winter 2012 -...

January 2012 Winter —2012

Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Rochester

811 7th Street NW, Rochester , MN 55901

507-281-3122 fax 288 -1449 director@ihngr .org

www.ihn-greater -rochester .org

I H N Personnel: Joanne Markee, Executive Director Heather Mielke, LSW, FSC

Jessica Geary. LSW, Cascade Creek Case

Manager

Board of Directors: Fr. Jerry Mahon, President Rev. Becky Jo Thilges, Vice President

Brenda Valadez, Secretary

Joe Murphy, Treasurer Mike Adkins

Mark Bilderback Liz Dahlen

John Edmonds

Kay Frick Warren Harmon

Warren Kemplin

Sylvia Quirk Rev. Jason Bryan-Wagner

Host Congregations: Christ Lutheran—Byron

Christ United Methodist

Community Presbyterian - Plainview Congregational United Church of Christ

Gethsemane Lutheran

Good Shepherd Lutheran—Rochester Holy Redeemer Catholic –Eyota

Homestead United Methodist

Mt. Olive Lutheran Our Savior’s Lutheran—Rochester

Pax Christi Catholic

Pine Island United Methodist

Redeemer Lutheran

Rochester Covenant

Zumbro Lutheran

Support Congregations: Bethel Lutheran Byron United Methodist Calvary Evangelical Free Church of the Resurrection

Church of the Savior, RCA

Evangel United Methodist East St. Olaf Lutheran—Byron

First Presbyterian

First Unitarian Universalist Gloria Dei Lutheran

Good Shepherd Lutheran—Elgin/Plainview

Hindu Samaj Temple of MN Holy Cross Lutheran

Holy Spirit Catholic

Hosanna Lutheran Kasson United Methodist

Oasis Church

Our Savior’s Lutheran—Eyota Peace Lutheran—Eyota

Peace United Church of Christ

People of Hope St. Bridget's/St. Bernard's - Stewartville

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic

St. John’s Catholic St. Luke’s Episcopal

St. Paul’s Lutheran—Pine Island

St. Paul’s United Church of Christ—Eyota St. Pius X Catholic

Trinity Presbyterian

Friends of IHN: Assisi Heights Community Rochester Friends Meeting

West St. Olaf– Hayfield

It is the time...we are looking at a Cardboard clean slate...2012 … what will it Box City bring? Interfaith is so truly blessed raised funds to have so many generous and and awareness wonderful volunteers; partners; and of the homeless financial donors...all helping us to in Olmsted continue to help families with County—with proceeds going to children who need our help. The Salvation Army and Interfaith Hospitality Network. Premier Bank Before we look forward we should and KTTC sponsored the event. really look back at 2011 for an instant. What a great year we had. We served so many families in need by providing care, support, food and shelter. We had a wonderful 10 year celebration party...honoring many fantastic volunteers...with a special The culmination of our fund raising honor to Sr. Conal O’Connell—who events was our “IHN Benefit was so instrumental in getting IHN Concert” held at Presentation Hall started and keeping it going in the in front of 800 concert goers and early years. musicians. Sponsored by Think Bank. We also were able to burn the Day Center mortgage—after seven years. What an accomplishment! “Rochesterfest IHN Bed Race” We sponsored three fund raisers this year...with the inaugural year of a new fund raiser: “Rochesterfest IHN Bed Race” - sponsored by KTTC on June 18, 2011, at Central Park.

WINTER NEWSLETTER - 2012 JANUARY 2012

Cardboard Box City –2011 was another huge success. The weather cooperated for a very balmy night ...temperatures were in the mild 30-40 degree range and everyone had a fantastic time! There were approximately 250 in attendance and 180 stayed all night to raise

money for The Salvation Army and Interfaith Hospitality Network. Approximately $16,000 was raised. The God Squad youth from St. Charles and Eyota Catholic churches raised the most funds $2,325.96. Chris Beighley raised the most individual donations of $935.

KTTC’s Robin Wolfram did an amazing job as MC for the event! Thanks Robin!!! To view picture slideshow: www.cardboard-box-city.org

The dwellings this year were amazing and very unique! You can check them all out at our website: www.cardboard-box-city.org We want to thank our MAJOR sponsors for our event this year: Premier Bank (and their great volunteers who set up their ‘box’ and worked the event); and KTTC and Fox 47. We are so grateful for their support and continued coverage of our events. Sheltered Reality o once again put on an amazing concert for the participants. This group, year after year, provides excitement, participation and a very meaningful message to all who hear them...you CAN make a difference...one person at a time if you just take the chance! Thanks for another great concert!

IHN Benefit Choir ConcertIHN Benefit Choir ConcertIHN Benefit Choir Concert “I Won’t Let Go” “I Won’t Let Go” “I Won’t Let Go”

JANUARY 2012 WINTER NEWSLETTER - 2012 PAGE 3

IHN Benefit Choir ConcertIHN Benefit Choir ConcertIHN Benefit Choir Concert “I Won’t Let Go” “I Won’t Let Go” “I Won’t Let Go”

IHN’s 5th annual Benefit Choir Concert was held at

Rochester Civic Center—Presentation Hall on Friday, November 18, 2011. There were

approximately 300 singers and 27 member orchestra, as well as the Classic Brass! What an

amazing event. A special solo by Joel Blair—”I

Won’t Let Go” was so very touching and told the story of the guest families that we serve. It was

fantastic music—the mass pieces were so incredible—you had to be there to appreciate it!

We raised $8750 for the IHN program! Thank You!

“IHN Person of the Year for 2011”

Warren Harmon was named “Person of the Year” for

his dedication and work as a host site volunteer, and all of the work he does on the Board creating a

professional image for IHN.

Andrew’s Story We came into the program 9 years ago… myself, my wife and our daughter who was 5. We came here from Chicago because we wanted to make a change and a new start. IHN gave us that start. We stayed in the IHN program for one month. Everybody we met was helpful, friendly, outgoing people. I would tell anyone who was coming into the IHN program that they can’t go wrong. The IHN volunteers treated us just like anyone else – like human beings. Being in the IHN shelter and going through that difficult time…was like climbing a mountain… you are coming from the valley and steady climbing and climbing – and it seems like you are never going to get to the top…the IHN volunteers and staff didn’t let go …and we kept climbing ...it was the most rewarding when we finally did get to the top. I started off at WalMart as a custodian – doing the floors – for 6 months and at the same time put in applications for Rochester School District and then landed the job there and my wife, Sharon is a crew manager at McDonald’s. We have been going up ever since. We went from homelessness to buying our own home 3 years ago. Our daughter is a 9th grader this year. We worked hard to climb that mountain and without the help of IHN volunteers and staff… and their constant encouragement. I just don’t know where we might be today.

Terri’s story I honestly cannot remember how I heard about Interfaith Hospitality. At the time my burden was so blinding. The landslide of blessings and support we have received since staying with them makes the network impossible to forget! When my daughter was 5 months old, I chose to leave an abusive relationship and we moved back to Rochester – a place that is familiar to me. I struggled to find a healthy home I could afford, we had moved seven times by the time my daughter was 4 years old. In May of 2010 I was told my rent I could barely make each month – would be

going up. Because of this, I couldn’t renew my lease. We packed all of our belongings into storage and we moved into our 91 dodge caravan, while I told my daughter – Don’t tell anyone we’re doing this. The fear of losing her for lack of providing a home was all I could think about. This is what led us to Interfaith. During our stay with interfaith, I found emotional support, financial guidance and support as a parent. All of the volunteers we met shared my pain and heartache of feeling unaccomplished and a terrible parent. While they suffered with me, they encouraged me not to give up and reminded me of all I have tried to do to be better. Every person was amazing and uplifting. Without them I am certain we would still be homeless and staying anywhere I could find. To the volunteer couple with the pig, and the countless other volunteers I can’t remember the names of – THANK YOU! Thank you for all the dinners, breakfasts, shoulders to cry on, ears to listen, and to the

churches who provided a warm place to sleep. You have helped me grow and renewed my faith in humanity and life!

JANUARY 2012 WINTER NEWSLETTER - 2012 PAGE 4

Start planning now—for the 2012 Rochesterfest IHN Bed Race...June 16, 2012 - place to be announced due to construction around Central Park. Watch for information.

Start planning now—

design of your bed; your cheer; and your theme!

We are looking for another great—fun-filled

day...and you will want

to be a part of it!

If you would like to join in

the planning...give us a call at the day center—281-3122

or email: [email protected]

I H N Bed Race 2012

Cardboard Box City 2012

will be held on October 19, 2012 this year. It is

always a grand event...with lots of fun,

great concert and good

food. We are blessed to have so many continue to

support this fund raising event. The funds raised go to help Interfaith Hospitality Network and The Salvation

Army, who helps the homeless population in Olmsted County. Be sure

to mark your

calendar and think about

coming out to the event this

year.

IHN Benefit Concert for 2012 will be held on Friday, November 16, 2012.

WINTER NEWSLETTER—2012 JANUARY 2012

We are so blessed to have great faith communities in our

network that continually support us with volunteers; accommodations; and very importantly—financial. Below is

a list of our fantastic financial supporters for 2011:

$6000 + Zumbro Lutheran Church

$3000—$5999— Bethel Lutheran, Gloria Dei Lutheran,

and Mount Olive Lutheran

$1000—$2999— Christ Lutheran—Byron, Christ United Methodist, First Unitarian Universalist, Good

Shepherd Lutheran, Homestead United Methodist,

Our Savior’s Lutheran—Rochester, Peace United Church of Christ, St. John the Evangelist, Trinity

Presbyterian

$500—$999— Assisi Heights, Byron United Methodist,

Calvary Episcopal, Calvary Evangelical Free, Church of the Savior, First Presbyterian, Hosanna

Lutheran, Oak Tree, Redeemer Lutheran, St. Bridgets/St. Bernards Social Action Committee, St.

Francis Catholic, St. Luke’s Episcopal, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ – Eyota, St. Pius X Catholic

and West St. Olaf Lutheran

$1—$499— Community Presbyterian—Plainview,

Evangel United Methodist, Holy Cross Lutheran, Pax Christi Catholic, and Rochester Covenant

2011 Gifts of Sharing2011 Gifts of Sharing2011 Gifts of Sharing

Pastor Anjanette Rist Appreciation Gretta Buller It’s Today! Pastor Mike Wuehler Thanks Myrna Kroening Memorial—Kurt Kroening Leonard Jorgenson Memory of Joyce Leonard Jorgenson Honor and Memory of Joyce Ryan & Grinde, Ltd. Christmas Lisa Stiving Memory of Patti Daubenmeir Pat Hrabe In Honor of Pasco & Karen Scarpella Happy 5th Anniversary Phyllis Hammes Memory of Gerald Charlie and Kim Fiss 25th Wedding Anniversary Cynda Tischer Memory of Ella Priebe Mrs. Helen Krug Memory of Iola Lindh Charity Langfald Birthday Jim Gronvold Memory of Alice Gronvold Marilyn Frost 75th Birthday Toni Deters Memory of Dick Spanoil Paula Horner Honor of Retirement In Memory of Minnie Wright

Gifts of Sharing—continued…

Ardelle Brenner 80th Birthday Jay Kurtz & Joan Rabe Memory of Florence Kurtz Lyle Conrad & Family Memory of Mary Kathryn Conrad Douglas & Lora Fiss 26th Wedding Anniversary Pastor Fred & Sherry Rengstorf Memory of father Jan Vilan Memory of husband George Slicho Happy Birthday Dick & Barb Lichty Memory of Bernice Lichty Steve Birdseye Family Christmas Nancy Ruston Memory of Phillip Ruston Kim Norton Wedding / Randy & Kim

Leonard & Margaret Brubaker Christmas Jimmy & Barbara Hightower Christmas Rev. Sharon & Robert Nelson Christmas Rev. Harold & Ruth Kraft Christmas Rev. Dennis & Jan Hier Christmas Rev. Butch & Lynn Lewellin Christmas James Walch Christmas Lynne Kirklin In honor of Steve & Carol Sparrow Christmas Phyllis Rusley Christmas Sarah Gluek, Greg Smith Family Christmas Terry Gluek, Mark Milner Christmas Dr. & Mrs. Richard Cronemeyer Christmas Terry Eakes Christmas Dr. Y Mrs. Ray Thomas Christmas

Dr. and Dr. Butterfield Christmas Randy & Terre Horlocker & family Christmas Kay & Larry Letson & family Christmas Jon & Vicki Horlocker & family Christmas Butch & Brenda Isensee Christmas Mr. & Mrs J. W. Bickerton Christmas Bill and Marcia Cochran Christmas/Birthday Linda Thompson Birthday Chad & Lorrie Halverson Christmas Patricia Shaffer-Gottschalk Christmas In memory of Mabel Hahit Cara & Mike Edwards Christmas Kari McGowan Memory of loved one Ardella Brenner Memory of grandson Dennis & Connie Tooley Christmas

Karen Sandberg Honor of Christmas & Memory of Papa Richard W. Sarran Honor of becoming Eagle Scout Marie & Herb Espinda Christmas Barb & Steve Milburn Christmas Jan & Denny Greseth Christmas Betty & Larry Danielson Christmas Carol & Gary Addington Christmas Susan & Harold Wolfe Christmas Pastor Norman Wahl Honor and thanks for 15 years of service Mr. & Mrs. Phil Schmalz Memory of Betty’s mom Susan Swanson Holidays—thanks for all you do Jocelyn Wong Holidays—thanks for all you do Nancy Rohde Holidays—thanks for all you do Emily Pearson No occasion—you are a blessing Bonnie Strei Merry Christmas

Memory of Carla Behnke


Mount Olive

for printing the newsletter

Pamela Haase for getting the newsletter ready to mail

Sponsors for IHN Families for Christmas!

Faith Communities who support us all year long!

Thousands of volunteers who donate their time, talent and love!

The IHN Board of Directors who give of their time to keep the network working.

twin beds

kitchen tables & chairs

coffee tables

dressers

paper products (paper towels; toilet paper;

tissues)

bathroom cleaning supplies

dryer sheets

white garbage bags

$20 Kwik Trip gas cards

When I look back at the year we have just finished I am filled with amazement and wonder...at all of the fantastic volunteers who work so tirelessly to keep our network successful with the main goal of “helping families in need”. I don’t think it is just “Minnesota nice” — it is because all of our ‘team’ really care and truly believe in our mission. It is so easy and a joy to come to work, knowing we have such a great team put together to help change the lives of families who need help. As we look forward to the coming year...I know it is going to be another fantastic adventure for all of us! Meeting new guests, helping, supporting, and watching them become successful and confident. Working on our fund raising events is always a joy! We will be doing the 2nd Annual Rochesterfest IHN Bed Race. I can only say—if it is half as much fun as the first one...you won’t want to miss this! And then, of course, we will be doing the Cardboard Box City and the IHN Benefit Concert in the fall. I am more acutely aware of friends, family, volunteers and guests—and how important all are in my life after the year my family has personally gone through. I appreciate so much the love, prayers and support that we have received from each of you. We learned one great thing...the network can survive without me!!! Our staff and board did a fantastic job while I was on leave and I so appreciate the time with my family. I feel so blessed to have this kind of solid support system and thank you so much for that love. My prayer for each of you is to have a wonderful new year. Never take advantage of family or friends—be sure to show them you care every day because we never know what tomorrow is going to bring. Blessings and peace for a wonderful 2012. — Joanne

6 families/19 individuals/7 adults/12 children/

6 under 5

1077 meals served/ 209 nights lodging/ 679 beds

4 found housing/ 1 terminated/ 1 in program

417 volunteers provided 2,917 hours

73 volunteers attended training

2011 Year End Statistics…

29 families/86 individuals/31 adults/55 children/

25 under 5

5882 meals served/ 814 nights lodging/ 2330 beds

787 volunteers provided 13,971 hours of service 304 volunteers attended training in 2011

In-kind donations: $24,144

4th Quarter Statistics...

I H N Needs


GIFTS OF SHARING

This year bring more meaning and inspiration to your

gift giving.

Christmas Birthdays Anniversaries Graduations Memorials Donate the amount of your choosing to Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Rochester and a beautiful specially designed gift card will be sent with an appropriate message to your designated gift recipient. How meaningful this way of giving can be...not only does the recipient know that they have been remembered and honored, but homeless families among us are also given the gift of shelter, food and support in their name. Your gift recipient will know they are sharing and being honored in a very special way. Gifts of Sharing make wonderful gifts. Just complete the following form and send it to:

Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Rochester Gifts of Sharing

811 7th Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901

PLEASE SEND MY GIFT CARDS TO: Name:__________________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________ Occasion: ________________________ Amount of Gift:________________________ Sign the card to read:_____________________________________________________ Name:__________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________ Occasion:_________________________ Amount of Gift:_________________________ Sign the card to read:_____________________________________________________ Your name:______________________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________ Phone:_________________________________ Amount Enclosed: $_______________

Interfaith Hospitality Network

of Greater Rochester

811 7th Street NW

Rochester, MN 55901

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

ROCHESTER MN

PERMIT NO. 86

Partner

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heart.

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