United Way of Johnson County Volunteer Guide 2011 - Shelter House

give. advocate. volunteerShelter houseIn the past year, Shelter HouseVolunteers have contributed thousands ofhours of service and are involved in most everyaspect of the organization. One volunteer that Shelter House would liketo recognize during this season of giving is Ms. Sarah Fletcher. Sarah hasbeen a leader on the Shelter House Board of Directors since joining in2006 serving as the Vice President and Chairing the Development andCommunity Relations Committee, the Gala Steering Committee, andAnnual Phone-a-thon. During Sarah’s membership, she has led a teamof volunteers to grow private contributions to Shelter House nearlytwo-fold. She is determined and at times even fearless in her fundraisingefforts for Shelter House.Sarah is a native of Iowa City; a graduate of the University of Iowa and hasbeen with Montessori School of Iowa City since 1998 where she is a HeadTeacher. She is a devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend; a dedicatedand determined teacher and volunteer. When asked why she volunteersfor Shelter House she said, “Growing up I had my family to turn to duringtimes of crisis. The men, women, and families who come to ShelterHouse have no safety net—they have nowhere but Shelter House to turn.I grew up learning that it was important to be of service to others, to helpsomeone in need, to make a difference in my community. Volunteeringfor Shelter House allows me to do each of these things.”As a teacher, Sarah incorporates the value and practice of philanthropy inher school day, demonstrating how easy it is to give and make a differencein the lives of others, providing the opportunity for her students toexperience the joy of giving first hand, making philanthropy accessible tothe next generation. She encourages her students to become involved inphilanthropy by working with the children to organize bake sales, bookand toy drives. Sarah has challenged her peers, colleagues, and family withgood humor and determination to do and be more and to give to thosein need in our community. ➤Sarah has provided leadership in the work to prepare Shelter Houseto be better positioned financially to face the increased costs ofoperating a larger, and more sophisticated facility. She has beenintegral in our newly realized ability to nearly double our sheltercapacity, provide a healthy, safe living environment, and increase ourservice offerings. Sarah has done this through her own giving, throughmotivating others to give, and through encouraging others to ask.Through her efforts and those of each of our volunteers, hundreds ofmen, women, and children have experienced the kindness, hospitalityand generosity of this community! On behalf of everyone at ShelterHouse, the Board of Directors (18 volunteers strong), staff andclients, we are grateful to Sarah Fletcher and every volunteer whocomes through our doors! You have made a difference in the lives ofmany! You inspire and fortify us and we thank you! n429 Southgate Ave, Iowa CityMISSION:To provide shelter – basic and transitional resources – while encouraging self-sufficiency, to any personin our community who is homeless.SERVICES:Emergency and Short-Term Transitional Shelter, Long-Term Transitional Shelter, Drop-In Center,Outreach Programs, STAR Program, STAR Internship Program, Homeless Veterans ReintegrationProgram, Skill Development, Culinary Starts, The Lodge, Professional Cleaning and Janitorial ServicesCOMMUNITY IMPACT:In FY11:• Shelter House provided 18,437 nights of shelter to 618 men, women, and children.• Of these individuals, 15% were veterans and 43% were women and children.• 73% of our STAR Clients moved into more permanent housing and 93% exited the program with a source of income.The City of Iowa Cityis a proud supporter ofthe United Wayof Johnson CountyUnited Way of Johnson County | 20