the next step house is open! - the house: phoenixville

www.phxvillewomensoutreach.org

Phoenixville Women’s Outreach is a non-profit community organization focused on helping homeless and low-income single women in the greater Phoenixville area. Its mission is to provide

transitional housing and supportive services to empower these women to break the cycle of dependence and poverty, enhance their skills and move towards self-sufficiency.

Housing and Support for Women

The Next Step House Is Open!

Photo courtesy of Ashley Meier Photography

“The House remains as the

place for women experiencing homelessness; and this new Next Step House will be the

place where women can showcase their self-

sufficiency. The new house will be a symbol of moving

forward and taking that next step…for our residents, our

non-profit organization, and our community.”

- Katie Bean, Board President

“This Next Step House is a continued reflection of the extraordinary community that we have built - a place where people are safe, they feel loved, and they can find a place to call ‘home’.” - Peter Urscheler, Mayor of Phoenixville

On November 15, 2019, Phoenixville Women’s Outreach hosted the official ribbon cutting ceremony for its Next Step House. Over 75 friends, donors and supporters joined in the celebration.

The idea to establish a second house started as a seed planted by the Phoenixville Council on Affordable Housing. The goal was simple; to provide housing opportunities for any woman regardless of her socio-economic status or financial situation. Various organizations from the business, government, and non-profit sectors came together to feed the idea and nurture it into creative ways to develop more housing through education, funding, and innovative thinking.

Photo courtesy of Josh Schneeberger & Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce

“Everyone on the Council agrees it is a real problem; we’re going to solve it; and we’re going to start with shared housing,” said Executive Director Cheryl Messere. “But they needed someone to be the poster child.” And that’s when Phoenixville Women’s Outreach took that next step. - continued Page 3


BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Katie Bean Michael Bryson Diane Campbell Karen Dobson Abigail Dzordzome David Evans Tienfong Ho Elizabeth Howard, Esq. Kathy Klug Sean Maloney Cheryl Messere

STAFF

Executive Director: Cheryl Messere [email protected] Managing Director Lara Graham, M.Ed. [email protected] Client Services Director: Joanne Kusko [email protected]

CONTACT US

Mailing Address: Phoenixville Women’s Outreach, The House PO Box 244 Phoenixville, PA 19460 General Questions 484-302-8151 [email protected] Housing Needs 484-302-8152 [email protected] Volunteer 484-302-8153 [email protected] Donate Online: phxwomensoutreach.org

United Way – Pledge #52935

Via Venmo @phoenixvillewomensoutreach

Questions? Email to [email protected]

Executive Director’s Message 2019 has been a full year for Phoenixville Women’s Outreach…full of progress, full of blessings, and full of support from many of you! We welcomed three new Board members to our team: Sean Maloney, Michael Bryson and David Evans. Each of them has already given valuable input and contributions that are helping to move our organization forward.

We also welcomed our new Managing Director Lara Graham. Lara’s background in education, training, marketing, event planning, and grant writing is keeping us on track with the many tasks, projects, programs, and fundraisers essential to our operation. However, our crowning accomplishment this past year was seeing our dream of opening a “Next Step House” become reality. This house will allow us to expand our services to women who are ready to take the next step towards living independently. Acquiring this second house was truly a community effort. Many thanks to Phoenixville Borough, The Phoenixville Council on Affordable Housing, Lou Beccaria and the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, The Chester County Housing Authority, and the many non-profits, churches, foundations, and private donors who believed in our dream and wanted to help make it come true. Thank you all. Many of you have asked, “How can I help?” Right now, our biggest need is our capital campaign for the Next Step House. We were able to pay off “The House” – our original property that we still use for intake of homeless women – in less than two years. I believe we can do that again, with the support of the wonderful people and businesses in our community. Some of our grants include a matching challenge to help increase the grant amount. So please consider contributing to our Next Step House. Your investment will help us to continue to guide our women clients in positive directions as they take those next steps towards self-sufficiency. Cheryl Messere Executive Director

Blessing of the Next Step House on September 23, 2019, with Pastor Doug Hagler from First Presbyterian Church, Phoenixville Women’s Outreach Board and Staff, and other supporters.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


NEXT STEP HOUSE IS OPEN (continued) The model for the Next Step House includes shared housing for up to four women. These women may be “graduates” of The House’s program, or can be referred by other programs such as the Chester County Housing Authority, Home of the Sparrow, Jefferson Place, or other county agencies. Eligible clients must meet certain low-income requirements, have permanent employment, and commit to a minimum of a one-year lease. They must also pay towards the monthly rent expense.

The Next Step house includes four private bedrooms with shared living, bathroom and kitchen space each on two separate floors. The new house also allows Phoenixville Women’s Outreach to relocate its office and client services staff to a larger space on the first floor, creating an environment for day-to-day operations and on-hand resource opportunities for the residents.

The purchase of the Next Step House was made possible thanks to the services of HomeSmart Realty Advisors and the financial support of the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation, the Phoenixville Council on Affordable Housing, Quest for the Best Foundation, and a private donor. The first residents are expected to move into the Next Step House in January 2020.

Next Step House Ribbon Cutting on November 15, 2019 with the Phoenixville Chamber of Commerce, Phoenixville Mayor

Peter Urscheler, Phoenixville Women’s Outreach Board and Staff, and other benefactors


A Year In Review Provided services and support for 54 women since 2015

4,080 hours of in-kind volunteer support

$225,000 received in grant awards “Sunday Series” programs including conflict resolution Spring and fall cleanup projects completed by volunteers from Devon Preparatory School, Random Acts of Kindness, Simply Positive Kids, and Troop 158 Boy Scout

Staying connected with “graduated” clients who now give back by volunteering with programs, fundraisers and activities

Beneficiary of many third-party fundraisers including Forge Theater, Nerd Merch Co, Phoenixville Bed Races, and Scargill McClurkin Insurance Company

All the ceilings, trim, walls, and doors for the Next Step House painted by volunteers from Westminster Presbyterian Church, West Chester, PA Cheryl Messere selected as the YMCA Tri-County 2019 Exceptional Woman in Non-Profit Leadership House Mentor Program established to pair each woman client with a supportive community member Upgrades at The House including installation of new kitchen and laundry room flooring. New washer and dryer donated by Phoenixville Soroptimists. Annual house cleaning and maintenance performed. Info-Training Workshop for new and current volunteers held at Kimberton Conference Center Raspberry Jam production and sales with help from Schuylkill Elementary School K-Kids and Phoenixville Area Middle School Girls’ Lead Club LGBTQ Awareness Training with other local shelters

Board and staff training, including Motivational Interviewing, Educational Leadership Institute, and Executive Director Forum


From shredding to painting… from shopping to BINGO…

from grants to racing… Phoenixville Women’s

Outreach relies on several fundraising strategies.

2019 INCOME:

$275,000

Thank you to all the individuals, businesses,

schools, churches, contractors and other non-

profit organizations for their in-kind, cash and goods

donations received this year.

Fundraising Painting with a Purpose Fundraiser

Pinot’s Palette, Collegeville

Forge Theater Event Beneficiary Phoenixville

Shredding Event Fundraiser Kimberton Fairgrounds

Boscov’s “Friends Helping Friends” Shopping Pass Sales

Exton Mall

Guys and Dolls BINGO Covered Bridge Room, Kimberton

Phoenixville Bed Races Beneficiary Reeves Park, Phoenixville

Barry Messere Memorial Donations


Watercolor of the Next Step House by Andreana

A Place of Her Own

What does success look like? It is different for each woman at different times of her journey. This is the success story of one of our clients - Andreana - who was able to overcome dependence, poverty, and homelessness with the help of Phoenixville Women’s Outreach. Andreana was born with a gift and appreciation of art. She understands the soothing quality of art, and projects that serenity in her work - especially in her watercolors.

She once was employed as an LPN. But she came to a point in her life where she found herself totally without resources. She arrived at The House in a personal struggle with homelessness - living in her car and separated from her beloved child and pet dog. The House provided Andreana with a place to live, supportive services, and resources while she searched for a job. She eventually was hired by a local restaurant. But this success was short-lived when the restaurant closed unexpectedly, leaving Andreana out of work. The House continued to support her efforts, and soon she was successful in finding a new job as a receptionist, which provided growth opportunities for Andreanna. She took part in a (continued Page 8)

Programs Make the Difference What sets Phoenixville Women’s Outreach apart from traditional homeless shelters is its focus on programs. From the moment a client first moves into The House, the staff begin preparing for the day when that client will be ready to leave. This means setting up an individualized plan for each woman to prepare her for finding employment, saving her money, and making good life choices. Education and training programs are needed to give these women new hope, empowerment, and the confidence to grow out of their bleak situations. The Programs Committee identifies relevant topics for its “Sunday Series.” Sessions are generally 90 minutes in duration, and take place each Sunday evening. Program schedules cycle every nine weeks, with certain sessions repeated - such as “Nutrition” or “Individual Budgeting” – in order to give all clients the chance to attend. Topics include conflict resolution, communication skills, life choices, and interview/workplace etiquette. (continued Page 8)


Charitable Giving

Event Showcase Phoenixville Bed Races 2019

Phoenixville Women’s Outreach Bed Race was part of the excitement of the 2019 Phoenixville Bed Races. This was The House’s second year of competing and being a beneficiary. The event raised funds and awareness for three local organizations that provide shelter for the homeless: Ann’s Heart, Good Samaritan Services, and Phoenixville Women’s Outreach. The House’s bed theme was “Tex” in memory of its co-founder and vice president Barry Messere, who passed away in March, 2019. Barry’s spirit prevailed as the team took second place in the race, first place in the people’s choice for best theme, and second place in the

most funds raised online. Thank you to the bed design team and pit crew, fearless rider Abby Dzordzome, the supporting Board and Staff members, and the friends and family who cheered from the sidelines! See you again next year!

It is often the genuine and unexpected acts of generosity from local businesses and other

organizations that sustain The House throughout the year. Here are just some examples:

EVERY MONDAY JANUARY 2020 Sedona Taphouse

131 Bridge St, Phoenixville Dine-In patrons can purchase Black Angus Flat Iron steak or

Grilled Salmon at a discounted price. A portion of the proceeds

benefits The House.

Beneficiary of the Phoenixville Country

Club Giving Tree tradition. Spring-Ford Cheerleaders collected consumables and decorated The House!


Help spread the word about The House and keep up to date

with photos and information about our events!

Find us at: The House: Phoenixville Women’s Outreach

A PLACE OF HER OWN (continued) fundraising “tea” event where she shared her story with the attendees and showcased some of her artwork. She volunteered at The House’s info table at local events. These mini successes helped her regain her confidence and self-esteem.

Soon Andreana was ready to spread her wings. She left the structured nest at The House and moved into shared housing in Phoenixville. It was a rewarding moment to watch her be able to bring all her art supplies and canvases into her new place.

But this was not the end of Andreana’s journey. She took the next step by applying for her own housing, bolstered by a steady income, savings in the bank, and the successes she had experienced so far. This year, Andreana moved into her very own apartment! It was a double blessing - a place to call her own, and being reunited with her son and her dog!

Andreana now lives totally independently, and is establishing herself as a local artisan in Phoenixville. She still has her receptionist job, which she loves. She now gives back by regularly volunteering with Phoenixville Women’s Outreach, and by being an advocate and a voice for others who are struggling with homelessness.

“No matter our past, no matter our mistakes, if we don’t try, how will we ever know what’s possible?” - Author unknown

PROGRAMS (continued) The Committee pulls from a database of volunteers who have offered their expertise and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of the women. Local banks such as BB&T and Wells Fargo also help with budgeting, establishing good credit, and setting up a savings account. Penn State University conducts classes on nutrition and meal planning.

The programs aim to teach skills, but also teach how to build trusting and positive relationships. Some of the program sessions take the form of an excursion or outing such as bowling, going out for ice cream, or craft night. This type of sessions opens the door to mentoring opportunities between the volunteers and the women clients, and sometimes even striking up real friendships. The Program Committee is actively developing the calendar of sessions for 2020. If you, or someone you know, has a topic or skill that would be beneficial to the women clients, let us know. Ideas could include art, crafts, personal growth, music, cooking, resume writing, computer skills, leadership, or health topics. To volunteer, contact us at 484-302-8153, or email to [email protected] .

the next step house is open! - the house: phoenixville

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