blog

summertime

Thursday, 30 July 2009 15:10

You can’t talk about Seattle this week without mentioning the weather. It was ridiculous, it was hot. Then Blue Angels spent a few hours roaring over Jubilee, entertaining us. Summer is here!

Besides the weather, what most brightened my week was a woman who called to see if residents would want fresh vegetables. The residents were ecstatic! Fortunately, we regularly receive donations of bread and other staples from St. Monica’s Friends of the Needy and our wonderful baker friend, Jay Kaiser. But the vegetables, another sign of summer, were a very welcome treat.

Katy Childers
Development Manager

moving out

Wednesday, 22 July 2009 07:43

One of the best times for me, and for my colleagues here at Jubilee is that time when a resident has been approved for permanent housing and we can begin to celebrate her independence. First we do the practical preparations of finding boxes, etc. for packing, we view the the apartment, sign the lease, and then, best of all, we go shopping for furniture and household items.

Jubilee participates in The Sharehouse program, a free furniture bank for homeless individuals and families. It's an amazing place; part of the Church Council of Greater of Seattle. Residents can shop for everything to set up their apartment.

Recently I had the fun experience of going to The Sharehouse with a resident who was about to move into her own place; a large airy 17th floor unit with an amazing view of the Sound and city. Her building is a part of the Seattle Housing Authority which provides low-income housing. Our first visit to The Sharehouse produced only a beautiful dresser; they had little else in their donated furniture warehouse. So they immediately set another date for her; this time we were able to complete her furnishings: a sofa, bed, coffee table, chairs, lamps, a microwave and dishes.

As we were about to leave, the director of the program presented her with a beautiful ‘Wedgewood-blue’ handmade quilt from a generous woman who keeps them supplied with these gifts. Our resident was overjoyed to have such care and support coming from the community so she could move into her own apartment.

I wish everyone could see what generosity can offer; peace, hope, dignity and above all else joy!

Kathy Lewis
Care Manager

housing levy party!

Tuesday, 14 July 2009 12:53

Check this out. Yes, that's right, tomorrow I'm going to a party all about voting yes on Proposition 1. Mayor Greg Nickels will be speaking and it should be good. Gather your people and come too!

Becca Petrin
Office Manager

on defining "community"

Monday, 13 July 2009 12:07

In July and August 2009, four community-wide assemblies will be held throughout King County to discuss how we care for each other. Some of the questions that will be considered by the attendees of these assemblies will include, “What do we need in order to be the kind of community that truly cares for one another?” "What assumptions must we question to nurture and sustain this caring community?” “Who needs to come together to create this new way of viewing the world--and each other?”

Working as a Care Manager at Jubilee Women’s Center is a continual reminder of how important it is to understand how “care” is defined by the women whom we serve. Jubilee residents may hold differing perspectives of what actions and support are truly caring for her needs and for her humanity. As such, it is essential that I hold the capacity to look at the concept of care through each woman’s eyes and heart rather than simply dictating my concepts or definitions of what I define as appropriate care and support. It is my belief that by stopping to consider how we--as a community--can holistically care for one another, that I will increase my ability to offer care to Jubilee residents in a manner that is inclusive of the cultural, ethnic, spiritual, emotional, and physical realities of human existence.

Dannette Allen
Care Manager

are we ready?

Monday, 06 July 2009 12:12

Disasters have been on my mind lately. As someone not originally from the beautiful Pacific NW and who has never experienced an earthquake in her life, they terrify me. It is a fear of the unknown. What would happen? What would I do? What would I need? And when I bring all the other important people in my life into the picture, including JWC’s residents, I think – what would THEY do? What would THEY need?

I challenge you today to think about these questions for yourself and your loved ones, AND take action. Today’s the day to build your own 3-day emergency disaster kit, if you don’t already have one. Go here to see what goes into an emergency kit, you can even purchase one through the Red Cross here and order one for a JWC resident while you’re at it.

If everyone looked out for not only themselves but also their neighbor, wouldn’t we feel a lot more secure that we could handle it if a disaster came our way? I know I would.

Bryn Cowgill
Volunteer Coordinator