Cabrini Partnership

Cabrini Partnership Is Featured Nonprofit at Upswing Business EXPO

2011-11-18T12:49:00.002-06:00

Visit us at the Metropolitan Ballroom Wednesday November 30, as Cabrini Partnership is the Charity of Choice at the Upswing Business EXPO! Showcasing our information to the public and expanding our connections with the business community, we will be there for the duration of the show from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but space is limited. Register here.

The Upswing Business EXPO is the Twin Cities’ most popular business-to-business tradeshow and networking event for a variety of industries. Held five times a year, business leaders are drawn to the high caliber of networking potential and valuable vendor connections. For more information visit their website.

Strength through Partnership Event

2011-11-10T14:56:00.001-06:00

It was a major success at our November 3rd Strength through Partnership Event as volunteers, employees and clients came together to celebrate the past 25 plus years at Cabrini Partnership and the future merger with Project for Pride in Living.

Over 200 were in attendance at the Minneapolis Club to hear a rousing presentation regarding Cabrini Partnership’s journey and the many long-term connections with PPL. Following the announcement, Steve Cramer joined Mary Morris onstage, as they both highlighted the successful relationship Cabrini Partnership and PPL have built over the years. The presentation was concluded by four individuals sharing their successful journey out of homelessness.

Unemployment Down, Homelessness Up

2011-09-21T17:13:00.001-05:00

In a Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP) report analyzing the housing market, results showed that homelessness in children and youth have increased from the second to the third quarter dramatically.

Unemployment was down from last quarter but increased monthly. Unemployment figures only count those who are unemployed and actively searching for jobs, not unemployed residents who have given up on job searching. MHP reported that unemployed residents were unemployed for almost 40 weeks in the year. In fact, 14 percent of non-luxury units are late in payment this quarter. That’s enough to push eviction. Thus, homelessness in children and youth increased.

The MHP study reported that Hennepin County homeless shelters averaged 260 families each month. That’s a 21 percent jump in a year and a 50 percent jump in five years. From July 2010 to June 2011, 8,297 children and youth were identified as homeless. The rate has jumped by eight percent from the previous year and 18 percent from 2007-2008.

Unfortunately, the report shows that Minnesota has got a long way to go to end homelessness. Until then, we can do our best by helping as we can. At Cabrini Partnership, we understand that ending homelessness is more than just providing a roof and a bed. With your help, we can continue making a difference.

Donate. Volunteer. Advocate. Join Cabrini Partnership’s mission.

Helping Out One Way or Another

2011-09-16T13:46:00.000-05:00

Whether it’s through Cabrini Partnership or not, you can make a difference. Three years ago, John Larsen and Mike Stewart opened their home to a young homeless woman. “Larsen said the first few months were ‘really crazy’ because the young woman they were paired with had so many issues.” However, things began to improve. “Her first semester in college, she had three A’s and one A-minus,” Larsen told Star Tribune.

After 10 months, the youth moved out for school. Now she visits Stewart and Larsen year-round and even refers to them as her “gay dads.” Today, she is “a leader in her community and with her peers.” They began as strangers in a house, and now they are a family. This was possible through Suburban Host Home Action Council (SHHAC).

The organization temporarily pairs a host home for homeless GLBT 18-to-20-year-olds who are working toward personal goals like finding a job, attending school, or improving mental health and well-being.

This is not a foster organization. Instead, the host guardians voluntarily provide basic essentials such as food, clothing and emotional support. However, hosts are required to complete a training session, attend monthly group meetings and work with a case contact.

By taking someone in, donating time, raising money or advocating, you are helping to end homelessness. See how you can help through Cabrini Partnership. [http://www.cabrinipartnership.org/getinvolved/index.html]

Learn more about SHHAC and visit their Facebook Page. Read about the Star Tribune article here.

Summer Picnic Success

2011-07-14T16:17:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday evening Cabrini Partnership clients, alumni, staff, volunteers and board members gathered for the annual summer picnic at Van Cleve Park. The weather was gorgeous, and those in attendance relaxed in the sun enjoying conversation and delicious food generously prepared by volunteers from Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

"We couldn't have asked for a nicer night to come together as a community and enjoy ourselves," remarked Executive Director Mary Morris.

Thanks to everyone who came out!

What the Government Shutdown Means for the Homeless

2011-07-07T16:40:00.000-05:00

With the shutdown of the Minnesota state government on July 1 came the devastating shutdown of many programs that serve people who are experiencing homelessness, including rental assistance and child care assistance.

Programs like Cabrini Partnership, People Serving People and Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless will continue to help clients—but individuals and families who are out on their own are facing serious obstacles with the shutdown.

People Serving People is organizing volunteers to help during this crucial time. See what you can do to ease the affects of the shutdown.

Visit People Serving People online.

Contact Cabrini Partnership to see how else you can make a difference during this time.

Transforming Apartments and Lives

2011-06-30T15:30:00.004-05:00

Throughout the years, Cabrini Partnership and its clients have been fortunate to receive assistance from generous volunteers in transforming bare apartments into friendly, welcoming places that our residents can call home.

This is one such installation at Stafford Apartments. The change is incredible—what a team!

What You Do Matters

2011-06-23T12:44:00.001-05:00

According to a new report from HUD, homelessness in Minnesota saw an increase of approximately two percent in 2010. That puts the homeless population at about 7,900 people. (Star Tribune)

While the homeless population remained fairly stable from the previous year, our goal at Cabrini Partnership is to end long-term homelessness by 2016. We understand it's going to be a lot of work and we can't do it alone—we need your help.

You can make a difference through even the smallest gesture. Don't have money to give financially or through in-kind donations? Your work as a volunteer makes a world of difference. Mentoring, cooking, tutoring and just visiting with our residents helps enrich and strengthen their lives.

Learn more about getting involved through volunteer opportunities and donating.

What You Do Matters

2011-06-23T12:43:00.000-05:00

PROJECT HOMELESS CONNECT EVENT: MAY 23

2011-05-20T11:02:00.007-05:00

Project Homeless Connect is a one-stop shop model for delivering services to people experiencing homelessness. Twice a year, Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis partner with service providers, businesses, citizens and faith congregations to bring multiple resources to one central location where people can come to access the services they need.

Services include

Legal assistance
Eye care
Chiropractic
Dental care
Housing
Employment help
Medical care
Mental health care
And much more

When: Monday, May 23, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Minneapolis Convention Center

1301 Second Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55403

Learn more about Project Homeless Connect.

"LIVES WILL BE LOST"

2011-05-12T11:06:00.000-05:00

Our state is facing tough budget choices. Among the most troubling are those that would make significant changes to the state's program that provides health care for most of our residents. Republican legislators are pushing for a $1.6 to $1.8 billion cut from health and social services spending over the next two years.

Republicans are pushing to convert MinnesotaCare to a voucher system. Recipients will then have to choose between high-cost plans or no insurance at all. "Lives will be lost," said former Gov. Arne Carlson. (Read the entire Star Tribune article on Carlson and his view on privatizing MinnesotaCare).

We need to encourage our legislators to find equitable solutions to the budget deficit, such as spending cuts and increased revenues, instead of targeting vulnerable Minnesotans.

Find out more about the state's tax and budget priorities at Minnesota Budget Project. You can find a list of your representatives with contact information on the Minnesota State Legislature website.

THE COST OF HOMELESSNESS by Cathy ten Broeke

2011-05-05T16:13:00.002-05:00

Note: A good story is often worth sharing. This is a lesson in wise money management. Taxpayer money, in particular.

This is the story of “Joe.” Joe was arrested 103 times in four years. He was homeless, significantly developmentally delayed and living with a serious and persistent mental illness. And he was writing on walls all over downtown. The police would arrest Joe for graffiti, he would go to court, he would serve his time and he would do it all over again. At least 103 times.

In early 2008, as part of our initiative to end homelessness, a new street outreach team worked with Joe and helped him into housing. During his first year in housing, Joe was arrested only once. He went in front of the Hennepin County judge and the judge asked, “Where have you been?!” Joe explained that he was now in housing and working with the outreach team. The judge sent him out of court and back to his home. Joe’s life is significantly improved. The downtown community’s life is significantly improved. And we are all saving a bundle of money. Each time Joe was arrested, booked and spent a night in jail, it cost local taxpayers $500. That is over $50,000—without taking into account court costs and the cost of graffiti removal. The cost of homelessness is high.

A couple of years ago, Hennepin County did a study to identify the highest users of public systems, such as jail and shelter. The idea was to identify the people who were experiencing homelessness and who were also high users of other expensive public systems. What they found is that there were 266 people who used over 70,000 nights in a combination of jail, shelter and detox over five years. Hennepin County taxpayers spent $4.2 million dollars on these 266 people and got no results. The folks were still in jail, shelter or detox. With a modest private investment, the strategy shifted. Instead of allowing these individuals to cycle repeatedly through the system, the goal became to provide housing and services to as many as possible. Nearly 70 of the top 100 most frequent users of these systems are now in housing. A preliminary evaluation showed that after one full year in housing, local taxpayer costs associated with each person reduced by an average of $13,000 per year. Ending homelessness is cost-effective.

These examples are the most immediate public cost reducers. The cost of homelessness is perhaps highest, however, for children and youth. Nearly 50 percent of all people who are homeless in our community are children and youth. They are in schools distracted, often hungry, and unable to concentrate. They are trying to do their homework in loud and crowded shelters or in abandoned homes without heat or running water. They are prostituting themselves and bouncing from couch to couch, bed to bed. They wait for the day their families will be stable enough that they can stay in one place and make friends or join a club. These children and youth are paying the cost of homelessness now as they struggle to “fit in,” and we will all pay later when they are not educated, employed and productive. The cost of homelessness is high indeed.

Earlier this year, when the talk at the legislature was about “reform,” I felt cautiously optimistic. For four years we have been ending homelessness by focusing on system reform. We are being more effective and more efficient. We are also increasing the chance that children will graduate from high school and even go to college. We are decreasing teen pregnancy. We are building a better workforce. We are decreasing unnecessary health care costs. And in many, many instances, we are saving public dollars. Housing stability is the key to the success of most of these goals—the goals we all have as a society. Ending homelessness is not only the right thing to do for families and individuals, it makes good public policy sense. Yet, the programs that make this work possible, that are a wise investment, are the very ones on the chopping block at the Capitol. Whatever issue you care most about, whether it’s improving educational outcomes, reducing disparity, curbing teen pregnancy, reducing health care spending, shoring up mental health care or improving our future workforce, housing stability should be a top concern. Without housing, the rest of our goals remain out of reach.

Cathy ten Broeke is the coordinator for of Heading Home Hennepin, the 10-year community plan to end homelessness in Hennepin County and Minneapolis by 2016. The Office to End Homelessness is a cross-departmental team coordinating the implementation. You can learn more at these two websites: www.headinghomeminnesota.org/hennepin and www.homelessconnectminneapolis.org.

PATHWAYS TO SELF RELIANCE

2011-04-21T11:50:00.003-05:00

Our case managers-the folks who work most closely with our clients-are seeing a rising call for assistance for a variety of needs beyond our clients' ability to pay. Most clients receive a small stipend each month. It must cover medical co-pays, personal needs, public transportation and emergency needs that arise. This is very little money for someone trying to regain skills for employment or re-establish a healthy lifestyle.

For example, those studying for their GED exam will face a fee of $75 to take the exam. Sometimes, clients have lost important documents, such as birth certificates and driver's licenses. Many who have been chronically homeless have significant dental problems that affect their overall health. Eyeglasses are not covered by their medical care. Most rely on public transportation to go to medical appointments, get to class or attend support meetings.

For a small investment-$50 or $100-you can open a pathway to self reliance for one of our clients. You can give them a hand up to seeking a job, getting an education, reconnecting with family and becoming an active member of our community.

Send a check (Cabrini Partnership, 919 12th Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414) or donate online (www.cabrinipartnership.org) today to secure these resources for those with little means.

SAD FACTS ABOUT HOMELESSNESS

2011-04-07T13:12:00.002-05:00

WHAT PERSISTS...among those who are homeless in Minnesota, according to the most recent Wilder Research survey: Racial disparities - Black and American Indian people are significantly over-represented among the homeless. Domestic violence among women and children - 29% of women who are homeless are fleeing domestic violence. The majority have kids under the age of 18 with them. Childhood trauma - A history of abuse as a child is unusually common among those who are homeless. Multiple health issues - Three quarters of those surveyed in the study reported mental illness, substance abuse or chronic physical health conditions. Barriers to obtaining and maintaining housing - Half those responding said lack of a job or income and one quarter said lack of affordable housing led to their homelessness. Other barriers reported: criminal background, credit problems, court eviction or a bad rental history. At Cabrini Partnership, we know it takes more than a roof and a bed to end homelessness. We get at the root causes to assist our clients in regaining health, rebuilding self respect and restoring their spirit. Interested in learning more about homelessness in Minnesota? Visit http://www.wilder.org/homelessness.0.html

CABRINI PARTNERSHIP "GRACIOUS GEEK"

2011-03-31T09:28:00.003-05:00

Kevin is our technology hero. He started out as a volunteer helping clients learn the basics of using a computer. But he was soon besieged with, "Can you do this? Can you show me how to do that?" and it was quickly apparent we needed him for much more. "I pretty much have had my hands on everything technology here." He's kept the servers upgraded, set up computers for new staff, installed software and performed trouble-shooting on the phone system. "My job is to be sure they can do their job."

Kevin's first computer was a Commodore 64 that he bought in 1980. But it was while he was attending a community college that a whole new world opened up. That's where he first witnessed the use of computers on the manufacturing floor. That was the spark.

What's unique about Kevin is how he makes the "foreign, dangerous and scary" technology not so for staff and clients. "I've been down the road many clients have been down. Most people are simply looking for dignity, respect and kindness. It's very little about technology and much more about understanding where the person is coming from."

Kevin plans to start his own business, "The Gracious Geek," to provide technology support to small businesses and non-profits. We're betting he'll find many eager customers.

To find out other ways you can volunteer at Cabrini Partnership,

visit http://www.cabrinipartnership.org/getinvolved/volunteer.html

RIDING WITH MARK

2011-03-24T09:39:00.001-05:00

Mark Meier is a business owner and psychologist. He's the father of three and an avid hockey fan. Mark is also a survivor of depression, which has led him to take on yet another role in his life: founder. Mark is the founder of Face It, a foundation created to help men understand and overcome depression.

This summer, Mark is spreading his message of hope to men suffering from depression by riding his bike from San Francisco to New York. Along the way, he'll be stopping in 15 states to talk with community leaders, politicians and others about the ongoing struggle men have with depression that is often times ignored.

"I continue to meet men suffering in silence," said Meier, noting that about 75 men kill themselves every day, mostly related to untreated depression (Star Tribune).

In the past, Mark has led several support groups for men at Cabrini Partnership. His inspiring story of managing depression and message of hope has touched the lives of many of the men here going through difficult times.

We wish Mark the best of luck on his journey this summer!

SALUTING AND THANKING WOMEN

2011-03-07T14:25:00.005-06:00

March 8th is the centenary observance of International Women's Day. According to IWD's website, it was first celebrated in March 1911 in four European countries. Today, "International Women's Day is a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future." It's a national holiday in 25 countries.

From our roots - we were named after St. Frances Cabrini - an Italian nun who founded institutions throughout the U.S., South America and Europe to serve the sick and poor;

To a staff, two-thirds of whom are women, including our Executive Director;

To our Board of Directors whose membership is 53% women;

To our clients - half of whom are women...

We are reminded of the achievements and potential of women.

Yvonne is one of those women. When she was asked to create a "gratitude list" of 50 things, she easily recited things Cabrini Partnership is providing her today. A safe place to sleep at night. Food on the table. Bus tokens to get to and from class. Her case manager (a woman). Other residents living with her in the transitional house. She's grateful for the second chance Cabrini gave her when she asked to come back.

She believes the structure within the transitional house is important. "I need a routine. I need to have responsibility for jobs at the house. It keeps me coming home."

Yvonne has gone back to school, riding the bus 90 minutes each way to get to class. Her goal is to become a registered nurse. Or perhaps a chemical dependency counsellor. Whatever path she chooses, Yvonne is emphatic, "I'm seeing my blessings."

Cabrini Partnership salutes Yvonne and all the women who are laboring to reach their potential in the face of barriers that still exist today. We're grateful for all those who've celebrated International Women's Day today and over the past 100 years.

MOVING FORWARD

2011-03-03T11:07:00.003-06:00

Paul has referred to himself as an aging hippie. He's a poet and writer. He has a wickedly dry sense of humor. And he's preparing to take a huge step as he begins to plan for the day when he moves out of Cabrini's supportive housing.

"My life used to be big. It was filled with poetry and music and theater. But as my addiction intensified, my life got smaller." After he moved into our transitional house, he gradually realized other people believed in him. He made friends with other residents and the staff. Slowly, he began believing again in himself.

"The transitional house is like a lab. You can make mistakes." After a year, he moved into a Cabrini apartment. He got a job. He bought a car. When he ran into a difficult supervisor at work, his experience learning how to get along with different people in the house helped him keep a positive attitude.

Paul has also learned that "every strength is a weakness and every weakness, a strength." That wisdom guides him as a house manager for a halfway house.

Right now, Paul's focus is on saving money. He eventually wants to buy a condo. He wants to keep moving forward. And he's on a pathway to make that happen.

GRANT WILL ALLOW EXPANSION

2011-02-10T10:54:00.007-06:00

Twenty to 25 individuals currently living on the streets or in emergency shelters will soon have a safe home and supportive services because of a $24,000 start up grant that Hennepin County has awarded Cabrini Partnership. This is the fifth Supportive Housing Initiative Fund grant Cabrini Partnership has received since 2006.

A full-time case manager will be hired to provide intensive services to long-term homeless individuals with mental illness and/or chemical dependency. These services will be built around an assessment of each individual's strengths, needs, barriers and resources. The case manager will meet frequently with each participant to help them get settled and acclimated to the neighborhood. Learning how to use the bus, training around basic daily living skills and setting goals to stabilize mental and chemical health will be the initial focus. As participants regain health, they will be connected to in-house and community educational programs, volunteer opportunities and job preparedness services. The goal is to ensure the participants are able to retain their housing.

Financial and in-kind contributions from donors will be an essential part of the success of the expansion. Donations are needed, for example, to help furnish apartments with furniture and household items and to buy bus tokens so participants can get to doctor appointments and support meetings. Volunteers will be recruited as tutors for those returning to school and as mentors to help with job readiness.

This funding will benefit taxpayers by reducing the use of costly services such as detox centers, hospital emergency rooms and incarceration. Most importantly, the lives of the individuals who will leave the shelters behind will be significantly enhanced, their health will be regained and their human dignity restored.

GIVE CONFIDENTLY

2011-02-02T10:53:00.005-06:00

Bruce Koehn, Chair of the Board of Directors, is pleased to announce that Cabrini Partnership has undergone review of its compliance with the rigorous accountability standards set by the Charities Review Council and has been granted "Meets All Standards" status. The Council's logo will now be displayed on fundraising and communications pieces to let donors know that Cabrini Partnership can be trusted as a careful steward of charitable contributions.

Charities Review Council is an independent resource for people who make charitable contributions. No other state has anything quite like it. The Council serves three roles:

It works for the giving public by providing tools and resources so donors can make informed giving choices.

It holds charities accountable by reviewing performance in four critical areas: governance, financial activities, public disclosure and fundraising.

It educates charities to help them meet and maintain the Council's Accountability Standards.

To see the full report about how Cabrini Partnership has met these standards, visit http://www.smartgivers.org and search under "reviewed charities."

HEALTH & HOMELESSNESS

2011-01-14T09:17:00.003-06:00

Wilder Research has released more details from its most recent survey of those who are homeless (conducted in fall 2009).

More than half of those who are homeless in the metro area suffer from a chronic health condition. That includes high blood pressure, asthma, lung or heart disease, diabetes, tuberculosis and even frostbite (think about the weather now and imagine having to endure much of the day outdoors trekking from shelter to soup kitchen to some other place before you can return to a shelter in the evening).
Over three quarters have either a physical or mental or other health condition that prevents them from working.

For those considered to be long-term homeless (have been homeless for at least a year or four times over the past three years), the statistics are even more challenging:

60% struggle with mental illness
One third struggle with substance abuse
One in five lives with both mental illness and chemical dependency (Nearly 80% of Cabrini's residents suffer both.)
One third of the women have endured domestic violence
More than half have previously been incarcerated.

As the public discussion about health care continues, it's important to keep these facts in mind - and the very real individuals behind the numbers - when considering the needs of the most vulnerable in our community.

For additional information about the Wilder Research Survey on Homelessness - visit www.wilder.org/homeless2009.0.html

ADDICTION REALITY

2011-01-06T09:23:00.003-06:00

The January 6, 2011 edition of the Pioneer Press reprinted a Los Angeles Times article by Amy Kaufman that detailed the spate of reality shows now on TV about celebrities entering rehab. The story cited Leif Garrett, a teen idol from the 1970s, as one example. He decided to be part of the show, "Celebrity Rehab," because he believed it was the "best shot" for regaining his sobriety and reputation.

For most of our residents, the reality is that treating addiction is a very personal struggle. Being in front of a camera is the last thing they can imagine. Their reality is a day-to-day effort to regain their chemical health. Going to support meetings, participating in treatment programs, adopting wellness techniques such as meditation or exercise and learning to watch for "red flags" to manage a powerful disease are all pieces of their rehabilitation.

The good news is that they know they can rely on Cabrini Partnership to support them every day in their personal battle. They can talk to their case managers, have the time they need to recover and even turn to other residents who can lend encouragement. As S, a Cabrini client, has said, "Sometimes people just need someone to listen to them."

More good news is that this past year, 92% of our residents were able to sustain sobriety or reduce their usage. That's the reality and the achievement for those served by Cabrini Partnership.

Citation
"TV Rehab Helping Celebs or Exploiting Them?" by Amy Kaufman, Los Angeles Times
http://www.twincities.com/ci_17018583?IADID

HOLIDAYS FOR 200

2010-12-30T11:37:00.009-06:00

"Thank you for taking time to make sure my holiday had a bit of magic," K said in an email.

How do you host nearly 150 individuals for roast beef and all the trimmings? And make sure every resident and their kids have a gift? How do you create that "magic" for those whose lives have had little cheer?

With the incredible generosity of individuals, church groups and "secret Santas" who want to be sure no one goes without at this time of year.

A holiday dinner with all the trimmings was prepared and served by a group of volunteers at Our Lady of Lourdes Church earlier this month.

Dozens of cookies were baked and decorated by a volunteer who spends a week baking and generously shares her beautiful treats with us.

367 individuals-residents and their children-had bright holidays because of dozens of churches and individuals who filled their Wish Lists. Volunteers organized and packed the gifts while our staff personally delivered holiday bags to every resident. A "Santa's Gift Shop" was opened in our Learning Lab with gifts for children of all ages for parents and grandparents to choose from.

Another energetic donor collected 335 pairs of warm winter socks distributed by our staff to individuals who are still homeless during this month's "Project Homeless Connect" at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

"The closest I truly have ever gotten to a miracle in my life is Cabrini...Thanks to you I have options and time to build a life," concluded K.

Thanks volunteers! Happy New Year to All!

2010 ANNUAL REPORT

2010-12-13T14:23:00.005-06:00

Cabrini Partnership's latest annual report is now available. The 2010 report shares stories from residents, staff and board members and highlights accomplishments. We've dedicated a special section to our 25th anniversary—reflecting on our foundation and past milestones.

Cabrini Partnership celebrates 25 years this year because of the generous support and goodwill of donors, supporters and friends—thank you.

Read the Cabrini Partnership 2010 Annual Report.

HAT SEASON

2010-12-09T10:50:00.009-06:00

"Do the people at Cabrini need hats?" That question led to one of the busiest half hours of hat selection in recent memory.

Katherine Walker Hutchinson is co-owner of Warm & Wacky, a company that designs and makes hats, mittens and scarves for winter wear. She had a bunch of hats and mittens in styles and fabrics she no longer carries. (Too few to put into inventory, but enough to take up significant room in her studio storage space.)

After last week's dinner and a community meeting, residents of Cabrini Partnership's Transitional House saw their living room transformed into a "hat store," with a few mittens and scarves added for good measure. Space at the hall mirror was in high demand as people wanted to check if a black fur hat looked better on them than a polar fleece one with a sporty fringe.

Several residents who had other commitments left instructions with fellow housemates to "pick out a good hat for me." Norma greeted us as we arrived with, "I’ll be back before you leave. I want a hat."

"I almost went out to buy a hat today," said Carolyn who lives at Cabrini Partnership. "I'm glad I didn't because this one is really nice and it'll keep my ears warm."

The men at Cabrini Partnership weren't shy about their selections. More than one chose a hat in a patterned fur. Josh chose a number with grey and printed polar fleece and contrasting tassels.

Even staff got into the act. At the urging of case manager Mani Vijay, Alex, an intern doing graduate study in social work, tried on a model in a leopard-like fur. It looked so good everyone agreed he should keep it. He did.

"It was really fun to share my hats with the residents," Katherine commented. "They liked my designs. It's always a nice to hear people say good things about my hats. And I really liked the fact they took time to select the hat that was right for them."

The lesson here is that there are many ways to make a contribution to Cabrini Partnership and its clients. Sometimes you just have to ask the right question.

If you think you might be able to help the residents of Cabrini Partnership, don’t hesitate to ask your question. You can contact Anne Russell through our website at www.cabrinipartnership.org. She’s more than willing to listen to your question about how you might help individuals living at Cabrini Partnership.

Photographs provided by Lawrence Steffens