Celebrating 10 Years of Excellent Service at Susan's Place


Last week we recognized the 10th Anniversary of Susan’s Place (SP) opening! To acknowledge this milestone, guests, staff and residents enjoyed a 10th Anniversary Breakfast in the cafeteria. The event started with opening remarks by Care For the Homeless’ Board Chairman, Dan Baldwin, who introduced former CFH Executive Director and current CEO of the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Bobby Watts.
Bobby’s remarks remembered Susan L. Neibacher as his mentor and friend. In 2008, SP was named in honor of Susan who passed away in 2004. Susan was the first Executive Director of CFH and was responsible for leading the effort to bring the shelter into existence.  After her death, Bobby was appointed as the next Executive Director and made it his mission to see the project to completion.  Someone who also took a moment to remember Susan was Barbara Knecht, a member of CFH’s Board of Directors and a friend of Susan. Barbara remembered Susan as a leader and a builder by noting her outstanding work as a social worker who also taught at several schools of Social Work in New York City (NYC). Barbara also noted that Susan was active on the board at the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, The NYC Council Legislative Advisory Commission on the Homeless, and several other boards and coalitions.

In addition to remembering Susan, we acknowledged those who helped make SP one of the most highly respected shelters in the NYC system. NYC Councilmember Fernando Cabrera, who visited the residence back in March, was honored with our Community Service Award, and is a strong advocate for the Bronx and its residents. We also honored members of the SP’s Community Advisory Committee who play a vital role in CFH’s partnership with the neighboring community by advocating on behalf of the residents. Simone Thompson, Director of Susan’s Place, noted that the members of the committee who live in the neighborhood firmly believe that the residents are as welcome in the community as anyone else who lives there.
NYC’s Department of Homeless Services Administrator, Joslyn Carter also gave remarks during the event and discussed the city’s efforts to “turn the tide” on homelessness. She spoke to the current residents about DHS’ work to ensure the health, safety and housing of current and future residents of Susan’s Place. The breakfast ended with, George Nashak recognizing three SP staff members for their hard work and dedication.  Anger Blucher, Mama Jawo, and Denise Jones were presented with certificates of appreciation for serving on SP’s staff during the shelter’s 10 years of operation.
We would like to thank all those who volunteer, donate, and work to help provide the life-saving services and support to those in need at SP and advocate for health care and housing for all in NYC. We look forward tocontinuing our work with you to improve the lives of the Susan’s Placeresidents and our community at the 6th Annual Health Empowered Beauty Fashion Show and Benefit. Thank you!

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