I love the women here

Summer/Fall 2015
‘I love the women here’
Twenty years of trust and compassion at Mary’s Place
T
his year marks the 20th anniversary of Good Shepherd Mary’s Place, a shelter for the most marginalized women in Hamilton. Mary’s Place opened in
June 1995, offering beds, hot meals and support. Prior to
that, there were no emergency shelter beds for homeless
women in the city.
It is named in honour of Mary Popovich, a woman who
died on Hamilton’s streets. Her death was a wake-up call
to the Hamilton community around the lack of supports
for homeless single women and prompted Good Shepherd to open the shelter.
There’s been a lot to celebrate in the two decades since
Mary’s Place first opened its doors. It’s a sanctuary where
women can find safe haven and where many women have
journeyed out of a life on the streets. It’s a bittersweet success story: Although we operate a safe, modern and comfortable 20-bed shelter, we are forced to turn away women
on more than 200 occasions a month due to lack of space.
“Often our clients come in traumatized, abused and in
such a state of crisis,” says Sandra, a Mary’s Place case
manager. “As they stay on with us we get to see them as
individuals with strengths, goals and dreams as they open
up and offer up more about themselves during their stay.“
Their complex histories include wonderful personal accomplishments as well as great loss and pain. Many of
the women are devoted mothers, daughters, sisters and
friends. Despite fractured relationships they continue to
love their families.
“The women trust Good Shepherd because we respect
them for their tremendous strength and resilience,” ex-
Kassandra, a case manager at Good Shepherd Mary’s Place, talks to a client in the shelter’s
Wellness Garden. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Mary’s Place in central Hamilton.
plains Katherine Kalinowski, Good Shepherd’s assistant executive director of programs. “We ask nothing from the women who stay at Mary’s
Place. They can tell us their name or remain anonymous; they can use
our services or simply sleep, eat, shower and take time off from living in
survival mode.”
One of Good Shepherd’s greatest strengths is the compassion and commitment of the staff, who put our core values into action as they help the
most vulnerable members of the community.
“I love the women here at Mary’s Place. I love hearing their stories, even
if they are heartbreaking. I enjoy the challenges and working with the
women to overcome barriers and obstacles,” says Erin, a case manager.
“We feel honoured that these women, who have been through so much,
feel comfortable allowing us into their lives during some of the most
challenging times in their lives.”
An Evening with Jann Arden • Monday, November 2
Good Shepherd welcomes Canadian entertainment icon Jann
Arden for a very special evening celebrating the 20th anniversary of Mary’s Place, November 2 at Carmen’s Banquet Centre.
Juno Award winner, a member of the Canadian Association
of Broadcaster Hall of Fame and has a star on Canada’s Walk
of Fame.
Jann will talk about her life, with her inspirational and often hilarious takes on empowerment, adversity and the importance of
healing. Her wit and wisdom always shine. She’s an eight-time
Tickets are $150 each and include dinner. Tables of 10 are available. For information, see Page 7, call 905.528.6565 x3308 or
x3309, or visit goodshepherdcentres.ca.
A MESSAGE FROM
BROTHER RICHARD
Paying a living wage
is a moral imperative
In June, Good Shepherd announced that we signed on to Living
Wage Hamilton. We are proud of our decision. We join 20 other
employers, like the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board
and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, signalling our organization’s commitment to our employees and to the community.
A living wage is based on the living expenses of a family of four
with both parents working full-time for 37.5 hours a week. It’s
estimated that 30,000 Hamilton residents spend a larger share
of their income on shelter, food, clothing, utilities and child care
than the average family. Yet they don’t earn enough money to
escape poverty’s grip. It’s a frustrating and debilitating circumstance; many hard-working Hamiltonians maintain paying jobs
but can’t move forward because their paycheques don’t provide
for the basic necessities of life. It’s troubling and it is a situation
that none of us should accept as the norm.
Good Shepherd is honoured to provide services that make us
the Greater Hamilton Area’s largest human and social services
agency. We are committed to building a truly inclusive community where every individual can live, thrive and contribute to their
fullest potential. We recognize that a living wage has a positive
impact on health, education and, ultimately, Hamilton’s prosperity. It is an important contributor to individual and family health
and well-being, as well as to the resilience of our community.
Good Shepherd advocates for the eradication of poverty, so
it is only common sense that our agency makes this investment in the community. We strive to foster an equitable and
inclusive employment environment that encourages excellence in our service to vulnerable people in Hamilton. It is
our moral imperative to ensure that the dignity and hospitality offered to our clients are extended to our co-workers.
When we “walk the talk” we demonstrate the principles and
values that Good Shepherd lives.
A living wage helps our co-workers do the work asked of them
every day. We deeply value their knowledge and commitment;
compensating them with a liveable wage allows them to be hospitable and charitable to people who come through our doors.
Therefore, providing a living wage benefits both our co-workers
and the people who come to us for help.
Good Shepherd was already paying a living wage to our staff
prior to making this declaration. It was important to sign on and
publicly declare our support to raise awareness and promote
dialogue in Hamilton. I am encouraged by this movement and
hope that more employers will see the benefits it brings to their
staff and the broader community.
Living Wage Hamilton is a positive step toward eliminating
poverty in our community and Good Shepherd is proud to
support it. If you would like more information on the initiative,
please visit livingwagehamilton.ca.
§¨©
Brother Richard MacPhee, OH
Executive Director
Brothers & friends celebrate the fusion of two Orders
On June 15, Bishop Douglas Crosby
celebrated a Mass to mark the fusion of the Brothers of the Good
Shepherd with the Hospitaller
Brothers of St. John of God.
The Mass, and a dinner at Liuna
Station, honoured the legacy of
the Brothers of the Good Shepherd
while celebrating their ongoing
ministry as Hospitaller Brothers.
Almost 300 people attended the
event. Among them were some
of the members of the Order’s
new Province in North America
(from left): Brother David, Brother
Marcellus, Chris Noon, Brother Nick,
Provincial Superior Brother Justin,
Brother Gaston, Brother Terence,
Brother Richard, Brother Sean,
Brother Jean-Yves and Brother Tom.
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Good Shepherd
to coordinate
seniors program
Good Shepherd and the Seniors
Activation and Maintenance Program (SAM) are working to integrate their services for older adults
and for adults requiring supports in
the community.
Following the consolidation,
Good Shepherd will become the
program’s coordinating agency.
Michael Otterman plays shuffleboard at the SAM program at Good Shepherd Square. Michael, who has visual
and mobility impairments, is also a participant in Good Shepherd’s Assisted Living Program.
Michael’s road back to independence
starts at Good Shepherd Square
Michael Otterman was proud of his independent living despite his visual impairment. He had his own apartment and a
service dog to navigate his busy downtown neighbourhood.
Then a seizure changed his life forever.
Michael, 58, was forced into St. Joseph’s
Healthcare, followed by a long rehabilitation stint at St. Peter’s Hospital. His
seizure left him wheelchair-bound, with
no possibility of returning to his former
home. His prospects of regaining some
autonomy were slim.
But on December 31, 2014, he received
what he calls his “New Year’s Gift” –
he passed through the threshold of
his new apartment at Good Shepherd
Square. Michael was an ideal candidate
for Good Shepherd’s Assisted Living
program, which enables clients, despite
their conditions, to live independently
and to be integrated into community
life as much as possible. The program
provides non-medical support services
to individuals so they can remain safe
and healthy in their homes. Personal
support workers (PSWs) check in and
support clients, so health concerns
are not ignored and needless visits to
emergency rooms are reduced.
“I was always independent, so each
day is a challenge,” says Michael. “Liv-
ing here has been really enjoyable. The
PSWs have helped me a lot. They’re
super; they help me out with breakfast,
lunch and dinner.”
Micheal has become deeply involved in
the Good Shephed Square community.
He’s an active participant in the Seniors
Activation and Maintenance (SAM) program. In fact, his gregarious nature and
positive attitude inspire other members
of the group who live with disabilities.
“He provides a sense of security to those
who also have disabilities,” says Program
Manager Chris Maleta. “When he talks
and shares his experiences, he motivates
those around him.”
SAM is an important part of Michael’s
life. It offers day programs for participants who are isolated or have reduced
physical or mental abilities. The program’s activities – from shuffleboard to
board games – are designed to stimulate
minds and bodies.
“The staff do an excellent job of providing activities for us. They let us choose
our own things to do,” he explains. “I
come three days a week. I look forward
to it.
“SAM keeps my mind sharp, and the exercises we do keep my body limber.“
SAM is a non-profit program for
seniors and adults with diminished
abilities who live in the community.
Day programs in East Hamilton,
Central Hamilton and Waterdown
support the growing needs of the
older adult population.
Each day consists of a variety of
activities that are designed to
maintain and enhance the wellbeing of the participants. SAM
offers a variety of physical, social,
creative and mentally stimulating
activities, as well as a meal and
assistance with personal care. An
on-site registered nurse addresses
health and wellness.
Additional support for people
participating in activities sets the
program apart from other local
drop-in seniors centres. Physical,
cognitive or communication
challenges are accommodated with
a focus on what people “can do”
not on what they “can’t do”.
Good Shepherd offers a continuum
of services to people in need in our
community. In particular, it offers
supportive housing to older adults
requiring assisted living services
in order for them to remain in
their own home. As well, Good
Shepherd provides community
support services for adults in
the form of personal needs and
care services. End-of-life care is
provided at Emmanuel House and
palliative care outreach services in
the broader community.
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Outreach
T H E
V O L U N T E E R
Philanthropic companies give back & help out
Good Shepherd relies on the help of thousands of volunteers
to provide the best service and availability to those in need. On
an average day, Good Shepherd services over 1,000 vulnerable
men, women and children in our community and our volunteers
assist us every step of the way. Specialty-skilled volunteers offer
our clients an experience to which they may not otherwise have
STOKE Strength and Conditioning
Olympic Gold Medalist Jocelyn Larocque (left), Amy
Coates and Becca King were new to Hamilton when
they opened STOKE Strength and Conditioning and
were looking for volunteer opportunities.
“We were really impressed with what Good Shepherd offers to the community,” says Becca.
STOKE’s fitness sessions at Good Shepherd Women’s
Services focus on mobility, strength and conditioning. The accomplishments and expertise of the
women inspire our clients to establish their own fitness goals and living a healthier lifestyle.
“The atmosphere of each session is extremely supportive and encouraging with all the women sharing
in each other’s successes,” says Becca. “We feel
lucky to have the opportunity.”
Mabel’s Labels
Mabel’s Labels makes durable labels for
families, with a line of items including child
safety products, sports labels and household
organizational labels. The company’s Community Relations Committee had participated in many clothing and food drives and
thought it would make an even greater difference if they donated their time. The Good
Shepherd Day of Caring Program seemed
like the perfect fit.
“It has been a great experience. Working
with different people within our own com-
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access. Yoga and fitness instructors, health and beauty experts,
massage therapists as well as arts and crafts enthusiasts are desired volunteer services for our programs.
Good Shepherd is fortunate to have a variety of businesses and
companies who donate their talents to help. Here are just a few ...
Ruth’s Hair Essentials
Ruth Rocha, owner of Ruth’s Hair Essentials, and
her assistant Emily Sherren (pictured) cut and style
women’s hair at Good Shepherd Women’s Services
Wellness Centre once a month.
Ruth started volunteering as a hairstylist for Good
Shepherd in April 2015 and a few months later
asked Emily to join her so they could help more
women in one visit.
“I was interested in helping people and one of my
clients, who also volunteers at Good Shepherd,
got me in touch with them,” says Ruth, “It is really a pleasure and a privilege to be able to offer
something to people. Especially if it is something
that makes them feel better about themselves.”
pany, who we don’t normally
work with is a fun team building activity,” says Mary-Ellen.
“Our monthly commitment
has been embraced on every
level of the company.”
The Mabel’s Labels volunteer
team works on a variety of
tasks at the Good Shepherd
Venture Centre.
“Volunteering has allowed us to see what a difference the Good Shepherd programs
really make in the community. It’s always been theoretical for us, but seeing the interactions between the staff and clients really hits home,” she says.
Blaine Prince, president of Aulward Graphics,
at his print facility in Stoney Creek.
Aulward Graphics: ‘A part of our family’
Blaine Prince, president of Aulward Graphics, takes pride
in his company’s rich heritage of craftsmanship, innovation
and community service. The print and design company was
started by his father, Paul Prince in 1967, and through Blaine’s
leadership and advice, Aulward has become one of Hamilton’s
most creative and outstanding agencies.
Aulward Graphics has been a supporter of Good Shepherd
for nearly 10 years, providing exceptional print services for
all Good Shepherd events, direct mail appeals and special
projects. Almost every printed item that comes from Good
Shepherd is produced at Aulward, including this newsletter.
“Being a print sponsor for all the Good Shepherd events
has allowed our staff to see first-hand the impact that our
VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED
Women’s Services – Female volunteers are needed to assist
with food preparation.
Emmanuel House – Volunteers are needed to prepare meals for
residents Saturday lunch or Sunday lunch or dinner. Reception
volunteers required for Saturday or Sunday.
Venture Centre Market Place (Food Bank) – Volunteers
contribution makes to an event. Knowing that their work helps
raise awareness and ultimately helps those in need makes the
staff very proud,” says Blaine.
The success of Good Shepherd’s annual fundraising program
relies heavily on the support of partners like Aulward Graphics,
who donate a their services to help the charity save on costs.
Good Shepherd runs five events and produces at least six large
mailings per year with the help of Blaine and his team.
Aulward Graphics is more than just a print company when it
comes to its relationship with Good Shepherd. When Chief
Development Officer Cathy Wellwood first met with Blaine
she was looking for a company that would share in Good
Shepherd’s vision to build a stronger community.
“Blaine and his team have been very generous to Good
Shepherd over the years. We couldn’t pull off our fundraising
work without them,” says Cathy. “We consider Aulward
Graphics a part of our family and a partner in helping us
alleviate poverty in Hamilton.”
Aulward was a partner in organizing the first ever Glamour in
the Hammer event. The fashion show and art exhibit took place
at Liuna Station and Blaine and his team didn’t hesitate when
they were asked to come up with creative design elements.
Glamour in the Hammer ended up being one of Aulward’s
favourite events to work on and it gave them an opportunity
to unveil their new large format print division.
Friday 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 12:30-4 p.m.
“We received a lot of great feedback on the way we transformed
the look of the venue. To be a part of the success of that event
and to be recognized for our work that evening was the best
feeling in the world,” says Blaine.
Special Skilled Volunteers – Hairstylists, Yoga Instructors,
Blaine encourages other organizations to help in any way that
they can.
are required to assist with sorting food donations, bagging
groceries, stocking shelves and greeting guests. Monday to
Fitness Instructors required.
To volunteer:
Call Marilyn or Maggie
905.528.6565 x3333 or x3321
“When you have the opportunity to donate your time and
resources to a charity, it makes your work feel much more
personal on every level,” he says. “It’s very rewarding for you
and your staff to know that you have contributed to something
that will have a positive impact on someone’s life.”
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in the
Community
Good Shepherd & Friends
Community Events
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Sept 10 Good Shepherd Golf Classic
Heron Point Golf Links, Ancaster
w
Sept 17 Miles for Smiles Charity Auction & Party
Tailgate Charlie’s
www.milesforsmilesride.ca
Thank you to the CHML/Y108/953 Fresh Children's Fund, which has donated
$5,000 for Good Shepherd's Christmas Programs. Olivia DePetris (left), VP of
the Children's Fund, presented a cheque to Good Shepherd's Sarah DeLuca.
ins
Sept 19 Miles for Smiles Ride
Confederation Park
www.milesforsmilesride.ca
Oct 15 17th-Annual Good Shepherd Harvest Dinner
Carmen’s Banquet Centre
(See Page 7)
Nov 2
An Evening with Jann Arden
A dinner & talk in support of Mary’s Place
Carmen’s Banquet Centre
(See Page 7)
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Sun
Union Gas employees from Stoney Creek grabbed brushes and rollers in July
and helped freshen up The Good Shepherd Centre. Thanks to their hard work,
homeless men have clean, dignified surroundings at the shelter.
Dec 13 Christmas Dinner & Wonderland
Hamilton Convention Centre
March 7 Jazz Up the Winter Blues
Ancaster Mill
April 22 Glamour in the Hammer
The Cotton Factory
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Joanne Magna of BMO Bank of Montreal (right) presents a cheque to Good
Shepherd Chief Development Office Cathy Wellwood. The banking corporation
generously supports Good Shepherd programs annually.
E HISTORIC
TH
17TH ANNUAL
GOOD SHEPHERD
HARVEST DINNER
Monday, November 2, 2015
* A special evening
celebrating the
20th Anniversary of
Mary’s Place
A Dinner & Talk*
in support of
Good Shepherd
Mary’s Place
women’s shelter.
Jann Arden gives
Spread Love
Create
Opportunities
her hilarious and
inspirational views
on adversity
empowerment,
and healing.
Hosted by
102.9 K-Lite FM’s
Sunni & Hayes.
THURSDAY
OCTOBER 15, 2015
CARMEN’S
BANQUET CENTRE
Tickets: 905.528.6565 x3309
events@gsch.ca
TICKETS: $150 • TABLES AVAILABLE
905.528.6565 • EVENTS@GSCH.CA
more than just printing
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A MESSAGE FROM
CATHY WELLWOOD
I hope that you’re having a great summer. It’s been a mixed bag of weather, but I’m not complaining
– we’ll be feeling that autumn chill soon enough. In the meantime, there are still weeks left until fall
officially arrives, so enjoy yourself!
There has been no summer lull at the Good Shepherd Development Office. In fact, we’re busier than
ever. In addition to preparing for our annual Golf Classic (September 10) and Harvest Dinner (October
15), we are presenting An Evening with Jann Arden on November 2, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Mary’s Place women’s shelter. Jann will be talking to us about her views on adversity, empowerment and healing. They’re heavy subjects, but Jann is renowned for her amazing optimism and tremendous sense of humour.
Your ticket price includes dinner and a tax receipt for its partial value – and tables of 10 are available. The evening is hosted by
our friends Sunni & Hayes from 102.9 K-Lite FM. Check out our ad on Page 7 to see how you can get your hands on tickets and
more information about the evening.
I can’t wait to see you all at these events. I continue to be heartened and amazed by the respect that you show Good Shepherd.
Your support – either through donations or participating in events – helps us deliver innovative services to the community. Fundraising is a high priority for us because the needs of our clients are placed above all else. It’s with the support of our community
that we can help the thousands of individuals and families who count on us for their survival.
Our clients are in good hands. We have the community’s most compassionate co-workers, many of whom will gladly put their
own personal lives on hold to ensure that people in need receive the support they require.
They live Good Shepherd’s mission and core values under the leadership of our program directors. You have to be a special
person to guide our programming while making sure that we address every client’s need. Our directors and their co-workers
are more than willing to represent Good Shepherd in the community to ensure that we maintain crucial partnerships with other
agencies throughout the city. Hamilton’s social service sector relies on their creativity, empathy and commitment to guarantee
that effective programs are available whenever they’re needed.
It says a lot about our organization. Not only do we have the best front-line staff and leadership, our reputation in Hamilton and
throughout Ontario attracts people who are eager to be a part of our team.
I am so proud to be a part of Good Shepherd.
God Bless,
Cathy Wellwood
Chief Development Officer
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
The Shepherd Newsletter is
published three times a year.
It is our way of sharing Good
Shepherd’s news and events. You
will also receive greetings from
the Brothers and Staff of Good
Shepherd at Easter, Thanksgiving
and Christmas.
Each Good Shepherd mailing
is accompanied by a reply card
and a return envelope for your
convenience. Although your
support is vital, we understand that
not everyone can make a donation
in response to each mailing.
HOW TO REACH US
If you prefer fewer mailings, or
none at all, let us know. We also
invite you to use the reply envelope
enclosed to communicate with
us. Please tell us how we’re doing
and inform us of changes in your
mailing information.
Good Shepherd subscribes to
the Association of Fundraising
Professionals Donor Bill of Rights.
We value our donors and take your
privacy seriously. We do not share,
trade, or sell any donor information
that we have collected.
General Inquiries
Donation Inquiries
goodshepherdcentres.ca
10 Delaware Avenue, PO Box 1003
Phone: 905.572.6435
facebook.com/goodshepherdhamilton
Hamilton ON L8N 3R1
Fax: 905.528.6967
twitter.com/goodshepherdham
youtube.com/goodshepherdhamilton
Phone: 905.528.9109
donations@gsch.ca
info@gsch.ca
goodshepherdcentres.ca/donate
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