Volunteers from various organizations decorated and furnished 10 apartments at Jane Cizik Garden Place, a housing community for women operated by The Women's Home. The Adopt a Unit project aimed to make the transition into housing more comfortable for vulnerable women. Volunteers pulled together furniture, decorations, and appliances to transform empty units into homes. An open house event allowed volunteers and tenants to see the results and inspire the tenants. The project helped tenants feel settled as they work to rebuild their lives with support from The Women's Home.

1. homefront the Women’s Home
Volume 8, Issue I Summer 2012
Volunteers Beautify
Ten Apartments
on Adopt a Unit Day
Owned and operated by The Women’s wish list.
Home, Jane Cizik Garden Place is an apart- Participants developed a sense of pride
ment community where any woman in need in their work and took ownership of their
can find housing that is affordable, safe, and units. Most teams decorated their units two
drug-and alcohol-free to continue her reha- weeks prior to the big event, proving, as
bilitation journey. In an effort to assist the Barbara laughingly attests, “when you un-
most vulnerable women who are homeless leash a woman to decorate a home, you get
in Houston, The Women’s Home set aside more than you bargain for.”
10 apartment units for those who have ex- Volunteers pulled out their pocket-
perienced chronic bouts of homelessness. books and recruited resources all over town
Funding from the Rockwell Fund, Inc. for to complete the job. A major contribution
rental assistance makes it possible for these came from Brighton Homes who graciously
I sent a call out to a big list of
my contacts, and from there,
it mushroomed...
women to move from shelters directly to contributed enough furniture to fill an From Top: (L to R)
their own home. onsite warehouse. Barbara’s husband, Barbara Staley, Alyssa Weller
To make each resident’s transition Mike Staley, phoned his friends and se-
and Dona Holland; One of
more comfortable, The Women’s Home cured 10 brand new LCD TVs, one for
the beautiful units after
asked volunteers to furnish each apartment each apartment.
through the Adopt a Unit project. The as- Clear blue skies welcomed visitors at Decoration Day; Shay James
signment required a blend of creativity and the Adopt a Unit Day and Open House on and Alejandro Herdocia
sensitivity, so The Women’s Home and Jane March 3. Teams added finishing touches delivering home accents;
Cizik Garden Place staff developed guide- to their designated spaces, hanging pic- Kathleen Camper, Heather
lines to ensure the women received what tures and mirrors, arranging lighting, and Davis, Barbara Fraser and
was necessary to feel at home. Partnership organizing the food pantry and warehouse. Karen Holleyhead enjoying
Board Member Barbara Staley stepped up Adding to the festivities, Barbara and Sonny a newly decorated unit.
to the challenge as project leader and sent Vaughn treated everyone to a savory BBQ
a call for help to her colleagues. Barbara’s lunch courtesy of Billy Kueschner.
combined skills in real estate and business Volunteers and guests had an oppor-
management allowed her to coordinate tunity to meet tenants at Jane Cizik Garden
the 6-week project effectively with the as- Place and tour the newly furnished apart-
sistance of her cohorts. To her amazement, ments together. The transformed units
the outpouring of generosity was huge. inspired tenants with ideas on how to
“I sent a call out to a big list of my con- beautify their apartments.
tacts, and from there, it mushroomed,” The Women’s Home thanks all the
Barbara said. “I discovered it was easier to friends and supporters participating in
get people involved by having a short-term the success of Adopt a Unit Day. The
project with an end in sight.” first resident settled in her furnished
Fellow realtors and home stagers were apartment and 5 additional units have
eager to take out their color swatches and scheduled move in dates.
sketch a design plan. Ten teams assembled, Stay involved with future volunteer
including members from The Partnership opportunities by contacting Karen
and Young Professionals as well as help- McDonell, Manager of Volunteer Servic-
ing hands from the West University Rotary es and Community Outreach at 713-328-
Club, Greenwood King Realtors, and The 1950 or kmcdonell@thewomenshome.org.
Bristow Group. Each crew appointed a cap-
tain to assign tasks and develop a donation
Jane Cizik Garden Place Offers Tenants More Than a Place to Live
Jane Cizik Garden Place is a unique rival at Jane Cizik Garden Place,” Helping women help themselves
sober living community for women Cayman said. They appreciate their is the most rewarding aspect of Cay-
on a modest income. When a tenant apartment’s safety and the supportive man’s job. “I love connecting women
needs assistance with employment, services we offer.” to the resources they didn’t know ex-
continuing education, financial plan- Each woman receives client-cen- isted,” she said. “It’s like putting the
ning, and medical and mental health tered services based on her individual puzzle pieces together. I like seeing it
resources, she comes to Cayman Ti- circumstances. One woman may at- all come together, seeing the women
rado, the facility’s case counselor. tend a parenting class with hopes of flourish.”
Cayman provides case management, returning to her child one day; anoth- For more information about Jane
crisis counseling and coordinates er may attend a course on financial lit- Cizik Garden Place, contact Josephine
enrichment activities. Her goal is to eracy where she learns how to manage Escobedo, Property Manager, at 713-
help tenants remain stable, sober, a budget. Tenants can ask questions, 328-1976 or jescobedo@thewomen-
and healthy while living in a peaceful, share their concerns, and hear prop- shome.org.
friendly atmosphere. erty updates and upcoming events
Cayman Tirado
“Some women have devastating during the Community Conversations
circumstances surrounding their ar- hosted monthly.

2. Message from the Executive Director
Paula Paust, MSW
This issue of HomeFront a more comprehensive format. both our campuses, our model
celebrates the new look of The Our Board of Directors approved helps women accomplish goals
Women’s Home. We worked with a five to seven year strategic plan in six wellness areas; emotional,
Edelman Public Relations, one and appointed a capital expan- spiritual, physical, social, vocational
of the premier public relations sion task force. The task force has and fiscal. Imagine an even great-
firms in the country, to develop a been charged with two important er population attaining emotional
new logo and key messaging. We responsibilities: determining how stability, social support, stable
wanted our new look to be bold, The Women’s Home will utilize housing and income. Imagine
reflecting our success and future the two acres that are adjacent to more women building new lives,
growth. We needed it to have wide Jane Cizik Garden Place and iden- completing the circle of their
appeal, reflecting our efforts to be tifying who we will serve in our transformation, becoming whole.
inclusive. I believe we achieved new apartment complex. Will we Imagine.
both goals. continue to serve single women
Our new branding is just the or broaden our housing services
beginning of changes to come. to women and their families?
This fall we will unveil a new For me, success is knowing
website, designed to share the that one of our residents taught
successes of our treatment and her young adult daughter how
transitional housing program in to use our WholeLife Model. On
The Sampson Society
You Can Leave A Living Legacy
2011 Leadership Circle Established in honor of our founder Mrs. W.E. Sampson, The Samp-
The Leadership Circle recognizes those supporters who commit to ensure son Society recognizes individuals who further the lives of others by
a robust charitable base for our work. Members of The Leadership Circle making a gift to The Women’s Home through their will or living trust.
annually contribute from $1,000 to $10,000. This gift is above and beyond Beyond providing a testimony of stewardship, bequest gifts offer tax
participating in the golf tournament, the gala, and other events and signifies benefits to the donor and supplement major annual giving on a deep-
their dedication to helping homeless women in our community live a life fulfilled.
er level. Donors who participate in our program are of all ages and
$10,000 to $24,999 - $1,000 to $2,499 incomes. Becoming a member of The Sampson Society ensures the
($10,000.00 + ) ($1,000.00 + ) vitality of The Women’s Home beyond your years – the most enduring
Louise & Vincent Foster Susan Ann Bailey commitment you can make to building whole lives for our residents
Jeanie Kilroy Deborah Bay & Edgar Browning today and tomorrow.
Linda J. Messner Paige & Saul Ben-Yaacov
Karen & Joe Redden Deborah Parks & Mark Bouzek
Kim G. Yelton Sara Dodd-Spickelmier & Keith One easy way to leave your legacy is by designating The Women’s
Spickelmier Home as a beneficiary of your IRA or 401K. This can be done by re-
$5,000 to $9,999 Nanette & Jerry Finger questing a change of beneficiary and by naming The Women’s Home
($5,000.00 + ) Linda & Robert Flesher as a beneficiary in your will or living trust. Following is a sample of the
Shirley & Bubba Coskey Paulette & Terence Frederick language typically used in a bequest:
Debbie & William DeLaney Lotty Gautschi
Jane & William Joplin Cindy & Joseph Gonzalez
Carolyn Keating Anna Grassini & John T. McDevitt I, (name), of (city, state, ZIP), give, devise and bequeath to
Sue Alexander Morrison Mrs. Austin E. Greaux The Women’s Home, 607 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77006,
Nancy Padfield Laurie & Alfredo Gutierrez
Adele & Ber Pieper Barbara & Ulyesse LeGrange
(written amount or percentage of the estate or description
Diane & John Riley Irene Liberatos & of property) for its unrestricted use and purpose.
Jule & Albert Smith Michael Westergren
June & Virgil Waggoner Melinda & William Gary Littlepage
Penny & Paul Loyd If you have already included The Women’s Home as a beneficiary of
$2,500 to $4,999 Mary Lynch & Scott Enger your will, a trust, IRA, 401K or life insurance policy, please let us know
($2,500.00 + ) Linda McFadden so that we can include you in our membership.
Orla and John Bourque Sarah & Jeff McParland
Alden Clark Than-Nhi Nguyen & Stuart Moffitt For more information on planned giving or to inform us of a planned gift,
Leigh Evans Susan & J.D. Permenter
contact Marcia Tapp, Director of Resource Development 713.328.1975
Karen & Larry George J’Anne & Jeff Rawson
Susan and Thomas V. McMahan Chris & Russell H. Reese, III or mtapp@thewomenshome.org.
Deanne Noel Jo Reid
Diana Strassmann & Jeff Smisek Virginia Young Reper, Ph.D.
Laura A. White Ruby & Alan Riedel
Carol Lee Robertson
Isabel B. Wilson
We recognize Paige K. Ben-Yaacov
Mickie Winborn enor
of Baker Botts L.L.P. for her enor-
Grant Woodard
mous contribution to the formation
of The Sampson Society. Paige has
assisted with creating new website
We would like to thank materials for our potential donors,
including financial forms that help
Harris County Community you manage your account. She has
served on the Board of Directors
Services Department for since 2010, making quite an impact
their on-going support. with her service.

3. TRUSTING THE PROCESS: Cottage Thrift Store
Prepares Clients
Julie Rebuilds Job Skills For Workforce
Most clients who work at The
At The Cottage Thrift Shop Cottage Thrift Shop will never seek a
job in retail upon graduation, yet one
thing is for certain: each woman will
who manages The Shop, apy, which means if you practice a healthy have to work with people. Manager
I learned valuable skills routine each day and have faith, you will Shelley Bridges reinforces this to
in customer service to reap good results. My father taught me the women when she teaches the
prepare me for working that “Successful people are in the habit fundamentals of customer service
on the floor. of doing good things over and over.” This and front desk etiquette.
My experience at applies not only to business but to recov- Vocational training at
The Shop provided ery as well. The Cottage Shop helps
the reference I need- I really love my life today. I may have clients gain transferrable skills in:
ed to land a job at a less money than I have ever had before,
• Interpersonal communications,
be
retail store. There is little difference be- but I am happy. The networking skills
• customer service,
tween work at the Cottage Thrift Shop I gained through vocational training • conflict resolution,
I entered The Women’s Home with a and working at my job, except now I earn helped me discover a new position work- • organization, and
double diagnosis: major depression and a wage. I work in the jewelry department. ing as an assistant to a nationally known • time management.
chemical dependency on prescription Selling to the public has its challenges, and well respected family medicine and
painkillers. I felt broken and lonely at Shelley worked diligently with
but I know how to handle them due addiction doctor.
the end of my addiction. I kept my hair Julie – as she does with each resident
to the hands-on training The Cottage I look forward to calling Jane Cizik
pulled in a pony tail and wore a sad ex- – and witnessed her progress from
Thrift Shop gave me. I’ve been awarded Garden Place my new home when I a part-time employee to obtaining a
pression to match. Nevertheless, the ad- several “Star Cards” from the managers graduate. My children and I are back in fulltime position with benefits.
missions coordinator warmly welcomed at work for exceptional customer service. touch and my daughter is expecting my
me. Shortly afterward, everyone was I’m proud of that. first grandchild. My goal is to use the “When clients resist completing the
treating me like family. Since then, the steps to vocational training, I tell
The Women’s Home can provide skills I have gained and become a Recov-
entire staff has made me feel like I will them to talk to Julie,” Shelley said.
us with the resources we need, but we ery Coach one day. This dream to pay it
never feel alone again. “Initially Julie was hesitant to work at
must trust the process and work for our forward would not has happened if not the shop, but now she realizes it was
One of the requirements of The success. We may not see the immediate for The Women’s Home. Everyone – from the perfect stepping stone for reach-
Women’s Home is that residents complete benefits of doing chores or working at the the counselors, to the support staff, to my ing her career goals.”
vocational training at The Cottage Thrift Cottage Thrift Shop, but as the process fellow sisters – has inspired me to believe
Shop. During this training I learned how “It’s so wonderful seeing how much
starts to unfold, it all comes together. no matter the storm, I can endure. I will
to operate a cash register for the first time. healthier she looks,” Shelley said.
Trusting the process is what I call the prevail. I am not alone. I am enough.
Under the instruction of Shelley Bridges, “She has a glow. She’s truly happy.”
“lather, rinse, repeat” approach in ther-
TIME TO
CLEAN
OUT
YOUR
CLOSET
For more information about making
a donation or scheduling pickups,
contact Shelley Bridges
sbridges@thewomenshome.org
re•New and
re•Dux
or 713-328-1957.
re•New and re •Dux
Style Show
Save the Date:
Thursday Evening
September 13, 2012
Generously hosted by:
Morton Kuehnert
Auctioneers & Appraisers

4. PRESENTS
LPGA PLAYERS
THE
WITH
M E N ’ S & W O M E N ’ S
INVITATIONAL
Over 200 golfers and 50 volunteers enjoyed the spring beauty at the
historic Champions Golf Club on April 9. Carol Mann, World Golf Hall
of Fame champion, again lent her name to the tournament and invited
friends Nancy Lopez, Donna Caponi and several current LPGA touring
pros to join in the fun. This year’s surprise was Long Drive Champion,
Jamie Sadlowski, who wowed the amateur players with his amazing 400+
yard drives, over and over. The event raised $196,000 of funding for the
programs of The Home. Congrats to chairs Kay Joyce and Janice Hall for
an incredible success.
SPECIAL THANKS
HOLE-IN-ONE
Targa Resources Corporation
EAGLE
John P. McGovern Foundation
Williams
BIRDIE
Kay and René Joyce
Ed Parker
Primary Services
TSA, Inc.
PAR
Admiral Transfer and Rigging, Inc. John Irvine/Porter Hedges, LLP
Beck, Redden & Secrest, LLP PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cindy and Robert Blevins J’Anne Rawson
Robin and Joe Cunningham Jeff Rawson
Enbridge Top Threading Services
Martin Harris Construction The Willis Group
Kristen and Steve McDaniel Wortham Insurance & Risk Management

5. The Women’s Home
Young Professionals
Raise $20K at Crawfish Boil
The crawfish were big and bountiful for guests
attending the Second Annual Sunday Funday
Crawfish Boil benefiting The Women’s Home on
April 1. Three hundred people paraded through
the Firehouse Saloon and were treated buffet-
style to 1,200 lbs of steaming spicy crawfish, corn
on the cob and potatoes. The afternoon featured
live music by Libby Koch, Brant Lee Croucher
and The Trishas. With the help of event chairs
Semmes Burns, Megan Hotze, Jessica Sanders
and Will Schorp, The Women’s Home Young
Professionals successfully raised $20,000 to
assist residents in building whole lives. Special
thanks also goes to Marie Flanigan, Marty Lanc-
ton, Sidney Laurentz, Rachel Lopez, Courtney
and Jeff Lyons, Sommer Pool, Eileen Sims, Lande
Spottswood and Ashley Yates for serving as host
committee members.
The Women’s Home is honored to have been chosen as an official charity of the
2012-2013 Chevron Houston Marathon Run for a Reason Program. Help us
build whole lives by running for The Home in the 2013 Chevron Houston Mara-
thon or Aramco Houston Half Marathon – race registration opens 06-06-12. For
more information please visit - www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com or contact
Bethany Fields at 713-328-1951 or bfields@thewomenshome.org.
Top Ten Reasons to Run for The Women’s Home:
1. Raise awareness about homelessness. 6. Impact a life.
2. Honor a loved one. 7. Make a difference.
3. Give back to the community. 8. Motivate others to join your cause.
4. Help people who are in real need. 9. Support a great cause.
5. Train with other passionate runners 10. It feels good!
Snap Kitchen Keeps Lester & Sue Smith One year later he celebrates the anniversary of
his sobriety with Coach Eric Harding as he shares
Residents Healthy Luncheon Series his story with the world. At a private reception at
Jane Cizik Garden Place, Williams spoke candidly
and Happy At The Home
with Ted Williams
with clients about his healing process and encour-
aged the women to take their journey one day at a
Ginger glazed Scottish salmon, citrus grilled pork ten- time.
derloin, meatballs and sautéed peppers — the words YouTube sensation Ted Williams headlined the We are especially thankful to our presenting
make your mouth water. They are samples of the fresh, Lester and Sue Smith Series on May 23, 2012 at sponsor, Wells Fargo and President of Wells Fargo –
healthy meals Snap Kitchen delivers daily since partner- the Intercontinental Hotel as part of his national Houston Region, Glenn Godkin,
ing with The Women’s Home this year. Explaining why book tour. His new memoir, A Golden Voice: How for making this event possible.
Snap Kitchen selected The Home as its charity, Store Faith, Hard Work, and Humility Brought Me from Save the date for the next
Manager Jenny College says, “It’s important to our own- the Streets to Salvation, is a message about hope, Lester and Sue Smith Luncheon
ers to donate to people who want to eat healthy.” Their redemption and second chances that he spoke em- Series on October 31 featuring
mantra, “Eat right. Feel Great, Live well.” fits perfectly phatically to an audience of 300. Award-winning best-selling author Brené Brown.
with The Home’s goal of helping residents achieve phys- journalist Melanie Lawson of Channel 13 served as
ical well being as part of its WholeLife program. Several emcee.
Left: Glenn Godkin,
fast food chains cluster within blocks of the Montrose The Women’s Home sold out of 250 copies of A Ted Williams and
campus, but when the Snap Kitchen van arrives, the Golden Voice as guests were eager to meet Williams Karen Marti
women choose Snap’s nutritious delectables. Says one and have him sign their books. The fundraiser gar-
resident, “I just love the variety of their menu; one day nered over $56,000, enabling more women to build
it might be Mediterranean, the next day it’s Italian. The whole lives.
food is so delicious, and it’s excellent for my diet!” Williams was charismatic, funny, and sin-
The next time you’re looking for a bite to eat near cere during his conversation about his recovery
the Upper Kirby or Memorial Park area, remember our from drug addiction, homelessness and his second
eco-friendly neighbor. Snap Kitchen chefs are commit- chance at radio success after a reporter discovered
ted to bringing customers flavorful food that’s organic him panhandling on the Columbus, OH interstate.
Right: Lester and
and local. The Women’s Home is extremely grateful for He admitted that at the time he recorded the video Sue Smith with
their daily contributions.We hope you will find their that went viral, he had no idea about YouTube; the Ted Williams.
meals as tasty too! For more information, visit their next day he was on a plane to offer his gifted voice
website at www.snapkitchen.com or call 713-526-5700. on the Today Show and reunite with his mother af-
ter 20 years.

6. Staff Editor: Jennifer Watson, Communications Manager
Photographers: Kim Coffman, Kai Freund, Roswitha Vogler, Priscilla Dickson
Design by Squidz Ink Design PRSRT STD
U.S. POSAGE
PAID
HOUSTON, TX
PERMIT NO. 7338
Upcoming Events 607 Westheimer
Houston, Texas 77006-3915
reNew and reDux Style Show
September 13 www.thewomenshome.com
Morton Kuhenert Auctioneers & Appraisers phone: 713-328-1975
Return Service Requested
Volunteer Appreciation Reception
October 31
Lester and Sue Smith Luncheon Series
October 31
featuring Brené Brown
The Women’s Home Annual Gala
November 16
InterContinental Houston
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Home is Where
the Story Begins
Because of your generous support,
Cheryl’s story is possible
Cheryl had made it. After years of working in cor- ease, yet she feared she could never live on her own
porate America, she was promoted to an executive again. She wanted peace but had no place to go.
position at a Fortune 500 company. She enjoyed her Cheryl found help at the Depression Bipolar
fast-paced career. She managed people and proj- Support Alliance and the Fort Bend Center for
ects. She gave motivating speeches in classrooms Independent Living. Both programs empowered
and boardrooms. Her colleagues admired her abil- her to trust in herself and the recovery process to
ity to accomplish huge tasks with confidence and reclaim the life of independence she desired. An
ease. employee at the Fort Bend Center for Independent
But on the inside, Cheryl suffered. She grap- Living encouraged her to visit Jane Cizik Garden
pled with unpredictable low and high moods and Place, a sober permanent housing community for
could not explain her prolonged sadness. The single women with modest incomes or those who
smallest problems became insurmountable. Work are homeless due to mental illness and addiction.
overwhelmed her to the point that she wanted to She went to an open house and knew that she would
quit. For a long while, she had mastered disguising call it home one day.
her turmoil. Those days were over. “Everything here – from the seemingly minor
“I’m a person who likes to dress nicely and details – is so beautiful,” Cheryl said. “The place
wear makeup,” Cheryl said. “When I was severely speaks for itself.”
depressed, I would put on more and more make up Since last November, Cheryl is living happily
to cover the pain.” and self-sufficiently at Jane Cizik Garden Place and
The white-collar life so familiar to her came to a plans to use her public speaking skills to inspire
halt in her 30s when she was hospitalized. Doctors residents in transitional housing at The Women’s
diagnosed Cheryl with bipolar depression disorder, Home. Cheryl’s experience testifies that a worth-
putting a name to the illness that mystified her for a while life of interdependence within a community
lifetime. of courageous women is attainable. She feels grate-
“I had symptoms of depression as a child, but ful coming home to a secure, comfortable apart-
my family and I never knew what it was,” Cheryl ment she can proudly call her own.
said. Each morning as she drinks a cup of coffee and
After moving in with her aging parents and be- looks across her balcony to the meditation garden,
coming their primary caregiver, Cheryl’s condition she takes it all in, realizing she has arrived.
deteriorated. Stress at home compounded her dis-