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RIM Employees Roll Up Their Sleeves To Give Back

It wasn't just another day at the office for these group of Overseas Managers from RIM. In fact, it was a day of hard work out of the office recently when they rolled up their sleeves to paint fences at House of Friendship.

House of Friendship has numerous properties all of which require regular upkeep. Some of the properties are home to long-term tenants, who assist with chores and daily maintenance. But for larger tasks, such as painting boundary fences, House of Friendship's small Property & Maintenance team turns to community partners like RIM, who are only too happy to help out. Many thanks to RIM for helping take care of our 'home'.

Cramer House Marks 25 Years of Community

With the help of the program Founders (seen above left), House of Friendship's Cramer House recently marked its 25th anniversary. Since 1985 it has offered long term supportive affordable housing in a group living setting for nine men who require social, emotional or mental health support. And along the way, it has become their home and community, as evident by the more than 75 guests who gathered at the anniversary BBQ.

Amidst bright sunshine and lots of warm memories, Residential Services Program Director, Ron (seen above right) shared some remarks with guests during the commemorative planting of a lilac bush. Here's some of what he had to say:

The first men of Cramer House moved in in April, 1985. Cramer House is named after Joseph Cramer who was the first Director and staff person of House of Friendship. Born in 1892 in Kiev, Ukraine, he was known to speak at least eight languages and to have a sincere, friendly greeting for everyone that he met.

Cramer House was intended to be permanent housing for men who needed some support. The vision was that it would become a community where men could live together, sharing the running of the household, with staff available for support. True to this vision, Cramer House has become a place where people and their belongings are safe. At Cramer House, everyone has their customary place at the dining table, a place to fit in. Everyone has a place at the table… I think Joseph Cramer would have approved.

We plant a lilac bush, because it symbolizes Cramer House—roots that ground Cramer House, strong branches that are a framework that supports and gives shape to it , and the twigs and leaves that represent the many individuals that make up Cramer House. Like the bush, Cramer House will continue to grow, thrive and be a beautiful garden.

HOF's Emergency Food Assistance Blog Provides Food For Thought

http://hofemergencyfoodassistance.wordpress.com/

As part of House of Friendship's (HOF) 2010 February Potato Blitz we launched an emergency food assistance blog to capture the stories and issues surrounding food (in)security in Waterloo Region throughout the year, and the efforts of HOF to address local needs. Since then, the team at HOF's Emergency Food Hamper program has been informing and engaging people on a range of topics from spam (the meat kind) to preparing for the 2010 Hunger Count review.

Want to know more about food (in)security in your community, then be sure to check out the blog and add your comments to the discussion. And while you're there, why not sign up for future posts via the easy-to-use Email Subscription on the sidebar?! You can access the blog via our web site (Blogs under Resources tab, and links on Emergency Food Hamper and Potato Blitz pages).

Kiwanis House Graduate Heads Off To College With Help From Our Kiwanis Friends

In the March 2010 issue of House of Friendship's Friendship Newsletter, you read how local Kiwanis Clubs were permanently gifting the Kiwanis House program property to House of Friendship, thereby ensuring long-term sustainable support for young men in transition. One young man in transition was Brinn (see above). He generously shared his personal story with Kiwanis members, bringing many to tears and leaving a lasting impression.

Kiwanis members were so moved by Brinn's story that they recently announced they will help sponsor his post-secondary education as part of their bursary program for youth attending college or university. Jim Barnett of the Kiwanis Club is seen above, right presenting Brinn with part of his bursary. The best news of all was that the day after Brinn received news of the bursary, he received a letter that he has been accepted into the two years general arts and science program at Conestoga college. Congratulations Brinn! And thank you Kiwanis Clubs of Twin Cities and Kitchener-Waterloo for your ongoing support of local youth.

Home Depot Adds A Little Greenspace To Charles Street Men's Hostel

House of Friendship staff and volunteers from Home Depot Waterloo have been working hard to finish new landscaping on the right-side of the Hostel's front yard. Features include a green privacy barrier, a recessed seating area, and some gardens.

These green changes are part of our ongoing commitment to being a good neighbour. We want to make sure that the Hostel provides appropriate space for men who are homeless, contributes to the friendliness of our neighbourhood, and is safe and accessible for all of our visitors.

Each day, we ask Hostel residents to vacate the Hostel while we complete necessary public health and safety measures. However, without a backyard, there are few places for the men to go; often they will gather on the Hostel's front steps waiting to return inside the Hostel, especially during bad weather. The new recessed seating area provides men with a space to sit, relax, and chat, in a more sheltered and private setting.

Many thanks to Home Depot for helping make the Hostel more of a home for men who are 'homeless'. We believe by improving the space for Hostel residents and enhancing the front yard, we can continue to be a good neighbour in our community.

Watch for more improvements, as work is now underway to landscape the left-side of the yard.