 |
 |
Following are highlights from monthly program reports for one year: January New Year's Brunch was an idea forwarded by the Residential Shelter Program staff several years ago, and Chris Conlogue, Residential Program Manager, was instrumental in continuing this activity this year -- primarily because he volunteered to cook! In its inception the brunch was held in Brother Juniper's, now the site of the After School Learning Center, and included a menu with several selections. Now that that space is used to serve improving skills and grades rather than meals, the residents enjoy their first day of the New Year in the large dining room, with a fixed but sumptuous breakfast menu. Television is not a standard at Raphael House. We prefer to create an environment where relationships have every opportunity to flourish. However, when special events warrant, we make a festive opportunity so that if television is a part of their Raphael House experience, it is also a celebration of the people. This year the Residential staff provided popcorn, juice, sandwiches and other treats so that watching the Super Bowl was at least as much about being with one another, if not more. February
March The war in Iraq, and ensuing protests, led to many disruptions in San Francisco, including disruptions in the lives of families at Raphael House. The annual Open House was re-scheduled over concerns that our families would be unable to find transportation to and from the event (MUNI service was greatly reduced due to the mass of protesters in the downtown and Civic Center areas.). In addition, many of our families had difficulty comprehending the scope of the war, believing at times that the United States was under direct attack, and that foreign troops would be invading San Francisco. We discovered this by overhearing comments from the children, who wondered if they would be safe, if Raphael House had enough food and water in case the city was attacked, and if Sadaam Hussein was in one of the helicopters hovering overhead. Our efforts to reassure families that they were safe were largely successful. However, one of our parents is a refugee from a war-torn country, and suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The sights and sounds of the war and protests was overwhelming for her and led to increasing agitation, and serious concerns regarding her ability to take care of her children. A mobile crisis team was alerted in the event we needed additional support for this family. April
May
Each year a small number of families are designated by the program staff as special needs families: those who face extraordinary challenges and would not be able to overcome their circumstances in a six-month stay. During a weekly case plan meeting, the staff agrees to continue working with these families as long as they continue to follow the program guidelines and remain committed to their own success. One of these families, a single mother with five children (there are two more children back home in the Philippines!), moved into their own apartment this month, with both joy and sadness for everyone. This family first came to Raphael House in 1999, and at that time included the children's father. During that stay the youngest of the current five children was born, and the husband was asked to leave due to drug abuse. The family reunited after moving into an apartment. However, the situation gradually declined, the mother separated from the father, and she once again sought help from Raphael House, resulting in this most recent stay. A final note for May -- the two Vietnamese mothers mentioned in the April 2003 program report were invited back to Raphael House for a special celebration of their shared birthday.
June
This month also marked the beginning of CYO Summer Camp for many of our children. Assisted by the generosity of Children of Shelters and many other donors, we sent 60 children to Camp Armstrong in Sonoma County, where they experienced a world that is often new and mysterious. As one young camper told Sue Hans, case worker, on his drive home: "How did the zoo get the deer up to the forest? I know they're from the zoo, because they can't live out here, not in this pretend forest." He was amazed, but not completely convinced when Sue reassured him that the forest was real, and the deer were full-time residents. Raphael House Board member, Lita Benton, her twin Leah, Mrs. Bryant Young (of the 49ers) and friends from Schwab hosted the now annual Day Of Beauty. Hair stylists Bonjo and Eddie Davis donated their services and cut hair for both Residential and AfterCare women, while Lita and the women applied make-up, nail polish, and good humor. There were snacks and goody bags for all who attended. ANNIE! was this year's musical at the annual Mountain Play on Mt. Tamalpais. As usual, the weather was wonderful, and our families enjoyed a beautiful (though rigorous) bus ride up the mountain, before dining on box lunches and feasting their eyes and ears on the musical production. A final note for June -- former resident and former employee, Fany Cortez, became a case manager for the Homeless Prenatal Program (HPP). That brings the number of former Raphael House residents now employed by HPP to three. Congratulations Fany! July
A new event this year was the Fashion Tea. Sue Hans, long-time case manager, recognized that our larger moms have a very difficult time finding clothing. Being resourceful, Sue contacted clothier Harper-Greer, and received a very generous donation of plus-size fashions. Rather than simply distribute the clothing, Sue put together a social event in the AfterCare building. As a variation on a fashion show theme, the women selected clothing, tried them on, and then sang each other's praises while enjoying their tea. A valuable resource and self-esteem booster combined, the Fashion Tea looks promising to become an annual event. August
September The Michaelmas Play, performed by Raphael House children, was a big hit, as usual. A saint, a dragon, a town in danger, and of course a lovely young maiden in distress, all fulfilled their roles in the annual, action packed (10 minute) performance that helps to mark the transition from fall to winter. September also saw the unveiling of the 17th Annual Children's Art Show adorning the walls of the first floor of the shelter. Always a joy for everyone to view throughout the year, it is a delight for the child artists to see their work honored and to receive ribbons (they all get one) and art supplies. One family in the Residential Program received a Section 8 voucher, which allows them to rent an apartment with one third of their income. In addition to softening the bite of the current rental market, this federal subsidy can also be used toward a mortgage, and a more permanent solution to generations of homelessness. Another family moved into Clara House, a transitional housing program that will allow them to live in an apartment-like setting while mom pursues further education and job training. One more cause for celebration: the Raphael House residential family welcomed the arrival of a healthy baby boy born on September 27th. His parents were very excited and relieved to have him "home at last", while older brother (3 years old) was still doing his best to adjust. The average number of residents this month was just over 40. October
All of the celebrations at Raphael House are carefully planned, and the Halloween Party is no exception. The rooftop garden is our ideal setting, but alternate plans for the AfterCare space are always arranged in case of rain. For all of the care that goes into planning this event, the greatest preparation is in readying the participants themselves! Many of our children cannot afford a Halloween costume, so the Children's Program staff members spend weeks collecting a very impressive array of styles and sizes, from fanciful to lavish (but nothing scary). Each child is given a special appointment time to look through and try on costumes until they find the one that is just right. Many fine costumes were donated this year.
November The gifts of home and hearth, shared everyday with our families at Raphael House, were celebrated with neighborhood seniors and AfterCare families during Thanksgiving Dinner this year. As in the past, we had three dinners -- the first two for seniors and former residents, the last for our current resident families (178 people in all). The dining room tables were set with linens and fine place settings, and each table had decorations from the harvest. The meal itself was quite traditional, with turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans and cranberry sauce, prepared and served by volunteers. This year Chris Conlogue, the Residential Program Manager, added to his many responsibilities by stepping in as cook, and did a magnificent job.
December Christmas is by far the busiest time of the year for Raphael House programs. Celebrations, events and field trips are held throughout the month in addition to all of the regular program activities. Staff and volunteers undertake a great deal of advanced planning and preparation (for example, preparations for Adopt-A-Family begin in October) in order to make the Raphael House Christmas season special, and for some families this will be the most enjoyable Christmas they have known. There are Advent Celebrations throughout the month of December on the Sundays leading up to Christmas. The first Sunday was celebrated with an Advent Spiral -- the 2nd floor Children's Garden was transformed into a swirling pattern of evergreen and candles. The spiral served to guide each child along a path to the candle at the center. Once there, children light their own candle, retrace their steps to the outside, lighting another candle along the way so that others may see more clearly. This celebration was held at both Raphael House and Sophia House. The Second Advent Sunday brought a wonderful group of carolers who sang Christmas songs to our residents, including requests. The third Advent Celebration involved making Christmas wishes for friends, both near and far. These wishes were rolled into a candle, which was placed into candelabra and lit.
To help parents provide the joy of Christmas gifts to their children without having to spend their savings, each December Raphael House transforms an office or meeting room into Santa's Workshop. Toys and various gifts are collected and caringly displayed by Carol Cole and the Children's Program staff so that each parent can schedule a time to "shop" for their children. Once the gifts are selected, they're set aside for wrapping and become part of Santa's visit on Christmas Day. Tuesday nights is Family Activity night, and throughout the month of December parents and children made Advent Calendars, Christmas cookies, as well as stockings. We hope these additions to their Christmas tradition will continue long after they move to their own home. The Christmas Cave at Sophia House is a blue cave made of sheets, with a nativity scene inside. Also inside are gifts for everyone: the Sophia House children, interns, and a neighbor child. As they softly sing, a child goes inside the cave, chooses a gift, brings it out and gives it to the person whose name is on it. Then that person goes in and does the same until everyone has both given and received. Then the gifts are opened. In mid-December the After School children can be seen in a group walking up and down the first floor hallway, stopping at each office door and asking "Tienes Posada?" ("Do you have room?"), re-enacting when Mary and Joseph wandered in search of shelter. This is a Hispanic Christmas party tradition called Posada. The staff members -- having been coached -- respond "No Hay Posada," and the children continue their search until they arrive back at the After School room, where they finally find their "yes!", and a celebration begins. Each Christmas celebration could not be complete without the Christmas Play. This year's unforgettable image was a four-year-old child, arms outstretched as the big Angel proclaimed in a clear strong voice, "Fear Not For I Bring You Tidings Of Great Joy!"
Christmas Brunch was a happy event for both seniors and volunteers. As always, the guests enjoyed the Children's Nativity Play as well as the meal. The Barhydt Family volunteered again to sing and play their musical instruments at the Brunch. The final event of Christmas Day was the volunteer group of Elliot Katz, his family, and friends preparing and serving Christmas dinner for the residential families. (As a representative of Superior Coffee, Elliot Katz donates all of our coffee year-round.)
|
|
There was a new, and very welcome addition to the Raphael House residential shelter community this month. Abyssinia, whose parents are from Ethiopia, and for whom she is named, was born less than a month from the time her parents first arrived. Her 5-year-old brother was very excited, as were we all. However, we would have to wait to enjoy her, as it is an Ethiopian custom that a new baby shall stay primarily with the mother, in their home, for from 40 to 80 days. Happily we were able to compromise with the parents to include the upstairs common room to their notion of Raphael House as their home, so some lucky staff people were able to catch a glimpse. She is beautiful. A final note -- there was a volunteer training on February 8th from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Twenty volunteers joined staff members for an overview of programs, the families we serve, and volunteers' invaluable role in supporting our mission.
The annual Easter Egg Hunts -- one at the Raphael House roof garden, the other in the play area at Sophia House -- were, as usual, a great success. Young children in their Easter finery wandered about in search of eggs, managing to get most of the found treasures into their baskets. Of special note -- this year many of the baskets were donated, which was a big help to the children's program, and the budget.
This year's AfterCare Open House required a bit of perseverance. Originally held in September, the program staff elected to move the Open House to March so that Raphael House would have a major After Care event in each of the four seasons (4th of July, Harvest Festival, Adopt-A-Family, Open House). It was then postponed due to the war protests and their effect on transportation. Finally held this month, the Open House was slightly smaller than in years past, though just as much fun. Families enjoyed food, Bingo, a drawing for prizes, and this year the children enjoyed face painting as well as a special appearance by a juggler-magician extraordinaire. Like all Raphael House events, the Open House gives our families a chance to socialize with one another, while providing us with an opportunity to check-in and continue our support of this growing community.
June brings the end of the school year, which is a happy event for many, but especially the children. For Raphael House, however, June means that the After School program will close until September. As a result, the first floor hallway is usually absent the familiar echoes of laughter, and the intense hum of children's brains engaged with homework. This year, however, some of that youthful spirit remained, as we held a Children's Day Camp. Inspired by San Francisco's cuts to elementary school summer programs, Carol Cole and the Children's Program staff took it upon themselves to organize a Raphael House Summer Day Camp. Priority was given to Residential and After Care families with working parents, and the camp was held from June 6th through July 4th. Fourteen children enjoyed arts and crafts activities here, and went on many field trips to places such as Muir Woods, Ocean Beach, and various parks throughout the city.
The 4th of July Picnic was a success, as usual. Each year we become more organized, and this year the hot dogs and hamburgers were hitting the grill a full hour before the start of the event! Special thanks to AfterCare dad Abner Foster for manning the barbeque pit all day long! While the children enjoyed traditional picnic games, such as three-legged races and spoon-potato races, the parents took in the luxury of a sunny San Francisco day, good conversation, and lots of watermelon and cherries. 
The Water World field trip -- one of the biggest hits of the
summer -- was successful once again, thanks to the careful
planning and support of Raphael House staff and volunteers. Fifty-eight
families were in attendance for a total of 261 people, including
163 children. The families enjoyed the sun, the slides, and another
opportunity to visit with friends. Another annual activity is the
Back to School Program. Despite some last minute concerns over gathering
enough supplies, the Back to School events -- in San Francisco
and in Oakland -- were a great success. One hundred and fifty-one
students from 65 families received new outfits and school supplies-a-plenty.
October is a month for welcoming the return of autumn and the joys
of harvest. The Pumpkin Patch Field Trip is a time-honored tradition
at Raphael House. This year the children's program staff accompanied
some of our residential children on a scenic drive to Half Moon
Bay where many discovered that pumpkins do not come from a supermarket,
but are a part of nature's harvest and come from the earth.
The children wandered around the field, carefully selecting among
the vast array of shapes and sizes -- the only condition that
they be able to carry the pumpkin they choose -- from which
to make their jack-o-lantern. Meanwhile the staff selected pumpkins
for the rest of the residential families, who carved them as a special
activity at a regular Tuesday Night Family Activity. 
Despite a typically chilly October evening, children arrived on
the rooftop garden in splendid costumes, and were truly transformed
into princesses, dragons, pumpkins and ladybugs. Old fashioned games
like dropping a clothespin in a bottle, eating a donut from a string
(no hands, please!) and potato races are strategically arranged
among hay bales and jack-o-lanterns for optimum fun, with treats
and apple cider for all. Mother Goose then leads the children in
nursery rhymes before handing each child a hand-sewn gosling of
their very own. 
Many of our AfterCare families were able to enjoy Thanksgiving
celebrations at home with the help of Sue Hans and Carmela Biggs.
With the support of other staff and live-in volunteers, these two
veteran Raphael House case managers gathered ingredients (turkeys,
stuffing, sweet potatoes, potatoes, celery, vegetables, cranberry
sauce and pumpkin pie), assembled and distributed more than 100
Thanksgiving Food Boxes, the largest number ever. Though we aren't
able to sit down with each of these families at their special meal,
there is a blessed feeling that comes from giving them a hand so
that they can make it happen. 
St. Nicholas' helper (our CFO, Michael Ennis) read from the
"Big Book", which lists something that each child is
doing well, and one thing that the child is working on. Michael
told the story beautifully, and convincingly -- the children
of one family gave him their Christmas wish lists to take to Santa.
As reminded by the line in a popular Christmas song "And
mom and dad can hardly wait for school to start again," December
is also a time of numerous outings and activities. Family Ice Skating
at the Yerba Buena skating rink and the children's trip to
see the Seals at Año Nuevo State Reserve are becoming Raphael
House traditions for the Christmas break. This year a trip to Mrs.
Grossman's Sticker Factory was a new addition and a big hit,
as children received a first hand look at how stickers are made,
as well as a generous sampling of the end product.