SPRING 2017 NEWS from STABILITY FIRST
www.stability-first.com
MOVING FORWARD
There have been many bumps in the road, but Margie is finally feeling like
she’s on the right path. A life-long Morgan County resident, she grew up in
a home where substance abuse was a problem. She married young, soon
divorced, and as a young single mother started using drugs. Over the span
of about 15 years her drug problem intensified, from pot to meth, and finally
heroin. She was arrested for theft, related to her drug problem, and upon
her release tried to get help. Treatment programs were all located out of
county and hard to get into. She shared: “I stayed clean and went there three
days in a row, but couldn’t get in.” “I tried another place and even scraped
the money together for their assessment, but they didn’t follow up.” Bad
habits returned and another jail stay followed. “But I really felt like being in
jail was the only way my life would be saved.” This time she was enrolled in
the Residential Substance Abuse Program (RSAP), an intensive in-jail
treatment program, now offered at the Morgan Co. Jail. Lead by a certified
addictions treatment specialist, the program also emphasizes faith plus
community and family support.
Margie is all smiles as she prepares to
move into her own apartment.
When Margie was ready for release
from jail she had no place to live.
Family members were not able to
help. The RSAP staff recommended
she come to the Magdalene House.
House staff worked with her to
determine the goals she’d need to
achieve to be ready to live successfully on her own, and she went right
to work – literally! Within two weeks
she had a full-time job and started
saving for a dependable used vehicle.
She attends meetings in support of
her substance abuse recovery three
times / week.
She’s active in a local church and was baptized in December. She has also
reconnected with her children. With all of that in place, Margie and the staff
agreed that she was ready to move out on her own. Late in March she signed
the lease for her own apartment. She says, “The Magdalene House has
helped me with so many needs along with opening many doors in my life. I
am so blessed and thank God every day for all of the wonderful positive
people He has placed in my life.”
On Saturday, June 17th downtown
Martinsville will be buzzing with an array of
healthy activities. Participants can run,
walk, shoot hoops, play pickleball or
participate in a lifting competition. Firemen
and police officers will vie for bragging
rights. Experienced runners will join forces
with friends who want to spend a day doing
something healthy together. All proceeds
will benefit the ministries of Stability First.
Online registration is available at the
Stability First website, on the Events tab:
www.stability-first.com
Special thanks to our wonderful sponsors:
Finish Line Sponsor: Franciscan Health,
Winners Circle Sponsors: Ann Jackson Home
Team and Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance –
Bryan Jackson; Pickleball Sponsors: Boys &
Collins Financial Group, Storms, Agresta &
O’Leary, MCSAC – Join the Majority; and
Basketball Sponsor: Super Sports.
For
additional sponsorship information contact
Julie VanWinkle at (765) 343-8030.
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STABILITY FIRST RECEIVES IRS CHARITABLE NOT-FOR-PROFIT DESIGNATION
At their March meeting, members of the Stability First Board of Directors celebrated the organization’s achievement of its
own 501 (c) (3) status, having received the IRS designation letter in mid-February. Deeda Feree, a Board Member and former
non-profit director, worked diligently to complete the application. This means that your charitable contributions made
directly to Stability First are now tax deductible under IRS guidelines, as allowed by the law.
Treasurer, Wayne Young, expressed his gratitude to the Community Foundation of Morgan County for their support and
assistance during the early organizational period. “The Community Foundation provided the services and oversight we
needed as we were getting organized. Having a charitable, non-permanent fund at the Foundation allowed us to seek grants,
conduct fundraising events and provide accountability to our supporters. They were instrumental in our early success.”
Achieving this milestone enables Stability First to directly receive charitable contributions, which are much-needed as they
fund the year-round operation of the Magdalene House shelter. Monthly partners also now have the option of supporting
through automatic electronic fund transfers. To learn more contact Wayne Young at waynebyoung@comcast.net .
PIKE STREET BRIDGE HAS NEW FOCUS
When the Pike Street Bridge was originally opened it was designed to meet the needs of men transitioning from sheltered
living into the community setting. It has served that purpose well. But ministry leaders have noticed that the need for this
service is much greater for women. The home on Pike Street has never been full, while the Magdalene House has been full,
with a waiting list, for several months. Many of the women are accomplishing their goals at a reasonable pace, given their
particular circumstances, and are ready to live more independently. Moving to the home on Pike Street will help these
women advance toward self-sufficiency and at the same time free up space for new residents at the Magdalene House. Pike
Street residents continue to have access to all services available at the Magdalene House.
To be eligible for residency at the Pike Street Bridge women must achieve Tier Three status at the Magdalene House. This
criteria includes: consistent goal completion, stable employment or other income source, demonstrated ability to follow a
budget, willingness to participate in cost sharing, continued spiritual health and growth, a reliable transportation plan,
sobriety, willingness to participate in random drug screening, and commitment to routine household responsibilities.
After some modest redecorating in keeping with new female residents, the home on Pike Street will begin welcoming
women, as they are ready, this spring.
A FRESH START FOR ALICE
Alice grew up in Detroit, MI. After graduating from high school she
worked for several years in customer service and data entry. But the
economic downturn in the late 2000’s was particularly severe in
Michigan and she eventually found herself without a job. A friend in
Nashville, TN assured her that there were jobs in the area, so she
relocated there with her young daughter. But the only job she could
find was as a waitress. Eventually she sent her daughter back to Detroit
to stay with her grandmother until Alice could find better employment.
But instead of better employment she found “love”. One of her regular
customers at the restaurant convinced her to go on the road with him,
traveling across the Midwest making deliveries.
FALL GALA:
DINNER WITH DR. DIETZEN
Stability First’s annual fall gala promises to be a
truly inspirational evening. On Friday, September
29th our Fall Dinner Gala will feature Dr. Chuck
Dietzen, Chief of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
at Riley Children’s Hospital. Dr. Dietzen is founder
of Timmy Global Health - an Indianapolis based
nonprofit established to expand healthcare in the
developing world, while empowering students and
medical professional volunteers to tackle today’s
most pressing global health challenges. The gala
will be held again at the beautiful Jones Crossing
Banquet Center in Mooresville. Mark your
calendars now!
But life for two in the same truck, day and night, became stressful. One
day in November 2016 a job brought them to Morgan County. Because
they arrived too late in the day to make the delivery, they were forced
to spend the night in a local parking lot. Tempers flared and he literally
pushed her from the truck, leaving Alice injured and alone.
The goals she set when she arrived at the Magdalene House reflected a strong
determination to learn from her mistakes and make a better future for herself and her
daughter. Within days she had a part-time job that she could walk to from the shelter. An
additional full-time job was added to her schedule. Her only day off is Sunday, which she
reserves for church and catching up. In early April she located an affordable apartment
where she plans to soon relocate her daughter and her mother. She loves Morgan County
and wants to make it her home.
Alice enjoys her new church family.
She was baptized here in February.
When asked about the lessons she’s learned, Alice responded: “Keep God first, since I
started that I’ve been nothing but blessed.” “Do things for yourself: you cannot always
depend on others to take care of you.” “Save – always have a nest egg, just in case.”
“Always keep in touch with your family.” With an attitude (and smile) like her’s, we think
Alice will be a great addition to our community!
PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR WORK! SEE PAGE 4 FOR DETAILS
OTHER WAYS TO ASSIST INCLUDE……
VOLUNTEER:
-
DONATE NEEDED ITEMS:
Transportation Assistance
Office and in-take assistance
Handyman Skills
Share a hobby or skill others
might enjoy learning
-
Cleaning supplies
- Groceries
Paper goods
- Copy paper
Toiletries
- Kroger or Walmart
Feminine hygiene items
gift cards
Women’s pajamas (in all sizes)
HELP US SAVE POSTAGE ~ PROVIDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. We’re hoping to move to an
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unwanted information. Please send your email address to info@stability-first.com to be added to our contact list.
STABILITY FIRST
P.O BOX 1452 MARTINSVILLE, IN 46151
www.stability-first.com
LYNAY CENTER HAPPENINGS
Centerstone’s ongoing partnership with Stability First has
resulted in streamlined access to healthcare coverage for
Magdalene House residents as well as mental health services
and addiction recovery programming for those who are need
of these services. Using the Lynay Center facilities for classes
makes access to all services very convenient.
Some of the women have open cases with the Department of
Family Services. Regular counseling sessions help residents
achieve family life stability, including meeting goals and
acquiring skills that will lead to successful reunification with
children and other family members. For those in addiction
recovery, Centerstone staff now have the added assistance of
Stephanie Bennett, a new Magdalene House staff member,
and a Certified Recovery Specialist. Working hand in hand, the
two agencies are able to achieve high levels of accountability
and goal achievement.
The Morgan County Housing Network was established early in
2016. The organization’s initial work has focused on elevating
the quality of rental housing in Morgan County.
Minimum
habitability standards have been researched and established
for landlords. This spring two local rental property owners,
Alicia Towell and Valerie Bruce have recently completed the
Housing Network’s approval process. These voluntary
guidelines help assure clean, safe, and
healthy living conditions for tenants.
A Rent Smart workshop for tenants is
planned to occur later this year. By
offering recognition, incentives, and
preferential designations, the Housing
Network hopes to entice both landlords and tenants to participate in the
program. When the training and certification programs are
well established, responsible tenants will be matched with
attentive landlords, creating a win-win situation. Eventually
the entire community will be the winner as housing standards
rise, with all parties equally invested in the process.
Central Nine tutor Justin Khosravi works with student, Justin F. in
preparation for taking the high school equivalency exam this spring.
Justin F. was frustrated with high school and life in general.
After he dropped out of school he moved in with his
grandfather. At 19 he realized that without a diploma his
options were very limited so he enrolled in the Central Nine
Career Center’s high school equivalency exam prep class
offered at the Lynay Center. His studies are going well and
he plans to take the exam later this spring. Once that
milestone is achieved he plans to join the Navy where he
hopes to gain greater discipline and come away with job
skills that will translate into the real world. Justin feels that
his prospects with the Navy are very good. He has met with
a recruiter and scored well on a preliminary Armed Services
Vocational Aptitude Battery test. But he must have a high
school diploma or its equivalent to enlist. He appreciates
the teamwork approach of the Central Nine staff and their
willingness to help students identify barriers and ways to
work around them. Justin says, that the HSE prep class
“provides a nice bridge, giving me the ability to catch up, as
opposed to being left in the dust forever.”
Central Nine has “graduated” 9 students since they started
offering classes in the Lynay Center last summer. Each has
successfully passed the high school equivalency exam and
therefore opened many doors of opportunity. The HSE prep
class meets every Tuesday and Thursday night.
ADVISORY BOARD PROVIDES VALUABLE INPUT
The Stability First Board of Directors has recruited an amazing group of local leaders to serve on a Resource Development
Advisory Board. Those serving include the following: Craig Fenneman, is CEO of Fenneman and Associates. He serves
on the Butler University Board of Trustees, the Boy Scouts of America National Foundation Board, Morgan County Parks
& Recreation Board, the Boards of YMCA Camp Carson and the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis, and United Way of Central
IN. Dave Garrison retired as President of Elliott Equipment Corp. He and his wife, Carol, recently opened a branch of
Integrity Mortgage in Martinsville. He has held leadership positions with Habitat for Humanity, Kiros Prison Ministry, and
CareNet Pregnancy Centers. Doug Molin is the Director for Advanced Aviation Systems for MITRE Corporation. He and
his wife, Paula, are owners of Molin Properties LLC, where their most recent project is The Main Connection in
Martinsville. He was named 2015 Martinsville Businessman of the Year, serves on the Mayor’s Executive Leadership
Team, and was a member of the Morgan County Economic Development Corporation’s Blue Ribbon Committee. Bill
Moore is CEO of PacMoore, with facilities in Mooresville, Hammond, and an innovation lab in Gridley, IL. He is a frequent
speaker and trainer on topics related to integrating faith and work, and business as mission. Dan Moore is CEO of Home
Bank. He serves as Vice Chair of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, and is a board member for IU HealthMorgan, the Confessing Movement of the United Methodist Church, and is Past Chair of the Morgan County Economic
Development Corporation.
See ADVISORY BOARD continued on pg. 4
See ADVISORY BOARD continued at top of pg. 4
Craig Fenneman
Dave Garrison
Doug Molin
Bill Moore
Dan Moore
ADVISORY BOARD continued from pg. 3
The first meeting with the Advisory Board was held in late February. A variety of topics were explored including: measuring
success, donor and stakeholder communication, use of social media, best practices in fundraising, and creative approaches to
identify sustainable income while accomplishing our mission. Stability First Board Members were energized and encouraged
by the input provided. Rick Miller summarized their reactions thanking the Advisory Board for their “passion, energy and
compassion.” “I’m sure many fruitful discussions will follow.”
HOMELESSNESS: IT’S NOT ALWAYS WHAT YOU EXPECT
The unusual set of circumstances that landed 72 year old Dottie in the hospital, included arriving without her cell phone or access to
any personal records. After a six week stay she was ready to be dismissed, but had nowhere to go and no contact information for
her family. Hospital officials contacted the Magdalene House for assistance.
At the onset House Manager, Pat Moneymaker, took a personal interest in Dottie’s situation and was determined to help her locate
family members and find a suitable and stable living situation. Pat, acting on the advice of another resident, contacted Indiana Legal
Services, and was able to locate a pro bono attorney who assisted Dottie in multiple ways. She eventually regained copies of all
important personal documents, plus access to her bank account where social security payments were being deposited. Working with
Pat and her attorney, Dottie went through the necessary steps to qualify for Medicaid and to determine what actions were required
to qualify for the sort of housing that would be both affordable and appropriate for her circumstances.
Simultaneously Pat scoured the area, using information supplied by Dottie, trying to relocate family members most likely to assist. A
search on social media eventually led Pat to Dottie’s grandson who was elated to find her. He had also been searching throughout
central Indiana, with no information about the details surrounding her hospitalization or eventual release. A joyful reunion occurred
at the Magdalene House in February and several subsequent visits have occurred.
However the grandson has a growing family and is not in a position to provide a
permanent home for Dottie. She and Pat agreed that the best solution would be to
locate an affordable senior housing situation in Hendricks County, close to where
her grandson lives. Pat assisted Dottie in researching and visiting the available options
and submitting an application to the selected housing community.
After spending a few weeks on a waiting list, Dottie moved into her new apartment in
mid April. Pat, of course, helped with the move, and has been checking regularly on
her friend. Reflecting on her experience Dottie says that she “definitely learned
patience”. Her happiest moment was when she was reunited with her grandson. She
credits Pat with “literally saving my life”. “I’ve made some very good friends at the
Magdalene House who I plan to keep in touch with.”
Dottie (right) and Pat review all of the materials
contained in the binder they created to help Dottie
organize her important documents.
“FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU,” DECLARES THE LORD, “PLANS TO PROSPER YOU
AND NOT HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE.”
Jeremiah 29:11
WON’T YOU PLEASE CONSIDER PARTNERING WITH US TO BRING HOPE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST??
YOUR MONTHLY PLEDGE HELPS US PROVIDE HOPE AS WE ALSO BUILD STABILITY ORGANIZATIONALLY
I / we would like to pledge the following monthly: ____
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$15 ____
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Enclosed is my check in the amount of $________
To give monthly via our secure EFT bank draft system contact waynebyoung@comcast.net
Please charge my credit card in the amount of $__________
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Address: ______________________________________ City _______________________ State _____ Zip ________
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GIVE ONLINE AT:
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www.stability-first.com
RETURN TO: STABILITY FIRST P.O. BOX 1452 MARTINSVILLE, IN 46151
STABILITY FIRST
P.O. BOX 1452 MARTINSVILLE, IN 46151
www.stability-first.com
Stability First
P.O. Box 1452
Martinsville, IN 46151