Message from the Executive Director

Amazing Things at Liberty!

In no particular order, here are a list of amazing things that have happened at Liberty.

           We have improved our website. Based upon feedback from others, we have made some great changes in our website. It’s up to date, easy to use and a woman from Kansas recently found our website to ask a question about something we do and told us how great she thought  it was.

      In the last three months, we have provided permanent or transitional housing to approximately 120 men and women. These are individuals usually with major challenges in maintaining housing. In the last three months, we have had seven individuals leave the housing. 5 of those people moved on to another permanent location. One of those moving reunited with family and lived for a time at both TLP and Safe Haven. He was a very challenging person with authority and was on the verge of leaving with no alternative or being asked to leave on multiple occasions. In the end, he settled down and lived a reasonable life until his health required him to move closer to family. What great work all the staff at TLP and Safe Haven did to create a home for him. One client moving from TLP moved to permanent housing and holds a job, yet he entered TLP with no income and few work prospects. Finally, one of the two clients who left with no plan in place was a client who had been in our program before and created many difficulties. But our staff tried again, gave him a second chance and unfortunately it didn’t work out. But the fact that Liberty brought him back in despite knowing the potential difficulties makes me very proud. Our program staff really make miracles happen on a daily basis.

      

      We took our empty storefront and converted it to great, comfortable space. Approximately 10 women per day use the space to create a healing place where they support each other and recover from the traumas they have experienced in being homeless. Staff volunteered to run the program and it is now a part of Liberty. Thanks to the Women’s Program staff.

          We held a great event – Project Style – and raised funds for Liberty. This event started as a little seed 3 years ago and now is able to attract numerous volunteers, an audience of over 250 people and get Liberty’s message over a large area. Thanks to everyone who supported it.

  

           Our Day Program staff when they saw the need quietly expanded capacity so that instead of allowing 15 people per day to use the program we now allow 25. This request came directly from the staff who despite the greater work and stress couldn’t accept the idea of turning people away. Now during all parts of the year we are close to the 25 per day maximum and the Day Program is seen as a lifeline for people who are homeless in New Haven.

The Eviction Process

THE EVICTION PROCESS
In many cases, preventing homelessness means preventing eviction. Eviction quickly gets complicated, but the process starts with uniformity. If, for whatever reason, a landlord wants to evict a tenant, he or she must deliver a Notice to Quit Possession. A Notice to Quit Possession is basically the legal equivalent of asking a tenant to move out. If the tenant chooses to stay and fight the eviction, the landlord must deliver a Summons and Complaint. The Summons and Complaint essentially explains why the landlord wants to evict the tenant (usually, for nonpayment of rent), and gives the tenant a two-day period of time to report to court and file a form called an Appearance, which essentially declares the tenant’s intent to contest the eviction. After filing an Appearance form, the tenant also files an Answer to Complaint form, in which the tenant responds to the landlord’s rationale for eviction. After the Notice to Quit Possession, Summons and Complaint, Appearance, and Answer to Complaint, the eviction process goes to mediation. Failing a mediated settlement, the case goes to trial.

Project Style Photos!

See more photos on our facebook page -

Project STYLE 2012

Liberty Stars!

Liberty Stars are employees, clients, or community members who do something unique to assist Liberty as an organization or Liberty clients and staff.

As a Liberty Star, the chosen individual has the obligation to give the star away within one month to an employee, client, or community member who assists Liberty or its staff and clients.

Last month, Liberty Stars were given to Ellen Gabrielle, Erin Laskey, and Noel Ortiz. This month they will be giving the Liberty Star to . . .

Don Vincent

I will turn over the Liberty Star to Don Vincent. As Network Administrator his technical skills are amazing; there is no problem that he can't handle and he is always willing to do what it takes to keep us on line and connected. On the development side of things he has helped us tremendously; making himself available to help us get information out to the community, creating a web site that we can all be proud of and most importantly keeping it up to date. He is so caring of our clients and always interested in their well-being and so proud of the work that is done to help them by all of the program staff. For all that he does and all that he is, I feel that we are all very fortunate to have Don as a colleague, who shares his talents and sunshine.

- Ellen Gabrielle

Maria Rodriguez

It was a tough decision to make with so many great people working at Liberty. As I thought about it someone came to mind, that person to me is the super hero of social services. On a daily basis she breaks the sound barrier to help and assist the people whom we serve; her tool belt is fierce and unmatched. If I had to compare her to anyone it would be Bruce Lee, she is awesome and her skills are tight. At every moment of her day she is like a calculating machine, strategically navigating through a complex system until the goal for that day is reached; she is the perfect storm. It is truly my honor to work side by side with such an amazing individual, we are lucky to have her on our team, her name is Maria Rodriguez.

- Noel Ortiz

Shalisha Roberts

I have chosen to pass the Liberty Star on to Shalisha Roberts. Shalisha demonstrates all the Liberty attributes of dignity, compassion, and respect within our mission. She always conducts herself with self-respect and is respectful towards others. With this, she sets a great example for those around her including staff and clients on how to be respectful and gain respect in your life. She also shows a great deal of compassion towards the clients she serves. One client has spoken in depth to me about how Shalisha is always kind and willing to help. She is currently teaching this client how to read and write, and though he was embarrassed at first, Shalisha's generosity and compassion has changed his initial feeling of embarrassment to now ambition as he strives to reach his goal. Thank you Shalisha for all that you do for Liberty, we are lucky to have you on our team.

- Erin Laskey

Thanks to Don, Maria, and Shalisha for letting your light shine and being a Liberty Star!

DESIGNER & MODEL CASTING CALL

Seeking fashion designers and models to participate in a New Haven fashion show benefiting Liberty Community Services

Place:   Liberty Community Services

           129 Church Street, 2nd Floor

            New Haven, CT 06510

When:  February 19th & March 4th

           1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Contest Rules:

• Create a full sketch of a gown. Season Spring 2012, in the theme of Spring Fantasy
• Fabric swatches should be included with sketch for review
• Include a written description and inspiration of the gown
• Please submit a brief bio stapled to the sketch,description, and swatch
• The Judges will review all submitted sketches and select designers.
• The designers that have been chosen will meet for an interview. You will be contacted with dates and times.
• If your sketch is chosen, you must be able to create and sew the dress to meet the Judges’ standards.

Important Dates:

DRESS REHEARSAL - Sunday, May 6th

SHOW - Wednesday, May 9th

Liberty Community Services Cut-a-Thon!

Share the Love - Make a Difference

On February 12th, Rimagé Salon & Spa will open their doors to support the work of Liberty Community Services and its Sunday Brunch Program. Artistic Director Lenny Yanavich and his creative team of stylists will style and cut your hair for $25 ($55 value!)
<- Come and Enjoy ->
Music, Food & Beverage, Chair Massages, Manicures, & Raffles!

Rimagé Salon & Spa
1210 Chapel Street,
New Haven, CT 06511

February 12
11:00 - 3:00

If you are unable to attend,

consider making a $25 donation so one of our residents can.