Many thanks to Steve Hovland and his business partner Bob Thomas who donated their time and skills to construct the handsome and spacious counter.  Bob, Steve, and Gina Hovland are pictured in the first attempt to bring the new counter into the Barn.  The main doorway proved to be a little too narrow and the shrubs at the door restricted the ability to turn the counter.

Our Barn has many doors and the team was able to bring in the base and counter top via another entrance (well, they also had to take off the screen door, interior door and doorframe trim).  Bob and Steve’s professional skills were apparent as they calmly talked about options and Steve’s refusal to cut the base in half.

The new counter provides space for two cash registers, a change that will reduce the long lines on Wednesday evenings.  The cash registers are also an improvement in the Thrift store.  Prices are programmed into the registers and voucher sales are also entered.  This has reduced the work effort at check-out and increased the accuracy of the sales and voucher records.

Ashley Blaine, our intern from Minnesota, served as the cash register guru. Ashley worked with Odette Boyce-Galvez, Barn Manager, to streamline the price lists, program the price codes and conducted all the training.  We will miss Ashley’s quiet competence when she returns to Minnesota later this month.  Olga Hernandez, our main cashier is very happy she no longer needs to record the voucher sales manually.

Olga, Odette and Ashley are pictured smiling happily about the new counter and the Thrift shop’s new look.

Successful women — residents, children and speaker Kathy Norman

Saint Martin’s House residents enjoyed two programs this month featuring successful women. The first, a house dinner, hosted by Board members Margie Palazzolo and Suzanne Gregory and their husbands,  featured three former Saint Martin’s House residents. Each woman shared the story of how they (and their children) came to the house and made changes to achieve more productive lives. These invited guests offered sage advice to current residents. As one former resident stated, “Saint Martin’s gave me a second chance at life, and I took it.”

In the on-going series of “Successful Women” community members are invited to tell their stories to provide role models and inspiration to current House residents. Kathy Norman, owner of The Cleaners, a local cleaning business is the most recent speaker.  Kathy not only shared her story, but also spoke on dependency and the mentality of being a victim. Some of the previous speakers include attorney Anne Ogletree, realtor Dawn Lednum, and Fresh Start founder/director Tori Brummel. The speakers offer encouragement to the residents by sharing their life stories and describing the hurdles they may have overcome to become a success.

Current and former residents

Anyone interested in participating in the Successful Women series should contact Kim Hopkins, Assistant House Director, by phone at 410-634-2537 or email assistanthousedirector [at] stmartinsministries [dot] org.

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Beth with her daughter, Lilyanna

I’d like to start off telling you a little bit about where I came from to where I’m at now in my life.

I came from walking the streets, homeless, selling everything I had, which didn’t amount to much, just what little self-respect, dignity, and morals I still had left just to get that next high.

I know now I had someone watching over me, cuz there are more times than I can count, I shouldn’t have lived.  What led me to those streets started off pretty early in life.  My father was very abusive, mentally and physically, and as soon as my mom finally got away from him when I was about 11 I got with a guy who was exactly like him. I stayed with this guy another 13 years.  It’s kind of sad to say, but I’m kinda glad he beat me as bad as he did that last time or I might still be with him today!

I arrived at Saint Martin’s House August 10th of 2o11.  I had nothing, no self-respect, dignity, hope, or faith.  I had just gotten out of my first rehab facility, and I didn’t care where I went when my time was up there as long as it was far away from my home of Cecil County.  I went to the Whitsitt Center in Chestertown and I am so grateful to them for showing me that I could have another, better way of life.

My main reason for wanting to be accepted into the Saint Martin’s House program was that you could bring your children with you.  Even though my 3 month old baby girl Lilyana had been placed in foster care at just 6 weeks old, I was hoping I would get her back alot sooner than if I went to any other kind halfway house.

When I walked through that door for the very first time, I had no idea just how greatly my life was about to change for the better.  I’ve done more things in the past 18 months here than I’ve done in my entire life.

I’m here to tell you, it wasn’t easy by any means.

One of the hardest parts of all of this was missing my daughter’s  first year of life, her first steps, her first words, I mean I had visits with her that gradually increased over that year, even when I was in rehab but I knew it was the best for her, because I wasn’t able to take care of her like I should yet.  I had to get myself together first.  And all thanks to Saint Martins house and meetings I was able to do that!

Jack, a Saint Martin’s House volunteer driver, and Beth

I had no idea how extremely difficult those first few months after getting her back were going to be  I basically had to learn how to be a mother to a one year old.  I had all this anxiety filling up in me about my childhood and how I never wanted any of that to happen to her and basically started parenting her out of fear and guilt from being away from her for so long.  I was so sure that if she left my sight even if only for a minute, something bad would happen to her.  Also getting her back meant having to apply for help thru social services to get her basic essentials such as diapers, etc.  That required me to volunteer 20 hrs a week until I could find a paying job so that meant having to put Lily into daycare. I was almost to the point of just quitting and not doing that but thanks to listening to the staff’s experiences here and the other mothers and hearing how difficult it was for them also helped me to find a great daycare for her.  Then I had to find a volunteer position and taking a suggestion from a volunteer driver here at the house I applied at the local humane society.  I was less than thrilled about doing it at first but it’s turned out to be the most rewarding job I’ve ever had!  And after volunteering there 2 months they hired me on as a full time employee!

I never imagined myself working with animals, but now I wouldn’t trade it for anything !!! Lilyana loves visiting my work & petting the animals also.  I’m now going to college at Chesapeake (which I never expected to do) and I believe I’ve found my purpose in life, to help other addicts and alcoholics by being an Addictions Counselor.  By using everything I’ve been thru in my life to hopefully help someone else.  I have all the experience necessary i just need the education and now i’m doing it!  I never thought I was smart enough to go to college or ever even wanted to go, but Lilyana is my motivation.  I want nothing but the best for her and how can I expect her to follow her dreams and get her education if mommy isn’t?

I’ve gotten to learn how to be the best mother I possibly can through parenting classes, staff here, and the other mothers.  I now have permanent custody of Lilyana & actually got her back for good 2 months sooner than expected by Social Services.

Recently, I have gotten my own vehicle thru the Vehicles for Change program, which is something I never expected to have.  It feels awesome.  It might not be a brand new car but it’s brand new  to me, and the absolute best part about having a car now is being able to take Lilyana different places to play and the library. I had never gotten to take her anywhere – just me and her since she had been born.

But most importantly, my greatest accomplishment besides lily of course is having been clean and sober over 18 months now since July 4, 2011 when I went into Whitsitt.  Not only is it independence day, it’s my independence day !!!

And I’ve finally learned how to live life on life’s terms, all thanks to this program and all of the staff members here who have supported me and helped me tremendously along the way!

I am finally truly happy for the first time in my 29 years,  so I just want to say to follow your dreams!  There is no limit to what you can accomplish if you want it bad enough !!!

• Residents are not required to leave the grounds during the day, but are expected to attend classes, meetings, or go to a job or volunteer job.
• Programs are held, focusing on life skills.
• St. Martin’s House is a more structured environment. Residents complete a weekly schedule, do assigned chores and participate in monthly case management reviews.
• Length of stay- 2 years @ St. Martin’s House vs. 30-90 days @ shelters.

2.  What is the application process?

•  Step 1- Phone Inquiry — Potential resident must call. General information is captured and an appointment for an interview is given.

• Step 2- Personal Interview — Potential resident comes to St. Martin’s House to meet with Director of Operations, House Director and Assistant House Director in order for staff to learn about the potential resident’s history and goals. The House guidelines are reviewed and a tour of the facility is provided.
• Step 3- Background Check — Upon completion of the interview, potential resident will be asked to sign a release of information form to allow for a thorough background check. After background check has been completed, the House Director will inform potential resident if she has been accepted into the program.
• Step 4 – Admission Requirements – If accepted into the program the potential resident must fulfill admission requirements. These include basic documentation and safety requirements such as clean drug test, recent physical exam, and birth certificates and immunization records for children.

3.  Do you accept everyone who applies?

No, we accept any woman in need of housing who would benefit from our program and meets the eligibility criteria, including a willingness to follow the program.

4.  Do you accept men?

No, only women, and women who have children.

5.  Are there any age limitations for children?

We don’t accept male children over the age of 10 due to the communal living aspect in our units. Female children over the age of 18 are considered adults, so St. Martin’s House would consider a woman with an 18 year old daughter as separate adults.

6.  Is this a religious program?

No, St. Martin’s House serves women regardless of their religious beliefs, or lack thereof.

7.  What are the living arrangements?

St. Martin’s House can house up to 12 families. There are 3 units that can house up to 4 families per unit. Each unit has common living, dining, kitchen and play areas. Each family has their own private bedroom and powder room, and share a shower/bath with 1 other family.

8.  Are visitors allowed?

Yes, on weekends. Each resident must have a current, approved visitor list on file. Male visitors must be family members, such as uncles, brothers or fathers.

9.  Will the father be allowed to visit his children?

Yes, we have conference rooms where the father can visit the children undisturbed, or with the mother’s permission, he can take the children off grounds for a visit. St. Martin’s House must be provided with any applicable custody agreements.

10.  Is there a fee to reside at St. Martin’s House?

Yes, there is a $350 Move-In Fee, as well as a monthly basic fee of $60. Residents receiving income will be charged a rental fee of 30% of their income per month. Transportation fees (minimal) will be added to the rent for any transportation provided by the house.

11.  Will you take my food stamps/monies to purchase needed items?

No, you are responsible for purchasing any items for your family/personal needs. $100 of the Move-In Fee is set aside in an account for the resident to use in emergency situations such as running out of diapers, medicine, etc. Shopping trips are scheduled around the dates when residents receive their food stamps.

12.  Does St. Martin’s House provide transportation?

We encourage use of local public transportation such Delmarva Community Transport or All American Ambulance to get to medical appointments. St. Martin’s House has a fleet of house vehicles, and utilizes volunteer drivers for other transportation needs. Residents indicate transportation needs on their weekly schedule.

13.  Do you offer child care on site?

Residents are responsible to obtain child care for their children. From time to time, volunteers can assist with watching children during special house programs.

14.  What do residents do during the day at St. Martin’s House?

When residents do not have any appointments scheduled, they are expected to work on parenting any children that are at home, daily chores, homework, job searches, securing any needed services by phone or email, etc. We encourage our residents to be active during the day.

15.  What agencies partner with St. Martin’s House?

St. Martin’s works closely with many state and local agencies such as: Department of Social Services, Family Support Center, Chesapeake Voyagers, Workforce Investment Board and local drug rehab facilities. These partnerships allow us to offer our residents full access to many services, depending on the resident’s individual needs.

16.  What classes are offered at St. Martin’s House?

Parent/child activities, health/nutrition, writing, Successful Women Series, gardening and many other classes assisting residents in improving life skills are offered regularly.

17.  What happens if my child becomes ill, and I have to go to work/class/meeting?

You are ultimately responsible for creating a backup plan for child care, but staff will work with you in certain situations to assist you. If your child becomes ill during the night, staff will be available to assist you.

18.  If I decide to leave St. Martin’s House, would I be able to come back?

That decision is handled on a case by case basis. Some residents have been allowed to return, and some have not.

19.  Can residents be evicted from St. Martin’s House?

Any use of alcohol or drugs, or exhibiting threatening behavior towards other residents and/or their children, staff members or volunteers can be cause for eviction.

Pictures from the event may be found here.

Our emcee and our authors were superb!  Our speaker from Saint Martin’s House was a highlight of the event.

Put March 1, 2014 on your calendars for next year’s 17th annual Authors’ Luncheon/Silent Auction.

I’m happy because it shows my mom out and about despite serious health issues she’s been dealing with for the past year. What’s even better, she was out and about doing one of her favorite things, which is helping share the story of The Year of Goodbyes.

I’m happy because the photo is a memento of an outstanding book event in which I participated yesterday, the 16th Annual Authors’ Luncheon benefiting Saint Martin’s. Held at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club overlooking the bay, it was a splendid affair, thanks to a group of volunteers who really know what they’re doing. I shared authorial honors with novelist Christopher Tilghman, who talked about his latest novel, The Right-Hand Shore, and journalist Jefferson Morley, who introduced us to Snow-Storm in August, about the forgotten Washington, D.C. race riot of 1835. I spoke about (and signed and signed and signed!) The Year of Goodbyes.

And I’m happy because now I get to introduce you to Saint Martin’s Ministries, of which Sister Patricia is executive director. Located in Ridgely, Maryland, Saint Martin’s provides direct services–food and clothing, as well as money to prevent evictions and electricity cutoffs–to those in need. It also has a transitional residence that allows homeless women and their children to get back on their feet, often after physical or substance abuse.

Maryland’s Eastern Shore, a place of abundant natural beauty, offers less abundance for individuals who face chronic poverty. Sister Patricia and her colleagues and volunteers spend their days and nights addressing the root problems of poverty and offering assistance in ways that affirm individual dignity. Saint Martin’s was founded by the Benedictine Sisters of Ridgely, but they provide services without regard for religious affiliation or lack of affiliation; the governing board, and the volunteers, are a delightfully ecumenical bunch. I’m so glad I could be a tiny part of their efforts this weekend.

Debbie Levy

Saint Martin’s house resident Janice Spanish, Lt Gov Anthony Brown, Melissa Jones-Harris, Caroline County DSS Supervisor of Child Care Subsidy and Work Opportunities In Annapolis before the Governor’s State of the State Address

Governor O’Malley’s 2013 State of the State started out by recognizing and sharing the stories of people he called remarkable Marylanders.  The second person in the Gallery that he recognized is one of our very special Saint Martin’s House residents, Janice Spanish.

Here is what the Governor said:

Two years ago, this next Marylander and her children were homeless. Today, she’s turned a temporary work placement into a good, full-time job.  Please welcome Janice Spanish from Caroline County and the dedicated state employee from our Department of Human Resources who helped her secure this opportunity, Melissa Jones-Harris.

(You can read the whole speech or watch the video here.)

Here are some additional details that the Governor’s speech didn’t have time for:

In addition to the support she received from Melissa at DSS, Janice has been supported for the past two years by the dedicated and caring staff at Saint Martin’s House.

Her full time job became possible because at Saint Martin’s House we emphasize the importance of vocational education.  We directed Janice to the Work Force Investment Board where she was able to receive financial support to earn her Certified Nursing Assistant Training.

Janice used one of Saint Martin’s House vehicles to commute back and forth to her classes in Cambridge for her CNA training.  In case management we worked with Janice to think about how she would set up space in her room so that there was a place for her and her daughter to do their homework. Janice’s CNA classes started just as her older daughter began school.

Saint Martin’s House staff is working with Janice to build her savings and plan for her move into a home of her own at the end of this school year.

Melissa Jones-Harris helped Janice obtain a car using the http://www.vehiclesforchange.org/ program.

Janice is ready! She has a good job, a dependable vehicle and two years of coaching and counseling and support from Saint Martin’s House staff.

Supporters of Saint Martin’s Ministries who attended the 2011 Arts Dinner heard Janice tell her story in her own words. She tells it again in our video from the 2012  Art’s dinner. Check out the video, here on the web site.

Celebrate with us in the Governor’s recognition of Janice’s success and in the successes, small or large, of all of the families who call Saint Martin’s House, home.

And then friends and former residents and local organizations come to the rescue!

Families at Saint Martin’s have received gifts, diapers, wipes, and other personal care needs and very special movie bags to brighten their holidays. We are grateful:  to Cheryl and Bob Baker of Chestertown whose guests at their holiday brunch bring gifts for all of the families; to Denton Girl Scout Troop 4423, whose gifts came special delivery by a former Saint Martin’s House resident; and to the staff and volunteers of Adkins Arboretum who delivered very festive Arboretum bags with big red bows.

Clearly Santa’s helpers come from all parts of our mid-shore community and recognize the blessing of giving to others.  Thanks to one and all!

What a wonderful holiday surprise came to Saint Martin’s from Washington College Dining Services.

Dennis Keim and Steve O’Brey arrived with a van full of produce and dairy items to add to our holiday emergency food packages. Lettuce, spinach, peppers, squash, tomatoes, and potatoes and apples and onions appeared, enough for a feast. The walk-in refrigerator in less than hour went from empty to full.  Many families received special foods, both the produce and the interesting coconut milk based eggnog to brighten their holiday meals.

Our thanks to the College and to Dennis and Steve for the great job they did in packing the shelves.