Mt. Nazareth Learning Center’s Unique Approach

Intergenerational Program Spans the Years

Putting families first is the primary mission of the Community at Holy Family ManorA ministry of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

Nazareth Housing Service Celebrating 20 Years

Giving Seniors the Care and Independence They Deserve at Holy Family Manor

Families First Vol. 1, No.1Fall 2014 Edition

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From the Executive DirectorGet to know us better!Dear Friends,

I am happy to help you become better acquainted with The Community at Holy Family Manor with this inaugural magazine. As you flip through the pages, see the photos and read some of the articles I hope that you will have a better idea of how we support and nurture families to fulfill their roles in church and society. That is our mission! You can see it in action in the photos and learn more about how we actually live our mission in the articles found in this issue and in future issues. We have a great deal of good things happening on this campus and it is a pleasure to share some of them with you.

Our three programs: Holy Family Manor Personal Care, Mt. Nazareth Learning Center, and Nazareth Housing Services are presented here so that you have a glimpse of what these programs actually do. We are also sharing some of the events and activities that are a part of the lives of those under our care as well as their families too.

In this first issue Nazareth Housing Services (NHS) is celebrating its 20th anniversary helping lower income families, the elderly and the physically challenged to update and repair their homes; counseling struggling homeowners who are facing foreclosure and providing education for potential new home

owners. We realize that every family needs a home, so Nazareth Housing Services has worked for 20 years to help families meet this need. In the article Everyone Deserves a Place to Call Home you will read about one of our many clients who have been helped by NHS. Their stories give you a better idea about what NHS does to support and nurture families on a daily basis.

Because our campus is blessed by having both little ones and seniors we have the unique opportunity to bring these generations together for a variety of interactions. In the article Intergenerational Program: Bringing Generations together to Share, Love and Learn you will gain some insight into how the children and seniors not only have fun together, but also they learn from one another. One of the greatest benefits of the program is the fact that new friendships are formed and continue even when the children move on to elementary school.

After reading this issue I hope that you will look forward to our next issue to see the new happenings that are taking place on our campus. In the meantime be assured of our prayers for you and your family.

Sr. Janice Fulmer, CSFN, Ph.DExecutive Director

Sr. Janice Fulmer, CSFN

Editors: Ann Restaine Sister Janice Fulmer, CSFN Janet PerineDesign/Layout: FusionmarxPhotography: Jay NodianosContributors: Darin Fabian Michelle Harrison Bill Vandivier

DIRECTORSNicholas ButeraLisa CarverKimberly ConnollyHarry M. GoernKevin L. JenkinsSean KellySister Maria Kruszewski, CSFNSister Mary Parks, CSJElizabeth A. SatinaGrant B. SaylorDavid A. StahurskiJarrett S. StullTrent WilburnMaureen WoodBruce VetterSister Janice Fulmer, CSFN

OFFICERSDarin Fabian, ChairpersonSister Janice Blados, CSFN, Vice ChairpersonJohn J. Craig, TreasurerMichael J. Reilly, Secretary

Families First Vol. 1, No.1Fall 2014 Edition

Board of Directors

The Community at Holy Family Manor, Inc. 301 Nazareth WayPittsburgh, PA 15229412-931-6996www.chfmanor.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/CommunityAtHolyFamilyManor

3 Foundress Frances Siedliska

3 About the Logo

3 Holy Family Raises $20,000

4 Mt. Nazareth Learning Center

TABLE OF CONTENTS5 Nazareth Housing Services

6 Intergenerational Program

7 Holy Family Manor Personal Care

7 Community Spotlight: Sister Florence Therese

Holy Family Raises Over $20,000Highmark Walk for a Health Community

On May 17, 2014, Holy Family, along with 68 other organizations, participated in the Highmark Walk for a Health Community at Stage AE in Pittsburgh,

Pennsylvania.

Event participants were encouraged to raise funds for one of the 69 participating organizations. 100 percent of all raised funds were given directly to the organizations.

Walkers were given the option to participate in either a 5k or a 1 mile walk. The event was a great success for all involved and is a true example of what can be accomplished when people come together as a community with the goal of achieving positive things.

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Foundress Frances SiedliskaVirtue of Faith in a Time of Uncertainty

Sometimes, the biggest ideas come from the smallest and most unlikely places. Frances Siedliska, born near Warsaw, Poland on

November 12, 1842, grew up comfortably and well educated, showing little interest in faith and religion. In fact, when she began to speak of religious vocation, her father discouraged the idea.

Despite the fact that the odd were against her, Frances knew that God had a plan, and she was determined to see it through. As she grew up, Frances’ love and respect for God became more and more serious, and she knew she was destined to have a life of faith and

generosity. She knew she had to bring the word of God to as many people as possible, even if it meant crossing boundaries that seemed insurmountable.

After her father’s death, Frances began to fully pursue her life of faith. She founded a new religious Congregation based on the ideals of the Holy Family

of Nazareth. In 1875, the first convent opened in Rome and Frances, now with the religious name of Mother Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd, presented to Pope Pius IX the plans for the new Congregation that would transcend national boundaries and be dedicated to the universal Church and its needs. Soon, her vision began to come to life.

Homes were opened in Poland, France, England and, in 1885, the United States. Desiring the opportunity for more involvement in the American ministry, Mother Mary gained American citizenship on July 26, 1897.

Soon after Mother Mary gained US citizenship, the number of women entering the Congregation began to grow rapidly. On November 21, 1902, at the time of her death, 29 foundations had been established in the 27 years of the young Congregation’s history. Today, the Congregation numbers over 1,800 in eight different countries, staying true to Frances’ original mission.

On April 23, 1989, Mother Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd was declared Blessed in an official ceremony of the Church. Her feastday is November 21, the date of her death.

The Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth through CHFM continue to carry out the vision of the Congregation’s foundress by responding to the needs of the Church and society through a commitment to family and the promotion of family spirit. The Congregation continues to help those in need and will continue to do so for years to come, thanks to the faith and dedication of Mother Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd, who accomplished so much and helped so many, despite the fact it all seemed nearly impossible in the beginning.

About our logoOur logo represents our commitment to the family, its needs, growth, and development.

The figures represent the Holy Family of Nazareth. The logo’s simple design represents our commitment to live a simple lifestyle in order to share more with others. The circular shape stands for wholeness, oneness, and God’s Kingdom, with an openness that radiates outward and around, representing the spreading of God’s love and word.

The blue color was chosen because it is the color of water, signifying our baptismal commitment and the life-giving love of God flowing into our lives and the lives of the families we serve.

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“My children loved each of the teachers they had throughout the years. They viewed the teachers as an extension of our family…The teachers made them feel loved and appreciated”.

“We have been trusting Mt. Nazareth Learning Center with the education and safety of our

children for over a decade,” says Darin, a father of four who has put all of his children (Bella, Joel, Ally, and Lizzie) through the Mt. Nazareth Learning Center program.

All children are special and unique. And the Mt. Nazareth Learning Center has made it its mission to not only treat children as though they are special and unique, but to offer an educational experience that is also special and unique.

The program began in September, 1971 and, at the time, served only 7 young children. Today, during the school year, the program serves over 200 children daily. In the summer, there is also a camp program that works with an additional 50 school age children.

The lessons the children learn in the program not only help foster growth and development, but also encourage the children to have faith and compassion.

“I feel that each of my children gained a great sense of faith and caring for other

people. They were provided with a sense of values which are in line with our own personal teachings…”

However, children do not only learn from the program. They also have fun and enjoy their time

there. Through the instruction of highly qualified and long-term staff with an average tenure of over five years, the children take part in a creative curriculum that addresses the varied needs of children ages six weeks through pre-K which

ties education into play and group activities.

“My children loved each of the teachers they had throughout the years. They viewed the teachers as an extension of our family…The teachers made them feel loved and appreciated”.

The program is licensed by the Department of Public Welfare and is a part of Keystone STARS, an initiative of the Office of Child

Development and Early Learning that aims to improve, support, and recognize the continuous quality improvement efforts of early learning programs in Pennsylvania.

The program is unique in that it not only is dedicated to tending to a child’s development, psychology, and education, but that it also teaches the children Gospel principles and philosophies.

“Love and respect for all of God’s children is what sets Mt. Nazareth apart. In addition, I believe that the interaction with the Sisters as well as the elderly living at the Manor provided my children with knowledge and compassion that we are all equally the same in God’s eyes no matter what age.”

The program also offers regular feedback to parents and guardians, giving them the opportunity to ask questions about their child’s development and raise questions and concerns.

“Mt. Nazareth provides ongoing feedback to parents/guardians both formally and informally. There are periodic Parent (Guardian)/Teacher conferences. However, the teachers are also willing to discuss and provide informal feedback on a regular basis.”

The Mt. Nazareth Learning Center continues to grow and offer an important and unique educational experience for young children. The program is sure to continue blossoming and helping children develop and learn through the grace of God.

Mt Nazareth’s young toddlers and summer campers “slide” in on any opportunity for fun in the sun.

MT. NAZARETH LEARNING CENTER: Faith, Fun and Education

Amidst trying economic times, it can be difficult for families to maintain even the most basic necessities. A little bit of bad luck or a few misguided choices can completely turn a family’s

life upside down overnight. When backed into an economic corner, sometimes what someone needs most is a helping hand or some good advice.

Nazareth Housing Services (NHS) has been helping lower income families, the elderly, and the disabled obtain and maintain comfortable, adequate housing for 20 years. NHS partners with individual donors, foundations, and government agencies to provide a focused range of housing counseling services related to home repairs and home ownership.

NHS finds reliable contractors for elderly and disabled home owners to help with home updates and repairs. When possible, NHS assists people in finding grants to cover these repairs. NHS also collaborates with local and national volunteer agencies to bring service groups in to aid with the home repairs. Also, if someone is in danger of foreclosure, NHS offers counseling to help struggling homeowners negotiate with their mortgage holder and take advantage

of government assistance programs.

NHS assists people like Louise. Louise, a 78 year-old widow who is partially paralyzed with a spinal cord tumor and suffers from severe osteoarthritis, has lived in the same home since 1966. Her granddaughter and her five year-old son have recently moved in, while Louise’s daughter lives in the home’s basement apartment.

The home’s total monthly income is only $1,930, and Louise’s limited mobility was preventing her from using her back

deck. In order to give Louise access to her back deck, a carpenter that Louise knew and trusted estimated that he could raise the level of the deck for approximately $2,000. Louise knew it was something she needed to have done, but did not know how she was going to afford it on such a fixed income.

Louise’s prayers were soon answered. NHS provided a grant of $1,500 to

aid in the cost of the renovation. The work has been completed

and Louise says the job is “beautiful”.

“I go out several times a day and just stand, because I can,” says Louise, “I can’t begin to tell you how much the grant

meant to me”.

Stories like these are what make this service so rewarding and worthwhile. From those that just cannot

seem to work their way out of debt, to those that are elderly and deserve to get the most out of their home,

there are many people NHS will continue to assist in the years to come.

Everyone Deserves a Place to Call Home

Summer youth volunteers help spruce up homes by painting, doing yard work, or carrying out trash from attics and basements.

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“I go out several times a day and just stand (out on the deck), because

I can. I can’t begin to tell you how much the grant meant to me”.

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It’s a common and unfortunate misconception that generation gaps can prevent people from connecting with and learning from one another. In actuality, coming from different generations can help people bring joy to each other’s lives by telling stories, sharing experiences, and learning new things.

The Community at the Holy Family (CHFM) has been utilizing this concept through its Intergenerational Program. The program, which began nearly four years ago, brings generations together to share love and learning.

The program, which works with children from Mt. Nazareth’s Learning Center and seniors from the Holy Family Manor Personal Care Home, began in 2010 in Sister Antonina Gadacz’s pre-school class with ten four-year-olds.

The program was an instant success and has grown to include over 60 children and 50 residents.

The children and residents work together in various activities such as games, dramatic play, music, and holiday parades. Many of these special plays and holiday events can draw up to 150 people.

The opportunity to interact with elders shows the children that the stereotypes created by society are not true. Not only can the children and seniors relate to each other, but they can have fun with and

learn from one another. This is something the children can carry with them throughout their teens and into adulthood, which will make them better citizens and future employees.

Intergenerational programs address fundamental issues in community revitalization, family relationships, and understanding how people of different generations interact and positively affect each other. Programs such

as these have a positive impact on child development and also bring happiness and social interaction to the seniors.

Programs like these are beginning to attract interest in many countries around the world as a solution to many social, demographic, and economic changes from a global perspective, and with good reason. Intergenerational programs are most effective because of the way they mirror real life, where people from different generations are required to interact and get along with one another in day-to-day life, the workplace, and other team settings.

The response from both the children and the seniors has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I love to play games and give hugs,” says Kennedy, a four year old involved in the program. “Every Wednesday, I wear a special dress because I go to see my friends at the Manor.”

The Community at the Holy Family Manor hopes to continue expanding the Intergenerational Program. The University Center for Social and Urban

Research at the University of Pittsburgh researched, developed, supervised, and provided a template for the program. CHFM will use this research and model as they search for funding to keep the program alive in the future.

In the meantime, the program will continue to brighten the days of CHFM residents and teach children that interacting with seniors can be fun and entertaining.

Intergenerational Program: Bringing Generations Together to Share Love and Learning

“I love to play games and give hugs. Every Wednesday, I wear a special dress.”

Sister Antonina and Mt Nazareth Summer campers share in some laughs with our Manor resident.

Every generation loves to get out and play on a summer day.

When elderly persons leave their homes, it’s important that they are able to do so with as much independence and dignity as possible. Will they be able to keep up with their routines? Will they be

treated with the respect and personal space they deserve? At the Holy Family Manor, seniors are given first-rate care as well as the opportunity to remain respected and as self-sufficient as possible.

The Holy Family Manor aids seniors who can no longer remain in their households or with their families. The staff works to give all residents as much freedom as possible so they can continue their personal routines and feel at-home.

Today’s seniors are from a generation that liked to keep busy. That’s why boredom is never an issue at the Holy Family Manor. Residents are given the opportunity to participate in activities such as day trips, crafts, music/pet therapy, exercise, social hours, inter-generational programs, religious services, and more.

“Making Holy Family Manor my home has been one of the best things I could have done. It is the nicest place you could imagine,” says Irene Holihan, a resident of the Holy Family Manor. “I attend mass daily and can feel that I am truly being cared for in Body, Mind, and Spirit”.

The Holy Family Manor also understands that every resident has different needs. For those that may require a little more attention, there is a memory care unit available. Here, residents are offered a more controlled environment with staff specially trained to assist with activities that stimulate social, cognitive, and physical abilities to enhance the quality of life.

The Holy Family Manor helps amazing, inspirational, and independent people like Marjorie J. Marjorie grew up in Cranford, New Jersey who, after graduating high school, took a secretarial job in New York City. Marjorie’s journey to New York is a true testament to her strength and determination. Alone and ready for opportunity, Marjorie took a train, then a ferry across the Hudson River, and finally the subway. During the long commute, Marjorie generously spent the time knitting socks for US soldiers.

She soon joined the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services), which was an all female branch of the Navy established during World War II. During her time in the WAVES, she logged in the radio messages captured from Nazi u-boats to keep the Navy apprised of their positions.

After her tour of duty, she moved to Denver, Colorado and met her husband, Elliot. They adopted two children and were married for 53 years.

Throughout her life, Marjorie was a housewife, a softball coach, an organist and choir director at her church, and worked with the Girl Scouts.

Today, Majorie is a resident at the Holy Family Manor. She attends many of the Manor’s activities and is a great listener with wonderful stories to tell.

Wonderful and interesting people like Marjorie are offered daily mass in the chapel along with special prayer services. And pastoral care ministry is also available for families who would like to pray or talk.

The Holy Family Manor continues to work with senior citizens to do everything they can to make them feel independent, comfortable, and respected. It’s no wonder the program continues to grow and is continually welcoming new visitors and residents.

Holy Family Manor Personal Care: Giving Seniors the Care and Independence They Deserve

Community Spotlight: Sister Florence ThereseA Story of Faith and Inspiration

The Community at the Holy Family Manor (CHFM) is full of caring and inspirational people. Some of these people are staff and volunteers, while others are residents and visitors. Some people even fall into more than one of these

categories.

Sister Florence Therese, a current resident in our Personal Care Home, is not only one of the many wonderful people served at CHFM; she also played an extremely important role in making Mt. Nazareth Learning Center the amazing facility it is today. (cont’d next page)

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Manor residents keep busy through various activities on campus, even caring for flowers and vegetable gardens.

Sister Florence Therese was born and raised on Polish Hill with her 3 brothers and 2 sisters. She graduated from Schenley High School and then worked in a box factory and also for the Dravo Corporation during World War II. She also managed a grocery store, working hard to make sure all of the local sisters received enough butter with their ration coupons.

Sister knew she had a calling from God since she was in eighth grade, but waited until her brother came home (who was missing in action) in 1948 to join the convent. She received an Early Childhood Education degree and taught students in age groups ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Alabama.

While she taught in Alabama, she also taught religion at Maxwell Air Force Base. She also served as Director of St. Luke’s Institute in Washington, D.C.

Always having a special place in her heart for children, Sister Florence Therese was eventually called home to Pennsylvania to open a daycare center. She organized, helped furnish, and began the Mt. Nazareth Learning Center

in September, 1971 which, at the time, served only 7 children. Today, there are over 200 children who attend the center, and many locals have sought Sister Florence Therese for mentoring before opening their own daycare.

Today, Sister Florence Therese spends her free time crocheting, reading, and getting exercise. She still loves to see children. She often entertains the staff and other residents with her inspirational stories. We are blessed to have Sister Florence Therese as part of the Holy Family Manor family.

Sister Florence Therese was eventually called home to Pennsylvania to open a daycare center. She organized, helped furnish, and began the Mt. Nazareth Learning Center in September, 1971 which, at the time, served only 7 children.

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Sister Florence Therese, CSFN enjoys her meal in the Holy Family Manor dining room.

A Publication of The Community at Holy Family Manor