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Barrett House |
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About Us: Programs:
Events: Giving: Barrett Foundation, Inc. |
This has certainly been a busy and eventful Spring. Our biggest challenge so far this year has been our zoning request to the City for the relocation of Barrett House. As you may recall, Barrett House’s lease on the current property will expire and we are in search of a new property. For some time now, we had anticipated purchasing a property that is located directly north of our current location. Our request was approved by the EPC but then one of the Neighborhood Associations filed an appeal and our request was eventually denied. It was a very painful process to realize that no matter how well you do your job and how highly the neighborhood thinks of you, there will always be some who feel that homeless women and children should be housed in industrial areas—far away from any neighborhoods. Some of our City Councilors agreed with this unconscionable notion. We have looked at a number of available properties not only in our area but also neighboring areas. We are limited to M1 and M2 properties, which are intended for medium to heavy industrial use. However, none of them have been suitable or within our price range. Our requirements for a property are somewhat specific, such as proximity to bus routes and schools, and we must take into consideration other special needs of the women and children who come to us for refuge and safety. For more information about how you can contact City Councilors and let them know how you feel about this, please call us.
Also in this issue are some thoughts on volunteerism written by one of our volunteers. I hope you will find his experience as inspiring as I have. This just goes to show how one person really makes a difference. I would like to thank those of you who have taken us up on our request to make monthly contributions rather than periodic or annual gifts. This really helps our cash flow throughout the year — and this past year since 9/11 has been very difficult. Each one of you makes a difference in somebody’s life when you give to programs such as Barrett House. Whether your gift is money, food, toiletries, or volunteer time, it all comes together to provide our clients with the highest level of care. On behalf of the women and children we serve, I thank you for your past and future support. God Bless,
A letter of gratitude from a departing volunteer As I prepare for my first semester of graduate school at the University of Illinois, at Chicago, I am obliged to reflect on the dynamics that have been influential in the decision to continue my education. Without a doubt, the most significant factor in this endeavor has been my time spent volunteering at the Barrett House. While at the Barrett House, I have learned a great deal about the clients that I have had the privilege of serving. More importantly, I have learned to value the human spirit, which has ultimately lead to tremendous self-growth and a greater understanding of my place in the world.
Over the years, I learned these lessons through a variety of assigned duties. Some of the shifts required me to empty the dishwasher, sort through donations, or field questions on the phone. On the surface, these duties appear to have little to do with my academic studies, or my future for that matter. However, over time, I learned that these tasks were the backbone of the shelter because they allow the permanent staff to work on issues that demand a more in-depth knowledge of our clients. Additionally, I have learned the benefit of approaching these tasks with Humility. There is one particular experience that I had during my first year at BH that perfectly illustrates this benefit. A woman who had just been evicted from her apartment called BH in search of shelter for herself and her children. She expressed to me her disappointment and shame in her situation. I replied by telling her that there is no shame in her situation because a lot of people find themselves in a similar position. I went on to state that one of our goals at the Barrett House is to assist women who find themselves in this position. I urged her not to be so hard on herself and to come in for an intake. I concluded by letting her know that it would be an honor to work with her. Although apprehensive, she called back the next day for a guest intake.
After she left to her room, I began to reflect on what she had just told me. At that moment I realized the importance of my role as a volunteer, and as a person. I realized that being a volunteer is more than just applying concepts. It is about looking beyond stereotypes and connecting with people on a personal level. It is about valuing and honoring their experience. It is about looking at people, not with sympathy, but with respect. Although this is not always easy, it is a necessity to their self-esteem, as well as my own. And finally, it is about allowing others to value me. In this respect, my work at the Barrett House has been mutually beneficial. And for that, I am grateful. My deepest thanks to Dorothee Otero, Sister Dorothy, Sister Cecelia, Daisy, Ami, and the rest of the staff and volunteers for giving me a space to grow and develop both academically and personally. I would also like to thank our clients for teaching me how to value myself. I hope to continue to be worthy of these blessings.
Calendar of Special Events coming up!!! There are a number of special events coming up that will benefit the Barrett Foundation and its programs. We hope that you can make it to any or all of them. Please feel free to contact us if you need more information.
A. Abbott, R. Adkins, M/M J. Allen, D. Anderson, M/M J. Arndell, M/M J.
Arshawsky, G. Ashhurst, L. Baca, C. Bailey, A. Ballard, L. Ballweg, M/M D.
Barcheck, C. Basye, M/M R. Becker, R. Bernstein, M/M J. Blankenship, O. Blekicki,
M/M J. Brawley, A. Breisch, B. Brennan, S.B. Brown, N. Buckles, L. Byron, M/M F.
Callahan, B. Callaway (Wed. Night Bridge Club), K. Calnan, M/M F. Carey, J.M.
Carter, A. Charbeneau, M/M N. Cherry, M. Chevalier, R. Churan, M.A. Clark, M/M
J. Colella, D. Cooper, M/M J. Craig, M/M C. Crawford, M/M W.B. Creamer, D.
Cress, P. Cronin, M/M J. Cummings, M/M W. Dalby, J. Deal, E. Del Frate, M.
Delaney, M. Dorsey, K. Douglas, M/M C. Duran, M/M J. Durst, S. England, M/M L.
Eriksson, O. Fellin, G. Floersheimer, M/M G. Fountain, Sr. R. Fuller, H. Garcia,
P. Gardner, C. Garduno, D. Garduno, M/M R. Geha, J. Gilkey, Dr. P. Gorman, M/M
L. Greher, M.B. Greulich, M/M A. Grimley, M/M F. Grubbs, A. Gurule, M.
Gutierrez, J. Haaland, M/M P. Hardy, M/M R. Hart, M/M R. Hawk, D. Hawkins, R.
Herman, C. Howard, M/M R. Hunnicutt, M/M D. Jackson, B. Jacob, M/M D. Johnson,
H. Keller, J. Kerr-Slusher, P. Kilsdonk, M/M J. Kindley, M/M E. Klecan, J. Kozon,
S. Kuhl,
Thank you so much for your continued support! Painted Pony Gala and Fundraising Event The merchants of Plaza Don Luis in Albuquerque’s Old Town recently joined together with HorsePower New Mexico to co-host a Painted Pony Gala. The event took place on June 15th in Plaza Don Luis. There was a silent auction with items donated by artists represented by Plaza Don Luis merchants and a live auction of Painted Ponies. The event was a joint fundraiser for Barrett House and the Albuquerque Boys and Girls Clubs and raised over $3,000. Our warmest thanks to Weems Galleries for organizing the event and all the merchants at San Luis Plaza for their support!
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In This Issue:
There are several wonderful fundraisers coming up over the summer. We hope that
you will be able to join us. Please 
I began my
volunteer work at the Barrett House through the Service Learning Program at
Albuquerque, TVI. This program gave me the chance to serve the community and
also apply some of the concepts that I was learning in class to real life
situations. The Barrett House staff in general, and Sister Dorothy in
particular, has given me the opportunity to observe how theories and concepts in
Communication Studies and Sociology (my primary focus in school) are pertinent
to a homeless shelter.
The following week she approached the office and asked if I was Eddie. She
told me that I had spoken with her over the phone the week before and that she
wanted to thank me for my kindness. She went on to express her gratitude for
treating her like a human at a time when she felt less than worthy of such
treatment. I told her that it was my pleasure.
Eleventh Annual Harvest Moon Dinner. The 11th Annual Harvest Moon
Dinner and Silent Auction will take place on Friday, October 11, 2002, at
the Old Town Sheraton Hotel. Last year was our most successful event ever and
there are plans for making this year even more spectacular. As you may know, the
Harvest Moon Dinner is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Last year we had a
live auction that featured a “Moon” necklace, made of opals and diamonds,
crafted by Victor Nemudrow of Mark Diamond’s Jewelers. Another big hit was a
painting by Thomas Kinkade, donated by the Kinkade Gallery. 
The
Children’s Concert with Linda Cotton. This is our 3rd annual children’s
concert and a great event designed for a younger audience. Linda Cotton will
perform children’s favorite songs. A date has yet to be determined but it will
be sometime in September at the Marriott Courtyard. We typically have face
painting, a raffle for stuffed animals and other fun activities. Please look for
more information to come on this great event. 
C. Lee, B. Logan, I. Lombard, E. Lujan Baca, J. Maloof, M.L. Martignoni,
H. Martinez, M/M J. Martinez, M.J. Mason, M. McCabe, J.L. McEnaney, L. McNaney,
R. McSorley, M/M C. Mendel, M/M H. Mendenhall, j. Mendez, M/M C. Metzler, M/M S.
Mitchell, S. Moore, B. Moreno, M/M B. Moulds, R. Mulford, M. Mullane, R.
Mumpower, G.L. Murphy, H. Murphy, M/M J. Musgrove, V. Myers, M/M V. Myers, M/M
B. Naranjo, M/M E. Neugebauer, M/M J. Ney, M/M P. Nolan, L. Nowlin, B. O’Mara,
L. O’Neal, M/M D. Odowd, M. Palmer, I. Payne, S.A. Peattie, M. Peixotto, M/M J.
Pelletier, J. Price, F. Prieto, E. Purtell, A. Raeburn, K. Rael Garcia, F.
Rauch, M/M E. Reel, L. Reynis, M/M D. Richardson, J. Richmond, M/M A. Rickert,
M/M T. Roberts, E. Rodriguez, F. Romero, T.H. Rowe, M/M R. Russell, M/M A.
Russo, B. Ruzinsky, M. Ryan, M/M D. Sacoman, A. Sanchez, S. Saufferer, L.J.
Schill, N. Schmider, J.C. Sharp, M/M R. Sheets, M. Shields, M/M W. Sisson, J &
M. Skaar, J.R. Spehar, M. Staples, D. Sterosky, B. Stetson, A. Stocker, L.
Stokes, D. Suazo, M/M R. Taborelli, J. Taylor, M. Tedesco, F.D. Thompson, H.
Tillman, J. Tortoreto, D. Trambley, G. Treadwell, M/M B. Urbassik, M/M J. Van
Dyck, S. Veltkamp, M/M F. Vogel, M. Wagner, M/M D. Wagstaff, L. Walker, C. Wase,
M/M D. Washburn, A. West, B. White, M/M R. Williams, J. Wineland, A. Wipf, M.
Wood, M/M M. Xander, Students of Mckinnley M.S, All Saints Lutheran Church,
Allied Solutions, American College of Santa Fe, Annunciation Parish, Buffett
Foundation, Cactus Rose Enterprises, Chick’s Harley Davidson, Church of the Good
Shepherd, Church of the Risen Savior, Cottonwood Dental, ESA Foundation,
Fidelity Investments, FLS Services, Kiwanis Club of Abq, Les-Tec & Assoc, Mile
High Optimist Club, Moorhead Enterprises, Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, NM
Nurses Assoc, Our Lady of Guadalupe Trust, Premier Motorcars, Richard’s Mexican
Restaurant, Roses Southwest Papers, Sandia Casino, Sheehan/Sheehan/Stelzner,
Sigma Chi Chapter #5, Annunciation St. Vincent De Paul Society, St. Mary’s
Schoold, State Employees Credit union, Stewart Title, SWCA, University of Notre
Dame, Employees of USNM Federal Credit Union, Women of the Moose, SOS of New
Mexico, Print Professionals, Ken Wilson Design, those who donate to us through
United Way Donor Option, CFC, and State Charity Campaigns, and the many, many
donors who wish to remain anonymous.
