Summer 2007, Volume 11 Number 3

Table of Contents

THE THORPE FAMILY RESIDENCE …By Sister Barbara Lenninger

Thorpe Family Residence is a transitional shelter for homeless mothers and children in the Bronx.  The program is sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, and funded by the New York City department of Homeless Services.  The dedicated staff provides services to help the mothers prepare for a living wage job, find an affordable apartment, and stay off welfare. 

One day in 2005, a mother was sent to us directly from the hospital with a four-day-old-baby girl.  She had absolutely nothing and to complicate matters was a victim of domestic violence and undocumented.  I wondered how much money we had for emergencies in our donation account.  I decided to call on a benefactor who was a friend of one of the Sisters.  He always said he would do anything he could to help us, but didn’t like to be interrupted at work.  At first he was angry, but later he told me he soon felt guilty and called his wife.  Later that day, he arrived with his car full of pampers and baby clothes.

He asked to see the baby and wanted to hold her.  He promptly fell in love with her and asked to have his picture taken with her.  He is the same person who has provided Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the sixteen families in our temporary shelter, as well as the twenty families in our permanent, supportive housing program.

He directed his son to have a second-hand shower.  Soon they returned with another car full of baby items:  a used crib in good condition, high chair, stroller and other needed articles.

The story of baby Viviana and her mother’s dilemma spread.  Soon gifts were coming from several of our donor friends.  Baby Viviana went from having nothing, to being one of the best-dressed babies in the Bronx.  We received enough to share with other babies in our program.

After a year, with help overcoming the difficulties of securing an apartment as an undocumented person, this small family is now living in a nice section of the Bronx.  The mother was able to secure part-time employment.

This is one of our success stories.  It gives us hope as we see some of the results of our ministry helping to improve the lives of this vulnerable population of mothers in need.  It also makes us very grateful for the ongoing support of our friends and benefactors.

Sister Barbara Lenniger is a Dominican Sister of Sparkill.  She is Executive Director of Thorpe Family Residence and Park Avenue Thorpe.

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