Menlo Park Neighborhood Meeting

Rachana Shah, Communications Team

On Thursday February 9, I, together with around twenty league members (pictured right), went to the Menlo Park neighborhood meeting at the home of Board Member-at-Large, Anne Vitullo. Anne was the consummate hostess: she set up a Valentine's Day themed spread. The favorite item was the miniature brownies that she had made herself. After a long day at work, everyone appreciated being able to kick back with some wine and snacks and hang out in a relaxed atmosphere of Anne's living room.

We went around the room and introduced ourselves. Many of the members hadn't met before, but the small group setting allowed us to make connections quickly. We discussed our highlights and challenges of our past League year. One thing struck me: we are some busy women. One of the most common concerns was finding time to participate in League activities. One women talked about having to travel for work frequently, another about having to entertain a key client at the Home Tour and then turn around and do a volunteer shift the same day, another about building their own start-up company, several about new jobs and new marriages. Everyone agreed that you get more out of the League when you put more in, but sometimes life happens, and that isn't possible for awhile.

We were all humbled and inspired when Anne shared her own story of being diagnosed with breast cancer, and having to put her League presidency on hold. She is cancer-free and looks radiantly healthy but she said that volunteering helped take her mind off of things during some of her year of treatments. In closing the meeting, League Administrative VP Marfrisa Gipner told us that it was ok if we weren't going above and beyond, because the Junior League is a volunteer organization, so anything we do is above and beyond. I liked that a lot. We need different things from the League at different times: a social outlet after a long day at work, a distraction during tough times, a place to meet friends in a new town, a chance to develop new skills and leadership experience. You give what you can, and take what you need.

A General Meeting that Inspired Action

Brittany Lothe

By Brittany Lothe, Communications Team

As a recent transfer from the Chicago League, I am just getting up to speed about the Community Placements of the JLPA-MP. What’s great is that there are so many opportunities to learn about our partners – including at our quarterly General Membership Meetings.

Well, who would have known that at the most recent GMM on January 18th, I would have been inspired to action by one of our speakers. Karae Lisle, Executive Director of the Shelter Network -- the Peninsula's largest provider of housing and support for homeless families and individuals -- made time from her incredibly busy schedule overseeing six housing facilities with an $8 million budget, more than 80 full-time staff, and thousands of volunteers to talk to me and 200+ Junior Leaguers about homelessness in San Mateo county. 

Did you know that:

• There is an estimated 6,737 homeless people in San Mateo County each year 
• 12% of the county’s homeless are veterans 
• The county has a commitment that “no child sleeps on the street” – if you have a child and you are homeless, a safe place will be identified for you 
• This safe place may be part of the motel voucher program -- an emergency program for families and individuals on the waiting list to enter Shelter Network's shelter-based programs.

I didn’t. Nor did I realize that there was a Shelter Network facility less than 3 miles from my home in San Mateo. It seems natural that you would have such a facility in a big city like Chicago or Washington, DC or San Francisco, but poverty in a county like ours can be hidden. In order to address the issues, we need to face them straight on.

Karae and her team shared so much insight on the plight of the homeless in our community as well as many success stories. With more than 90% of families graduating from Shelter Network’s transitional shelters to permanent housing, they have a pretty amazing track record of helping those who need a hand up gain the skills they need to create a brighter future for themselves and their children. Check out some of the success stories for yourself here.

Each of us has something to offer to those who may need a boost at a time of need. For me, I learned about an organization supported by JLPA-MP volunteers in my community, was able to go to one of the facilities on Sunday for a tour and found a great organization to which I could donate our household items, clothing and toiletries. Some small steps but I’m looking for ways I can volunteer. Maybe I have a new frontrunner for the May placement fair. Time will tell!

RECAP: January 18 GMM

By Amy Truel, Communications Team

Did you miss the January 18 General Membership Meeting? Find out what was discussed and presented.
 

A moving and informative presentation from Karae Lisle (shown right), Executive Director of Shelter Network.

Kathleen Castaillac and Helen Ungerman, Home Tour Co-Chairs, provided a witty and memorable homage to the behind-the-scenes Home Tour preparation. How those ladies could accomplish so much, putting on an amazing Home Tour while chronicling their adventures and maintaining a sense of humor is beyond me. Once again, Thank you Home Tour Team-we are blown away!



Bena Vohra (shown left), Junior SPAC Delegate, invited us to submit our ideas for "There Oughta Be A Law...". This is a  great opportunity for League members to make a difference! Think about laws you would like to see enacted, and submit your ideas to SPAC by March 2.

 

Sally Falkenhagen (shown right), Endowment Fund Chair, spoke about the history and performance of the League Endowment Fund. It was very inspiring to see how the idea was formed back in 1992, launched in 1994 and has grown into a substantial amount, ensuring continued League support for our community. To donate to the Fund, click here.

  

Tara Roussel, Nominating Chair, introduced us to our stellar proposed 2012-13 Board of Directors (shown left).

 

Jan Hickman, Shop Committee Chair, emceed a great fashion show featuring items available at The Shop. Not just clothes either; we were treated to ladies strutting their stuff carrying artwork, tables, and yes, Brooke Lopez did wear a lampshade (shown right)!