S t. Patrick Center is currently in Phase 1 of our Coronavirus Restoration Plan. “Phase 1 didn’t change most of our enhanced COVID-19 operations. It simply eased some restrictions to safely allow more people in our buildings,” said CEO Anthony D’Agostino. Phase 1 began on June 1, 2020 and will run for at least three months. We enhanced our wellness screenings to include a sign-in sheet consenting to no symptoms experienced and no virus exposure. We’re serving hot casserole meals “to go” outside on weekdays. We’re bringing in more staff to accommodate the increased need in our Welcome Center and programs. We’re allowing some volunteers to return to assist with our operations. Phase 2 may begin on September 1. Throughout the pandemic, St. Patrick Center has stayed open and provided a safe, clean environment for clients and staff at multiple locations – our Tucker building, Rosati Place, Freedom Place, St. Louis Stamping Lofts and veteran support in nine counties. “COVID-19 is having a more significant impact on our clients and it’s ravaging our communities of color,” said D’Agostino. “We will continue to fight for marginalized individuals who do not have adequate access to housing, healthcare and essential services. We expect an increase in people coming in for help, now that the eviction moratorium has expired.” (See related story on page 4.) PAGE 2 Message from CEO Anthony D’Agostino PAGE 2 Veterans Day 5K PAGE 2 Volunteer Spotlight PAGE 3 Irish Open Success PAGE 3 Captured on Camera PAGE 3 Young Friends Update PAGE 3 Board of Directors Update PAGE 4 Volunteer Opportunities PAGE 4 The Color of Our Skin Restoration Has Begun Serving People in Phase 1 I t has been a 20-year process for Rick to find happiness, but he’s finally on the right path. He has been in recovery for alcoholism before but through St. Patrick Center he was able to discover what led him to drink. “It feels like a light has been turned on; I finally get it. I was still in the idea that I didn’t have a problem – that drinking was my problem.” Through therapy sessions in our Project HERO program for veterans, Rick discovered that a tumultuous upbringing by his mother created toxic relationships with women in his life. “I felt lost, trying to please every female possible.” He began masking pain from his childhood, failed marriages and traumatic Army service with binge drinking. That led to lost jobs, family, friends and eventually to homelessness. When Project HERO placed Rick in an apartment at Freedom Place, he participated in three programs a day, and now feels empowered to lead programs and help other veterans like himself. “I’m proud to be doing something I’m passionate about.” In addition to being a peer support leader, Rick entertains fellow residents with his guitar and has been asked to give lessons. Rick hopes to lease a different apartment at Freedom Place next year and continue doing what he feels he was born to do – help others help themselves. “It’s my way of paying forward the help that St. Patrick Center has given to me.” For more client success stories see stpatrickcenter.org/success-stories. AUGUST 2020 IN THIS ISSUE OUR MISSION St. Patrick Center provides opportunities for self-sufficiency and dignity to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Individuals and families build permanent, positive change in their lives through safe and affordable housing, sound mental and physical health, and employment and financial stability. CHRONICLES ST. PATRICK CENTER Happiness is Within His Reach Rick’s Story See Page 2 AT THE CENTER OF CHANGE
Transcript
St. Patrick Center is currently in Phase 1 of our Coronavirus Restoration Plan. “Phase
1 didn’t change most of our enhanced COVID-19 operations. It simply eased some restrictions to safely allow more people in our buildings,” said CEO Anthony D’Agostino.
Phase 1 began on June 1, 2020 and will run for at least three months. We enhanced our wellness screenings to include a sign-in sheet consenting to no symptoms experienced and no virus exposure. We’re serving hot casserole meals “to go” outside on weekdays. We’re bringing in more staff to accommodate the increased need in our Welcome Center and programs. We’re allowing some volunteers to return to assist with our operations. Phase 2 may begin on September 1.
Throughout the pandemic, St. Patrick Center has stayed open and provided a safe, clean environment for clients and staff at multiple locations – our Tucker building, Rosati Place, Freedom Place, St. Louis
Stamping Lofts and veteran support in nine counties.
“COVID-19 is having a more significant impact on our clients and it’s ravaging our communities of color,” said D’Agostino. “We will continue to fight for marginalized individuals who do not have adequate access to housing, healthcare and essential services. We expect an increase in people coming in for help, now that the eviction moratorium has expired.” (See related story on page 4.)
PAGE 2Message from CEO Anthony D’Agostino
PAGE 2 Veterans Day 5K
PAGE 2 Volunteer Spotlight
PAGE 3Irish Open Success
PAGE 3Captured on Camera
PAGE 3 Young Friends Update
PAGE 3 Board of Directors Update
PAGE 4 Volunteer Opportunities
PAGE 4 The Color of Our Skin
Restoration Has BegunServing People in Phase 1
It has been a 20-year process for Rick to find happiness, but he’s finally on the right path.
He has been in recovery for alcoholism before but through St. Patrick Center he was able
to discover what led him to drink. “It feels like a light has been turned
on; I finally get it. I was still in the idea that I didn’t have a problem – that drinking was my problem.”
Through therapy sessions in our Project HERO program for
veterans, Rick discovered that a tumultuous upbringing by his mother
created toxic relationships with women in his life. “I felt lost, trying to please every female possible.” He began masking pain from his childhood, failed marriages and traumatic Army service with binge drinking. That led
to lost jobs, family, friends and eventually to homelessness.
When Project HERO placed Rick in an apartment at Freedom Place, he participated in three programs a day, and now feels empowered to lead programs and help other veterans like himself. “I’m proud to be doing something I’m passionate about.” In addition to being a peer support leader, Rick entertains fellow residents with his guitar and has been asked to give lessons.
Rick hopes to lease a different apartment at Freedom Place next year and continue doing what he feels he was born to do – help others help themselves. “It’s my way of paying forward the help that St. Patrick Center has given to me.”
For more client success stories see stpatrickcenter.org/success-stories.
AUGUST 2020IN THIS ISSUE
OUR MISSIONSt. Patrick Center provides opportunities for self-sufficiency and dignity to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Individuals and families build permanent, positive change in their lives through safe and affordable housing, sound mental and physical health, and employment and financial stability.
CHRONICLESST. PATRICK CENTER
Happiness is Within His ReachRick’s Story
See Page 2
AT THE CENTER OF CHANGE
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
CHRONICLES | AUGUST | 2020
Chronicles is a publication of St. Patrick Center, distributed three times a year to share the good news with the community, plus grow the circle of those who believe in and support St. Patrick Center’s mission.
If you have feedback, ideas, or would like to go green and have Chronicles emailed to you, please contact our editor: Kelly Peach, 314.802.0687 or [email protected]
St. Patrick Center is accredited by the Council on Accreditation, for complying with governance, management and service standards. The COA is a world leader in advocating for individuals, families and communities.
2
We continue to experience historic events this year. As a global pandemic is killing populations disproportionately and racial
uprisings are highlighting inequities embedded in daily life, we must keep human dignity as our foundation.
These chaotic, life-altering events have spurred tremendous need throughout the St. Louis community. St. Patrick Center is on the front lines, leading with compassion and innovation. We answered the need for housing and established an off-site, emergency shelter for 51 men and women experiencing homelessness and chronic illness.
We expanded our housing assistance program for veterans and Hospital to Housing program for people exiting local emergency rooms. When two staff members tested positive within 24 hours, we prioritized the safety of our clients and staff by suspending in-person contact while finding innovative, virtual ways to stay open and continue services (the two staff members who tested positive for COVID-19 have fully recovered).
We will continue to experience the ripple effects of these historic events and, as a result, encounter an increase of people needing our assistance. We will focus on the immediate demands, while planning strategically for long-term results.
St. Patrick Center has kept human dignity as our foundation since 1983. We know that every person has inherent, immeasurable value that cannot be diminished. Our programs and services are based on this fact, and therefore, transform lives. Thank you for playing a role in our mission.
Anthony D’Agostino
Veterans Day 5K Run/WalkRegister Now for November 7 Event
Veterans comprise nearly a quarter of all St. Patrick Center clients served. We have
three programs specifically for these men and women who served our country, then found themselves homeless or at risk: Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program; Project HERO; and Supportive Services for Veteran Families.
St. Patrick Center assists hundreds of veterans each year and you can help by sponsoring or registering for the 5th Annual Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk presented by Keeley Companies. The event is set for Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 9am at Soldiers Memorial in Downtown St. Louis. Events include a 5k run/walk, one-mile run/walk and a free kids’ dash.
The cost is $30 and the price increases to $35 on September 1. Unable to join us? Virtual participation is also available for $40. Veterans receive a $10 discount and all participants receive a moisture-wicking long-sleeve shirt.
We’re monitoring the pandemic closely and will not risk your safety. We plan to adhere to all policies put in place by the City of St. Louis. If we’re unable to host an in-person race, we will transition to a virtual event.
To register, visit stpatrickcenter.org/vet5k. For more information, contact Maggie Kloppenberg at 314.802.5418 or [email protected].
To say we appreciate our casserole volunteers at St. Patrick Center would be an
understatement. Throughout the pandemic when citizens were told to stay home, more than 85 casserole teams continued to prepare and drop off casseroles for our clients who do not have a home. Since March, not one volunteer missed a delivery; they even managed to get the casseroles to us during a two-week period when we were shuttered to everyone but clients and minimal staff due
to virus exposure. Many of the teams also provided sack lunches and much-needed food pantry items.
St. Patrick Center is an essential service; we remain open to those in need, and it is because of the dedication of our casserole teams that we are able to serve them a hot meal. This cornerstone program is 36 years strong. Thank you to all of our casserole volunteers!
Volunteer Spotlight Casserole Teams Never Fail Us
It’s time to listen and learn. See story on page 4.
St. Patrick Center’s first-ever virtual Irish Open raised more than $484,000!
Thanks to everyone who participated in the virtual event on May 30, 2020. We’re grateful for many Irish Open sponsors, donors, auction bidders and committee members. You showed us first-hand the strength and support of the St. Louis community during difficult times.
Our hosts on event night were CEO Anthony D’Agostino, (left in the photo) and event chair/board member Joe Mooney of Lodging Hospitality Management (right). From socially distanced rooms at St. Patrick Center, they broadcast on Facebook Live and were joined via Zoom by our Founding Family, the Cunnanes and Stebelmans, plus Patrick and Deborah Quinn.
More than 50 businesses and individuals sponsored the Irish Open and bought virtual gala tables and virtual golf foursomes, donating
$296,000. Bid to End Homelessness raised $158,000 to directly fund our mission.
The virtual Irish Open, viewed by more than 1,500, is still available to watch on our Facebook page. Thanks again to all who made our first-ever virtual event a smashing success!
AT THE CENTER OF CHANGE
3
CAPTURED ON CAMERA
OfficersBob Olwig, President Sylvia Scheuler, Vice PresidentTim O’Shaughnessy, Treasurer Joe Robinson, Secretary
DirectorsCarol Beckel Wilma Calvert Mike Doyle Mark Fronmuller Tim Hasara Tim Huffman Toni Jordan Rusty Keeley John McNearney Joe Mooney Michael Picker, Jr. Deborah Quinn Michael Ransom Michelle Roosa Theresa Ruzicka James Smylie III Cori Cunnane Stebelman Chris Stephen John (JT) Timmerman Jimmy Williams, Jr. Justin Woodard
Executive Director, 1983-1992Edith Cunnane
Executive Director, 1993-2001Leo Paradis
We’re excited to welcome to our Board of Directors Tim Huffman, Associate Professor Saint Louis University; Michelle Roosa, Sr. Director of Corporate Human Resources Alter Trading Corporation; and John (JT) Timmerman, Vice President of Operations Mercy Hospital St. Louis.
We would also like to offer well wishes to departing directors Joe Castellano, Jim Cunnane, Jr., Bryan Graiff, Dennis Jenkerson and Craig Unruh. Many thanks for their leadership to St. Patrick Center’s board, agency and mission.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As part of Phase 1 of our Restoration Plan, receptionist Stephanie Covington takes staff members’ temperatures before they enter the building.
One positive aspect of the pandemic is we have the time and space to renovate and improve our building on Tucker. We thank Hallmark Stone for giving of their time and materials to help us accomplish this goal.
Summersalt donated face masks to our staff and clients to help keep everyone healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Charity League donated $2,500 worth of food to our food pantry. This was a much-needed gift during the summer season.
The People’s Community Action graciously donated milk and produce to our Rosati clients. It is wonderful when we can provide our clients with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Ann Rotermund now has a room named after her at St. Patrick Center. She has been a guiding light to us for more than 30 years in the Shamrock Club and we are so grateful for all that she does for our clients.
Irish Open SuccessFirst-ever Virtual Event Exceeds Expectations
Jim Cunnane, Jr.
Michelle Roosa
Young Friends UpdateVirtual Events Maintain Awareness
Even through the pandemic, the Young Friends of St. Patrick Center have been hard
at work spreading awareness and raising funds for our clients. Twice in past few months, the Young Friends hosted “NamaStay” at Home, a virtual yoga class led by our very own board member, Dr. Erin Schulte. Participants were able to come together virtually to re-center. By utilizing her skill set and technology, Schulte and Young Friends helped raise more than $800 to support people experiencing homelessness.
We are also thrilled to announce our new Young Friends Development Board leadership team: Zack Folk, Chair; Michael Weaver, Vice Chair; Rachel Bishop, Event Chair; and Taylor Dailing, Secretary.
t VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Casseroles to GoSt. Patrick Center has resumed some volunteer opportunities during Phase 1 of our Restoration Plan. We need three volunteers each weekday from 11:30am to 12:45pm in our Shamrock Club to package and serve hot casserole “to go” meals to our clients at lunchtime. To volunteer for this, contact Sarah Webb at [email protected]. If you are unable to volunteer onsite, volunteer from home by hosting a virtual fundraiser or summer clothing drive that provides food, clothing, personal hygiene and/or PPE for our clients. We accept donations at our donation center at the back of St. Patrick Center, Monday through Friday, from 8am to 4pm
For more information about volunteer opportunities, visit the Volunteer page at stpatrickcenter.org or contact Sarah Webb at 314.802.0681 or [email protected].
Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk November 7, 2020
Give Thanks Thanksgiving Program November 23, 2020
Christmas Wishes Family Sponsorship Program December 16 & 17, 2020
St. Patrick Center Trivia Party February 5, 2021
Irish Party March 5, 2021
St. Patrick Center Irish Open Gala & Golf Tournament June 5 & 7, 2021
CHRONICLES | MAY | 2020
800 N. Tucker Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63101stpatrickcenter.org
314.802.0700
NonProfit Org.US Postage
PAIDSt. Louis, MO
Permit No. 5501
The Color of Our Skin Racial Inequities Exist
Since our beginnings in 1983, St. Patrick Center has fought for marginalized
individuals. “Unfortunately, African Americans and communities of color have been disproportionately marginalized, leading to inequity and mistreatment,” said CEO Anthony D’Agostino.
The St. Patrick Center team is upset about racial inequities and angered by the brutality and killings of our black neighbors, as the pandemic ravages communities of color as well. “We need to acknowledge that racial inequities exist,” said Rhea Irvin, Director of Human Resources.
“The color of our skin should never determine how we are treated,” said James Smylie, board member and former client. “When I came to St. Patrick Center, hopeless and full of despair,
it was never about my skin color or gender or anything like that. It was about compassion, empathy and love – what I needed in order to become who God created me to be.”
As St. Patrick Center carries out our mission, we see the racial inequities that exist in our society. “We need listen to people of color to learn how they experience racism,” added Irvin. “We can do better if we open our minds and are willing to have uncomfortable conversations.”
“We ask you to join us in cultivating a community where everyone receives equitable resources, opportunities and influence,” D’Agostino said. “We will continue to educate ourselves and others about racial inequities and ensure that everyone gets a voice and the opportunity to succeed.”
4
CHRONICLES | AUGUST | 2020
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
“When I came to St. Patrick Center, hopeless and full of despair, it was never about my skin color or gender or anything like that. It was about compassion, empathy and love – what I needed in order to become who God created me to be.”
– James Smylie, St. Patrick Center Board of Directors
“We will continue to educate ourselves and others about racial inequities and ensure that everyone gets a voice and the opportunity to succeed.”
– Anthony D’Agostino, CEO
“We need to listen to people of color to learn how they experience racism. We can do better if we open our minds and are willing to have uncomfortable conversations.”
