November 2007 Archive of News and Musings

Thursday, November 08, 2007
Congratulations, Sonya!
 
Sonya passed! She got her GED!

We were all excited with the news. Sonya joined our program back in the Spring, and immediately got working on her GED through classes and testing conducted by Tri-County OIC. She passed her first four tests quickly and with flying colors, but the final one took a little more preparation. But then she passed the final test...just a few months after she began the entire process. Our case manager, Christine Patrick, said in her 12 years doing this type of work, she's never had a participant complete her GED so quickly.

So congratulations, Sonya! We're proud of you! And you are setting an example for your daughters of just how important it is to set and achieve educational goals...and that hard work pays off. Here are some highlights:

At the Tri-County OIC Graduation Ceremony on October 27, Sonya gives a shout out to those who supported her through this process.

Mr. Steve and Miss Jen pose with the celebrity of the day just before asking for her autograph.

Posted by Steve Schwartz   (11/8/2007 10:34:53 AM | link)

Thursday, November 08, 2007
New Apartment Renovation Complete
 
We're excited to complete the renovation of a new apartment, raising our apartment inventory from 18 to 19 units. Our newest building is 1245 Mulberry Street, which we've owned since December 2003. We're undergoing a comprehensive renovation of the building, which began with the first floor apartment, then the second floor apartment, and a new roof. The third floor (and final) apartment is now complete, and what remains is exterior work (windows, front steps, soffit/siding/fascia work, façade repair and new front doors).

A lot of hard work was put into this apartment renovation, and kudos are due to Dennis Saylor, Alex Groff, Randy Estep, Ed Good, Harvey Kuntz, Jerry Stouffer and several workgroups for their hard work. The renovation of this apartment was funded by a generous grant from the Josiah and Bessie Kline Foundation and support from local churches, businesses and individuals.

Your on-going support of BHA, along with those mentioned above, made this project possible. And most importantly, its not the bricks and mortar that we celebrate as much as we welcome a new participant family to the program, and celebrate the newfound hope and opportunities they'll have through our program.

Here is a glimpse of the new apartment:

Before: Kitchen

After: Kitchen

Before: Bath

After: Bath

Before: 1st Bedroom

After: 1st Bedroom

After: 1st Bedroom

Before: 2nd Bedroom

After: 2nd Bedroom

After: Living Room

Posted by Steve Schwartz   (11/8/2007 9:03:27 AM | link)

Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Supernatural Sounds Benefit Concert
 
Fresh off her performance at our banquet, Ruth Naomi Floyd took the lead in a benefit concert for BHA on Saturday evening, October 27 at Harambee United Church of Christ in uptown Harrisburg. John Francis was the other featured performer.

The event was the conclusion of the three day Supernatural Sounds conference coordinated by Carol Maher of Many Waters Ministries. We're very grateful to Ruth, Rev. Brenda Alton of Harambee, Carol and Many Waters, as well as Harambee's Holistic Hospitality Community Development Corporation led by Robin Perry-Smith for selecting us for this recognition and for their support of our work. Thanks everyone!

Ruth Naomi Floyd shares her unique blend of gospel jazz.

John Francis joins Ruth for some joint numbers.

Posted by Steve Schwartz   (11/7/2007 12:25:48 PM | link)

Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Ministry Celebration Banquet Highlights
 
In honor of the two month anniversary of our Ministry Celebration Banquet, we bring you these highlights...

No seriously, its been quite a busy time at BHA this fall, but I'm glad to finally share some photos from an inspiring evening on September 7 at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey. A very special word of thanks is due to Rick and Deb Souder, who volunteered as our event photographers, and provided all the pictures below. I'll also say thanks here to Glenn Schwartz, my father, who videotaped the evening for us even though I'm not yet tech savvy enough to include any video highlights on our website.

I'll start with some general pictures of our guests enjoying their meal and the fellowship of their fellow dinner guests:

As the program began, Tina Nixon, CEO of the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg (left) and Timothy Whelan, Vice President of Community Impact of the United Way of the Capital Region, shared words of affirmation from the community for BHA's program.

Program participant Megan shares what her time at BHA has meant to her, while Tori awaits her turn to share.

Ruth Naomi Floyd of Contour Records blessed us with a special rendition of His Eye Is On The Sparrow.

BHA Executive Director Steve Schwartz (left) and Bagwashi Coordinator Jennifer Rash share the vision for Bagwashi Circles and other ministry updates.

Featured Speaker Rev. Dr. Cheryl Sanders inspired us with stories of women who were so touched by Jesus ministry, that they gave back by supporting him in his work. She also reminded us that sometimes all it takes is your story to impact and change someone else's life or perspective.

Josh Stroup and Cynthia Wells, BHA Board Members, share words of appreciation to BHA's supporters.

Program participant Sonya gets to take home a table centerpiece, which were graciously provided by Audrey Estep and Milton and Luetta Hess.

Posted by Steve Schwartz   (11/7/2007 11:50:47 AM | link)

Wednesday, November 07, 2007
CACH's Fall Training Day -- Coming Soon
 
I'm helping to coordinate the Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness' Fall Training day on Tuesday, November 13. It's not too late to sign up for this professional development opportunity.

We have some excellent presenters and topics lined up. First, George Payne, Vice President of Programs for the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg, will present an overview of the local Homeless Service Delivery system. How is homelessness defined? What services are available to the homeless in our community? How are those services accessed? George will provide some answers. This is an especially helpful orientation for front-line workers new to working with the homeless in Dauphin County. We (CACH) plan to offer this overview session twice a year as a service to local agencies in training new employees.

Then Julia Tilley, LCSW, MSW of Cornerstone Counseling will walk us through “Working With and Providing Accountability to Manipulative People”. This topic was requested by local agencies as many interact with clients who have learned some manipulative behaviors as a means of survival.

If you want to join us, RSVP using the details on the CACH Fall Training 2007 flyer.

Posted by Steve Schwartz   (11/7/2007 1:59:05 AM | link)

Monday, November 05, 2007
Whew!
 
Its been a busy stretch, and I'm very behind on sharing some of the latest happenings at BHA. A lot of exciting things are/have happened. Stay tuned for more news and highlights over the next week or two.

In the meantime I'll just point out that this Saturday we're hosting a work day on Hummel Street. So if you'd like to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, its a great time to come out and help us rehab and maintain our apartments. We'll be working from 8:30am to 11:30am, so if you'd like to join us, please RSVP to Dennis Saylor, our Property Manager at 717.233.6016 or dsaylor@bha-pa.org so he can plan accordingly.

Posted by Steve Schwartz   (11/5/2007 12:20:53 AM | link)

Latest Musings

News and Musings Archive
August 2010 (4 musings)
July 2010 (1 musing)
June 2010 (7 musings)
May 2010 (4 musings)
April 2010 (3 musings)
March 2010 (4 musings)
February 2010 (3 musings)
December 2009 (7 musings)
October 2009 (1 musing)
August 2009 (1 musing)
July 2009 (5 musings)
June 2009 (4 musings)
May 2009 (1 musing)
April 2009 (4 musings)
March 2009 (5 musings)
February 2009 (3 musings)
January 2009 (2 musings)
December 2008 (5 musings)
November 2008 (4 musings)
October 2008 (5 musings)
September 2008 (1 musing)
August 2008 (2 musings)
July 2008 (1 musing)
June 2008 (3 musings)
May 2008 (2 musings)
April 2008 (6 musings)
February 2008 (2 musings)
January 2008 (4 musings)
December 2007 (4 musings)
November 2007 (6 musings)
August 2007 (2 musings)
July 2007 (1 musing)
June 2007 (1 musing)
May 2007 (4 musings)
April 2007 (2 musings)
March 2007 (2 musings)
February 2007 (3 musings)
January 2007 (3 musings)
December 2006 (3 musings)
November 2006 (3 musings)
October 2006 (3 musings)