2018 ANNUAL REPORT Making Home Possible Tender Mercies transforms the lives of homeless Dear Friends of Tender Mercies, adults with mental illness by providing security, Homelessness continues to be a growing Men and women like Ashley and Orville, problem in our region - gaining heightened whose stories you will read in this report, dignity, and community in a place they call home. awareness and interest in finding better inspire us to continue to partner with solutions. In fact, the nation is facing one you to save lives. of the most severe affordable housing crises in history, with 11 million low-income Tender Mercies is doing its part to address households paying at least half their our region’s shortage of 40,000 affordable income towards housing, putting them housing units – not only through our existing at risk of homelessness. 6 buildings but also through our expansion efforts. In August 2018, we broke ground on While many disagree on the right approach The 821 Flats - a new construction project to address homelessness in Cincinnati, in Cincinnati’s West End which will provide one thing is certain – THE solution a home to an additional 57 men and women. to homelessness is straightforward: We are excited about joining the West End Vision Values Purpose About Us Housing. Connecting people experiencing neighborhood and for the opportunity homelessness to housing and services to transform even more lives. provides them with the ability to overcome Compassion drives Tender Mercies provides To be the premier Security what caused them to become homeless. On behalf of the Board and staff of Tender us to create Security, an affordable and permanent Mercies, thank you. It is because of you that Dignity Dignity, and Community. safe home to men and supportive Since 1985, Tender Mercies has been home is possible for those who need it most. We believe in the women experiencing the transforming the lives of homeless adults Leadership housing provider Community opportunity to thrive and trauma of homelessness with mental illness by providing permanent Kindest Regards, Russell Winters in the region. Respect grow. Transformation and mental illness. supportive housing that is not only affordable, Chief Executive Officer Compassion inspires us and brings Our services help them but also offers security, dignity, and Kelli Halter hope and promise. recover and rebuild their community. Permanent Supportive Chief Operating Officer Accountability health, well-being, Housing is a nationally recognized, proven, Russell Winters Jackie Baumgartner Development Director and stability. cost-effective solution for homeless persons Chief Executive Officer experiencing multiple barriers. Josh Burgess Property Management Director In 2017, you made it possible to provide Randy Damron Finance Director a caring and welcoming home to over 175 Mary Grover individuals. Friends like you make it possible Support Services Director for individuals to recover from the wounds Winsome Wilson of life on the streets and rebuild their lives. Human Resources Director 2 | Tender Mercies Annual Report Tender Mercies Annual Report | 3 Dear Friends, Board of Trustees There is a significant lack of safe and affordable We are thankful for our board members, donors, Ronald Cramer housing in our community. It has never been partners, and volunteers who generously share Robert Graeter Volunteer Spotlight Erika Meyer Judd clearer that the work we do really matters. their gifts and talents. Their efforts make our Bob Frohman community a better place to live, work, and play. Stephanie Kessler Since 1985, Tender Mercies has helped Daniel Kiley Meet Ashley Elizabeth Tuck Loring, Secretary homeless adults merely surviving on the streets Tender Mercies is an organization with a big “I am grateful for Tender Mercies coping with the trauma of mental illness and heart that I am honored to be a part of; that Chad Martin, Treasurer Susan McIlvain because if I was not here I would hunger. We provide safe and affordable housing treats all residents with sincere respect and be in my head and that is the worst Denise Montfort, Past President with support services to help the residents fosters a caring community that is key to place to be when you are alone.” regain their independence and health. We have recovery. To all supporters, volunteers, donors, Gregory Payton made great strides with your support, but the and friends, I deeply thank you for saving Mark Roberts need remains constant. the lives of those with nowhere else to turn. Edward J. Slater At age 11, Ashley was raped and abused Ashley entered rehab and seemed to With your support, Tender Mercies will Robie Suggs, President by her stepfather. Forced to live at home turn the corner. She was sober for a year until she was 14, Ashley moved out but and thought things were going to be Recently, we broke ground on The 821 Flats, continue to save lives every day. Thomas Vaughan remained in school. Once she turned 18, better, until she became pregnant and our new building. Once completed in Summer James L. Whalen, Vice President “Tender Mercies brings people back to life; gives she quit school - later earning her GED miscarried. Devastated, she turned back them a second chance. I feel like my efforts are 2019, it will provide 57 safe and affordable Heartfelt Regards, at age 20. to drugs. Her boyfriend, also an addict, efficiencies and one-bedroom apartments, Emeritus truly appreciated & I have received MUCH MORE Ashley developed PTSD, but was began abusing her and her life went equipped with furniture and the necessities Joseph H. Feldhaus in return. It is very satisfying work for me.” misdiagnosed for 20 years with bipolar from bad to worse – she lost custody to live independently. Russell Winters, CEO, Eileen Mechley disorder. It was not until she came to of her children. Marcia Spaeth has done an excellent job working endlessly Tender Mercies that she was correctly Finally, gathering the strength to leave, Bob Frohman has been a valued volunteer of Frank Harkavy (1926 - 2003) to locate a property and secure the funding. Robie K. Suggs diagnosed with PTSD. Ashley found refuge at a shelter that Tender Mercies for 5 years, as a golf committee With the support of our friends, generous Tender Mercies Board President member and helping with the Taste of OTR event. Her world fell apart when her mother helped connect her with Tender Mercies. donors, dedicated staff, and Board of Trustees, Intrigued by Tender Mercies’ work, Bob scheduled Thank you passed away in 2016. For 10 months With support from staff and community Tender Mercies is looking forward to helping to the following Board members for resources, she began to overcome her a visit. After taking a tour and seeing the dedication she tried to mask the pain with drugs and compassion of the staff he was hooked. more men and women with mental illness their service (these individuals’ Board and never thought she would become an struggles, and regain her dignity, ability experiencing homelessness. service term ended between October addict because she was always the one to trust, and stability. People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. 2017 & October 2018): helping others overcome their addiction. She is thankful for Tender Mercies where For some it offers the chance to give something The staff has incredible compassion, in-depth Josh Harkavy Soon after, she lost her house and car she has the support she needs with group back to their community or make a difference expertise, and works hard every day to help Mary Beth Salyers but thankfully found a safe place for her therapy, caring staff, and the opportunity in the lives of others. Bob volunteers for Tender the residents recover and rebuild after a life children. She struggled over the next to volunteer in the community. Today Mercies because he recognizes the value Tender Mercies brings to the residents. on the streets. Welcome New 4 months moving from place to place Ashley is drug-free, working, rebuilding staying with anyone who would take her life, and visiting her children regularly. Thank you, Bob, for sharing your time Board Members her boyfriend and her in. Ashley aspires to have a home of her own and talents with Tender Mercies! Victoria Chester again where she and her children can Deborah Dixon create memories for a lifetime. 4 | Tender Mercies Annual Report 5 Transforming Lives with Hope Independence for Life Health & Wellness Orville Sanders Making a Difference 28 for 28 Years “ Tender Mercies saves lives. “ There is no other place like Tender Mercies Imagine the terrifying experience Now 60 years old, Orville is proud Ingrid is proud of her new home and Tender Mercies AfterCare Program I don’t feel ashamed anymore. where homeless men and women with of being sexually abused at to celebrate being clean for over very grateful to Tender Mercies for made it possible for her to move into The staff is wonderful and goes mental illness can have a comfortable knife point over twenty cents. 15 years. With the compassionate giving her the stability and support she and stay in her own home by providing above and beyond to be sure and welcoming home with support services. That tragedy tore Orville apart; care of Tender Mercies, Orville was needed to rebuild when she hit rock counseling, moving assistance, supplies, I stay safe.” - Cleo The staff is genuine and work here to make it damaged his self-esteem able to recover from the trauma bottom. Being homeless was like and ongoing support when her husband a difference. It is a heartwarming place that and his ability to trust. of abuse, mental illness, and being in the dark every day. passed away and she was hospitalized I am proud to support.” – Mary Beth Salyers homelessness.