The latest news from PHriends!

Welcome to the first PHriends Newsletter!

Where Passion Meets Action

An energetic group of young professionals, PHriends are dedicated to making a difference in the Cleveland community. Our goal is to raise awareness (and funds!) for Providence House. Develop your leadership skills and networking abilities alongside other community-minded individuals in your own backyard.

We're Greater Together!

Providence House Update

While we have temporarily suspended our Crisis Nursery children's shelter services for staff and child safety, we are continuing to serve families in need through phone-based case management and deliveries of basic needs items.

We are currently planning and preparing to re-open our nursery around July 1 ^st . Stay tuned for more information!

How You Can Help

Donate to Providence House. We have set up a PHriends fundraising page so we can show our support to the Providence House during this time. Click here to donate.
Donate food, diapers, children’s clothing, and new toys. Simply drop them off or have them shipped directly to Providence House! If you are of the more creative persuasion, feel free to knit blankets or sew masks.
Ensure your PHriends membership is current for 2020! New to PHriends? Enrollment is always open for new PHriends Group members! Reach out to your friends & family about joining. In this time of social distancing, what better way to network with other young professionals and help a great organization than joining like-minded peers in your community? Learn more here.
Levels of Involvement:
PHriends Group - The PHriends Group allows young professionals in the Greater Cleveland area to support Providence House throughout the year. Membership is always open and includes a ticket to our annual pARTy with PHriends event.
PHriends Associate Board - The PHriends Associate Board is the leadership board of the PHriends Group. This group plans and executes fundraising and engagement opportunities for the group. Applications for the PHriends Associate Board are available in the fall.

PHriends Member Spotlight – Tara Samstag

What has been the most rewarding experience of your time with the PHriends Group?

I had the opportunity to serve as a part of the PHriends Associate Board for a few years, which is where I met some of the community’s most inspiring young leaders. Transitioning to the PHriends Group has allowed me to stay connected with truly kind and passionate people in the Group, on the Associate Board, and on staff. As a member, I am invited to well organized and fun events connected to the cause. I also have the opportunity to volunteer at some of these events and bring in groups of volunteers to the House. The most rewarding experience, however, will always be seeing the smiles on the kids as I bring others on the Milk & Cookies tours. It is also heartwarming to hear how Providence House continues to impact more families each year and grow as an organization.

Fun Facts About Tara:

My husband, Chris, and I love to travel to see new places and learn about different cultures. We just had a son, Lucas, and we are excited to share this passion with him.
I enjoy volunteering for a variety of different organizations.
I have my dual-citizenship (US and EU).

Upcoming Events

Our annual pARTy with PHriends is still on! Due to COVID-19 restrictions, pARTy will be virtual this year. Look out for further details in the coming months in what will be an exciting event!

Providence House Success Story

Samantha, mother, sought services for her young son based on her need to start an employment opportunity as well as secure childcare. Samantha and her son were experiencing domestic violence and needed to flee to a family shelter due to safety. The shelter did not offer childcare and Samantha was waiting to hear from the childcare agency she applied for. Samantha was able to start employment, secure a childcare plan and continue to work with her other caseworker in order to secure new safe housing for her family. Samantha was also able to engage in trauma services through Providence House and begin mental health services based on the screening and assessment findings. After a little less than thirty days, Samantha was reunited with her son and will plan to engage in the aftercare program following discharge.