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THE H.I.S. HOUSE VIEW

2013 SPRING ISSUE

H.I.S. HOUSE INVITES YOU TO

“MONTE CARLO MADNESS”

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Are you feeling lucky? Well now is the time to dust off that rabbit’s foot, shine up that lucky penny and go out and find a four leaf clover because on April 20, 2013, you will be able to try your luck at four different games of chance. You can spend your evening at the craps table or the roulette table and if those don’t suit you there is always the blackjack tables and new this year, the ever popular, Wheel of Fortune.

This year’s fundraiser is being held at the Villa Restaurant, 501 E. Katella Avenue, Orange, California, from 6:30 until 11:00 pm. Tickets are $75 per person.

There will be a fabulous dinner, great prizes for those lucky winners and a silent auction. Our silent auction this year will be the best yet with trips, theatre tickets, sports memorabilia, grandparent’s baskets, which will include children’s bicycles and fun places to take your grandchildren, wine baskets and private wine tastings. The full list of silent auction items is too long to list, but you have to attend to get in on these great opportunities! Invitations were mailed out in mid March. If you did not receive one and would like to attend please call our Event Chairman, Carolyn Holmes at 714-996-7418. Seating is limited this year so get your reservations in early and bring your friends,. It will be a great evening!

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From H.I.S. House to Yours………... Mind your own business! What does it matter to you anyways? What makes you think you can make a difference? These are questions we are often asked, or better yet we ask ourselves, in regards to our relationship with others. One person CAN make a difference in the life of an individual or family who is struggling to cope with unexpected circumstances that find them homeless. The Mission of H.I.S. House is to assist homeless individuals, couples, and families to regain self-sufficiency through housing, training, counseling and personal support.

Having come through Christmastime with assistance from so many individuals, churches, businesses and organizations that worked tirelessly to make the season special for our residents is confirmation that many people do feel they’re able to make a difference. The gifts, parties, clothing and food brought to the shelter serve as a testament to your love. The love we show to others is also the love we show ourselves, and what better time of the year to do so. Thank you for not minding your own business!

What did it matter to the Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts who spent endless hours doing handiwork, baking and engaging in projects around the shelter to the benefit of people they don’t even know? Handmade beanies, Adirondack chairs and fencing at our Second Step residence are just a few of the projects provided by these young men and women for a cause they determined was bigger than themselves. Thank you for not minding your own business!

What makes Messiah Lutheran of Yorba Linda think they’ve made a difference by removing and trimming trees or Calvary Chapel of Placentia by painting rooms, furniture and whatever else might be necessary to paint? They’ve given selflessly of themselves in order to make a “home” for individuals and families who are as deserving as any one of us. Thank you for not minding your own business!

I think you get the picture! I could go on indefinitely, but don’t have the space to give each and every one the credit they deserve. From the nurses at West Coast University who donated time and energy for our resident’s well-being to our newly formed “Tool Box Ministry” that attends to our facility’s ongoing maintenance and repair needs. May I express my gratitude to all of you for your continued efforts and support of our Mission. Thank you for not minding your own business!

This Easter season is a reminder of renewal and refreshing. And just like your homes, our home and its residents need continual attention. How can you make a difference you ask? Please continue with the donations you so generously give and your support of our fundraising efforts is appreciated more than you’ll know.

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Shopping and volunteering at Charity’s Closet, whose sales support H.I.S. House, is a fun way to indulge or be indulged on a budget! The 100 plus volunteers working at Charity’s Closet are always willing to help you with your personal shopping needs. If your talents lie more in the area of building and maintenance, you might want to think about some occasional time being spent with the “Tool Box Ministry.” Or maybe you’re more inclined to like the personal interaction of working as a “Resident Mentor,” giving you an opportunity to work one on one with a resident. The only qualifications necessary for any of these engagements are open eyes as you never know who you’re going to meet or what you’re going to learn when your eyes are open. When we help someone in need we show a capacity for greater human goodness. Thank you for proving through your actions that anyone of us can make a difference and I implore you to continue minding the business of H.I.S. House. Respectfully, Gae Wood Chairman of the Board

When our Director, Teri Niebuhr, received a call from Dean Smith an Audit Partner at Wright Ford Young & Company CPA and Consultants, Inc. asking for a tour of the house, she said “of course.” Along with a request to see the shelter came those wonderful words, “there might be a possible donation as our firm tithes and gives to non-profits each year.” What she did not expect was the generosity of this CPA firm. The donation was $30,000, the largest unrestricted monetary donation in the history of H.I.S. House. We love all of our donors and volunteers and every donation we receive is cherished and put to use helping our guests transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency. We do wish to say THANK YOU for this most generous DONATION! As always, we promise to be good stewards of this money!!!

Photograph shows Director, Teri Niebuhr, (left) Chair of Board, Gae Wood (right) and Dean Smith.

FIRM MAKES DONOR HISTORY

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Introducing, Melissa Stewart-Garcia

Idealistic, with her head in the clouds… Grounded, with her feet firmly in the sand... Living, day to day, somewhere in between (usually) with a smile on her face... For those who get to know her, Melissa is a bundle of sarcasm and goofiness, who has become a “big picture” type of gal. Born in Fullerton, to sixteen year old parents, she learned early on to assess a situation and fix it before anyone knew there was one. Wanting to help others became, and stayed, a way of life.

Melissa received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from California State University of Fullerton in 2006. Unsure of what she wanted to do exactly, she completed her first internship with HIS House. She completed her second internship as a probation officer with the Orange County Drug Court, and came back to HIS House to

complete her third, and final, internship. It was during her time at HIS House that she figured out exactly how she wanted to help. She was hired on as a part-time Resident Manager. Eventually, a homeless shelter for pregnant women started their search for a full-time case manager, and Melissa was referred for the position by Teri Niebuhr.

After two years as a Case Manager, handling case loads of up to 18 women, Melissa became the Program Director. This was when it clicked, and she began to see the big picture. Helping those who were willing to put in the effort to help themselves became a passion. Providing the place for it to happen, researching the resources needed, and creating a thorough & efficient program was something she loved. She began to dream about opening her own nonprofit, as serving families of all shapes and sizes often tugged at her heart.

When she heard that HIS House was in need of a Case Manager, she had to go. She had to go back to the place where it all started for her. She lives by the motto, “find a career you truly love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

And, so, she joined HIS House, hoping to never work again.

At home, Melissa enjoys reading a good book while curled up on the couch. She likes watching Grey’s Anatomy and Survivor after the house is calm and quiet. She is a lover of new experiences, frozen peanut M&Ms, and soft blankets. Her dryer is her iron. She is a mother of two daughters (17 and 6… no need for a double take, you read that correctly), an owner of two dogs (Chloe Mae and Faulkner), a wife, a sister, a friend, a daughter, and a forever student…learning something new every single day.

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Resident-Mentor Program Update “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen and a push in the right direction. ” John Crosby The HIS House Resident-Mentor program is a unique opportunity to serve one-on-one with our residents to help them achieve success. Our mentors act as life coaches to help the residents develop his/her own vision for the future. We foster a caring and supportive relationship encouraging the residents to build self-esteem and achieve personal growth.

In the last few months, the Resident-Mentor Program has been infused with a new vitality. Jo-Anne Martin stepped in as the Program Chair, to assist our long-term Resident-Mentor champion Deanne Cassidy. The Resident-Mentor Program Guide has been completely rewritten. It focuses on logically walking a newly assigned mentor volunteer through the Resident-Mentor program, describes the requisite steps, lays out the training plan, provides recommended mentoring session topics and practical guidelines to ensure a successful resident-mentor relationship. A future addition to the program guide will be a FAQ (frequently asked questions) section, and a more robust local/city/state resources compilation.

One of the marquee events of the Resident-Mentor program is the monthly dessert social. This is an opportunity for all the mentors and residents to gather, have dessert together, enjoy a speaker and then break off into one-on-one mentoring meetings. We’ve recently expanded this monthly session to include a mentor-only pre-meeting before the dessert social. This meeting serves to bring the mentors together to discuss future needs, current issues and provide updates on the HIS House Board actions. It enables the mentors to share concerns, and describe successes that could be utilized by other mentors.

We’ve also laid out the annual plan for the Resident-Mentor Dessert Social topics and speakers. The purpose is to provide the residents with practical knowledge and resources to help them move forward into the next stage of their lives. These topics include disaster preparedness, law enforcement, banking, credit and low income housing.

Finally, we’re delighted to welcome four new mentors into the program. As hoped, they represent a broad spectrum of experiences, backgrounds and age groups. We’ve assigned these new folks to our residents and look forward to their contributions in achieving success. Thank you all for your continued support.

ANOTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY FOR SINGLES, GROUPS OR FAMILIES Interested in being a guest chef for resident mentor meetings? You and your group would provide the Main course (preferably hot), side dish, and dessert for approximately 25-30 people. HIS House provides all the plates, napkins, utensils, cups and drinks. Please give our office a call if you are interested in this position.

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Christmas at H.I.S. House is so joyous. This year was no exception when new and old friends filled wish lists, delivered gifts and gift cards as well as food and goodie bags!

(Left)

Members of Temple Beth Shalom

Girl Scouts, Emma Belinsky and Kayleigh McGarahon made bean-ies for all the children. (Right)

Linda and Vicki fro m Del Cerro Mobile Estates.

(Below)

(Above) Director Teri with Pat and Heidi, members of Wee Bee Quilters

(Left)

Jason with Santa. (Santa’s Visit was sponsored by members of the Kiwanis Club of Placentia.

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(Left)

Vivian and Bonnie Toblesky

delivering goodies from Yorba Linda Senior Center.

Trucks and Vans and a Moose-Oh My! (Pictured Left) Messiah Lutheran Preschool Parents and Children. Students from Lisa Bhoophet’s Science Classes at Anaheim High School. (Below)

TKachyck & Tan Insurance and Financial Services (Left)

(Above) Joan Herrick & Mr. & Mrs Farrow of Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church (Above) Messiah Lutheran Preschoolers

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VOLUNTEER—LIVE BETTER, HEALTHIER AND LONGER

How would you like to feel better, be healthier, and live longer? One way seems to be – Volunteer! A number of studies (“The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research,” www.nationalservice.org) show that those who volunteer benefit not only the organization or cause they support, but also their own health and vitality.

Those who volunteer gain not only the satisfaction of contributing to a worthwhile cause; they also gain self-esteem, gratification, social interaction, and health benefits. The above referenced report states, “… that volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease.” That is a pretty good return on investment, right?

H.I.S. House does have a paid staff including the Director, Administrative Assistant, and Case Workers, but all the rest of the work is accomplished by – Volunteers. Charity’s Closet is run completely by volunteers, and you can’t believe the number of hours of volunteer effort that are given each year – as well as the amount of money provided to support the H.I.S. House operation.

Our cadre of dedicated workers have forged new friendships, maintained high social interactions, and basically enjoyed what they were doing. Why else would they be there? Everyone has something to offer. It could be an area of expertise in marketing, merchandise display, accounting, collectibles, or simply a joy of working with people.

Needs include workers at Charity’s Closet, people with trucks to help transport donated furniture or deliveries of unneeded items to Goodwill, people to answer the phone at the shelter, people to work on resident events at the shelter, people to be mentors to the residents, etc., etc., etc.

Whatever your talents, you would be welcomed into the family of volunteers that allow Charity’s Closet and H.I.S. House to function. In return you would become healthier, happier, more fun to be with, longer lived, better looking, and famous. OK – maybe not ALL of these, but you get the idea.

If you now feel the urge to get up off the couch, get involved, get healthier, and have a good time doing it, call the shelter (714) 993-5774 or Charity’s Closet (714) 993-4687 to join the community of volunteers. You’ll be glad you did!

Blessings,

Allen Sypherd, Past Chair

H.I.S. House Board

Many Volunteer

Opportunities in this issue!

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Another Volunteer Opportunity Join Our Tool Box Ministry The number of projects at HIS House and its two other houses is becoming a bit too much for just calling up some of the guys on the list of current volunteers and asking if they are available to provide their labor to do some tasks. So based on a similar program that was observed at Centerpoint Church in Roseville, CA, it has been decided that we should adopt their basic idea. The plan is to establish a list of work that needs to be done and then post it on the HIS House website. The list will be available to be reviewed by interested volunteers and they could then plan to bring their tools and come and do the work. An e-mail reminder would be sent a few days before each

of the planned work party days. The work will be prioritized so that the most important tasks would be completed in the order of their importance. So if just a few show up some tasks will be started and hopefully completed. If many show up, the list will be robust enough so that there will be tasks for everyone. If a task needs materials, best efforts will be used to ensure they are available.

To keep the process simple, the work will be planned to be accomplished on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month beginning at 9:00AM and trying to be complete by noon.

Currently, there are a dozen volunteers on the list, or as our Chair, Gae Wood says, “Hutch’s band of merry men.” If you would like to become a part of the group, just show up or call Bob Hutchinson at 714-671-0567 to have your name added.

Mrs. Colone’s Third Grade Class from Glen Knoll Elementary School has adopted the children living in H.I.S. House. Mrs. Colone gives tickets to students who bring in items to donate. At the end of a themed campaign a drawing is held and the child holding the winning ticket accompanies Mrs. Colone and his/her parent to H.I.S. House to deliver the class donation and tour the shelter. Since Mrs. Colone began this project, the shelter has received, school supplies, handmade hygiene bags filled with hygiene items specifically for children, hand decorated Halloween goodie bags, cake mixes, icing and decorations for a cupcake bake and Valentines with candy so H.I.S. House children can distribute Valentines and candy to their classmates. Mrs. Colone has such a big heart for children, not only in her own classroom, but for those less fortunate in her community. Thanks for teaching your children how to pay it forward!

Teacher and her third graders—PAY IT FORWARD

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The 112 volunteers who keep Charity’s Closet running were recognized at a dinner at El Torito on Monday, March 18. The annual get-together marked the 7th anniversary for the thrift shop, which now provides half of the H.I.S. House yearly budget. As part of the evening’s festivities, H.I.S. House director Teri Niebuhr spoke about the activities and successes at the shelter. Teri thanked everyone for their many hours of dedication to the shop and added that the monthly generous donation keeps many necessary programs available for the residents. Volunteers receiving their one year service pins!

And…… Volunteers receiving their five year service pins!

Spring is a great time to clean out closets to make room for your new shopping purchases—and take all those items that haven’t been worn recently to Charity’s Closet. Donations of women’s clothing and shoes have been down the past few weeks, which means there are fewer nice items to put on the sales floor. The shop is always looking for clean, “gently worn and cared for” articles that help ring up sales, with all proceeds going to H.I.S. House. Donations may be delivered to the back door of Charity’s Closet, 134 N. Bradford Ave., Placentia, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and from 12 noon-4 p.m. Sundays.

CLOSET TO CLOSET Charity’s Closet Volunteers

Honored

A SPECIAL

THANK YOU TO OUR

GIFT WRAPPERS!

Donna Reina

Marlene

Stewart

Scott

Bergert

Jim Putt

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SCOUTS GOOD DEEDS GOLD AND EAGLE

Trianna Eichinger, to earn her Gold Award Project , donated 50 books, made two literacy boxes, for older and younger children. These boxes are hand decorated with pictures of literary characters and other pictures enticing the children to explore the contents. Each box includes games designed for learning. A special book was created, by hand, to teach children the ABC’s! Trianna hosted an event to demonstrate all of the contents of each Literacy Box! Lastly, she created a parent i nformat i on fo lder w i th book recommendations by age and reading facts. As we say….Trianna, we could not do it without YOU!

Jordan Tretbar, Eagle Scout candidate and his mentor Mike Rooney, came by the shelter asking what projects H.I.S. House might need. Our lab will accommodate eight residents; however, there are only four computer stations. We agreed we could use a countertop for our laptops with a bookcase above for manuals and books. Jordan and Mike began the process of designing and planning this project. Several months went by and Jordan and his troop built a beautiful book case and countertop. As you can see in the picture, the bookcase is aesthetically pleasing and the countertop is used on a daily basis. What is special about this project is the fact that Jordan accomplished this on the eve of traveling to BYU to begin his new life as a college student. Thank you, Jordan.

Michael Paulsin (standing in photo below)

is one of the youngest Eagle Scout Candidates ever to come and ask H.I.S. House –“ what do you need?” Being young does not indicate a level of fortitude when it comes to pursuing a creative and very “hip” project. As one enters

the gated front yard of H.I.S. House, the four Adirondack chairs scream I’m at the beach or come and sit in me and pretend you’re at the beach. As you can see by the photo, they are very cool and have every visitor asking – where did you get those awesome chairs. We even had a retired woodshop teacher ask to take one home, disassemble it and copy the pattern. However, the director said “NO” but then said “how ‘bout I call Michael and get the plans for you. “ We, at H.I.S. House, thank you Michael and members of troop 785 for these AWESOME chairs.

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Ruth Ann Anderson Marsha Andrews The Backes Family Trust Bank of America- United Way Dick Bednar Shauna & Jim Bell Leland Bellot Berger Kahn A Law Corporation Berger Kahn A Law Corp./Orange Beverli Linn & Stephen Klausen Malcolm & Doris Black Jessica Block Roy Buck Carlene Cable Frank Campbell Timothy & Rosa Campbell Chevron Humankind Mr. & Mrs. Jim Chou Jeanne Christensen Arthur & Norma Circle M. Clifford Clark Michael & Robyn Cole Richard & Noreen Collins Christopher & Monica Colonnier Cornerstone United Methodist Corvette Super Sports James & Winifred Crowley Dixie Davies Del Norte Garden Club Lawrence & Carol Doeling Thomas Dressel Gordon & Nancy Dunn Lynda Baker Linda Ellenburg Lyndell & Linda Emrick Patrick Flynn Bonnie & Steve Foeller Ursula Freeman The Freya Club

Fullerton Emblem Club No 469 Geraldine Carnevali Martin & Debra Gilberstadt Gary & Barbara Goff Golden Eagles Golf Club Arlabeth Hahn Charles H. Hahn Robert & Denese Hall John & Jacalyn Harman Nancy Hawkins Louis & Yvette Hirbour Scott Hobin Charles Hosick Bruce & Lynnette Hunt Joe & Alice Husovsky Mary Kay Hutchinson J.F. Shea Company Foundation Kim M. Jakob Steven & Sally Jordan Paul & Carol Kane Karen C. Lee-Thorp Charles & Christianne Kerns Douglas & Marion Lee Dean & Shari Lenz Gary & Jacquelynn Macheel Karen & Bill Mangold Ted & Dee Mar John & Cynthia Marshall Francis McBride McKinney Mary McMahon Messiah Lutheran Church H. Michael and Susan Muncey Thomas E Myers David & Vanda Neilly Teri Niebuhr Jackie O'Neil Richard Orr Paint Your Heart Out

Arnold & Jean Pappas Arnold & Carol Peterson Placentia Presbyterian Church Placentia Round Table Walter & Maureen Plegel Plummer Vineyard Theodore & Carolyn Porter Dennis & Linda Poulton Matthew E & Vickie L Rafter Benito & Sally Ramirez J.A.C. & Leann Redford Cleo Reed Donna Marie Reeson Davis & Sandra Rhone Richard & Marilyn Russell Gisela Sanders Schlinger Family Foundation Dixie Shaw Robert & Carol Shuey John & Carol Sibley Ward & Paula Smith Solbakken Lodge #64 Marlene Stewart Kermit Sutherland Conley & Jane Thatcher The Barry Trust Barbara A Thoms Dave Van Deventer Francis & Mea Waclawik Dennis & Ann Wheeler Cheryl White Amelia Whrig Richard & Kathie Williams Penny Wojcik Helen Wojcik Nelson Woodard Wright Ford Young & Co. BP Fabric of America Fund via George T. Ririe.

New and Ever Faithful Donors

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Amy Lue Anaheim High School – Mrs. Lisa Bhoopat’s Science Classes Anita Mistry & Girl Scouts Anonymous Donor of Christmas Trees Arlene Cadden Berger Kahn A Law Corporation Bev Cardwell Blessed Sacrament Preschool Bob D’Amato Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church Carol Downey Carol Villoni Del Norte Garden Club Dixie Davis & LDS Friends Eastside Christian Church Carly Streiss Edward Jones & Clients Gary Goff Genya Simonian Jackie O’Neil Janice Thakur Jay Williams, Pastor, Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton Kiwanis Club of Placentia

Margie Wells Marsha Andrews Maureen & Walt Plegel Members of Placentia Senior Center Messiah Lutheran Preschool, Parents and Staff Mitch Mora North Cities Quilt Guild – Hand Made Stockings Patricia Smith Placentia Presbyterian Church – Lemonade For Love Reed Aberdeen, Safeguard Financial Residents of Del Cerro Mobile Estates Ron Dauscher Scott Nelson Servants of Salvation Temple Beth Shalom The McCune Family The Wee Bee Quilters Tkachyk & Tan Finance & Insurance Service Vivian Toblesky and the Seniors of Yorba Linda Community Center Wayne McCartney

Christmas and Hanukah Angels and Elves

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H. I. S. HOUSE SHELTER

School Supplies:

Flash Drives (A new need developed when opening the Computer Literacy Lab. Adults use the lab for job searching and children use it to do research & write reports.)

Pencils & pens

College ruled paper Spiral note books

Back packs

Wal-Mart Gift Certificates for school uniforms

Always a need:

Toothbrushes & toothpaste

Children’s toothpaste

Children’s fever medication

Neosporin

Shampoo & conditioner

Deodorant

Laundry Soap Socks (all ages)

Disposable razors

Shower gel

Soap

Twin bed comforters & blankets

Towels: bath, hand & wash cloths

Diapers—sizes 4, 5, and 6

Large clear storage containers

Non-Perishable Foods:

Canned tuna, chicken or beef

Bean soups

Canned or dried beans

Baked beans Canned chili

Peanut butter

Canned vegetables

Vegetable soup

Spaghetti sauce

Baby food vegetables

Canned fruit

Applesauce Dried fruit

Canned & boxed 100% juice

Rice & rice mixes

H. I. S. HOUSE WISH LIST:

Placentia Presbyterian Church P. O. Box 1293 Placentia, CA 92871 Phone: 714-993-5774

We’re on the web

www.hishouseplacentia.org

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

FULLERTON, CA

PERMIT NO. 214