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May 2008
THANK YOU
for participating in CFLS Partners in Prosperity
21st Annual Auction Gala!!
We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all of our Partners in Prosperity who helped to make CFLS Annual Auction Gala a huge success. The evening began with a special welcome from CFLS Board President Jim Hines and CFLS Executive Director Claudia Thorne. The Gala Emcee, Fox 5 Morning News Anchor Tony Perkins, brought excitement and humor throughout the program, while a dramatic dance performed by Christ Chapel Worship Warriors gave an inspirational performance entitled With Long Life. At the close of the evening a CFLS participant gave touching testimony reminding everyone how CFLS supportive services strengthens life skills and provides academic enrichment programs for their children.
One hundred percent of the proceeds raised from the live and silent auctions will go towards providing critical services for low-income and homeless families and individuals. Our success could not have been possible without supporters like you! Thank you again for joining us as a Partner in Prosperity!
Additional Auction Items
If you didnt get a chance to come to the auction this year or you missed out on an item you had your eye on, its not too late to bid.
Item 1: Authentic Aubrey Huff autographed Orioles baseball bidding starts at $55.
Item 2: A one night stay with brunch for 2 at the Marriott valued at $315 bidding starts at $250.
Please email development@cflsdc.org or call (202) 347-0511 ext. 416 in order to place a bid. Winners will be announced June 15, 2008.
Miracle at 4860 Fort Totten Drive
Next time you visit Community Family Life Services (CFLS), walk across the street and catch the red line train up to Fort Totten; just around the corner, youll find yourself at 4860 Fort Totten Drive: Milestone Place. Milestone Place is CFLS' Single Room Occupancy (SRO) building and home to 35 formerly homeless residents. Here, CFLS provides transitional housing and case management to support the residents as many work towards the goal of moving into market rate housing. Prior to CFLS intervention, Milestone Place was an abandoned apartment building, and a hub of neighborhood drug activity. Milestone Place was bought by CFLS several years ago, changing not only the composition and dynamics of the neighborhood but also the lives of many individuals.
Paul is one of these individuals. On a Thursday afternoon visit to Milestone Place, I had the pleasure of meeting Paul and learning about the impact Milestone Place has had in his life. Paul came to Milestone Place in 2006, wanting a change. Milestone Place provided him with this opportunity. Fresh from detoxification and the Criminal Justice system, Paul's interest in computers led him to enroll in the four year Computer Science Information and Technology program at the University of D.C. Now, with a mere 24 of the 120 credits remaining to complete in his program, Paul is close to finishing his degree. Paul's goals are to finish his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of D.C., acquire a job in computer science, particularly in the field of network security, own a home, and be able to use the skills he has to help people experiencing situations similar to his. In summary, Paul is an intelligent man of great ambition who is eager to contribute to the community.
So how has Milestone Place assisted Paul in his accomplishments and goals? The case managers at Milestone Place provided him with extensive counseling, referrals to housing, clothing, transportation, and letters of support. Living at Milestone Place, "enabled me to be in an environment conducive to my personal growth," says Paul. He goes on to say: "If I were somewhere else I would not be able to do the things I do now."
Paul moved into permanent housing in March 2008. As a result of Milestones Assistance, Pauls life has changed dramatically. He says that he now uses the same energy he previously invested in negative activities into positive endeavors. These positive endeavors are creating excellent results.
Paul is well liked and respected by the Milestone community and exemplifies the power of the program. Says Paul, "I don't think I could have asked for more help . . . in fact, I got more help than I requested."
For more information about Milestone Place visit http://www.cflsdc.org/milestone.cfm
From the Eye of an Intern: A Semester at CFLS
From the Eye of an Intern: A Semester at CFLS
Internships are unique learning opportunities that allow students to gain experience and knowledge in a particular field while providing additional assistance to their host site. I have been interning at CFLS since February, in order to fulfill the practicum requirement for my Bachelor of Social Work degree and this is my experience:
I work four days a week assisting in the social services and development departments. Each department has a staff member who serves as my supervisor with whom I work and learn. In the last two months, I have helped to research funding sources, plan for CFLS' upcoming Gala, meet with clients, provide referrals for emergency services, and attend weekly community meetings.
The experience so far has been beneficial and rewarding especially the opportunity to interact and connect with clients on an individual basis, and to work closely with dedicated staff members. One of the things that I enjoy most is seeing how departments interact with each other. Working with a number of different staff members and programs provides me with a great overview of how the organization runs. Knowing the details of the departments as well as how departments interact with each other allows for a better understanding of how programs and staff can compliment each other and, in turn, best benefit our clients.
Spending a significant amount of time at CFLS allows for many learning experiences and I am thankful for our clients and encouraging staff who have taught me lessons that cannot be learned in a classroom. I know that the months I spend here will shape and prepare me for a career in the helping profession.
Annalise de Zoete, Intern
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