blog

tomorrow's breakfast

Wednesday, 01 October 2008 14:04

The residents are getting all dressed up for our 25th Anniversary Benefit Breakfast tomorrow morning at the Westin. They’ve been practicing their makeup, deciding what to wear, and anticipating speaking in front of so many people.

We expect at least 600 people to attend, and many volunteers to help us with our most important event of the year. For most of the residents, it will be their first Annual Benefit Breakfast. I’ve been to two of them in the past and I’ve sat at the tables with the women.

In past years, the residents have been astonished and grateful to see so many people show up to support them. There’s a difference between hearing the number 600, and seeing an actual room filled with 600 real-life individuals who each personally care. No matter how much the residents fuss over their clothing and makeup today, I know they will not be able to prepare for that feeling. How do you prepare for something as unexpected as looking around a huge room and knowing that everyone went out of their way that morning to show up just to support you? You can’t. I know it’s a great feeling for them, and I’ve seen them gain an extra bounce in their step afterwards.

The residents are why we all will be there. I’m looking forward to sitting with them again this year.

Becca Petrin
Office Manager

classes in full swing!

Tuesday, 23 September 2008 12:14

Technology and Life Skills classes are going strong!

Aron, a long time volunteer in our Learning & Technology Center is just finishing teaching an Introduction to Computers class. The residents are eager to learn. One said to me the other day in an excited voice, “I really learned some great things last night! I can’t wait to put this all to use!”

Carol Lo from the Seattle Public Library has been here twice to offer a class on using the library’s website. The women are amazed at what the library offers. From job searching to test preparation guides, this site has it all. Thank you, Carol!

In October we will begin a 16 week program here at Jubilee. “How to Live Your Dream Life.” Everyone is looking forward to that…

The most satisfying aspect of my job as Program Coordinator is watching the residents learn new skills. It always brings a smile to my face.

Mo Whalen
Program Coordinator, Care Manager

walking these halls...

Tuesday, 16 September 2008 10:26

Just the other day I had an opportunity to meet a former resident and give her a tour of the newly renovated building. There is nothing like walking an alumna through this beautifully renovated building knowing they are a part of its history, its purpose and its success.

The woman I walked through came to Jubilee approximately 10 years ago. Jubilee was a miracle in her life and just after she moved in she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She told me she used to live in the former “Mother Superior” room – which had its own private bathroom. She said there were days that she wouldn’t have made it to the bathroom across the hall when she was going through her treatment and was incredibly sick. As a survivor of colon cancer, today she is a new woman. She has an amazing spirit and is looking forward to finally traveling and seeing the world.

My role here as Development Director is incredibly fulfilling, but I love nothing more than walking these beautiful halls with the women who have graced them.

Andrea Johnson
Director of Development

women will heal and become strong

Wednesday, 10 September 2008 10:59

During my first three months at Jubilee Women's Center I have had the greatest pleasure of offering tours to former colleagues, friends, family and new friends. There is something that never changes during these visits. Without exception, people viewing our facilities react in the same way; some become tearful, some express surprise, all say in some way, “What a beautiful, respectful, loving home. Such care in the decorating and landscaping, such thoughtful arrangements, why aren’t there more residences like this?”

I answer them by saying that my experience here has been to meet and work with dedicated, loving, intelligent staff, volunteers, and board members. Of course women will heal and become strong in such an environment!

I feel so fortunate to be a part of this life giving endeavor.

Kathy Lewis
Care Manager

this morning

Friday, 05 September 2008 11:49

This morning I came in early to work and did my normal stroll through the house to say good morning to the residents. The women were in the kitchen cooking from scratch. There’s nothing like the smell of bacon, eggs, and pancakes to make you regret that you already had cereal for breakfast. Right before I happened by at 8 a.m., they had mopped the kitchen floor and wiped the counters down, so everything was shiny and cheerful. The renovation left this place looking beautiful, and the women have been taking tremendous pride in keeping it that way. It’s nice to be here in the morning.