Issue 33, Vol. 2 · August, 2018
A Newsletter Published by Mercy Haven, Inc., Islip Terrace, NY Mercy Haven’s mission is to acknowledge the dignity A Message from S. Pat and potential of people who are homeless, living with The Things That Haven’t Been Done Before - Edgar Albert Guest mental illness, or living in poverty by providing housing, The things that haven’t been done before, A few strike out, without map or chart, advocacy, education and Those are the things to try; Where never a man has been, Columbus dreamed of an unknown shore From the beaten paths they draw apart life skills development. At the rim of the far-flung sky, To see what no man has seen. And his heart was bold and his faith was strong There are deeds they hunger alone to do; As he ventured in dangers new, Though battered and bruised and sore, And he paid no heed to the jeering throng They blaze the path for the many, who Or the fears of the doubting crew. Do nothing not done before.
The many will follow the beaten track The things that haven’t been done before With guideposts on the way, Are the tasks worth while to-day; They live and have lived for ages back Are you one of the flock that follows, or With a chart for every day. Are you one that shall lead the way? Someone has told them it’s safe to go Are you one of the timid souls that quail On the road he has traveled o’er, At the jeers of a doubting crew, And all that they ever strive to know Or dare you, whether you win or fail, Are the things that were known before. Strike out for a goal that’s new?
This poem is my ‘article’ for this newsletter. I thought it so appropriate to the tensions we know ourselves. There’s so many issues that are not clear in their resolution. Then there are those that simply are. One can’t refute the need to speak out for the children separated from their parents. Or, the need for our country to find a way that we can be sisters and brothers with a purpose of peace and tolerance. We need the courage of the early explorers who dared to dream of other shores. Perhaps we could have the courage to dare to dream of yet another way of being with one another – a reimaging of our shores and boundaries in our neighborhoods, families and world. We can do it. I know we can.
Inside this issue Volunteer and Community Highlights Educating Our Children Mercy Haven’s Annual Golf Outing Mercy Haven’s 19th Annual Golf Outing ... In Words & Pictures
On Monday, June 4th, over two hundred friends of Mercy Haven, Inc. gathered at the Hamlet Golf & Country Club in Commack for our 19th Annual Golf Outing. This outing was particularly special to Mercy Haven as we honored Bud Harrelson, who for the past ten years has been a supporter of our programs, which provide essential services to the homeless population on Long Island. Harrelson was a shortstop for the NY Mets, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Texas Rangers, as well as the Mets Coach and Head Manager. He is the only person to be a member of the NY Mets for both World Series championships – in 1969 as a player and in 1986 as a coach. He is currently part owner of the Long Island Ducks.
A rainy morning broke way for a sunny afternoon, just as the 144 golfers loaded their clubs into their golf carts and rode onto the course, almost as though Mercy Haven’s founder and Executive Director S. Patricia Griffith had willed the sun to shine. Looking to beat the pro, get a hole-in-one and have the shortest distance to the pin, golfers played in each contest in good fun and all were in high spirits as they raised money for Mercy Haven’s mission.
After playing 18 holes, our guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner, while bidding on baskets and prizes ranging from Broadway show tickets to an airplane ride over New York City. One of Mercy Haven’s residents, Belinda, spoke about her positive transformation as a participant in Mercy Haven’s Breakthrough program, which helps residents identify factors that led to their chronic homelessness and assists them in achieving measurable progress in their own daily goals. She said, “I enrolled in the Breakthrough program which gave me fundamental tools to get through day to day life. Since I graduated Breakthrough things people take for granted, such as decision making, have become simple everyday tasks. To stand here today and be able to say I’ve been making healthy decisions instead of just letting them be made for me is a huge accomplishment. I have taken my tools from Breakthrough and implemented them in the pursuit of my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. My dream is to use my degree to help the very people I spent two years getting to know, the homeless, get through their journey through homelessness.”
S. Pat then spoke about our friend Bud Harrelson, and invited him front and center to receive the audience’s accolades for his continued support throughout the years. Attendees sang a personalized rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” to Harrelson, which was written by Mercy Haven co- founder, S. Kathy Nolan.
S. Pat summed up the day’s sentiments perfectly, noting the impact of the lives that are changed by being touched by Mercy Haven. She ended the evening with this parting thought: “No one of us is spared the inclusion of a person living with mental illness in our circle of family or friends. The gift of Belinda’s words today challenges us to disarm the prejudice that is associated with this illness and to become an advocate for understanding, compassion and inclusion. We live with this hope that this leap into compassion will sweep us up into creating a more compassionate world for all.”
02 THE WINDOW | AUGUST 2018 ... Honoring Our Dear Friend Bud Harrelson Celebrating his contributions to Mercy Haven - by Sister Pat “More than 10 years ago our friend story and a smile to “Beat Bud” for Bud Harrelson was introduced to an opportunity to win a night out Mercy Haven. Kathy and I, and at a Duck’s game. His kindness Take Me Out to the others, were like little kids thrilled resonated in the stories he told and Ball Game to meet someone so famous who the laughter he shared. had the courage to believe in “our Take us to the Golf Outing, Mets.” Everyone who still has that We remember bringing folks to a Mercy Haven’s of course. faith are surely kindred spirits with Duck’s game and while waiting Mercy Haven! on line witnessing the gentle way Get us some tickets to he welcomed so many children “beat the pro” The first time Bud arrived he wore and parents. During the game he ‘cause he’s someone we love his World Series ring, and for some travelled from suite to suite greeting and we know. reason he chose S. Kathy to wear it anyone he might have missed, We will thank and honor our for the day. Respect for age? But the offering the opportunity for our next year, Buddy wore both World guests to chat. It was a wonderful “Buddy” Series rings and this time the two of evening that we will treasure always. For all that he has been. us were queen for the day. So, it’s one, Thank you, Buddy, from each of us two, I tell that story because it’s part at Mercy Haven. How grateful we three of what makes us so fond of him. are to know that you care so much Year after year Buddy came to the about us. cheers for you. outing – never a token presence Buddy, our dear friend. but a presence that brought We sure hit a home run finding a smiles to folks who knew of him. friend like you. You will always be in ― Arranged by S. Kathy Nolan He encouraged our golfers with a our Hall of Fame.”
WWW.MERCYHAVEN.ORG 03 Richard Stecker Volunteer Spotlights Volunteer Since 2016 Resident Supporter
Rich has been Community Joining Together volunteering with Mercy Haven four In April, Mercy Haven received the great news that we were the recipient mornings each of a Community Impact Award from The Home Depot. With the goal to week at one of provide a partnership with local volunteers, Mercy Haven used the award our Community to work with Liberty Mutual volunteers to prepare the outdoor space of Residences, giving Pleasant Gardens, our adult home. Volunteers spent the day creating the residents an gardens and painting the exterior of the building, two beautification opportunity to projects for the home. practice their independent living skills with someone other than family members Kim B., a volunteer, said, “You do such great work here. I’m glad to be of or staff. Whether it be preparing for help.” Resident Noreen M. returned from her program the afternoon of their breakfast routine, or assisting with the team project, and immediately came in to the office to find Pleasant completing tasks such as laundry or Gardens Administrator Heather G. and said, “What a beautiful and scheduling a taxi ride, Rich provides gorgeous garden, and what a nice place to sit and enjoy it.” To have the a comforting ear and reassurance to residents immediately notice and feel the impact of the garden upgrades the residents that they can begin their is special and encouraging to them, and makes their living there all the day successfully, positively and with more beneficial. increasing independence over time.
Rich was an accomplished salesman during the course of his forty-year career. As a retiree, he was interested in learning something new, in doing something different outside his comfort zone and improving the lives of an underserved population. He has developed the ability to interact with the residents. They enjoy his company and his guidance and they are comfortable with him. He is inspiring because he has taken on the embodiment of the role model of the house. He came to Mercy Haven with the goal of wanting to learn something new, and over the past 18 months he has become the teacher for so many others, as well!
This year, Mercy Haven has nominated Rich for NY State’s AARP Andrus Award, one which recognizes volunteers for their selfless service to nonprofits. We at MH feel that if you are able to help others who are working so hard to improve themselves and achieve their goals, to Is your business looking to spend a day completing be the difference that creates positive a community service project? change in them, and to lead others who Contact Heidi Haller at 631-277-8300 to learn more. are trying to do similar work, this work should be recognized. Good luck, Rich.
04 THE WINDOW | AUGUST 2018 Richard Stecker Mental Health and Wellness Volunteer Since 2016 Resident Supporter in New York Schools
A new State law was passed this July mandating mental Hoping to be a model for the other 49 states, this health education be provided in classrooms across New innovative law will require that all elementary, middle York State. “This groundbreaking law lays the path to and high schools in New York now include not only better health for all New Yorkers,” said Glenn Liebman, physical health instruction, but also mental health CEO of the Mental Health Association of New York State. instruction in their curriculum. Young people statewide “While first starting in schools, we believe that ultimately will now have knowledge, awareness, and preparation to this law will have a far-reaching effect for communities develop lifelong skills to understand mental health. This across New York State.” should reduce the stigma connected to mental health. “Through education, we can change people’s perception of mental illness, and encourage future generations to ask for help if they’re feeling depressed or anxious as easily as they ask for help for an injured leg or sore throat,” said Dr. Ann Sullivan, NYS Office of Mental Health Commissioner.
What does this mean for Mercy Haven? Our own Resident Advocacy Group is interested in taking the bull by the horns with this new initiative. This newly formed group of Mercy Haven participants works with staff, legislators and concerned citizens to make sure that their voices, the voices of those living with mental illness, are heard where it counts. Their hope is to partner with schools in this initiative and make presentations to children at different Long Island school districts during October’s Mental Health Awareness week.
If you are a teacher at a local school district and would like to schedule the Advocacy Group for a presentation, please contact Lorrie at 631-277-8300.
Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (to the right of the cake) visits, tours and meets the folks at our Community Residence in West Babylon.
WWW.MERCYHAVEN.ORG 05 Welcome to Another Garden Season Growing Together Community Garden Mercy Haven’s Growing Together Community Garden is well underway as we head into our 7th season! It is being tended to by several dedicated community members and some local groups such as Mercy First, St. Anne’s Church, Hands Across Long Island (HALI), Magali Roman from “Almost Home”, and our ever-faithful Brentwood Seniors group. Members of the garden are responsible for the upkeep of their beds with regular weeding and watering. Hours spent in the garden are carefully tracked, and fruits and vegetables are weighed and recorded in our daily log. Garden participants are expected to donate 10% of their harvest to local food pantries.
This year Mercy Haven welcomes a participant working through our Supported Employment Program as a garden intern. His expertise in gardening and design has been a tremendous asset to this year’s garden. The beds are flourishing, yielding a great start to the harvest which will soon add to the cumulative total of 4,554 pounds of produce harvested since 2012. Our volunteer hours for 2018 are impressive, also, with 175 hours recorded through July 31. With such a great start to this season already, we are looking forward to a rewarding bounty.
Resident Empowerment & Achievement Program Our Resident Empowerment & Achievement Program (REAP) is filled with the programs and services that enhance our participants’ lives. The program is always growing and changing based on the needs and recommendations of our participants. With this growth, an increase in educational development has become a vital focus. We have developed educational workshops as well as financial and health focused workshops that are necessary to meet the needs of our participants. The goal is to reduce the habit of social isolation while also encouraging self-sufficiency by providing a variety of opportunities for recreation, self-advocacy, relationship building and life skills development. REAP activities include programs and activities such as the many listed below.
REAP Course Offerings Smoke Free Workshop Healthy Grocery Shopping Cooking Class Baking Class Exercise Class Women’s Group Men of Mercy Computer Skills Class Supported Employment Painting, Ceramics, Book Club
and Poetry Writing Having fun at a Painting Class Shopping for healthy food
06 THE WINDOW | AUGUST 2018 From our Board of Directors Mercy Haven is proud to welcome the following appointments: Planned
Domenico Ciaccio - As an Assistant Vice President in charge of Business Banking and CRA (Community Reinvestment Act) for Ridgewood Savings Bank, Domenico joins the Board with the desire to align with our mission and pursue opportunities to share the good works of the agency. He is committed to helping individuals in their journey towards long- Giving term recovery. Born in Sicily and living in New York since 1996, Domenico’s free time is spent with his lovely wife and two beautiful daughters. There are a number of estate planning and planned giving options Jim DiGiovanni - Jim has been an active volunteer for Mercy Haven since 2010. An avid golfer, Jim joined available that are beneficial to both the Golf Committee in 2012 and has been Co-Chair the donor and Mercy Haven. These of the Golf Outing for the last four years, successfully include arranging for a bequest leading Mercy Haven beyond our goal. Jim is a member from your will, making a gift of life of LI Charities Foundation, a local not-for-profit dedicated insurance, and creating a revocable to raising money in support of various charities across or irrevocable trust or annuity. Long Island. Through Jim’s efforts, Mercy Haven has been a grateful recipient of LI Charities generosity for To learn more about over 5 years. He is Executive Vice President of Arthur J. planned giving and other ways Gallagher & Co. in Jericho, and resides in Bay Shore. to give, please call Ciara Jensen Jessica Totino - Jessica brings to our Board her in our Development Office experience in direct care, fundraising and program at 631-277-8300. planning. She has participated through membership and leadership roles in many professional activities including advocacy and program development for Persons living with AIDS, member of Planning Council Mercy Business for the Untied Way, and other community service Partnership Program groups. Her experience in development and grant writing brings an invaluable resource to Mercy Haven. 2018 Gold Partners As a member of the Development Committee she will be able to expand and influence our development plan. Your Gift’s Impact... A sluggish economy. High unemployment. An unforeseen tragedy. Any one of these conditions is challenging and stressful. For those who are homeless, living with mental illness or living in poverty, the 2018 Bronze Partners trauma of these events is even greater. Mercy Haven’s mission to provide housing, advocacy, education and life skills development to those most in need requires the help of our supporters now more than ever. Please consider making a gift to Mercy Haven. Your gift of: $75 - provides approximately two weeks of food for one resident at Pleasant Gardens $150 - helps to maintain our resident transport vehicles $250 - supports legal advocacy services provided to residents $500 - helps to heat a community residence for one month Pantone 301 Pantone 355 Black
40% Pantone 301 50% Black
WWW.MERCYHAVEN.ORG 07 30% Black MERCY HAVEN, INC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR S. Patricia Griffith, D. Min, LMSW
CHAIRPERSON Dorothy Overton
VICE CHAIRPERSON Patrick T. Collins
TREASURER Ronald J. Eagar
SECRETARY Fred Brendel
DIRECTORS Ninonde Cabrol Domenico Ciaccio Paul Conefry Jim DiGiovanni Edward Grayson Denise Green-Jackson Patrick J. Hickey Anthony A. Lauto The winner will be drawn on Sept. 4th Jane Macina Thomas Quigley Like us on Facebook and watch the drawing live! Douglas Russell More info? Email ciara at [email protected] Mark Sandberg Jessica Totino
Visit us at www.mercyhaven.org Follow us @mercyhaveninc.
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859 Connetquot Ave., Suite 10 Islip Terrace, New York 11752 Tel: (631) 277-8300 www.mercyhaven.org