W H A T ’ S I N S I D E

S P R I N G 2 0 1 5

Upcoming Events

Volunteer Spotlight

A Christmas Recap

and more!

hope

David’s Journey at St. Joseph

Orphanage Leads to a

Bright Future

A few years ago, David came to St. Joseph Orphanage because of his behavior issues in school. The staff of St. Joseph Orphanage saw that David was frustrated with his school work and issues at home, but he didn’t know how to express himself or deal with those emotions.

David worked hard at St. Joseph Orphanage and the staff saw a miraculous transformation. He learned how to control his frustrations by asking questions when he was struggling with his work, instead of acting out. He became a motivated and humble young man who gets a bit

embarrassed when people tell him how great he’s doing. He loves to help the other kids and he understands that his classmates see him as a role model, so he always tries to set a good example.

David is doing so great that he will be transitioning back into a general education high school after this year! He loves basketball, so he’s hoping to go to a school with a great basketball program. We are sad to see David go, but so proud of him. We can’t wait to see what this inspiring young man will do next because of his motivation and hard work at St. Joseph Orphanage!

“Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever.” – Walt Disney

I N A C T I O N

Hey Kroger Shoppers! Did you know the shopping you’re already doing at Kroger can benefit the kids at SJO?

Simply visit www.krogercommunityrewards.com and register your Kroger Plus Card to benefit St. Joseph Orphanage (agency #83383).

If you’re already registered, don’t forget to renew your annual registration in April! Community Rewards will not affect your personal shopping savings or Kroger Fuel Points.

Starting May 1, support the children of St. Joseph Orphanage by purchasing a raffle ticket for a chance to win a brand new 2015 Volkswagon Jetta S or the cash option of $15,000! Ticket prices are as follows: 1 for $30, 2 for $50, 3 for $70 and 6 for $100.

Tickets available at www.SJOkids.org starting May 1, or by calling 513-741-5690 x2353.The drawing will be held August 31, 2015.

2 0 1 5 C A R R A F F L E

Spring for the Stars Gala St. Joseph Orphanage Car Raffle!

Kroger Community Rewards

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S

You can help a child spring for the stars and beyond!

April 30, 2015Hilton Netherland Plaza35 West 5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 452025:30 – 6:45 p.m. Cocktails & Silent Auction6:45 p.m. Dinner & Live Auction

Join us in celebrating our 185th Anniversary at our Spring for the Stars Gala! Enjoy an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a delicious dinner with special guest emcee, DJ Jon Jon from Q102. You will have the opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind art made by the children of St. Joseph Orphanage and win luxurious live and silent auction prizes, using our new mobile bidding feature!

Reserve your space today by visiting www.SJOkids.org or calling 513-741-5690 x2353.

YOUR LEGACY OF BUILDING HOPE & STRENGTHENING L IVES

Through a charitable bequest in your will or living trust, you can ensure that St. Joseph Orphanage will Build Hope and Strengthen Lives of children and their families for the next 185 years. This thoughtful act, which has little or no current financial impact on you, may result in the largest and most lasting gift you ever make to the children of St. Joseph Orphanage.

Contact Jim Jenkins, Director of Development, to learn more at jim.jenkins@sjokids.org or 513-741-5690 x2103.

You can change lives by becoming a foster parent! Our children need families all throughout Southwest Ohio, from Cincinnati to Dayton. A safe place to grow is one of the greatest gifts you can give to a child.

If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster parent, please reach out to learn more by visiting www.SJOkids.org or by calling 513-481-7350 for Cincinnati and 937-643-0398 for Dayton.

We would like to introduce our newest SJO family member, Duke! Duke is a therapy dog with Canines for Christ, a faith-based pet therapy group. He visits the classes at the SJO Villa Campus and the kids love Duke as much as he loves them. When Duke walks into the lobby during visits, he can’t wait to get back to the classrooms. He often leads the way, carrying his own leash so he doesn’t trip! The kids love to hug Duke, play catch, and touch his soft fur. We’ve seen such a positive reaction and growth from the kids because of Duke and his unconditional love.

welcome Duke

change a life,

SPRING 2015 « 3

the Service Dog

Become a Foster Parent

Jeff Rosa has been a volunteer and friend of St. Joseph Orphanage for more than twelve years. He has served as a board member since 2004, hosted Bible studies, pool parties, Venture Crew outings and an annual Christmas party that provided Christmas gifts and meals to more than 70 children this year! You could say that Jeff became involved with St. Joseph Orphanage by coincidence, but Jeff will tell you, he doesn’t believe in coincidences… Twelve years ago Jeff and his team at Sibcy Cline had generously collected money to purchase Christmas gifts for needy children. Jeff called a few organizations before St. Joseph Orphanage but oddly, no one was in need. A bit frustrated, Jeff called St. Joseph Orphanage’s Altercrest Campus, expecting to be turned down again, especially now that Christmas was just a few weeks away.Jeff called and was connected to the Education Director, Lois. He told her that he would like to buy Christmas gifts for 20 to 30 kids and the phone went silent. “I thought I had offended her at first because it was so close to Christmas, maybe she thought I was saying they didn’t take good care of their kids or something,” said Jeff. “Then, I realized she was crying.” Lois told Jeff that a major sponsor dropped out just two weeks before. “Since then, I’ve asked God every night to find Christmas for the children, and you’re my answer,” said Lois. Jeff and Lois were overwhelmed with joy! “I don’t believe in coincidences, God had guided and blessed us,” said Jeff. That Christmas, Jeff and his team hosted a Christmas celebration with dinner and gifts for children at the Altercrest campus. “Every-one at my office pitched in to make a great meal and get it all down there,” said Jeff. “Knowing that a lot of the children were suffering from behavioral problems and could sometimes be violent, we had no idea what would happen, but it all went off without a hitch!” Since then, Jeff and his Sibcy Cline team have hosted a Christmas celebration for the children, fundraising for the event year-round. Jeff said that every year they seem to experience little miracles that help the whole thing come together for the children, just like that first call that started it all twelve years ago.We would like to thank Jeff Rosa, his team at Sibcy Cline, and all of our volunteers at St. Joseph Orphanage! Each and every one of our volunteers is a gift to our children, helping them on their road to recovery and success!

V O L U N T E E R S P O T L I G H T

Jeff Rosa

V O L U N T E E R S P O T L I G H T

V O L U N T E E R O P P O R T U N I T I E S You can make an impact by sharing your time and talents at St. Joseph Orphanage.

INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES We offer various individual volunteer opportunities throughout the year. We also encourage you to think of creative ways to make an impact by sharing your individual expertise or talents with St. Joseph Orphanage.

GROUP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Projects such as landscaping, program supply drives and cleaning to create an excellent environment for the children of SJO are great opportunities to bond with fellow co-workers, church members or others, while contributing to a worthy cause.

Groups, companies, and clubs are invited to host a party for the children. There are also opportunities available off-site such as organizing a donation drive on behalf of St. Joseph Orphanage or making handmade cards for the SJO Card Pal Program.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact our volunteer coordinator, Lisa, at 513-741-5690 X2225.

Thank You for Making Holiday Wishes Come True All of the children at St. Joseph Orphanage had a magical holiday season because of your generosity! We cannot thank each and every one of our donors and community partners enough for making the holidays merry and bright. We would like to share a few highlights from the season, although we wish we had enough space to share all of the unique stories and gifts that were generously shared with our children this holiday season!

A Holiday Tradition of Love and Generosity In 1985, Bob Wetterer, with the cooperation of the management of Beechmont Mall (now Anderson Town Center), began a personal program to help bring laughter and joy into the lives of troubled teens.

That first year, Bob set up a tree with names and gift suggestions for the teens at the St. Joseph Orphanage Altercrest campus. The community opened its heart to these children and 60 gifts were donated.

Since then, the Wish Tree program has expanded to include not only the children at our Altercrest campus, but other non-profits, schools and even disabled seniors. We would like to thank Bob and his team for all of their generosity through the years!

A Wonderful Q102 Christmas Party Our children enjoyed another wonderful annual Q102 Christmas party! The kids had a blast laughing at Madcap puppets, singing along with the talented Lasalle students, meeting Star Wars characters, Frosty the Snowman and Santa himself! Thanks to Q102 and Q102’s Brian Douglas!

Fifteen Years of Generosity from the Trans-Siberian OrchestraLast year the Trans-Siberian Orchestra celebrated its 15th year rocking out the Christmas season. This year marks 15 years that St. Joseph Orphanage has been rocking out to their amazing generosity!

A portion of the proceeds from every ticket sold for this year’s December 12 performance benefited St. Joseph Orphanage and Toys for Tots, courtesy of the Trans- Siberian Orchestra! The event raised more than $9,600 for the kids of St. Joseph Orphanage!

a Christmas recap

LaSalle students perform at the Q102 Christmas party

Eric Cummins, Executive Director, accepting generous TSO donation

SPRING 2015 « 5

Celebrating 185 years of building hope and strengthening lives! Check out these photographs for a glimpse of our rich history.

contact usSt. Joseph Orphanage – Villa Campus

5400 Edalbert Drive

Cincinnati, OH 45239

513-741-3100

St. Joseph Orphanage – Altercrest Campus

274 Sutton Road

Cincinnati, OH 45230

513-231-5010

St. Joseph Orphanage – Butler County Office

6975 Dixie Highway, Suite A

Fairfield, OH 45014

513- 887-2100

St. Joseph Orphanage –Dayton Office

3131 South Dixie Drive, Suite 220

Moraine, Ohio 45439

937-643-0398

W H A T ’ S N E W

As St. Joseph Orphanage strives to better serve our children and their families we are experiencing some positive growth and change.

Recently, our Crisis Stabilization Unit moved from our Villa campus to our Altercrest campus. The new Crisis Stabilization Unit space was renovated, giving each child their own room and a fun common area.

Our children in the Crisis Stabilization Unit also received a brand new playground to enjoy this spring! The playground will provide a place for the children to stay active and play in the fresh air. A huge thank you in part to Citigroup, The Louis and Melba Schott Foundation, Fifth Third Bank Trustee, Unifund, and the many generous 2014 Gala Fund-A-Need donors for the playground!

SPRING 2015 « 7

A New Playground for the Children

Has St. Joseph Orphanage made an impact on you or your family in the past 185 years? We would love to hear your story! Please reach out at elysa.hamlin@sjokids.org or 513-741-5690 x2353.

5400 Edalbert DriveCincinnati, OH 45239-7695