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November 27/28 Drop-In Center/ Admin. OfficeClosed

December14 VolunteerMass&Potluck @LakewoodWomen’s Pavilion-4PM

December17-19 GivingTreeDistribution @ Drop-In Center

December24 Drop-In Center/ Admin. OfficeClosed@12PM

December25/26 Drop-In Center/ Admin. OfficeClosed

January1 Drop-In Center/ Admin. OfficeClosed

For more calendar information visit the WSCC’s website!

Mark your calendars!

Fall2014

Since 1979, Ernest Marshall – better known as “Pops” to those who know him at WSCC – has been eating his breakfast, lunch and Saturday supper at the Drop-In Center. Always grateful, he never complained about the food he was served, he was just relieved to know he would never go hungry.

In the last two years, however, Pops has noticed a change.

“I noticed a difference in the food health-wise and it really tastes good,” Pops said. “There’s not as much pasta as there used to be, or hot dogs. There are a lot of vegetables now and fruit. I feel better too, not as many aches and pains. I can tell I’m putting better food in myself.”

Miracles on 32 nd Street

Drop-InCenterMeals: New On The Menu

The change in the food that Pops has noticed stems from the WSCC’s Fresh Food Initiative which was implemented in January of 2013. The program was created as a result of recommendations from a Drop-In Center client focus group which advocated for healthier food, specifically requesting more fresh fruit and vegetables.

With initial funding from the Conway Family Foundation and later supplemented with funds from the Reinberger Foundation, the Fresh Food Initiative has made it possible to serve fresh fruits and vegetables to clients at least four, and often five days a week. Produce offerings have included bananas, melons, grapes, strawberries, oranges and various greens. Clients are additionally enjoying whole, unprocessed meats two or more times a week, ranging from pot roasts to whole turkeys to Story Continued On Page 5

pork chops and even baked fish. All foods are baked or grilled.

Kitchen staff and volunteers always prepare for extra long lunch lines when word circulates that WSCC is serving a fresh meat entrée such as pot roast, baked chicken or glazed ham.

The longer lines and increased demand for meals, sadly, is not solely a result of the new and improved menu. There has been a surge in meals served since federal funding cuts to the food-stamp program took effect in the fall of 2013. That year, more than 67,264 meals were served representing a 9.7% increase from 2012. This year, as of October 31, more than 60,300 meals have been served putting WSCC on track to serve well over a record 70,000 meals in 2014.

Meal in Drop-In Center Ernest Marshall

Director’sDialogueWestSideCatholicCenterBoardofDirectorsAnita Cook, Executive DirectorJoseph Morford, PresidentPaul Bachman, VicePresidentRichard Manson, TreasurerRebecca Ralich-Spak, Secretary

Joseph ArnoldJames CiociaSarah CoakleyKorby CollinsLezette DumasRobert ElwoodJames GulickChristina HeinVincent HvizdaChristopher KoehlerMatthew Kraay, MDDennis KuclerRobert KushmanGale MazzellaRonald PattonKevin RyanAlfonso SanchezJulia SieckMichael SoleckiSharon TuftsAdvisoryBoardJess* & Julie BellPeter & Rita CarfagnaRev. Thomas FantaBishop Roger W. Gries, O.S.B.Jim & Joan LivingstonGeorge & Mary Lu WasmerRev. Robert J. Welsh, S.J.

FoundersRev. Robert BeginKay EatonSr. Brigid Griffin*Sr. Donna Hawk, CSJAggie HoskinRev. Paul Hritz*Sr. Mary Hurley, HMSr. Kathleen Kilbane, CSJBarbara MillerDonna Kelly Rego*Sr. Loretta Schulte, CSJ • deceased

West Side Catholic Center2

Earlier this year we had a local communications firm convene several focus groups to determine how the WSCC is perceived in the community. I was both delighted and surprised at the results.

I was delighted to learn that many of our constituents; clients, volunteers, and donors, know that we provide free, quality programs for basic needs: food, clothing, shelter/housing, employment, etc. They know we address clients’ whole life situations, not just basic needs of food and shelter, and we are good at meeting clients where they are, on their own terms, helping them to get where they want to go at their own pace.

Wanttogetinvolved?

ThereareopportunitiestojoinourAssociateBoard,volunteerortosupporttheprogramsoftheWSCC.

FormoreinformationcontacttheAdvancementDepartmentatinfo@wsccenter.org.

I was surprised by some of the misperceptions about the WSCC: “We’re strictly Catholic,” “You must be Catholic to receive our help,” “We’re just meals and clothing,” “We duplicate services of nearby non-profits,” “Our clients are hopeless cases,” “Our clients are professionally poor,” “We only serve homeless people.”

I see that I have some work to do and that begins here and now. With the assistance of Strategy Design Partners, the consultant, we are focusing our messaging on the three points seen below. I think these three points easily and succinctly sum up

I.AnOpenDoortoAll

We welcome all those in need, serving thousands of clients from across Cleveland and its suburbs in a caring, non-denominat iona l , non-judgmental setting. While inspired by the Catholic faith and its teachings, our doors are open to anyone in need of help meeting their basic needs or searching for a guide on the path to self-sufficiency.

III.AHumanConnection

Those in need often feel isolated. At WSCC, we combine humanizing basic needs with sincere compassion for people on the margins of society. We meet people where they are in life, and then take time to build relationships – listening, encouraging, advocating, and creating a sense of community that builds trust and empowers and inspires our clients to achieve long term independence and true dignity. We believe the benefits go both ways – changing our clients and the staff and volunteers who serve them for the better.

II.AFullSpectrumofServices

We begin with basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing, but go beyond addressing crisis situations by linking clients to the long term solutions that will build a path to self-sufficiency. Whether it’s a spot to receive mail, get free GED tutoring or bus tickets, connect to mental health and substance abuse assistance, or navigate a frustrating government bureaucracy, we act as a one stop shop linking people to a full array of essential services necessary to establish long term self-sufficiency and to embrace a new perspective on life. With the help of our donors and volunteers, we’re able to serve over 5,000 each year through our diverse services and programming.

everything one needs to know about the WSCC! Should you have any questions about the work we do at the WSCC, please call or email. I would love to talk with you.

Thank you for continued prayers and support.

Anita Cook, Executive Director

www.wsccenter.org 3

BlessingsInABucket: Much Needed Improvement

A group of over 50 volunteers, including professional painters from Neubert Painting, completed the task of scraping and painting the two story historic building in one day.

The attention to detail and effort to restore the exterior to original looking condition was noted by Executive Director Anita Cook. “We are truly honored to have been chosen. We’ve got hundreds of women and children to feed, shelter and clothe. It is unlikely that we would have been able to afford to divert income from this program to afford this paint project ourselves.”

In addition, the Sherwin-Williams volunteers came in early July to paint the parking lot adjacent to the Shelter and spruce up the area.

In July and August, the Drop-In Center and Moriah House, The Women and Children’s Shelter, received long overdue attention to the exterior of the buildings.

In July, Neubert Painting, in partnership with The Sherwin-Williams Company, selected WSCC’s Shelter as the 6th annual recipient of the Charity Paint Giveaway in an effort to provide paint services and support to organizations and individuals who are unable to afford the paint and labor on their own. Sherwin-Williams generously donated the dozens of gallons of paint and supplies, while Neubert Painting provided the manpower to paint the Shelter, which shelters 35 women and children on the WSCC campus.

“We think it is important to give back to the community and step in to take care of a community asset, like the WSCC,” said John Neubert, owner of Neubert Painting.

DidYouKnow?According to Feeding America’s 2013 Hunger in America study, 18.7 percent of Cuyahoga County residents—or more than 238,530 individuals—faced food insecurity (the limited or uncertain availability of food). Cuyahoga County was also home to the largest number of food insecure children in the state of Ohio, at 64,800 children.

The record high levels of poverty documented in the most recent Census and food insecurity statistics cited in the most recent Hunger in America study have been felt at WSCC in recent years. All Drop-In Center program areas including Meals Program, Clothing and Household Item Distribution, and Street Survival Services, experienced year-over-year service level increases in 2013 from 2012. As of October 31 of this year, more than 60,300 meals have been served putting WSCC on track to serve well over a record 70,000 meals in 2014.

Also during the months of July and August, WSCC worked with The Kreuger Group to make repairs to the exterior of the Drop-In Center. What started out as a small project to repair what was thought to be a few rotten pieces of wood, turned into much more. There were many pieces that had to be replaced on the wood-clad exterior of the Drop-In Center in order to ensure the historic building could endure several more decades.

Once that work was completed, The Krueger Group brought in professional painters to begin the task of repainting the exterior. After several weeks of work, the project was completed.

The Drop-In Center and Shelter look sharp and well-preserved, ensuring that the WSCC continues to be a good neighbor and steward of the Ohio City community.

West Side Catholic Center4

Each August WSCC says goodbye to one Jesuit Volunteer and then welcomes the next. For over a decade, WSCC has hosted a Jesuit Volunteer who devotes a year of service to social justice.

Chau comes to us from southern California and is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine with a B.A. in Cognitive Science and a B.A in Art. Chau will be leading our Expressive Arts Project and assisting in the Employment Clinics as well as volunteer programs.

Chau shared in her Jesuit Volunteer biography why she chose to participate with WSCC in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps Program:

It isn’t difficult to be aware of the many privileges I have in life no matter how small. As the youngest, I grew up with a loving family, a roof over my head, and all the necessities I needed to live without truly worrying. Choosing the Jesuit Volunteer Corps allowed me the opportunity to be able to help those who don’t have access to these privileges I am so blessed with. It gave me the chance to make a difference in ways I cannot imagine while also allowing me room to grow as a person.

I’m sure it will be a difficult journey but a blessed one. I am honored to have you join me in my journey through your prayers, thoughts, and support. Thank you!

2014-15JesuitVolunteer:Chau Nguyen

As a participant, individuals or groups act as “Secret Santas,” assisting in making holiday wishes come true for over 40 families who have been previously homeless, have very limited resources and are now residing in stable housing through the Zacchaeus Program.

Participants will receive information on their adopted family which includes names, phone numbers and addresses of the family and the WSCC Case Manager, as well as reasonable suggested items to be gifted.

The Zacchaeus Housing Solutions Program at the West Side Catholic Center assists homeless individuals and families in securing and maintaining permanent housing with case management services and tenant-based rental assistance. This provides families a chance to work towards self-sufficiency.

Each year, WSCC gives individuals, families and corporate groups an opportunity to “Adopt-A-Family” who is participating in the Zacchaeus Housing Solutions Program for the 2014 holiday season.

MakingtheHolidaySeasonBright:

Family size and location vary, but arrangements can be made to meet participants’ interests and needs. We encourage all Secret Santas to deliver gifts directly to the families, but arrangements can be made to deliver items to the Case Managers at WSCC.

If you have any interest in participating in Adopt-A-Family, please contact Terrie Garr, Volunteer and In-Kind Donations Manager, by phone at 216-631-4741 ext. 122 or via email at tgarr@wsccenter.org.

Thank you in advance to all of our donors for making this special program possible.

www.wsccenter.org 5

SuggestedGivingTreeDonations:

Men/Women/Boys/Girls-Sweatshirts, hoodies, socks, underwear, hats and warm

insulated gloves.

Baby/Toddler-Sleepwear, socks, hats, mittens, ointment, diapers and wipes.

Toiletries(Full-Size)-Soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shaving

cream, razors, lotion.

PLEASE,DONOTWRAPDONATIONS.

WSCC accepts donations Monday through Friday, 8:30AM - 2:30PM.

Due to the Giving Tree Program, we have limited space for used donations as we are

collecting NEW items during the month of December. Donations

will be limited to ONE bag per person.

Drop-In Center Meals ContinuedFromCoverPageWSCC’s impact as an advocate for the nutritional rights of those who are economically disadvantaged does not stop at meal service. WSCC has gained momentum in expanding the availability of fresh foods among the near-west side community as a designated site for the Cleveland Foodbank Mobile Food Pantry. Since 2013, WSCC has been privileged to offer 12,000 pounds of fresh produce the last Saturday of every month free to all in the community who are in need. WSCC was also selected by the Cleveland Foodbank to participate in its new, weekly produce distribution program, through which WSCC distributes approximately 2,400 pounds of food every Monday. Through its service as a weekly and monthly Mobile Food Pantry, WSCC provides fresh produce to over 300 families each month.

In addition, the WSCC has a community garden on its premises. Now in its fifth year, the Earth Connection Community Garden has become a rite of spring for the Drop-In Center’s clients who participate in its planting, care and cultivation. Much of the produce from the garden, including lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and herbs, is used in meals served to the clients and is also distributed among them. In 2014, close to 150 pounds of produce was harvested.

WSCC is firm in its conviction that access to healthy food should not be based on one’s income. Through the Fresh Food Initiative and our service as a Mobile Pantry, WSCC will ensure that those who look to us for meals and food are not just sustained, but nourished with foods that promote health and wellness.

Each December the staff and volunteers at WSCC prepare for the Giving Tree Program. In the joyous spirit of Christmas, we provide new, warm winter essentials to over 2,000 men, women and children in our community.

Like Ol’ Saint Nick, we laden bags with sweatshirts, socks, underwear, hats, gloves, mittens, coats (if available), full-sized toiletries and small toys for children. Where do all of these items come from? YOU!

For this annual event to be successful, the WSCC relies on generous donors to give new items and cash donations toward the purchase of necessary items and supplies.

Donations are distributed to individuals and families on December 17, 18 and 19.

There are a number of ways you can help provide for families in our community. Host a Giving Tree drive in your workplace, amongst your friends, at your church, or simply gather some of the items yourself. This type of drive is a fun and meaningful way to ensure that men and women have warm winter wear to endure the coming winter and for children to have a gift to unwrap for Christmas.

Please drop all donations off byMonday, December 8. ContactTerrie Garr at TGarr@wsccenter orbyphoneatextension122formoreinformation.

GivingTree: Fill A Christmas Wish

6 West Side Catholic Center

NewsBriefsFromtheWSCCKitchenLiving on a fixed income, it is important to make the most of all leftovers, including turkey.

TurkeyALaKing

2 T butter1/4 cup flour1 cup chicken broth1 cup milk1 3/4 cups mushrooms1 celery rib, chopped1/4 cup chopped onion2 cups cubed cooked turkey1/4 cup green pepper1 cup peas2 cups hot cooked rice

1. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. 2. Add mushrooms, celery, onion and pepper. 3. Cook and stir until tender. 4. In a small bowl, mix flour and broth, then stir in vegetables and milk.5. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 1-2 minutes, or until thickened. 6. Add turkey and peas and heat through. 7. Serve with rice. PrepTime:25 minutesServings:4

CongratulationsPriscillaPriscilla Franklin has worked for the WSCC for over 6 years. She is the Women and Children’s Shelter Director.

In October, Ms. Franklin was nominated and inducted into the John Hay High School Hall of Fame. She was recognized for her outstanding service in the social service field. Ms. Franklin has served clients in the social service and mental health systems of Greater Cleveland for over 27 years. Congratulations Priscilla on a well deserved honor!

ShopandSupportWSCCWSCC is registered with AmazonSmile. AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the WSCC every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonusthat the AmazonSmile Foundationwilldonate0.5%ofthepurchasepricefrom your eligible AmazonSmilepurchasestotheWSCC.

In addition, the WSCC has wish lists of much needed items on Amazon.com and Target.com. As you shop online this holiday season, or throughout the year, you can shop for the WSCC and have these items shipped directly to our site. It is so easy to add on $10 worth of socks, shampoo, or toothpaste.

If you have any questions about AmazonSmile or the Target wish list, contact the Advancement Department.

IntheKnow?The2015WSCCvideoiscompleteandavailableforviewingonline.YoucanaccessitfromtheWSCCwebsiteorYouTube.

• Forcurrentcalendars,todonateortovolunteergoto www.wsccenter.org.

• TofriendusonFacebookgo to facebook.com/westsidecatholiccenter.

• Tweetaboutususing@wsccenter.

• ToseeWSCCvideosgoto www.youtube.com/wsccenter

ExcerptfromMayaAngelou’sAmazing Peace: A ChristmasPoemInto this climate of fear and apprehension, Christmas enters, Streaming lights of joy, ringing bells of hope and singing carols of forgiveness high up in the bright air.The world is encouraged to come away from rancor, Come the way of friendship.

Hope is born again in the faces of children, it rides on the shoulders of our aged as they walk into their sunsets. Hope spreads around the earth. Brightening all things, Even hate which crouches breeding in dark corridors.

In our joy, we think we hear a whisper.At first it is too soft. Then only half heard.We listen carefully as it gathers strength.We hear a sweetness. The word is Peace.

It is loud now. It is louder.Louder than the explosion of bombs.

We clap hands and welcome the Peace of Christmas. We beckon this good season to wait a while with us. We, Baptist and Buddhist, Methodist and Muslim, say come. Peace.

All the earth’s tribes loosen their voices to celebrate the promise of Peace. We, Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers, look heavenward and speak the word aloud. Peace.

We look at each other, then into ourselves, and we say without shyness or apology or hesitation:

Peace, My Brother.Peace, My Sister.Peace, My Soul.

www.wsccenter.org

Give Thanks By FeedinG The hunGry

7

WSCCexpressesgratitudefortherecentdonationsmade inhonor/

memoryofthefollowing:

InHonor:Therese and George Blaha

Tom and Rose CorriganNick and Julie DelGiudice

Sr. Mary Hurley, H.M.Sr. Kathleen Kilbane, H.M.

InMemoriam:David Basalla

Samuel BullochSteve Driscoll

William HermanKathleen Kilbane

William MarquardGregory McLean

DonorGratitude

every $2.75 provides a meal For a man, woman or child who would oTherwise Go wiThouT.

This holiday season, you can express gratitude for the blessings in your own life by blessing someone in need.

Why not celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas by providing a hot holiday meal with all the trimmings for Cleveland’s hungry men, women and children?

Eachmealcostsjust$2.75. Between now and New Years, WSCC will serve more than 10,000 meals to the hungry and homeless. We cannot do it without you. Consider how many of our hurting neighbors you can help feed this season with a generous gift today.

A warm, nutritious meal tells the hungry and homeless they matter. And a hot meal this season can also help introduce those in need to WSCC’s life-changing programs.

Please let us hear from you soon. We are already at work preparing for a busy holiday season and beyond. Join us in sharing your blessings with a grateful heart by giving generously today to provide the hungry and homeless a meal and hope this holiday season!

When you share a meal, you will give someone who is struggling to survive, a reason to be thankful this holiday season.

SaveTheDate!WSCC has three fundraising events scheduled for 2015.

Mark your calendars now!

5KRace&PancakeBreakfastSaturday,May30,2015@WSCC

AssociateBoard’sSips&SwigsSaturday,July25,2015@WSCC

WarmHeartsWinterNightsGalaSaturday,November7,2015LocationTBD

Each event has opportunities for sponsorships, marketing, and in-kind donations. For more information contact Jennie Highfield, Director of

Advancement at JHighfield@wsccenter.org or extension 132.

3135 Lorain AvenueCleveland, Ohio 44113Phone: 216.631.4741Fax: 216.631.2379www.wsccenter.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAID

Cleveland, OHPermit No. 4374

“To see the look on the mother’s face when we bring her cleaning supplies, bedding and small toys for the kids to unwrap on Christmas morning, there are no words, it is priceless.”

- Passages Volunteer

ItisourMission:

West Side Catholic Center isgroundedinfaith,hope,loveandrespect for thosewe serve.Weassist allwho come inneed offood, clothing, shelter,advocacyandapathtoself-sufficiency.