23-August-2007

Torrential rainfalls on the 2nd and 7th of August, totaling more than eight inches, caused massive flooding at the MHS Community Women's Shelter. Two feet of water severely damaged a room used to shelter families, and destroyed furniture, art and crafts supplies, and other items in storage.

The Plain Dealer published an article about the damage, and appealed to the community for help. The response to the article has been overwhelming. When Chris Forgy, Vice President and General Manager of Radio One, and Kim Johnson, Program Director, saw the article, they decided to respond in a big way.

WZAK-FM came to the Community Women's Shelter on Thursday, 23 August 2007, to help raise funds to replace furniture and other items lost in the flooding. Kim Johnson, Program Director and Operations Manager for WZAK-FM, broadcast her 10 a.m to 3 p.m. show in front of the Community Women's Shelter on Payne Avenue in downtown Cleveland. Hundreds of listeners responded to her pleas and came to the Shelter, bringing cash donations, clothing, toiletries, and craft supplies.

The broadcast was joined by singer Emily King of New York City, who performed songs from her new CD, "East Side Story," scheduled for release on 28 August 2007.

The women of the Shelter told Ms King their stories. They cheered as Ms King told them of her respect for their struggles. "We all have our challenges, and many are unavoidable. We have each other to help us get through. It's great to see such energy here, where women have so much power."

Linda R's power is her indomitable attitude. "I returned to Cleveland after seven years, and found that the housing I had arranged was not there. I was unemployed, and the Community Women's Shelter was my only alternative."

"Through the encouragement of Wendy Johns, Ann Kuula and other staff, the creativity that was lying dormant within me came alive. I now have the beginnings of a small business. While working on my personal issues at the Shelter, I found my way to a very promising future."

Angela S. told her story. "I will be forever grateful to the Women's Shelter. I was truly suffering from drug and alcohol abuse. I found myself homeless, jobless, and truly at the end of my rope in life. I came to the Shelter, and they helped me in so many ways, and I'll always support them."

"Staff from the Shelter steered me to a drug rehab, employment services, and housing. They supported my dreams, and put me in a position to sing the songs of my story in a play. I have a message to all the people who suffer from addiction. What seems to be the end can be a beginning."

"You're not going to believe this," cautions Donna E. "I was a counselor for children here in Cleveland. I had a great job, but I had to quit to take care of my husband, who had horrible heart problems. With neither of us working, we lost our car and home. He soon died of a massive heart attack."

"I came to the Shelter in April this year, and I work with Jessica, who's great. She was going to help me get housing through Shelter+Care, but there's no funding until October. I can't tell you how many jobs I've applied for, but nobody wants a 55-year-old woman who lives at a shelter. You know, a year ago, I couldn't imagine myself in a shelter. I couldn't imagine myself not working for a year. But you've just got to go forward. And that's what I'll do."

"I live in a condo on Lake Erie," exclaims Carlotta P. "I moved out of the Shelter in May, after being here for nine months. I came here after my husband died. He didn't have insurance or savings. I had to sell the home just to bury him. I want you to know I have been clean for two years and three months, after a long time using cocaine. The program here at the Shelter with Recovery Resources is what finally got me to stop. That, and, well, I'm a very persistent person. I don't want anyone to think it was easy."

"I have my own business making and selling jewelry. My work will be at an art show at Ursuline College next March." Carlotta's artwork was featured in the Tremont Art Walk in March 2006, and was highlighted in an article in The Plain Dealer. Learn about the program that helped Carlotta achieve recovery from her cocaine addiction.

MHS would like to thank Mr. Chris Forgy, Vice-President and General Manager of Radio One, Cleveland, for bringing Kim Johnson's show to the Shelter. Ms Johnson broadcast to the community not only her appeals for help, but her compassion and empathy, which meant a great deal to the women of the Shelter. We also thank Ms Emily King for performing at the Community Women's Shelter. When she sang "Walk in My Shoes," the traffic noise of a busy Payne Avenue withdrew into the distance as her arresting lyrics resonated with all those who listened. And, of course, we also thank the many listeners of WZAK-FM who came to the Shelter to make their donations. Each was greeted with the enthusiastic applause of dozens of women. Thank you!

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