, SSJ immediately responded to our call with tremendous student volunteers from The Dorothy Day Service Program. A powerhouse team of students started off their college year by painting and refreshing Kate’s Kitchen. During the process they were able to experience the life-changing work at Kate’s up close. Joining the Elms College team was freshman at Springfield College and a new volunteer who drove from Buffalo, NY to serve as the week-long site supervisor. (all pic-tured centered above with Kate’s Manager).

Like the Sisters of Providence, the work of the Sisters of St. Joseph is rooted in actively providing service to those most in need. Let us be encouraged by Dorothy Day, to have a “revolution of the heart.” This group certainly embodied that compassion. Thanks to them, welcoming, warm shades of yellow and sunset coral now greet our guests.

PB&J Heroes

Remember being a kid and not really wanting all that was on your plate?! Ever wish you could just have a PB&J instead? Kate’s answers that call. Among the MANY Peanut Butter & Jelly Heroes of these past few months are PeoplesBank, Mount Tom Masonic Lodge, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Whittlesey & Hadley, PC, Mary Czepiel, Fran Bach, Judi Johnson, Hollingsworth Logistics, ISO New England, Holyoke Medi-cal Center, Gloria Gonzalez, John O’Connor, and Judy Potishnak who made sure no child went without lunch. The PeoplesBank team pictured right gathered together

before their regular banking hours each Monday this past summer to make a minimum of 50 yummy PB&J’s and delivered them to Kate’s.

Many individuals take part in our healing work by lovingly preparing their own batches of sustenance. Pictured left is Dr. Lucille Halgin of Amherst who does not miss her monthly trip to Kate’s. On this date she arrived with her

own generous heap of sandwiches AND a homemade casserole. THANK YOU, one and ALL!

Right to Left....Cynthia Monserrate, Tiffany Pagan, Iliana Torres, Cynthia Stack, Claudia Pazmany (guest), Lauren Tabin Branch Mgr. and former PM Board Member, Charissa Reil-ly, Lindsay Santana Assistant Branch Mgr. and PM Board Member.

ELMS

COLLEGE

PMN 40 Brightside Dr.

HOLYOKE, MA 01040

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE PAID HOLYOKE, MA PERMIT NO. 141

"If we can develop a truly humble attitude, we can change the world.” -Pope Francis

No one brings this vision to life more than the folks at Marcotte Ford. Leading with humility, the Marcotte’s continue to make such a significant impact in the lives of so many. Family members host a full meal at Kate’s Kitchen one Sunday a month. Through-out the year, the family gifts the children of Providence Ministries with backpacks filled with school supplies, Easter baskets and Holiday clothes and toys! Just this past month, Marcotte Ford hosted their 6th annual family picnic at Kate’s Kitchen. They purchased, prepared and presented an amazing family-style barbecue to our Kate's Kitchen guests. Nothing was overlooked...everything from burgers, dogs, chicken, veggie burgers, sausag-es with the fixings and of course ice cream for the kid in everyone! Three generations of the Marcotte family along with their staff and their children all joined in. Our community is strengthened by their authentic collaboration; we are beyond grateful for your demon-stration of selflessness and true partnership.

THANK YOU, Marcotte Ford and Family; YOU embody the power of family, humility and community.

Christmas at Providence Ministries

With the help of our generous community, we look forward to brighten-ing the holiday for many local families. If you are interested in donating an unwrapped toy or adopt-ing a child/family this hol-iday, please call Mary Jane at PMN at 413-536-9109. If you know of someone who would benefit from this program, please con-tact Brenda at Margaret’s Pantry at 413-538-8026. Thank you, in advance, for your support this season!