Care For the Homeless

In order to earn the Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting, Michaela O’Connell, a sophomore at Croton Harmon High School in Croton, NY, came up with a project to help the residents of Susan's Place.  Her project, entitled  “Housewarming for the Homeless," will equip residents with a box of items to furnish their new apartment when they move into permanent housing. Michaela is a member of Croton Senior Girl Scout Troop 1234 which is part of the Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson.  Led by Troop Leaders Regina Hertl, Stacey Herron and Susan Vierczhalek, she visited Susan's Place for focus groups with residents to discover what items were needed when they move into their own apartments. Michaela rallied her community to gather the desired household goods. She then recruited residents of Susan's Place to help her sort through sheets, towels, pillows, laundry detergent and kitchen items. The items were packed into a "house warming box," read...

Born the oldest of six, Kim grew up in Harlem. After high school, she became an addict. After years of moving from one family member’s couch to another, she knew she had to get help. Susan’s Place is the first shelter that Kim has been in and as she put it, “It’s the first and last.” She didn’t know what to expect when she arrived at Susan’s Place, but upon getting there, her life “changed tremendously.” “This place is beautiful. The atmosphere isn’t about thuggin' like it is in other shelters. The staff brings out the good parts of you. This place demands it of you.” After almost 18 months at Susan’s Place, Kim is moving out into permanent housing. “I never dreamed I’d be eligible for where I’m going,” she said. “This place has given me a sense of respect and self worth that I’ve never had before.” Over the past months, Kim has been managing the gym at Susan’s Place, ensuring the new equipment is taken care of and that the women at the shelter are able to be physically act...