blog

happy new year and big changes for our nation!

Monday, 02 February 2009 11:27

Last week staff and residents came together at Jubilee to watch our new President take office. It was a very exciting and emotional time here at Jubilee.

On the other Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, I attended the Inauguration along with around 2 million people. It was amazing being a part of such a beautiful sea of people of all ages, colors, and faith backgrounds coming together to celebrate and witness history being made.

What stood out the most to me about the day was how nice everyone was to each other. It could have easily turned ugly with that many people in one space, but everyone was looking out for their neighbor. I kept thinking, now, this is the America I am proud to be a part of.

This beautiful large-scale act of kindness made me think of Jubilee and all the people who support the residents.

All of these people are invested in the well-being and success of the women who live here; that is the common reason they donate money, or help out in our boutique or front office, who teach a class, provide a community meal, clean and prepare bedrooms for new residents, or drop off clothing or food donations…the list goes on!

It is because of this ongoing commitment and support of our community that makes me feel blessed to be a part of Jubilee, this is the type of place I am proud to work in.

Bryn Cowgill
Volunteer Coordinator/Admin. Aid

happy holidays

Tuesday, 30 December 2008 16:59

I’d like to take a moment to thank all the people and groups who put in the effort to make sure our residents had an amazing holiday season.

On Tuesday, December 23rd, what few staff members who could brave the snow storm came to give our residents the presents that were donated to them – through giving trees, individuals, knitting groups, and so many more people.

The Canlis family (yes, of the Canlis Restaurant) were providing dinner, and we were so excited! The residents dressed up and were buzzing in the living room as the time got close. Before we began our event, I read off all the names of the people and organizations who had made the moment happen, and we had a moment of silence together in gratitude.

We started with the presents, and I’m happy to say that every single one of our residents got at least one thing they had specifically asked for – and MUCH more! It was moving. After that, we all sat down to have dinner, slightly late because of the treacherous roads that were determinedly overcome by the Canlis family! It was delicious, of course.

It was such a special year and experience. From me, on behalf of the residents, THANK YOU to everybody involved. It wouldn’t have happened this way without you.

Becca Petrin
Office Manager

she deserves the job

Thursday, 11 December 2008 11:52

Today I sat down with a resident, one-on-one and helped her re-write her entire resume and cover letter.

See, she has been looking for a new job since June and was beginning to wonder if her resume was maybe the problem. After looking it over, I agreed, yes it probably was.

The resident is currently employed at a job she LOVES, but it’s only part-time and she cannot make ends meet with just part-time work.
So she hears about an opening in virtually the same line she’s currently in but at another place…she jumps at the chance to send in her cover letter, resume and application.

Now – I’m Jubilee’s Development Director; I am not a care manager. But today, I had the chance to work with a resident, using my gifts and talents as a writer.

While most of the time, I write Jubilee’s grants, newsletters and donation appeals – I love nothing more than to sit down with the women and help them write something.

After we created a whole new cover letter and resume she was so filled with gratitude.

She told me where she comes from, the tallest building is 12 stories high, and that today, she feels like she stepped onto the elevator that brought her up to the 12th floor. She felt that good.

I hope she gets the job. She would do an amazing job – and deserves it!

Andrea Johnson
Director of Development

Jubilee is buzzing!

Tuesday, 11 November 2008 14:37

Jubilee is buzzing with the election news…residents’ sprits are high!

They’re also buzzing about the purchase of the home next door – and subsequent expansion of the program to serve more women.

Our fundraising efforts have been successful! Thanks to several friends of Jubilee, a private foundation and the State Housing Finance Commission, we purchased the house next door and will begin moving several residents into the new home on Saturday. The home has been renovated and the landscaping is almost finished.

We’ve asked Canlis to cater dinner for the residents on Saturday to celebrate their new home – so they don’t have to cook that first night.
Canlis…isn’t that great?!

We’re hoping to get some media coverage for the move and dinner – fingers crossed they pick it up.

Stay tuned for more updates…

Andrea Johnson
Director of Development

Susan Fox's Breakfast Comments...

Thursday, 09 October 2008 11:49

On Thursday, October 2nd Jubilee hosted its Annual Benefit Breakfast at The Westin. The event was very successful by all accounts and over 600 guests listened to former and current residents tell how they came to be homeless.

During my speech, I thought I would put things into perspective - given everyone’s ill ease around the economy.
It was my hope to clear up the “fear thing” right then. The following are some of the remarks I delivered directly to the audience.

“Let’s see, what are we afraid of, losing our home?

Well, we just heard from a Jubilee alum that because of a domestic violence situation, lost her home and her children and is here to tell her story. She is reunited with her kids, lives in Bellevue and has a great job.

Afraid of losing our bank accounts? We just heard from a current resident who closed her bank accounts and her financial business to flee the state due to domestic violence. She’s here today to tell the story, and is employed.

Are we afraid of being on the streets without food? Well, we just heard from a current resident who has been there, done that on the streets of Seattle prior to coming to Jubilee.

Our women have already been through this disaster!! Women have been living this disaster for the past 25 years that Jubilee has been open and they will continue to walk through this disaster with courage, grace, dignity and gratitude.”

Susan Fox
Executive Director