December was a busy month for the SJW Program! Here is a short update that we sent to friends and supporters over email recently. We hope your December was just as lovely, challenging, and reflective.
January 2012 Greetings in the New Year, Friends and St. Joseph Worker Supporters!
The month of December flew by with extra duties at many of the placement sites, preparation/anticipation of the holidays and the ‘usual’ pace of the Program!
Highlights included:
A Day in the Life—an amazing educational challenge sponsored by the Human Rights Office of St. Stephen’s Human Services. In small groups, the women were led by an educator who is currently or recently experiencing homelessness and traveled about the city, mostly on foot, along the path that someone experiencing homelessness might take. Where to rest, eat, get warm, or use a restroom were all questions that were explored along the way. Other educators met up with the groups along the way and told their stories—without shame and courageously accepted our questions. We debriefed with the very competent Human Rights staff at the end of the day. It was one of those days that will stand as a turning point for years to come.
Elizabeth and Norzin thaw out and listen to others tell about their experiences during A Day in the Life.
Less than a week later we joined several hundred others in commemorating the lives of those who died while homeless, formerly homeless or tireless advocates for the dignity of housing at the annual Homeless Memorial March, Memorial Service and Meal. The cold, silent walk had a different perspective as we recognized new friends by face and by name.
Winter Solstice Sharing of the Heart was held at staff person and alum Andrea’s home just before the Workers left town for the holidays. Alums were invited as well and eight were able to attend. We shared a wonderful meal and then asked the alums to share some of their wisdom about transitioning out of the Program, getting a job when the Program is done and suggestions for getting the most from the second half of their St. Joseph Worker year. You could have heard a pin drop!
We then contemplated the gifts of the darkness and were filled with gratitude for the stars, dreams, new baby’s windowless womb, intimacy and softness that are found in the dark. We then lit the St. Joseph Worker candle and from it lit smaller votive candles symbolizing that which we would turn over to be consumed by the fire, that which we do not need to bring with us into a new year.
We sang some solstice carols and then very fully enjoyed Bridgette’s gift of poppers filled with crowns, tiny gifts, corny jokes and the source of much laughter. Below, Queens Amanda and Sheila read a joke.
With Pirate Queen Ellen, Queen Norzin, and Alum Queen Alicia, royalty abounded!
From all of us to all of you as we begin a New Year of Grace.
We are grateful and delighted to walk in your company. Please keep us in your prayers as we do you.
Peace, St. Joseph Workers, Alumnae, Staff, and Advisory Council members
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