THE NEWSVol. XXIII, No. 12 www.the-inn.org Fall 2013

TO SPONSOR A MEAL CALL (516) 486-8506, EXT. 115 1

INN This Issue:

ReflectionsPAGE 2

Staff HighlightsPAGE 2

Employment ReadinessPAGE 3

ThinkINN AheadPAGE 3

Special PartnersPAGE 4

Wish ListPAGE 4

Happy ScrappersPAGE 5

Student CornerPAGE 5

Events CalendarPAGE 6

THE NEWSINN This Issue:

“Serving Hungry and Homeless Long Islanders”

O n what might have been a lovely summer evening, a victim of domestic

abuse urgently needed emergency housing – arriving at The INN’s shelter, the Edna Moran INN in Hempstead, visibly abused, with a black eye, a two year old child in tow and very scared for what may be next. The INN welcomed them with open arms, dignity and respect. They fled from the violence immediately, leaving behind everything including a younger child still in custody of the abusive spouse.

The newly arrived guest was focused on the safety of the family and was extremely embarrassed to admit the circumstances leading to this crisis.

Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion. The abused victim was a man – yes, abuse of men happens far more often than you’d probably expect. Typically, men are physically stronger than women but that doesn’t necessarily make it easier to escape the violence or the relationship. An abused man faces a shortage of resources, skepticism from police and major legal obstacles, especially when it comes to gaining custody of his children from an abusive mother.

Social workers at the shelter worked to provide the guest with domestic violence counseling, helping him regain confidence and pursue custody of his younger son from

their abusive mother. After only two months as guests of the Edna Moran INN, along with legal guidance and persistence, he now has full custody of both children and their mother has supervised visitation rights.

No longer fearful about the future, he was able to maintain his full time job thanks to his respite at the shelter. Now, he has found an apartment for his family and is back on his feet on his own. He is especially grateful to the overnight and weekend staff that helped him and his children by listening, understanding and giving their compassion.

If you would like to support one of The INN’s Emergency Shelters, please contact Dawn Shedrick, Housing Director, at (516) 486-8506, ext. 148 or dshedrick@the-inn.org.

Guests of The INNDomestic abuse is never what you expect it to be

Edna Moran INN

Going on one year in her position as Managing Director of The INN, Johnola Morales is responsible for

directing the daily functions of The INN in accordance to its mission, vision and values. She provides leadership, management and focus in all operational aspects of the agency, as well as communication with the Board of Directors and Executive Director of The INN.

INN The News asked Johnola a few questions and learned a great deal about her motivation and dedication to her career.

Q: What drew you to this kind of work? Who is/was your greatest inspiration?

A: My mother was my greatest inspiration. She always took care of the needs of other people, sharing food, clothing and our home.

Q: How did you utilize your social work degree prior to joining The INN?

A: Prior to joining The INN, the majority of my work experience was with the New York City Administration for Children Services as a director in the Child Protective Division. I also spent several years working as a program director in Adult Protective Services. I am an Early Interventionist who enjoys working with children and their families.

Q: On a personal level, what does it mean to you to serve the guests of The INN?

A: Direct service work is the most rewarding. My heart

is overwhelmed with joy knowing that the services provided at The INN are helping so many families. I am motivated daily among a team of dedicated workers and volunteers.

Q: What are your aspirations as you move forward in your position?

A: To help The INN grow to the next level of services. It is imperative to give individuals daily living skills, such as job readiness, literacy programs, dress for success opportunities and parental training workshops. We are dedicated to creating opportunities to end hunger through equipping individuals with tools necessary to help them thrive.

Q: What do you do to relax and “get away from it all”?

A: I love to go to the spa, dance and sing, and spend time with my family and friends, who make me laugh. What I find most relaxing is just mediating on the goodness of God.

Want to volunteer? Please contact Deokie Santo at 516-486-8506, x114 or dsanto@the-inn.org.

The INN is so proud and grateful to have the broad support of many different types of organizations and individuals from our neighborhoods. They have enabled us to closely monitor the needs of the guests over time and to adapt as an organization with the programs and services we offer. We all agree that the guests need our help, whatever that may mean to them at any particular time. The INN has grown from providing meals and temporary housing to assisting with the transition to permanent housing to helping our youngest guests prepare for school with new school supplies; and most recently, to providing much

needed services, such as job assistance. And there is so much more. In my last Reflections column, I referred to The INN’s 30 year anniversary and our continued relevance in the community. While we are still needed, we will continue to grow and evolve with the support of our neighbors, donors, volunteers and others.

This is at once a sad and happy time for us. Our Board President, Maureen Nappi, will be stepping down this fall, after four years of service. We could not have accomplished all that we have without Maureen’s unfailing guidance and commitment. We wish her the best and are thankful for her continued efforts on our behalf.

We are also grateful for the efforts and commitments of all those who support us and help make a difference for the guests of The INN.

Johnola Morales, Managing Director

Jean Kelly, Executive Director

Staff HighlightIntroducing... Johnola Morales, Managing Director of The INN

Reflections

2 ORDER YOUR HOLIDAY CARDS TODAY! CALL (516) 486-8506, EXT. 108

Every year, Thanksgiving arrives. Many of us gather with family and friends to celebrate and show our gratitude for the abundance on the

table. At The INN’s soup kitchens, donated turkeys and all the trimmings are shared with the guests, so they, too, can enjoy the holiday.

On one special Sunday each year, The INN dedicates a day called “A Day of Thanks and Giving” at the Mary Brennan INN soup kitchen to encourage and “INNvite” family and friends to join together. A full Thanksgiving meal is donated by Ben’s Kosher Deli and Restaurant and desserts by Diane’s Bakery. This is one of The INN’s favorite fundraisers, uniquely enjoyed by the whole family.

“A Day of Thanks and Giving” provides an opportunity for those attending to occupy the seats regularly held each Monday through Friday by INN guests. Tours of the soup kitchen, arts and crafts for the children and a raffle add to the day’s activities. This year, Rachel Rosenstein and Carly Zakarin, two young students, will be honored for their dedicated work in the community to benefit The INN.

DATE: Sunday, November 10th, 2013

TIME: 1:30 to 3:30 pm

PLACE: Mary Brennan INN, 100 Madison Avenue, Hempstead

COST: $50 per person; $125 per family; $20 per student.

RSVP: Nora White at 516-486-8506, x108 or nwhite@the-inn.org

When considering “employment readiness,” we think of writing or revising our resumes, interviewing and

networking skills and dressing for success. For the guests of The INN, there is a foundation that must be put in place before even thinking of those things: basics, like food, clothing and shelter.

The INN is the only local non-profit organization with a comprehensive program for homeless families and individuals. In addition to safe, well-maintained emergency and long-term housing, many case management services help guests gain self-sufficiency, including life skills and vocational training along with the Employment Readiness Program.

According to INN social worker, LaQuetta Solomon, “The program is designed to remove all barriers to employment for the guest who is preparing to re-enter the workforce. We sit down with each guest and speak about individual needs and concerns.” Those might include interviewing

skills, resume writing and appropriate wardrobe selection.

Since Ms. Solomon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and fellow staff members are Licensed Master Social Workers, services are handled by highly qualified professionals, including two who are bi-lingual English/Spanish. Issues requiring referrals – such as mental health, chemical dependency or housing – are addressed in advance.

For one Spanish-speaking guest, whose documents from the IRS required translation and completion to clear up a discrepancy in his name and Tax ID number, the program helped to resolve the issues that blocked his ability to work.

The Employment Readiness Program has been in place for just under three years and has helped many INN guests successfully re-enter the workforce and become active contributors in society again. Thankfully, there is a support network in place to help make that happen. This is all thanks to the Island Outreach Foundation.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE PLEASE CALL (516) 486-8506, EXT. 114 3

ThinkINN AheadThanks and Giving

Employment Readiness at The INNGetting Ready to Get Ready

Continuing in the spirit of the season, we are accepting contributions of new, unwrapped toys and seeking volunteers for the Christmas holiday to distribute gifts to the children and families who visit the Mary Brennan INN. Please contact Cynthia Sucich, if you would like to participate or donate.If you would like to donate a turkey or Thanksgiving “fixins”, please bring them to the Mary Brennan INN, at 100 Madison Avenue, Hempstead – Monday to Friday, 9-11 AM, 2-4 PM.

Carly Zakarin and Rachel Rosenstein

T he INN recognizes that locally-based businesses have numerous worthy choices for their charitable giving

and other means of support, such as paid time-off for volunteer work. We are grateful to be recognized for the important work we do to help our neighbors who are in need of meals, a decent and safe place to live and other services and assistance to help transition with dignity, respect and love.

NEWSDAYNewsday, our region’s only daily local newspaper, demonstrated its commitment to the Long Island community by providing a $75,000 grant to The INN’s Long Term Housing program through its foundation, Newsday Charities. Noting that it is “committed to using our resources wisely and responsibly to enhance the quality of life in the community that Newsday and its employees call home…,” Newsday’s grant will enable The INN to continue providing many Long Island homeless families with safe, well maintained and affordable housing along with a full range of intensive and supportive services through customized case management.

LONG ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONThe Long Island Community Foundation (LICF), a division of The New York Community Trust, has awarded a $25,000 one year grant to support The INN’s employment assistance program/services. In particular, the grant is designated to expand employment readiness through the network of soup kitchens providing guests with case management, information and referrals related to housing, vocational training and jobs, including training on resume writing and interviewing skills.

WE CARE FUNDContinuing a long-standing tradition of supporting the programs of The INN, a grant in the amount of $10,000 earmarked for the organization’s Long Term Housing Program has been made by the WE CARE Fund, the

charitable arm of the Nassau County Bar Association. WE CARE funds are raised by the legal profession and the community at large. The money is distributed through charitable grants to improve the quality of life for children, the elderly and others in need throughout Nassau County.

To find out how your company can GetINNvolved, please contact Cynthia Sucich at 516 486-8506, x115 or csucich@the-inn.org

4FOR EVENT INFORMATION CALL (516) 486-8506, EXT. 108

Special Partners

Nicole Mbaya, INN Soup Kitchen Social Worker, David M. Okorn, Executive Director, Long Island Community Foundation, Johnola Morales, Managing Director, The INN

Thomas A. Bucaria, Esq. member, WE CARE Advisory Board, Nassau County Bar Association and Jean Kelly, Executive Director, The INN

Our Wish ListThe INN is in need of:

• Canned meats (tuna, turkey, chicken, ham), canned soup, canned pasta sauce (no glass, please)

• Non-perishable vegetables, fruit, Chef Boyardee-type products

• Turkey and fixings bag donations• Hygiene products – soap, shampoo, toothpaste,

etc. (small, travel sizes preferred for all items)• Disposable diapers (all sizes), baby lotion,

wipes and baby powders• New underwear and socks• Gently used towels, washcloths, blankets and

bed linens• Gently used coats, hats, scarves and gloves• Brand new toys in original packaging to bring

holiday cheer (consider a toy drive!)• Volunteers to help plan the 2014 INNkeepers’

Ball; please call (516) 486-8506, ext. 108

Please bring your donations to the Mary Brennan INN at 100 Madison Avenue in Hempstead, Monday to Friday, 9-11AM or 2-4PM. For directions please call (516) 486-8506, ext. 114. Thank you.

5 PLEASE CONSIDER THE INN IN YOUR WILL OR ESTATE PLANNING – (516) 486-8506, EXT. 115

Happy Scrappers Help The INNThe INN‘s shelters are not just places for food and rest;

the welcoming environment provided by the staff encourages guests to think and plan for their future. The respite offered comes from the care taken to make each shelter like a home.

One of the ways that The INN does this is by making sure the furniture and décor are inviting to provide a caring and warm environment for guests who often have managed with little. The INN provides more than shelter and food. A group of quilters joined together, contributing warmth and beauty for the guests...with quilts. These quilts are made with love by the “Happy Scrappers” who meet every other Thursday at Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church in West Hempstead. What a wonderful means for the quilters to enjoy companionship while helping others!

Since 2001, the Happy Scrappers have worked to make The INN’s shelters more than places to just eat and sleep. This group of women, ages 16 to 82 from various churches, donates the beautiful quilts, all hand sewn and made with love. Even the fabrics are chosen with care, most coming from Lancaster County in Pennsylvania where cost and selection are the best. Then the quilters get to work,

making these wonderful gifts. Each quilt conveys a story of kindness that is recognized as guests wrap themselves in the welcome coziness of these unique creations. The guests can then take the quilts with them when they move to their new homes.Would you like to make donations? Please bring them to the Mary Brennan INN, at 100 Madison Avenue, Hempstead — Monday to Friday, 9-11AM, 2-4PM.

Happy Scrappers

Across Long Island, where poverty is often not perceived as a serious problem, thousands of men,

women and children go to bed hungry. Teens on The INN’s Youth Advisory Board have stepped up by reaching out to their peers and others, providing education and soliciting assistance in organizing fundraisers, such as charity dinners and sports events. Thousands of dollars in cash and boxes full of needed items have provided food, personal hygiene products, holiday gifts and, for those children who can’t afford them, back-to-school supplies.

The INN’s 15 soup kitchens require 100% funding in order to combat the rising homelessness and hunger on Long Island, and to manage the programs and services provided to help guests in many ways. The INN’s Youth Advisory Board is constantly seeking new ways to educate and engage our community so that we may all work together for the benefit of our neighbors in need. All funds and supplies get used very quickly!

Awareness is as important as financial and in-kind donations. Perhaps your school or a community group in which you are a member may be interested in hearing more and, potentially, interested in organizing an event. Some of the things neighbors have done to help the guests of The INN:

• The students of Half Hollow Hills High School East held an Olympics event to raise money; students prepared and donated “shower rolls,” comprised of towels, personal size shampoos, soaps and other items for use by guests who shower at The INN.

• Girl Scout Troop 2350 of Valley Stream donated much-needed non-perishable food items to the soup kitchens.

• Students from the Fusion Academy in Woodbury prepared “birthday-in-a-bag” and “movie-in-a-bag” packages for the guests of The INN.

• Students from Webber Middle School in Port Washington .made 27 Project Night Night comfort kits (comprised of a children’s book, blanket and stuffed animal) for the children in the shelters.

Want your school to help make a difference? Are you a high school student in 9th-12th grade who wants to GetINNvolved? Contact Cynthia Sucich at 516-486-8506, x115 or csucich@the-inn.org.

Student Corner

Girl Scout Troop 2350, Valley Stream

6 THANK YOU! MERCI! GRACIAS! DANKE! GRAZIE!

SOUP KITCHENSBethany Hospitality INN –

Central Islip

Bread and More INN – Riverhead

Mary Brennan INN – Hempstead

Freeport INN – Freeport

Having Friends INN – Sayville

Invited INN – Rocky Point

Long Beach Food and Friendship INN – Long Beach

Mercy INN – Wyandanch

North Fork Community Supper INN – Greenport

North Shore INN – Glen Cove

Patchogue Neighbor’s INN

Shepherd’s INN – Lake Ronkonkoma

Thee Gather INN – Lake Grove

Thee Island INN – Middle Island

Welcome INN – Port Jefferson

SHELTERSDonald E. Axinn INN

Edna Moran INN

Rosa Parks INN

PROGRAMS AND FACILITIESAlana Grace INN Administrative

Center

Catherine Martin INN Veterans Housing Program

Catherine O’Neill INN

Clarice Silk INN

Crisis Housing Project

Delta Funding INN

Dr. Victor G. and Rejane Herman INN

Homelessness Prevention

Jane’s INN

Long-Term Housing

Mary Moore INN

Palmer INN

“Serving Hungry and Homeless Long Islanders”211 Fulton Avenue Hempstead, NY 11550

(516) 486-8506 • www.the-inn.org

The INN has established a policy regarding all guests. To protect their privacy, no guest is to be photographed or interviewed

while using the services at The INN.

For tickets, package and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nora White at 516-486-8506, x108 or nwhite@the-inn.org.

Or visit us at www.the-inn.org and click-on our Events Calendar.

The INN is on Facebook and Twitter. To become a fan and receive updates on The INN’s

activities and announcements, please go to www.facebook.com/theinnli or twitter.com/the_inn.

Need a Lunch Break?Join us for our Annual Luncheon at the Garden City Hotel on Friday, November 1, 2013, honoring John King of J. Kings Food Service Professionals, with Keynote Speaker, news anchor Carol Silva, News 12 Long Island

A Day of Thanks and GivingSunday, November 10th, 1:30-3:30 pmMary Brennan INN, Hempstead

Martin Viette Holiday ReceptionSaturday, November 23rd, 6:30-9:30 pmMartin Viette Nurseries, East Norwich

Champions for Charity Kick Off Cocktail ReceptionWednesday, December 4th, 5-8 pmBrooks Brothers, Americana, Manhasset(Event runs December 5th-7th)

Upcoming Events

Tis the SeasonIt’s not too early to place your order for The INN’s Holiday Cards. The creative volunteer team of Dee Dee Lichtenberg-Scanlan and

Erica Popkin report that a number of new designs (including note cards) will be introduced this year. 100% of the proceeds go to suport The INN’s

mission. To find out more about holiday cards, please contact Nora White, at (516) 486-8506, ext. 108, or nwhite@the-inn.org.