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Hand to Heart Visits St. Joseph Community Health Foundation
Co-Founders of the social enterprise startup Handtoheart, an online border-less market allowing refugee women free access to sell their handicrafts to an international audience, paid a visit to the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation May 5. HandtoHeart gives refugee women the ability to work from their homes or community centers in Istanbul. The non-profit organization was the recipient of Istanbul’s first Borderless Hackathon prize, an award sponsored by the U.S. Consulate and Kolektif House. They were in Fort Wayne to learn more from area non-profits who help refugees.
HandtoHeart was invited to the United States under the auspices of the Department of State’s International Visit Program. The group ranged from age 19-29, and are from all over the world. They are united by their humanitarian effort to help Syrian refugees in Turkey
St. Joseph Community Health Foundation in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, is a ministry sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.
Helping Others Happens in Unique Ways
When I asked my brother-in-law for some old jeans to use for a project, my sister quickly put together a bagful that I brought back to Donaldson from a weekend visit with my family. Collection bins were placed near the serving line of our dining room for people to contribute their old, clean jeans.
Maria Center residents, Sisters, co-workers, friends from the area who had read about the event in the local newspapers, joined on March 30, 2016 and worked for two hours cutting apart the jeans and then cutting parts traced on the denim that would be assembled as shoe parts for children in Uganda.
Those who gathered watched a video from the Sole Hope organization that explained how people in Uganda usually wear flip-flops, but there are no flip-flops small enough for the very young and growing children. As a result, children often get jiggers in the soles of their feet that cause infection and health-related problems.
Using cut up tires, the actual sole is made of a piece of rubber and the denim parts are sewed to that piece of rubber as the upper part of the shoe and the heal. The shoes are assembled by local people in Uganda and given to the children.
This project made all of us aware of how we can help people we have never met by just giving a few hours of our time to work together on a project that helps people to be healthy. Some of the women attending from local churches were going to take the project back to their churches.
Another afternoon will be scheduled so that people continue this project here at The Center at Donaldson.
The Center at Donaldson Awarded for Earth Friendly Practices
An Earth Day celebration and award presentation will be held at The Center at Donaldson, 9601 Union Road, on April 22, 2016 from 3-5 p.m. EDT. All are invited.
Multiple activities are planned for the day in honor of Earth Day.
Bring your plastic bags and stuff Baggin' the Dragon - the Earth friendly dragon. One reusable cloth bag per family will be exchanged for your plastic bags.
Learn about worm composting and enter to win a yard sized compost bin! Also enter to win a rain-barrel, so you, too, can conserve water.
To help protect your identity and eliminate some waste from going into the landfills, a shredding event will be available. Bring your personal documents, clean out your files, and get ready for spring.
Also part of this celebration is the presentation of the Bicentennial Green Legacy Award to The Center at Donaldson in recognition of its important contribution to Indiana’s Bicentennial Green Legacy for leading the way to a safer and more sustainable future. The award, presented by Sustainable Indiana 2016, will be held on the front lawn at The Center at Donaldson at 4 p.m. EDT.
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and their ministries’ belief that all life on the planet is sacred and deserves respect and protection is confirmed by their endorsement of the Earth Charter. The Earth Charter is an ethical framework for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century. (earthcharter.org/)
Some of the practices adopted by The Center at Donaldson that live into this belief and which made The Center eligible for the award, include: installation of rain gardens, green houses, geo-thermal heating and cooling, and use of hybrid cars, earth-friendly cleaning solutions and recycling. The Poor Handmaids also have put land into three classified forests, protecting the land from further development.
The strong belief in recycling has led the Poor Handmaids to hire a full-time recycling person. A recycling demonstration will be offered during the celebration. A new Land Manager position is also currently being filled.
During the event, visit Earthworks, an environmental education center, and meet Luigi, Donté, and Sweet Annie, Earthworks’ resident goats. Tour the greenhouses where food is grown to feed the residents, co-workers and visitors at The Center.
Take a tour of MoonTree Studios, which has achieved LEED-Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The 10kW wind turbine located on the property generates power from prevailing winds for use in meeting MoonTree’s electrical load and demonstrates MoonTree’s energy consciousness.
Come celebrate the Earth with the Poor Handmaids on April 22. Learn ways you can help protect the natural communities, visit the PHJC ministries, and enjoy the beautiful grounds at The Center.
Inter-Generational Group Makes Baby Blankets
When three groups of ladies get together, there is sure to be fellowship, fun and service. Recently Kelly Redinger, Delta Theta Tau Representative, brought materials and scissors to the Catherine Kasper Life Center where she was met by the Sisters of Catherine’s Cottage, the “Sister Power” support group, and the Ancilla Women’s Volleyball Team for their third annual blanket making project.
Kelly delivers the finished baby blankets to the St. Joe Regional Medical Center in Plymouth. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am very thankful to be a part of such a wonderful group of ladies, I hope we can continue this project for many years.”
Sister Marlene Ann Lama, PHJC, commented, “This was our third baby blanket gathering with the Lady Chargers. I am convinced that these exchanges between the Lady Chargers and the Sisters just keeping getting better and better! It is heartwarming to see Ancilla’s vibrant young women so open and responsive to our older Sisters. They didn’t hesitate to share with us about themselves, their goals and future dreams. This inter-generational service project was filled with respectful listening, inquisitive sharing and good deal of laughter. It also confirmed the great team work that existed between the generations in getting the baby blankets made for the newborns.”
Lana Singleton, volleyball coach, expressed her appreciation, “I feel very blessed that we have opportunities like this to strengthen our inter-generational relationships with the Sisters. They are amazing women and my team benefits greatly every time we spend time together. I also feel very blessed that Kelly Redinger from Delta Theta Tau came up with this wonderful idea and it is a yearly tradition now.”
Calves Make Their Arrival at Ancilla Beef & Grain Farm
With the arrival of spring at Ancilla Beef & Grain Farm comes the arrival of newborn calves. The first, a male, was born Tuesday, March 8. As of Tuesday, March 15, seven of the expected 101 calves have made their way into the world. So far, there are three females and four males.
In this herd, which is the Angus-Slaers breed, all but 11 are naturally conceived. The 11 AI calves (conceived through artificial insemination) are all due at the beginning of April. Like humans, the gestation period for calves is 9 months. The average birth weight is 70-90 pounds, with the females being on the lighter side.
To date, only two deliveries have required assistance. Co-directors Tim and Joe Reinhold have assisted two of the mothers by chain pulling the calf’s legs when their deliveries became difficult. Security and Support Staff team leader Zeb Smitha, who was making his rounds last Tuesday, assisted Tim and Joe with the year’s first delivery. “He asked if we needed any help,” Tim said. “Sure. We always take help,” Tim replied.
“He ain’t a bad puller,” Joe surmised. About the experience, which was his first calf delivery, Zeb said, “It was pretty nice to be present for the birth of first calf of the year, especially when everything was going well for the mother, calf, and Tim and Joe. It’s spring, and it means that summer is right around the corner.”
Ancilla Beef and Grain Farm, a ministry of the Poor Handmaids, operates in a manner that values and respects the soil and animals. It grows hay, corn and soybeans that feed the cattle. Ancilla’s prime beef is raised all-natural.
Congratulations to MoonTree Studios Architect
MKM Architecture + Design was recently awarded an AIA Merit Award for MoonTree Studios. A ministry of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, MoonTree Studios challenges people to experience mindfulness as they explore the interconnectedness of art, nature, zand the Spirit within. The collection of buildings create an environment for exploration – a space for fearlessly creating.
The building designs support a range of traditional arts activities as well as specialized workshops and exhibits. While visibly modern upon approach, it is situated and shaped carefully to blend comfortably with the rural surroundings.
MoonTree Studios convey a wide range of sustainable design principles and technologies. It achieved LEED-Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council as part of the owner’s ongoing educational mission. The 10kW wind turbine generates power from prevailing winds for use in meeting the facility’s electrical loads and strongly signals the energy-conscious theme at MoonTree.
While MoonTree Studios promoted sustainable development, it was more concerned with how these spaces fostered social interaction and creativity for its users of all ages and abilities. This project looked at how studio space could affect community health and well-being. Through experiencing MoonTree, people awaken to their creative potential and sow the seeds for a more mindful, compassionate and sustainable Earth Community.
~Katie O’Muireagain, Director of Business Development, MKM Architecture + Design
Human Trafficking - Modern Day Slavery
The idea that people today can be bought and sold for a price seems unbelievable. But it is a reality. The United Nations estimates that almost 30 million people across the globe are living in slavery. Today we call this “human trafficking” but it’s no different than slavery of the past. Men, women and children are bought and sold as a commodity for labor, prostitution, exploitation and the removal of organs.
Human Trafficking is a $150 billion industry worldwide, and it is happening throughout the world in every country including the United States. According to the US Department of State, 2 million women and children are victims of human trafficking every year in the United States, including 300 thousand children forced into child prostitution and child pornography.
There are more slaves today than any other time in human history: Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world, second only to drug trafficking. And while drugs can be sold once, a person can be sold several times a day.
Incidents of human trafficking tend to spike alongside major sporting events like the Olympics and the Super Bowl to meet the high demand for commercial sex.
As this year’s Super Bowl comes nearer, please pray with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ for the men, women, and children forced into slavery.
Prayer to end Human Trafficking
Creator of us all, our words cannot express what our minds can barely comprehend and our hearts feel when we hear of children and adults deceived and transported to unknown places for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor because of human greed.
Our hearts are saddened and our spirits angry that their dignity and rights are being transgressed through threats, deception and force. We cry out against the degrading practice of trafficking and seek ways for it to end.
Strengthen the fragile-spirited and broken-hearted. Make real your promises to fill these our sisters and brothers with a love that is tender and good and send the exploiters away empty-handed. Give us the wisdom and courage to stand in solidarity with them, that together we will find ways to the freedom that is your gift to all of us. Amen.
— Gen Cassani, SSND used with permission
PHJC Volunteer Program Selects First Volunteer
It is with great joy that we announce the acceptance of our first live-in, full-time volunteer in the new PHJC Volunteer Program!
Libby Riggs has known our community for well over thirty-five years having been an affiliate and currently an Associate for six years. She is a member of the Associate Core Team and is steeped in our charism, mission and values.
The Sisters of Assumption Hall will be Libby’s Host Community. Libby will share ministry with our Sisters in Catherine’s Cottage, Catherine Kasper Home and Motherhouse for the next year.
We send hearty congratulations and a very warm welcome to Libby and pray that the year ahead will bring many graces and blessings to her, the Sisters and all at The Center at Donaldson.
4 Tons of Cardboard - 1 Ton of Plastic
While The Center at Donaldson is unique for many reasons, one of the most important is our full-time recycling coordinator, Joyce Roberts. Outside of hospitals and traditional “green” industries, this is rare.
“We save everything,” Joyce said. “From foam box inserts to packing peanuts to cans and cardboard; the amount of different things we recycle here, people just wouldn’t believe.” Joyce began her career at The Center almost six years ago as a part-time recycling coordinator. Her path has meandered over the years, including 20 hours each in the business office and in recycling, to her current gig in 2014.
It’s staggering the amount and variety of items recycled here. Most of them are handled at least three times by Joyce, including loading, processing and re-loading. Since September 2015, she’s bailed about four tons of cardboard and one ton of plastic. The plastic is separated into numbers. Numbers one and two are recycled while numbers four through seven will be made into oil, since plastic originates from petroleum. Currently not big money makers, Joyce says that if the market comes back, recycling at TCAD could become profitable. “That’s not what’s important here,” she adds. “What we do that’s important is recycle, reuse and keep it out of the landfill.”
In the Central Receiving Services building, Joyce works to break down old heating registers removed from Catherine Kasper Home into recyclable parts. The components, like aluminum, copper tubing, wiring, and the metal itself are then recycled, diverting them from the landfill. Joyce adds she can and will recycle anything here except televisions and computers, and she welcomes co-workers to bring in anything they might formerly have trashed for recycling.
Joyce’s favorite part of the job is working with Sister Linda Volk. “She gets things done,” Joyce said of Sister Linda as the pair caught up on separating plastics in the first floor recycling room on a rainy Monday afternoon. “She’s a hard worker, and I enjoy keeping busy,” Joyce added. Sister Linda likes working with Joyce as well; describing her as consistent, methodical in her work habits, and a creative problems solver, qualities Sister Linda sees as essential for the job. “I feel we’re partners,” Sister Linda said. “She’s a darn good worker and we have a lot of fun,” Sister Linda added.
The SJCHF Announces $517,182 in Local Grants
More than $500,000 in grants have been given to local organizations to improve the health and wellness of vulnerable and low-income populations of Allen County. The grant money was provided by the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, a ministry sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.
“Allen County is blessed with many outstanding organizations that are improving the health and wellness of individuals in our community,” said Meg Distler, Executive Director of the Foundation. “Our mission is to continue the legacy of our sponsor by supporting organizations that care for the poor and underserved by helping them access quality medical care and wellness resources.”
The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ has had an active ministry in this community since 1868, and, through the Foundation, has invested more than $16.9M through 1,085 grants into 186 Allen County agencies since the sale of St. Joseph Medical Center in 1998. All grants are focused on helping to establish and maintain centers of excellence for the delivery of mental, physical and spiritual health care to the low-income and underserved in our community. Moreover, these grants are intended to build programming to address gaps that prevent individuals from attaining effective care that supports health and wellness. The funded agencies also reflect the shared values of the Foundation’s sponsor, especially showing dignity and respect for all and carrying on the mission of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ in the area.
The St. Joseph Community Health Foundation focuses their Community Impact into four main areas: Assuring a Quality, Affordable Healthcare Network, Connecting People to Health & Wellness Care, Integrating Refugee & Immigrant Health, and Promoting Life-Affirming Prenatal & Infant Care.
The following grants are among those awarded from November 2015 through the end of the year:
Assuring a Quality, Affordable Healthcare Network (Unrestricted Funds)
Matthew 25 Health & Dental Clinic - $105,000.00
For the full-time Dental Director and part-time dentist position.
Matthew 25 Health & Dental Clinic - $125,000.00
For the Medical Director’s salary.
Super Shot - $50,000.00
For immunizations at Anthony Medical Center and Anthis Career Center.
Carriage House - $30,000.00 (in 2015 and 2016)
To assist adults with limited resources to reclaim their lives from the devastation of serious mental illness by providing unique and effective Clubhouse Model psychosocial rehabilitation.
Connecting People to Health &Wellness Care (Unrestricted Funds)
SoulMedic – RemedyLIVE - $30,000.00
To grow the SoulMedic team, improve their technology and increase their ability to help teens and young adults find hope, through technology, amidst their struggle.
Allen County Jail Chaplaincy - $15,000.00
For educational and spiritual programs for the inmates of the Allen County Jail, to help them to understand the changes they need to make in their lives and help to equip them to make those changes.
YWCA Northeast Indiana / Hope House - $18,750.00
To provide on-site recovery group counseling and parenting classes to chemically dependent women in a residential program and Family Group therapeutic support to residents and their family members.
Integrating Refugee & Immigrant Health (Unrestricted Funds)
Catholic Charities - $8,500.00
To help coordinate services related to health screenings and immediate healthcare for primary and secondary refugees.
Center for Nonviolence - $17,500.00
To provide health education, case management, medical translation and other related services to non-English speaking populations who have significant barriers to health services.
Lutheran Agency for Missions to Burmese (L.A.M.B.) - $20,000.00
To provide medical advocacy for Burmese individuals.
Promoting Life-Affirming Prenatal & Infant Care (Unrestricted Funds)
A Hope Center - $45,000.00
To support and enhance the ongoing provision of quality, limited medical services (nurse-administered pregnancy tests, STI testing, limited first trimester ultrasounds, and prenatal vitamins).
Lutheran Social Services - $10,000.00
To enhance the health and wellness of teen parents and their children who participate in the Education Creates Hope and Opportunity (ECHO) program.
Frederick J. Pfeiffer Fund – in Honor of Charles F. and Henrietta Eckart Pfeiffer – for Medical and Surgical Equipment
Fort Wayne Community Schools - $10,932.00
To purchase the early interventions combo kit, including vision and hearing screening equipment, to be utilized in the Family Resource Center to screen students new to the school district.
Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center - $580.00
To purchase a VHS to DVD converter, cart, DVDs, and flat screen TV with built-in DVD player for conversion of all VHS tapes to DVDs for training purposes.
Blessed Catherine Kasper Award for Outstanding Service to the Poor
Heart of the City Mission Foundation - $1,500.00
For The Wash Room, an initiative to help families living in poverty have clean clothes and bedding, nurturing the health, hygiene, and economic well-being of marginalized families.
Homebound Meals - $1,500.00
To help fund the operations budget for delivering hot, nutritional meals to the homebound community of Fort Wayne.
About the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation
The St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, stewards resources to:
Respond to community needs with grants;
Leverage collaboration with community partners;
Engage in transformational initiatives.
We serve the poor in body, mind and spirit to achieve quality health and wellness, focusing on the community of Allen County, Indiana and may respond to needs among other underserved populations.
In addition to providing grants, the Foundation also provides programming to address gaps in services, including a Resource Directory of Allen County’s low-cost, quality healthcare resources. The Community Health Resource Directory is also available online at www.HealthcareDirectory.org. Two new directories in 2016 include a Pregnancy Resource Directory and a Refugee & Immigrant Directory.
The Foundation is also currently partnering with Parkview Health to provide the community with the H.E.A.L. (Healthy Eating Active Living) program. Part of the HEAL program brings fresh produce to food desert areas of Fort Wayne, and the program is sponsoring healthy cooking classes at Redemption House, Charis House, and Vincent Village. HEAL is also supporting community gardens at McCormick Place apartments and Redemption House.
P.O. Box 1; 9601 Union Road
Donaldson, IN 46513
(574) 936-9936
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