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Providence House has been my refuge in my time of need. I was released in November, 2004 after 11 years in prison and I had nowhere to go and Sister Connie graciously accepted me into Providence House. There I found comfort and serenity, a place that was safe. There the Sisters, the Program Director, the House Managers, and the Case Manager helped me in my quest for a brighter future. They directed me onto a path that led to my career at Exodus Transitional as a Program Manager, furthering my education at Lehman College, and my housing (allowing me to go to Providence House VI where I saved the money for my own apartment). Each one of these important people individually played an important role in my success. ‘The House’ is where my life began!!! Shahara My name is Marie and I'm 26 years old and a single mother raising two wonderful boys ages 7 and 5. At the present time I'm working as a student intern at Downstate Hospital. I plan to complete my Associate's Degree in Nursing from NYC Technical Community College this Fall. I arrived at Providence House in September of 2001, and was very pleased by the welcoming staff and the courtesy and respect they continue to show. My perception of a shelter was totally different from what I saw here. I used to think that a shelter was a place that was not quite so clean, with staff who were not quite so nice and respectful. I'm happy to say that Providence House has proved me wrong. Someone once told me that everything bad that happens should be looked at as a blessing in disguise. I never asked to be homeless, who would? I like to view this as God's way of preparing me. I think it's his way of testing me because he knows that I will overcome it, even though at times I don't feel that way. I do feel blessed; my children are healthy and so am I. I'm blessed because of the roof over my head, which God provided. He also makes sure that my children and I are clothed and fed. And most of all, he blessed me with two precious little boys. Boys who will one day become men and it's up to me to help shape them and make sure they grow up to be respectable, loving, productive and responsible. My babies are my reason for wanting to succeed in life. At times I feel hopeless but then I look into their little eyes, and those little eyes make me feel like I can climb the highest mountain, and that's exactly what I plan to do. I may be homeless, but I'm not hopeless. Margo "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage and determination." This quote exemplifies my life. At the age of 24 I migrated to the USA alone in search of a better life. In my search of this dream, I remained 10 years without my legal status. Despite the adversity, I still empowered myself by taking any free educational class that was offered to immigrants. I finally got my green card, which offered my new lease on life. This card gave me the privilege to pursue a formal education, which had always eluded me. With this liberty I signed up in a CUNY College to pursue a degree in Education. My life seemed stable and my goals were in progress, when I suddenly became the victim of homelessness due to issues deriving from domestic violence. My three daughters and I had no friends and family to turn to and our only hope was the city shelter. Fortunately, we were extremely lucky to be sent to Providence House. The staff there was very warm and compassionate. The caseworker offered us a plethora of social services that allowed my family and me to get back on our feet. Today, verily I say that I have moved on with my life. I have graduated with my A.A. in Teachers Education and a B.A. in Human Services. Presently, I am doing my M.S. in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Women's Studies. The experience at Providence House has changed our lives immensely. My eldest daughter has completed an A.A. in Liberal Arts and is now pursuing a B.A. in Women's Studies. The other two girls are doing excellent in school. Providence House has supported and propelled our educational endeavors through the philanthropic support of the Switzer Foundation Scholarships. With the help of these scholarships we were empowered to transform our lives through education, thereby bringing out our potential to the fullest. Globally, the feminization of poverty shows us that women are oppressed, abused, exploited, etc. because they lack education, and in some cultures have no voice. I encourage women of color and minorities to get empowerment through education, because it is the only thing that makes people viable to themselves. Education begins at home and continues in school. It is a life long process that gives you the ability of leadership because you are knowledgeable. As women in the 21st Century, we need to educate ourselves in order to secure proper jobs, be good citizens, teach our children, and be more socially cognizant of issues. Obtaining a good education is not easy. It is expensive, time-consuming and stressful. Some of the challenges are filing forms, remedial classes, exams, researching, and a lot of running to different departments. However, to succeed one must use all the resources available, learn to network with people, read every piece of literature that is given to you thoroughly, and seek help when it is needed. Many days you will feel defeated when you encounter negative people, difficult professors, and tough assignments. As daunting as it may seem, arm yourself with patience, determination, tenacity and perseverance, for this too shall pass. In spite of life's vicissitudes you have the power to control your destiny and bring your dreams to fruition. Daniele Years ago, I took life for granted. I never wanted to work hard and I was always looked for an easy way out. Maybe you know what that means, maybe you don't, but life just doesn't always work that way. Hanging in the streets getting high, which we all think is fun, got me a prison DIN number that will never go away. This life sentence that I thought would be over once I made the parole board has yet to end. You may think that I am complaining, but, I am not. Yes, it has been hard, but I have risen above the rest. I have always walked with faith and that same faith has opened several doors for me. Yes, me the lazy little spoiled brat. I gained college credits and had started a college program all in a place that society chooses to ignore: BAYVIEW CORRECTIONAL in the heart of Chelsea. In this place of complete disarray, the place of displaced emotions, I first heard of Providence House. First, I heard that I would be living with nuns. I am not Catholic, nor am I an avid churchgoer, but I do believe in God. So I said okay and decided that this place may work. When you think of nuns you think of those scary black dresses and big hats like the Flying Nun from television. Well, that isn't the reality at my house, meaning Providence House. I was greeted with open arms, me scared to death right out of the state pen after serving seven and a half years. My mother had passed on, I have some family and I am 39 years old. You can't tell me what it was like for me growing up, so I made the decision to grow up and learn to live life like women do everyday. When I came home, I didn't know anything about welfare, nor did I know anything about Brooklyn, but the staff and the Sisters of Providence House encouraged me to move forward. Since I have been home, I have been afforded the opportunity to work with a production company telling my story-- our story -- the life and struggles of the transition from prison back to the real world. The Sisters and staff were there with me every step of the way, offering ideas, words of encouragement or just a smile, and with these gestures of sincerity I am able to move forward. I am not saying that life has been easy for me nor am I saying that I have been offered a easy way out. What I am saying is that they help you feel safe, offer help and if they can't help, you will know by the end of the day somebody can. It's always easy to do the familiar. Today I do what's not familiar and ask for help. I stay honest with myself first, and then others second, because I know today I am surrounded by not just anybody, or people trying to get what they can. Today, I live with saints, real saints, the Saints of Providence House, My House! So, I say to anyone who is reading this. Do the right thing, stay true to yourself, and ask for help if you need it. The saints will come marching in; truly they will. Volunteer Story I have been asked over and over again why I wanted to become a long-term volunteer and why I chose to spend my year in service at Providence House. There are many factors that led to my decision, but I must admit that the horror of September 11, 2001, combined with the Enron debacle was instrumental in my final decision. After witnessing the havoc that hatred, intolerance and greed wrought on our country I realized that I needed to act now, because the words "tomorrow is not promised to anyone" were brutally driven home to me on those days. I then set out to find the right place and after a few months of research I narrowed my list to five. In February, after many conversations with Sister Marie, Associate Director, I arrived at Providence House for a trial week. Well, I knew within a day that this was where I wanted to be and in June I returned to start my year. Since I arrived on the doorstep of Providence House, I have been very busy. I have attended the WPA Conference at Columbia University, visited Bedford Women's Prison, coordinated with Sister Connie, Director of Programs, the activities of the volunteers, helped residents relocate to permanent housing and logged a lot of hours painting. But nothing I could do here will ever equal what this organization and all who work here have given me. Volunteer work has always been a big part of my life; I have worked for various groups and have learned a great many things from each one. However, I have learned more in the last four months at Providence House than in the sum total of all my volunteer experiences. The challenges that are presented on a daily basis are enormous and I have watched in awe as the residents, staff, core community members and directors work together to meet them all. I learn something new everyday from these brilliant women and I am very grateful to be a part of such an inspiring community. Thank you, Providence House! Volunteer Story For the past two years, Providence House has benefited from the special talents of Tim. Tim's wife Mary has worked with the Sisters of St. Joseph since 1990 where she has taught in the English and Guidance Departments at St. Joseph's High School in downtown Brooklyn, and thus knew many of the Sisters living in our Providence Houses. In a casual conversation with his wife one day, Tim said, "I have a little extra time and I'm thinking of calling Habitat for Humanity." To which his wife replied, "What? There are plenty of Providence Houses that could use you. Forget Habitat!" And so Tim arrived one day at Providence House, armed with tools and talent, and we haven't let him go since. Starting at Providence House I on Church Avenue, Tim installed ceiling fans, repaired outlets, took down decaying plaster wall and sheet rocked a new one, put in a new dropped ceiling, completed roof repairs and sundry and other handyman tasks. After a few months of coming one day a week, Providence House I reluctantly passed Tim on to Providence House II, Bainbridge Street where he renovated the downstairs' bathroom with new tiling work. Before long, the Sisters in Providence House V at Lincoln Road heard about Tim's many talents and they were put on the list. Tim did many creative projects there, including custom made wooden radiator covers, (which Providence House I heard about, and then asked him to replicate the same). Finally, the Sisters in Brooklyn, allowed Tim to take a trek to Providence House III in Jamaica, Queens. Did we have a list there! With 11 women and their toddlers, an extensive list of work to be done was compiled: from floor tiling, to minor electrical repairs, plumbing and roof leaks, fixing the alarm system, refacing and painting the front door, etc., etc. Once he completed their list, we told him he wasn't finished, he had to start the routine all over again...the Sisters in Brooklyn already had new lists! And so Tim continues his Providence House rounds, equipped with his tool box and always a smile. The only renumeration he has asked for is that the Sisters sing at his funeral, which we assure him is A LONG TIME OFF! If you were to ask Tim what he enjoys most about his time at Providence House, he would probably say to you, "The children, who all call me 'Mr. Fix-It Man' when I arrive at the door." Tim's love for the children extended to his volunteering to be Santa at Christmas time at Providence House I. His better half, Mrs. Claus (Tim's wife Mary) also shared in the celebration. What does Tim do on his days off from Providence House? Tim's full-time job is with the MTA; prior to that he worked for Verizon. He is the proud father of two daughters, Liz and JoAnne, who is married and expecting her first child. Tim and his wife reside in Little Neck, Queens. Thank you, Tim! Back to Top |
