Neighborhood News April 2022 |
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Susan calling bingo at the Residence |
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Susan Shevell is a dedicated NCS volunteer, spending most Saturday afternoons with us. After raising her children in Livingston, NJ, and retiring from her family’s business, she moved to the Upper East Side in 2016. With more time on her hands and a new community, she wanted to find meaningful volunteer work— and we’re so happy she chose NCS!
“NCS immediately resonated with me,” Susan shared. “You’re helping people transition from living on the street and helping them navigate through their struggles in a safe, comfortable environment while allowing them to live the way they choose.”
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Most Saturdays, Susan hosts “Bingo and High Tea” at the NCS Residence, where she is beloved by the bingo regulars who appreciate both the prizes she donates and her warm and caring nature. Due to the pandemic, bingo and other group activities were suspended, but Susan recently returned for the first time in two years! |
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“It was important to me from the start to spend time at the Residence and become a safe, consistent face for as many residents as I could. Spending a few hours every Saturday prior to COVID with them allowed me to form real relationships and get to know many of the residents as individuals. It gave me so much pleasure knowing that I was giving them an activity to look forward to all week where we just spend so much time having fun and laughing. You’ve created a real home and community, and my goal was to become a family member. It was so difficult losing that connection during the pandemic and I am so happy to be back.”
Susan also volunteers every year at our Thanksgiving meal and as a judge in the annual talent show, which she describes as “heartwarming and rewarding experiences.”
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Susan congratulating the performers at the 2018 NCS Winter Talent Show |
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When not cheering on our residents, Susan volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House. She also loves spending time with her daughter Merissa, son-in-law David, and their daughters, Arley and Charlotte, and her son Zachary, daughter-in-law Arielle, and their daughter Logan.
Susan brings so much to NCS— as a dedicated supporter, our favorite bingo caller, and the most recent addition to our Board of Directors. On behalf of everyone at NCS, especially the bingo regulars at the Residence, thank you!
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In honor of NCS’s 40th anniversary, we share stories like this one about our founders, volunteers, supporters, and staff who make our work possible, and the residents and clients at the center of our mission.
Check out the other stories we have posted here, and be sure to return throughout the year as we regularly update the series with new stories.
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Before Lakia moved into Louis Nine House in 2021, they had lived in four different homeless shelters over the course of three years. They had loved art and being creative since childhood but didn't have the outlet to follow their passion.
And this passion recently became a business, when Lakia started Unique Aromas, their candle line. Lakia’s candles smell great, but they also look good enough to be used as décor, incorporating fruit, flowers, and interesting containers. You can learn more about Unique Aromas on Lakia's Instagram page, @uniquearomas_.
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Though Lakia’s business is new, they have big plans for it. This week, they are going to start selling candles at the Union Square Green Market, and their next goal is to have their products in retail stores. Lakia is also making plans for their education, and NCS's vocational staff has been working with them to prepare their college applications. Lakia hopes to take business courses to help further Unique Aromas, but they are also interested in art and communications courses as well. |
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NCS opened Louis Nine House in 2009 to help young adults like Lakia. When a person is stably housed and supported, they can create a brighter future for themselves, whether that's through education, finding a job, or starting a business venture. Lakia has taken advantage of the resources available at Louis Nine House, and we are proud to see their hard work pay off! |
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Susan wasn't the only volunteer who recently returned to the NCS Residence- NCS volunteer Mary Jo Pane of Miracle Icons also paid a visit to teach a jewelry-making class. These events were a favorite of the tenants prior to COVID, and we are so happy Mary Jo was able to safely return to help create more beautiful pieces.
You can learn more about Mary Jo’s jewelry and see her work at miracleicons.com.
Thank you, Mary Jo, for sharing your time and talents with NCS’s residents!
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NCS will honor The Rev. Brenda Husson of St. James' Church, Susan Shevell and Mary Jo Pane at the 2022 NCS spring benefit. Tickets are on sale now. Please join us for a wonderful evening in support of NCS! |
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WE DID IT!!
Thanks to your support, we received 27,545 votes, meaning we will receive a $2,801 donation from Target. This donation will be used to give current and formerly homeless New Yorkers a home, a community, and access to the services they need to thrive. We couldn’t have gotten it without the help of everyone who voted and spread the word.
Thank you so much to Target and to everyone who voted for NCS!
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Save the Date: Celebrating Innovation! |
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Save the date for Celebrating Innovation: A NextGen Network Event on Tuesday, June 14 at Common Ground Bar. Tickets and more information coming soon! |
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Administrative Office
50 Broadway
Suite 1301
New York, NY 10004
Phone: (212) 537-5100
Fax: (212) 860-2301
ncs@ncsinc.org
www.ncsinc.org
Board of Directors
David A. Oliver
President
Wolcott B. Dunham, Jr.
Stephanie W. Guest
Thomas J. Kilkenny
Stuart N. Siegel
Vice Presidents
Susan Stevens
Treasurer
Jan F. Golann
Secretary
Victoria Bert
Anne S. Davidson
Abigail Black Elbaum
Matthew D. Hughes
Oren K. Isacoff
Ann Ross Loeb
Rachael Piltch-Loeb
Marta Radzyminski
Stephanie Shuman
Christopher W. Solomon
Ann L. Shalof
Chief Executive Officer
NCS Programs
Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter provides New Yorkers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with a home, a community, and access to the services that they need to thrive. We create innovative solutions and engage community partners to provide housing and support that can transform lives.
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