News Update June 2014

Link Website Home June 2014

SUSAN'S SPOT: A message from Susan Neth, Executive Director  “Spring Has Sprung.”  This is the title of a vibrant piece of art, the canvas is covered in beautiful yellows and greens, depicting the artist’s interpretation of her journey of healing.  Created by a GreenBridge resident, hers is but one of over 100 pieces of art which were displayed at FrontLine’s first annual art exhibit “Beyond the Storm: The Art of Healing”.   Photographs, paintings on canvas and wood and clay sculptures created by those we serve adorned the St. Josephat’s Art Hall in early May.   Through their art they shared their stories of pain and loss, of hope and healing.  The event was a tremendous success:  it heightened the community’s awareness about our agency’s services, raised discretionary dollars and provided the opportunity for the artists to attend a special preview event to see their art displayed.  We celebrated their art; we celebrate the artists.   In this News Update, we continue to celebrate individuals who are overcoming life crises and accomplishing their goals.  You will read about John who was homeless, but now lives in permanent supportive housing and with the help of our Supported Employment program, has started his new job at Bridgeport Café. As those we serve work to achieve their goals,  so does our agency.  FrontLine Service continues to work closely with Care Alliance to expand integrated primary and behavioral healthcare for individuals in our permanent supportive housing sites.  We know that those who have been homeless and struggling with a severe mental illness have a much higher mortality rate than the general population due to multiple, untreated physical health conditions.   With the generous help of community foundations, great progress has been made with our Electronic Medical Record, with an anticipated ‘go-live’ date of September, 2014.   I will continue to keep you posted through our News Update, website, Facebook and Twitter pages on our progress, celebrations and community partnerships that are helping us explore innovative new services and funding models to support future programming.

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT      Racquel Jones, manager at Bridgeport Café, located at Kinsman Road and East 72nd Street, is launching a healthy food initiative to provide fresh, healthy nutritious, food in the Kinsman neighborhood. Ms. Jones is also building a healthy community by teaching marketable skills and offering opportunities for employment to individuals in the community.  FrontLine Service’s Employment Specialist, Marcy Waugh, has been working with Ms. Jones to identify qualified candidates through our Supported Employment Program.  This program is a collaboration between FrontLine Service and community businesses, creating a job match for individuals with a history of homelessness, mental illness and addiction while meeting the needs of the employer.     Ms. Waugh introduced Ms. Jones to John*, an individual who was formerly homeless and is now receiving housing and supportive services though our Permanent Supportive Housing program.  One of the goals that John identified to his Case Manager was his interest in working in the food industry.  Ms. Waugh felt that John would be an asset to the Bridgeport workforce.  Ms. Jones hired John as a porter for the Café.  She describes John as someone with “a contagious laugh” who “took like a fish to water” to his new job.     John believes that getting back to work has changed his life. His journey has been long, with many twists and turns but he prides himself in “building myself back up to where I need to be”.     Marcy Waugh and Racquel Jones (left to right)      FrontLine Service works closely with individuals like John, providing the support services they need to obtain employment and achieve their goals.     Ms. Jones noted that Marcy goes “above and beyond” job developing by focusing not only on developing jobs, but creating the support needed  for John to maintain employment.  It is our priority to make sure that both the employer and the client get the support they need for a successful placement.* Name changed for anonymity   There is no greater impact in one’s life than competitive employment.  You can support critical programs like Supported Employment or provide a donation to assist clients who need transportation, haircuts and other basic necessities for interviews and employment by donating at https://mhs-inc.thankyou4caring.org/ If you are interested in learning more about the Supported Employment program or how  an Employment Specialist can help you find a qualified and motivated employee contact  Chris Rawlings at 216-274-3527 or Christine.Rawlings@frontlineservice.org

Art Exibit Greeting Cards For Sale $10 You can purchase a pack of 10 greeting cards that feature ten unique pieces of artwork from the art exhibit.  View all the cards on our events page or contactCorrie Taylor at corrie.taylor@frontlineservice.org or 216-274-3492. Artwork Reproductions $50 If you are interested in a high quality reproduction of any of the art pieces from the event a catalog of art pieces and an artwork reproduction form is available on the events page of our website or contact Corrie Taylor at 216-274-3492.

BEYOND THE STORM: The Art of Healing We hope you were able to attend our first annual art exhibit,  "Beyond The Storm: The Art of Healing."  Over 200 guests viewed the over 100 pieces of artwork that were created by men, women and children who have experienced the storms of homelessness, trauma and crises.  We learned about each individuals story of hope and healing through their artwork.  We are deeply grateful to Danielle Serino, 19 Action News Anchor, for serving as emcee of the event and for the Smith family for sharing their personal struggles with community violence and trauma as their family heals and moves forward after a horrific home invasion.                             Tenisha Burton-Smith and Jason Smith

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