In April, members of our Leadership Circle, as well as sponsors of our A Place to Call Home gala attended a special appreciation event, where they got an inspiring, first-hand account of the impact of our programs. Many of our guests were surprised when Joseph came to the lecturn and began to speak about his experience with homelessness. While Joseph may not have fit their idea of what a homeless person looks like, he offered everyone a stark reminder that unfortunate situations can happen to any of us. “I get emotional talking about it….I don’t like to use the word ‘homeless,’ but yes -- I was sleeping outside for a while,” Joseph said. A year ago, when Joseph’s outstanding bills led him to gambling, he lost everything he had ever worked for -- his home, his life savings, and his dignity. “I really didn’t know what to do. I could not see a light at the end of the tunnel,” says Joseph. “One day, I went to the library and did an Internet search, and that led me to Passageways.” It was at Passageways, Union Station’s intake center, that Joseph began to regain hope. “At Passageways, they told me: ‘Everything is going to be alright. We’ll give you food to eat, a place to stay, and we’ll get you back on your feet,’” Joseph remembers. “It was like they said: ‘You’re a human being and we care about you.’” “Union Station is a beacon of hope. The staff genuinely care about helping people do well and be well. They help you know that better things are on the way,” says Joseph. “This place builds you back up and makes you whole again.” Joseph was eager and motivated to get his life back on track. Shortly after he became a resident at our Adult Center, he enrolled in Sources, our career development program. “The staff at Sources are a dedicated, compassionate inspiring group of people, and they have a true talent for instilling confidence in people and giving them hope for their future,” Joseph said. “They empower people to know they can live a productive life.” Through Sources, Joseph found a job he is proud of, where he can begin to build his career. “I see great things for my future. I know I’m going to be able to make a contribution to the community.” We thank Joseph for his perseverance and courage in rebuilding his life and sharing his story. We thank each of you for your part in his success. Every year, Union Station must raise nearly $5 million dollars to operate our programs, which help people like Joseph rebuild their lives. As the end of our fiscal-year approaches, we must still raise more than $500,000. We won’t be able to reach our goal without your help. Your donation prior to June 30 will be tremendously helpful! “You make the difference in people’s lives!”said Joseph. “I want everyone to know that Union Station is a place that really helps people gets back on their feet. Our community needs places like this!” On behalf of Joseph and all of the individuals and families who come to us seeking a new beginning, thank you for being such an important part of our Union Station family. Sincerely, Marvin M. Gross CEO IN THIS ISSUE 2 4 3 HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN REBUILD THEIR LIVES AND END HOMELESSNESS Dear Friends, HOUSING + EMPLOYMENT + LIFE SKILLS 825 E. ORANGE GROVE BLVD. PASADENA, CA 91104 WWW.UNIONSTATIONHS.ORG (626) 240-4550 NEWS + SUMMER + 2012 CONNECT ONLINE: Put a Little Love in your Heart: Volunteer Appreciation Month Volunteer Spotlight: Larry Eggers A Place to Call Home - Gala Event Euclid Villa Transitional Housing Goes “Green” An Inspiration Among Us Planned Giving Old Pasadena Restaurant Week: June 1-8 Leadership Circle “Union Station is a beacon of hope... This place builds you back up and makes you whole again.”
Transcript
In April, members of our Leadership Circle, as well as sponsors of our A Place to Call Home gala attended a special appreciation event, where they got an inspiring, first-hand account of the impact of our programs.
Many of our guests were surprised when Joseph came to the lecturn and began
to speak about his experience with homelessness.
While Joseph may not have fit their idea of what a homeless person
looks like, he offered everyone a stark reminder that unfortunate situations
can happen to any of us.
“I get emotional talking about it….I don’t like to use the word ‘homeless,’ but yes -- I was sleeping outside for a while,” Joseph said.
A year ago, when Joseph’s outstanding bills led him to gambling, he lost
everything he had ever worked for -- his home, his life savings, and his dignity.
“I really didn’t know what to do. I could not see a light at the end of the tunnel,” says Joseph. “One day, I went to the library and did an Internet search, and that led me to Passageways.”
It was at Passageways, Union Station’s intake center, that Joseph began to regain hope. “At Passageways, they told me: ‘Everything is going to be alright. We’ll give you food to eat, a place to stay, and we’ll get you back on your feet,’” Joseph remembers. “It was like they said: ‘You’re a human being and we care about you.’”
“Union Station is a beacon of hope. The staff genuinely care about helping people do well and be well. They help you know that better things are on the way,” says Joseph. “This place builds you back up and makes you whole again.”
Joseph was eager and motivated to get his life back on track. Shortly after he became a resident at our Adult Center, he enrolled in Sources, our career development program.
“The staff at Sources are a dedicated, compassionate inspiring group of people, and they have a true talent for instilling confidence in people and giving them hope for their future,” Joseph said. “They empower people to know they can live a productive life.”
Through Sources, Joseph found a job he is proud of, where he can begin to build his career. “I see great things for my future. I know I’m going to be able to make a contribution to the community.”
We thank Joseph for his perseverance and courage in rebuilding his life and sharing his story. We thank each of you for your part in his success.
Every year, Union Station must raise nearly $5 million dollars to operate our programs, which help people like Joseph rebuild their lives. As the end of our fiscal-year
approaches, we must still raise more than $500,000. We won’t be able to reach our goal without your help. Your donation prior to June 30 will be tremendously helpful!
“You make the difference in people’s lives!”said Joseph. “I want everyone to know that Union Station is a place that really helps people gets back on their feet. Our community needs places like this!”
On behalf of Joseph and all of the individuals and families who come to us seeking a new beginning, thank you for being such an important part of our Union Station family.
Sincerely,
Marvin M. GrossCEO
IN THIS ISSUE
2 4 3 HELPING MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN
REBUILD THEIR LIVES AND END HOMELESSNESS
Dear Friends,
HOUSING + EMPLOYMENT + LIFE SKILLS 825 E. ORANGE GROVE BLVD. PASADENA, CA 91104 WWW.UNIONSTATIONHS.ORG (626) 240-4550
NEWS + SUMMER + 2012CONNECT ONLINE:
Put a Little Love in your Heart: Volunteer Appreciation Month Volunteer Spotlight: Larry Eggers
A Place to Call Home - Gala Event Euclid Villa Transitional Housing Goes “Green”
An Inspiration Among Us Planned Giving Old Pasadena Restaurant Week: June 1-8 Leadership Circle
“Union Station is a beacon of hope... This place
builds you back up and makes
you whole again.”
Mosque of San Gabriel has served dinner at the
Adult Center on the 1st Saturday of the month and hot lunch at the Family Center the 3rd Saturday of
the month since 1991.
St. Philip’s Youth Group has served dinner at the Adult Center on the 4th Sunday of the
month since 1993
St. Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Church has served dinner at the Adult Center on the 1st Wednesday of the month since 1997.
YOU CAN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION
Volunteer Todaywww.unionstationhs.org
“Think of your fellow man Lend him a helping hand
Put a little love in your heart... And the world will be a better place
For you and me You just wait and see.”
- Lyrics to Put a Little Love in your Heart
Altadena Community Church has served dinner at the Family Center on the 2nd
Sunday of every month since 2005.
Larry Eggers Goes Above and Beyond!Long-time volunteer Laurence (Larry) Eggers exemplifies commitment to those we serve. During the 31 years that Larry has donated his time and money to Union Station, he has given more than $80,000 in cash and gifts-in-kind to support the Community Meals Program as well as faithfully volunteered every single week in our Adult Center kitchen!
Larry is at home in our kitchen. He is often the first person to arrive for his meal shift and is always the last to leave. Last year alone, he contributed 440 hours of service and $7,000 worth of food and kitchen supplies, such as oven-mitts and kitchen towels.
“Larry has been a blessing to Union Station,” says Helen Rener, our veteran Assistant Food Services Manager of 16 years.
Larry’s fellow volunteers also speak highly of his dedication and generous spirit. “I have volunteered with Larry Eggers for over six years,” says fellow volunteer James Coari. “He is one of the kindest and most generous men I have ever encountered.”
Put a Little Love in Your Heart To celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month this April, we chose the song ‘Put a Little Love in Your Heart’ as our theme, and focused on our volunteers’ dedication to lending a helping hand to make the world a better place. We extend heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who make our life-changing work possible! Here are just a few of our volunteers:
Victory Bible Full Gospel Baptist Church has served dinner at the Adult Center on the 2nd Tuesday of the month since 2003 and began serving an additional
dinner at the Family Center on the 4th Saturday of every other month in 2011. Staff members Helen Rener and
Joanne Simmons are church members.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Union Station’s Volunteer & Community Programs Commit-tee members regularly serve Adopt-A-Meals at the Adult
Center and Family Center.
University Bible Fellowship has served hot lunches at the Family Center every 1st Saturday of the month
since October 2011.
Nearly 300 guests attended our 4th annual A Place to Call Home benefit gala at the California Club in Los Angeles. Guests celebrated the evening’s honorees: Hector Elizondo, Margo and Ralph Kidushim, and Congressman Adam Schiff.
Emceed by Radio Show Host John Rabe (KPCC, Off Ramp), the evening included
a stunning silent auction, music by The Crown City Combo and wine generously donated by Pyrenees Vineyard and Cellars. The event raised a net total of nearly $300,000 this year, and has raised $1.5 million since its inception.
Special thanks to the Gala Committee, led by event co-chairs Rene and Charlie Chiara. We are so grateful for the commitment and leadership of this wonderful team, which was invaluable in making the event a success.
Union Station would also like to thank the businesses and individuals that donated items to our auction, and our volunteers, patrons, supporters, and staff for their commitment to helping homeless and low-income men, women, and children rebuild their lives.
Visit www.facebook.com/UnionStationHomelessServices to see our event photo gallery.
A Place to Call Home
Euclid Villa Goes “Green”Families transitioning from homelessness to housing will now reside in a “greener,” more energy efficient building thanks to a collaboration by Union Station Homeless Services, the City of Pasadena and the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA).
In 2010, Union Station received a $1.1 million grant to begin renovations on Euclid Villa, our transitional housing facility for families. These redevelopment funds allowed us to install state-of-the-art green upgrades to the building, including solar panels, energy efficient appliances, drought tolerant landscaping, insulation, and double-paned windows.
“The greening will help us contain our costs while providing efficient heating, cooling and related services to all of the families who live there,” said CEO Marvin Gross.
To celebrate, more than one hundred civic leaders and community members joined Union Station Homeless Services staff and residents at A Place to Rebuild Lives: Euclid Villa Transitional Housing Greening Celebration on May 3rd.
Event attendees included Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, Pasadena Councilmember Steve Madison; Pasadena Housing Director Bill Huang; Sean Rogan, Executive Director of LA County Community Development Commission; Julianne Hines, District Director for Assemblyman Portantino; and Teresa Lamb Simpson, District Representative for Congressman Schiff.
Martin, a former Euclid Villa resident, was thrilled by the new renovations. The U.S. Army Veteran and single father of three children says he will always be grateful to Union Station for his time at Euclid Villa. “We’re still moving on,” he said. “Thank you for helping us stay out of homelessness.”
Visit our photo gallery at www.facebook.com/UnionStationHomelessServices.
From left: Gil Nelson, Arnold Siegel, Marvin Gross, Athena Merianos, and Rita Hadjimanoukian, Field Representation from Supervisor Michael Antonovich’s office.
Former Euclid Villa resident and single father Martin, with his daughter, thanked Union Station and Euclid Villa for helping his family rebuild their lives.
Honorees Margo and Ralph Kidushim accepting their award; with Arnie Siegel and Marv Gross.
Rob Floe addressing guests.
Marv Gross and event emcee John Rabe (KPCC, Off Ramp).
Honoree Hector Elizondo accepting his award; with Arnie Siegel and Marv Gross.
We are honored to announce that Cynthia Foster, COO of Union Station Homeless Services, has been selected as one of THE Magazine’s 50 Fabulous Women of 2012.
Cynthia joined Union Station in 1997. With more than 17 years of finance and administrative experience, Cynthia oversees the organization’s finance, facilities, human resources, and administrative functions and is responsible for the design and development of policy and procedures for each of these departments.
We are grateful that Cynthia has been recognized for her contributions and incredible vision. We are so proud of her leadership and accomplishments, and we thrilled to see that all her hard work has not gone unnoticed by our community. Cynthia accepted the honor on May 31st at the La Cañada Country Club.
Please let us know!
Bequests play such an important role in our efforts to rebuild lives
and end homelessness. If you are planning a gift,
please give us the opportunity to thank you.
If you would like to set up future gifts through your will,
living trust, or retirement plan, we are ready to help.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Arnold Siegel, ChairMichael DannekerJill A. Fosselman Maxine HarrisJames HartLinda Jahnke Terry KrupczakDiana Peterson-MoreRandy A. ShulmanElliot A. Sainer Bradley D. Schwartz Vickie Taylor Charles Thuss Elizabeth Trussell Gregory R. VanniLyla L. White
EXECUTIVE STAFFRabbi Marvin M. Gross, CEOCynthia Foster, COOGregg von Fempe, Director of Programs Tracey S. Kardash, Director of Development Sandy Potter, Director of Volunteer and Community Programs
NEWSLETTERDana BeanAmanda M. GreenTracey S. KardashSevana KeshishianMonique Thomas
Enjoy dinner at your favorite restaurants in Old Pasadena and support Union Station Homeless
Services at the same time. During Old Pasadena Restaurant Week, June 1-8, Old Pasadena’s
award winning restaurants will offer three course meals at a reduced price, starting at just $15.
Proceeds benefit Union Station.
www.oldpasadena.org/restaurantweek
Your leadership transforms lives.
Pleas join us in the Leadership Circle today and help make our community a better place to live.
For more information, call (626) 240-4558 or email Tracey at [email protected].
www.unionstationhs.org/leadership_circle
Photo by Nick Boswell, THE Magazine
Have you remembered Union Station Homeless Services
