union station homeless services newlsetter summer 2013
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HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN
REBUILD THEIR LIVES AND END HOMELESSNESS
Dear Friends,Roxanne and her family lived a nice life. Her boyfriend had a great job which allowed her to attend college full-time and take care of their twins and her 14-year-old son. But when her boyfriend began using drugs, their lives fell into chaos.
“It’s like he pulled the rug right out from under me. I tried to hold on for dear life,” Roxanne said. As her boyfriend’s drug use escalated, their relationship turned violent and she knew she had to escape to save herself and her children.
Overnight, Roxanne became a single mother struggling to protect her children and make ends meet. She dropped out of college
and sold her possessions on Craigslist to cover her rent. Eventually Roxanne and her children became homeless. She was depressed, defeated and broken. “I had taken good care of my kids and I was a straight “A” student in school. I did everything I was supposed to do and it didn’t mean anything.”
In December 2012, Roxanne found her way to Union Station’s Passageways where she met intake Coordinator, Liz Shelby and her outlook began to change. “Liz was so good to me. The way she helped me gave me hope. I felt like God still loved me.” Through Passageways, Roxanne was linked to the support and resources she needed to regain her self esteem and begin rebuilding her life.
Recently, Roxanne called Liz Shelby with tears of joy. She and her children had just moved into their own apartment in South Los
in school and Roxanne is also back in school pursuing her life-long dream to become a court reporter.
“If I met someone else going through what I went through, I would tell them, don’t be too proud to just allow people to help you,” says Roxanne.
We commend Roxanne for her courage and perseverance in pursuing her education and rebuilding her life for herself and her children. Unfortunately, far too many families are without a safe place to live.
Every year, union Station must raise nearly $5 million dollars to operate our programs, which help people like Roxanne and her family rebuild their lives. As the end of our fiscal-year approaches, we must still raise more than $350,000. We
won’t be able to reach our goal without your help. Your donation prior to June 30 will be tremendously helpful!
“I’m so grateful for Union Station and the staff at Passageways. Their work means so much to the people they help! People like me,” Roxanne says.
On behalf of Roxanne and all of the individuals and families who come to us seeking a new beginning, thank you for all that you do in support of our important work.
Sincerely,
Marvin M. Gross, CEO
IN THIS ISSUEEucild Villa Receives Green City Award2 Homlessness in Pasadena Decreasing
3 A Place to Call Home - A 40th Anniversay Gala
Volunteer Spotlight
Leaving a Legacy4 Birthday Block Party!
"I’m so grateful...Their
work means so much to the
people they help! People
like me.”
825 E. ORANGE GROVE BLVD. PASADENA, CA 91104 WWW .UNIONSTATIONHS.ORG (626) 240-4550
NEWS + SUMMER + 2013
CONNECT ONLINE:
Angeles. Her twins are happy and healthy, her teen son is thriving
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Euclid Villa Receives Green City Award!!In April, Union Station Homeless Services received the Green City Award at the 11th Annual Pasadena Earth and Arts Festival.
The award recognizes Pasadena-area businesses, non-profits and individuals who exhibit creativity, initiative or substantial effort in practicing environmental responsibility. Union Station won under the Urban Design category in recognition of “green” improvements of our Euclid Villa Transitional Housing facility. Director of Family Programs, Gil Nelson accepted the award on behalf of Union Station.
In 2010, Union Station received a $1.1 million grant to renovate Euclid Villa with state-of-the-art green upgrades, including solar panels, energy efficient appliances, drought tolerant landscaping, insulation, and double-paned windows. These greening renovations have made Euclid Villa much more energy efficient and greatly improved the lives of residents.
“Our families are living much more comfortably now,” said Gil. “And with the cost savings the greening has provided, we will have more resources for our families.”
Homelessness in Pasadena Decreasing In January, volunteers combed Pasadena’s streets, parks, and shelters to conduct the annual Pasadena Homeless Count. The count revealed a 15% decrease from last year’s homeless count, or a total of 772 people who are homeless on any given night. While the number of homeless individuals has decreased, the fact remains that on any given night, nearly 800 men, women and children are without a safe place to call home.
Sadly, the percentage of homeless children is on the rise; they make up 15% of the homeless population, up from 12% last year. Pasadena also has a high number of households that are at-risk of homelessness. According to the most recent census, approximately 15,000 Pasadena residents have a household income of $15,000 or less per year and approximately 18,000 residents live below poverty level. For many, a rent increase, job loss or major health issue could instantly push them into homelessness.
Union Station’s staff and volunteers work hard every day of the year to help men, women and children rebuild their lives and end homelessness. This year’s homeless count shows us that our work is far from done. While our efforts are making an impact, the number of people in need continues to outpace the number of beds and resources available. We will continue to do everything we can to provide people with the basic safety nets they need to move off the street and into safe housing.
Your energy, imagination, and assistance are more important than ever. With the end of the fiscal year fast approaching, we urgently need your help to reach our goals.
Make your donation by June 30 to help rebuild lives!
Donate online at www.unionstationhs.org or call (626) 240-4559.
To read the complete 2013 Homeless Count report, visit http://phhn.org.
A Place to Call Home – A 40th Anniversary Gala CelebrationMore than 350 guests celebrated Union Station’s 40th Anniversary on May 11th at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena. Guests of A Place to Call Home commended the evening’s honorees, Robert Floe and Mayor and Bill and Claire Bogaard, , and celebrated the organization’s anniversary milestone.
Emceed by Charlie Chiara, the evening included an exciting silent auction, wine generously donated by Pyrennes Vineyard and Cellars and a heartfelt testimony from a Union Station alumnus. The event raised more than $420,000 in support of the life-saving programs and services provided by Union Station.
Special thanks to Margo Kidushim and Rene Chiara for dedicating their time and energy to Union Station as the event co-chairs. With their leadership, our 24 gala committee members worked tirelessly to make this event the most successful gala to date!
Union Station would like to thank the individuals and businesses that donated items to our silent auction, and the supporters, volunteers, patrons and staff for their commitment to helping homeless and low-income men, women and children rebuild their lives.
To make a gift in honor of Union Station’s 40th Anniversary, visit www.unionstationhs.org!
Volunteer Spotlight Opportunities to volunteer are available to everyone! You can bean part of the solution. Visitunionstationhs.org/volunteer.html
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Photography by: dmLemattrePX
Marvin Gross, Rob Floe and Board Chair Randy Shulman
Nancy Davis and Diana Peterson-More
Jerome Mims and Marvin Gross
Event emcee Charlie Chiara
Cynthia Foster and Maxine Harris
Caltech Y Girl Scout Troop 16261
CELEBRATE 40 YEARS AND BEYOND!Here are just some of the ways your support transforms lives...
$ 4,000Career
Help people find a life of independence by providing career
couseling, job training,resume help and mock interviews
for 40 job seekers.
$2,000Clothing
Help 40 people on the path to a better life with basics such as new
shirts, trousers, shoes, socks and undergardments.
$1,000Shelter
Provide 40 nights of shelter for a homeless man, woman or child.
$500Back to School
Provide 40 kids with essential
school supplies.
$100Meals
Provide 40 warm and nutritious
meals.
If you didn’t get a chance to celebrate with us, you can make a special “Anniversary Gift” to help us
Visit www.unionstationhs.org/donate today!
Help us celebrate 40 years of services with
very special and family friendly
Birthday Block Party!!!
See how Union Station has grown over the past 40 years by touring
each of our six incredible programs, meeting our staff,
and speaking with our alumni.
Help us kick off the party at our Family Center at 2pm,
with opening remarks by CEO Marv Gross, followed by
guided tours of Union Station’s program sites.
Sunday August 4th from 2pm to 5pm
For event details, visit www.unionstationhs.org/blockparty40
Seov
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BOARD OF DIRECTORSRandy A. Shulman, ChairElizabeth Trussell, Vice ChairTerry Krupczak, TreasurerBradley D. Schwartz,
Secretary
Celestine CandidaCharles CarrollJill A. FosselmanMaxine HarrisLinda JahnkeGrace KimDavid MansAlan MaltunJim MooreDiana Peterson-MoreElliot A. SainerArnold SiegelJanie S. SteckenriderVickie TaylorCharles ThussGregory R. Vanni
EXECUTIVE STAFFRabbi Marvin M. Gross, CEOCynthia Foster, COOGregg von Fempe, Director of
Program ServicesDana Bean, Director
of DevelopmentJoseph Saceric, Director of
Volunteer and Community Programs
NEWSLETTERDana BeanAmanda GreenSevana KeshishianOoty MooreheadMonique Thomas
825 E. Orange Grove Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91104www.unionstationhs.org(626) 240 -4550
HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN
REBUILD THEIR LIVES AND END HOMELESSNESS
Leaving a Legacy Dave Mans is moved to act and give—both his time and his money. In addition to serving as a board member of Union Station Homeless Services, Dave has served as President of the Rotary Club, the Pasadena Police Foundation, and the University Club. Dave and his wife Sunhee have been active supporters of Union Station Homeless Services for three years.
“This organization is highly respected and dedicated to helping the less fortunate with a hand up,” says Dave.
“All charitable organizations need the financial support of their donors to continue their work. For some, giving to an organization that they’re passionate about in the present is simply not possible.”
Dave and Sunhee are proud members of Union Station’s Legacy Society , a group of select individuals who have made planned gifts to Union Station. The Mans encourage others to consider leaving a legacy through planned gifts as well.
“Planned giving offers long term stability to the charity of your choice,” says Dave. “If you’re unable to donate now,” says Dave, “impactful giving can be done later based on the instructions of a will.”
As a real estate attorney with Fierstadt & Mans, Dave advises all of his clients to have an estate plan. “An estate plan not only ensures that assets are properly disbursed – it enables you to schedule charitable donations for a future date.”
Have you remembered Union Station in your estate plan?
You can leave a legacy by joining the
Let us know if you have already planned a giftor if you need help setting up future gifts.
Contact Dana Bean, Director of Development [email protected] or 626.240.4558.
Visit www.unionstationhs.org on July 1, 2013 to check out our NEW AND IMPROVED website!
www.unionstationhs.org
Are you a young professional looking to make a difference?
Visit www.unionstationhs.org/YLS
Join the YOUNG LEADERS SOCIETY and help lead the way!
UNION STATION | LEGACY SOCIETY
Union Station is stepping into summer with a fresh new look!