Dear Joe’s Place Community,
It seems surreal to be writing this in October. What a year 2020 has been! While life has changed dramatically for all in so many ways, I fully realize that the loss and suffering experienced by some in our community has been tremendous. Please know our thoughts are with you and our gratitude goes out to those wonderful community members that lift up, support, and seek to understand each other during the most difficult of times.
Julia Schaffner, Board President
Despite so much heaviness, I am excited to share the good news that Joe’s Place welcomed back our two returning students for the 20-21 school year. Joe’s Place also welcomed back our house parents for another school year, Matt Bauersachs and Amber Compton. In light of virtual learning for all high school students in the MRH School District, Matt and Amber are serving the dual role as house parents as well as daytime educational coaches. Navigating the complexities of this scenario is one many families can relate to. We remain incredibly grateful to Matt and Amber for their service and willingness to go above and beyond to provide stability, love, and a nurturing environment in which to learn. To ensure for safety, transitioning new students into the home will be cautious and phased.
The new Joe’s Place graduate program, not yet even a year old, continues to provide support as needed to graduating seniors and alumni. The pandemic has created challenges for this group of young men that never could have been predicted. The extremely generous support from our community and foundations helps ensure stability long after graduation. The foresight of current and previous Board members and staff to expand the Joe’s Place model could not have been more timely.
Due to continued safety concerns with social gatherings we have missed seeing your smiling faces at our fundraisers. We hope the future holds a return of our signature Maplewood Shuffle events and Parties for Joe’s Place. In the meantime, our committee will be considering various safe alternatives.
We are excited to share a few additional updates through this email. Please be on the lookout for more information coming soon in our winter newsletter.
If you feel you have a gift to share, either tangible or through your talent or time, or would simply like to be included on our list for Joe’s Place updates, please email us at joesplacestl@gamil.com .
With deep gratitude,
