"Give Them Roots and Create Wings" Fourteenth Annual Celebration Dinner

EPH CELEBRATING FAMILY AND FRIENDS EPH held its Celebration Dinner Monday, May 6, at the Bemis Center on the St. Norbert College campus. There were 111 registered attendees, a tie for the record number of guests. Executive Director Julie Aderhold and EPH President Jo Ollmann presented.

Salvation Army Case managers, Holly Ladwig & Kim Kennedy, proudly introduced their clients who came from EPH’s Transitional Housing and Long-Term Supportive Housing programs. Kennedy quoted author E.E. Cummings saying: “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” These clients did just that, enduring unbelievable hardships and abuse to become strong, determined women who worked hard to firmly establish themselves on the road to self-sufficiency.

EPH Prevention Specialist Marcia Shefchik explained ways in which she aids individuals who find themselves struggling. She takes calls, listens, helps people fill out housing and job applications and contributes transportation funds to those in need, among other things. Shefchik said, “All people are valuable. It could be easy for any one of us to lose our job or not have friends or a supportive church family.”

Recognition was given to outgoing Property Manager Jeff Carels and EPH Board president, Jo Ollmann. As well as former EPH Executive Director Dave Pientenpol, who served EPH for over 14 years with strategic thinking, vision and leadership, taking EPH to a new level of service to homeless families. Dave said it was done with the support of donors, volunteers and the Salvation Army. Dave shared, “It takes an entire community to meet the needs, no one organization can do it, I’m just happy to be a part of an organization within that community.”

To honor Dave Pietenpol for his outstanding accomplishments, the Executive Committee decided that all Long-Term Supportive Housing homes will be named David Homes.

This year’s Duane Howell Service Award recipients are Shirley and Ron Kocha, members of Good Shepherd Lutheran. Shirley serves as the Unit Coordinator for Good Shepherd and the Matthew Home. She regularly recruits Ron to do the “heavy lifting” and for tackling the maintenance and repair related items. Their nomination was due to their willingness to jump in wherever needed. They help with other transitional homes, as well as long-term supportive housing homes. Shirley says it is in her heart to work for EPH. And Ron says that client success stories motivate him.

EPH extends its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all family, friends, and volunteers who attended this memorable EPH annual celebration.

EPH Wish List EPH is in need of working, gas powered lawn mowers. To view a more inclusive list of items in need click > HERE.

Ecumenical Partnership for Housing   is a 501(c3) organization, dedicated to finding permanent solutions for homeless families in Green Bay .