Saturday, December 31, 2011

My Words are My Shelter 2011: Thank You Notes

Dear Beloved Readers,

So I know I said this before (at least I think I did) but in case I forgot: The 2011 My Words are My Shelter Project was a success! We sent over 150 journals, pens and pencils to every woman at my mom’s shelter in Cleveland, the Norma Herr Women’s Center (NHWC). Plus a $300 check and another one for $250 is on the way. I really, really appreciate your generosity because I know these are hard times for so many of you. And even those of you who couldn’t donate wrote really supportive emails to me which meant a lot to me. Below are a couple messages from two women who are movers and shakers at Mental Health Services for Homeless Persons, Inc. in Cleveland, the organization that runs NHWC. I just wanted to share their emails with you and thank you once again. I love you guys!
From Cathleen M. Alexander, LISW-S, Associate Director, Women's Homeless Services, Norma Herr Women's Center:
On Christmas Eve, we distributed 140 brand new journals and pens to each of the 140 women staying with us at the Norma Herr Women's Center over these holidays. Every woman we shelter has a unique and compelling story. In many ways, their stories are not so different from any of our stories as women, mother, sisters, daughters--but they also tell of despair, broken hearts, troubling thoughts and hard times. Thanks to your generosity, our residents have the means to write down their stories and memorialize their experiences. As I walk through the shelter, I see women bent over their journals, writing away with intense concentration. Their words truly are their shelter, and we thank you for making this possible with your gifts.

From Susan Neth, Executive Director of MHS, Inc.:
Mira, my heartfelt gratitude for your continued commitment to the women seeking safety and shelter at the Norma Herr Women's Center. I am so humbled by the resiliency of the human spirit of those we serve. Thank you for touching their lives and for increasing awareness that we can each make a difference. Hugs Mira!
So thank you all again and if any of you wish to contribute to the MHS, Inc. or my mom's shelter (they are tax-deductable donations), you can either go to the MHS website and scroll to the bottom of the page for the donation button or just go here: https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2=341607734

Have a safe and happy New Year's Eve!
Love,
Mirabee
Posted by at
Labels: ,

0 comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Welcome to Mira's List

This blog provides information on upcoming grants, fellowships and residencies for artists, writers, composers, and media artists. It is for serious professionals only, from emerging to mid-career to established. I also publish information for graduate students from time to time. However, I do not publish information on exhibition or publishing opportunities, nor do I advertise artist retreats and workshops that charge money. At least that is my current policy. For more info on where to exhibit or publish, please see my links section which I try to periodically update. I sift through hundreds of search engines and websites to find opportunities for YOU dear artist. In return, I ask you to pass the information along to those who need it. Also, since this is a free blog, I don't always have the time to weed carefully through everything. If you find a grant or website or residency that is not up-to-date, is dodgy in some way, or is no longer in existence, please let me know! Also, if you stay somewhere at one of the residencies I suggest and have a good experience, I want that feedback too. Please check my FAQs at the top right side bar if you have questions before starting your search. Best wishes and happy hunting!