Victory Builds a Mother Out of a Person Roseta’s Story “Today, I am proud to say I am no longer a client of Victory Programs,” Roseta shared during her speech at Victory Programs’ 2019 Gratitude Dinner in March. “I have moved into my own apartment and I am working on living my best life. I will always be grateful for the shelter, the support, and everything else Victory Programs has given me.”

Roseta arrived at ReVision Family Home in November of 2017, with her infant daughter Kezaih, a single bag of belongings, and a healthy dose of determination. She’d moved from Jamaica hoping to build a better life for herself and the three children she’d left in

her mother’s care. Her only relatives in the United States were a distant uncle and his family, who were located in Massachusetts.

Roseta landed in Connecticut, fell in love, and moved in with a man. Her youngest daughter, Kezaih, was born in 2017. Roseta was in touch with her uncle’s family during her pregnancy, growing particularly close to her cousin’s wife. After Keziah was born, Roseta’s relationship with Keziah’s father grew increasingly strained.

“When Keziah was a baby, her dad literally kicked me off the bed,” Roseta shares,

explaining that the violence continued to escalate. “I knew I had to help myself.”

Soon after, Roseta hit her breaking point. She packed up everything she owned and fled with Keziah. She texted her cousin’s wife from a nearby bus stop to ask for help and a temporary place to stay. Concerned about becoming a burden to her only nearby relatives, Roseta quickly moved her own small family to a shelter on the Cape. At the shelter, Keziah became very ill.

“She wouldn’t eat,” Roseta explains. “She couldn’t keep food down.”

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continued on page 3 ››

victoriesVICTORY PROGRAMS OPENING DOORS TO HOPE, HEALTH AND HOUSING

RECENT GRANT HIGHLIGHTS

Thank You!Because of your generosity, thousands of individuals and families seeking help, housing, and hope to address serious challenges will receive evidence-based services that will assist in reclaiming lives, securing their families and promoting dignity.

Supporting ReVision Urban FarmPaul and Edith Babson Foundation Cedar Tree Foundation Robert Lloyd Corkin Charitable FoundationThe Doe Family Foundation The Mollie Baldwin Foley Charitable TrustMassachusetts Department of Agricultural ResourcesWells Fargo Foundation

Supporting the Boston Living CenterFrank W. and Carl S. Adams Memorial Fund/Bank of America, N.A. Trustee The Boston Foundation (Open Door Grant) The Boston Foundation Equality FundBroadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Julian A. and Louis G. Brodsky Foundation Bushrod H. Campbell and Adah F. Hall Charity Fund Friends of Frieda Garcia Park Robert and Helen Hardman Family Fund

Liberty Mutual Foundation MAC AIDS FundThe Memorial Church at Harvard University

Supporting Victory Health & Victory HousingBank of America Charitable Foundation Charlesbank HomesThe Doe Family FoundationThe Hamilton Company Charitable FoundationThe Janey Fund Charitable TrustEsther B. Khan Charitable FoundationLawrence Model Lodging Houses Trust People’s United Community Foundation of Eastern Massachusetts TD Charitable FoundationUnited Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley

Supporting Victory Programs’ Operating ExpensesAlice Willard Dorr FoundationEsmond Harmsworth 1997 Charitable Foundation Henderson FoundationReservoir Church

Supporting Victory Programs’ Prevention ProgramsBlue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Catalyst FundThe Boston Foundation Equality FundCummings FoundationAmelia Peabody Charitable Fund

Supporting the Jonathan Scott Future Victories Fund Anonymous (3) Robert Lloyd Corkin Charitable FoundationEastern Bank Charitable Foundation Esmond Harmsworth 1997 Charitable FoundationJaney Fund Charitable Foundation United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley

Supporting Victory Programs’ Strategic PlanningBrookline Bank Foundation Supporting Victory Programs’ Training Program Greater Boston Council on Alcoholism

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OfficersSara Andrews, ChairDrusilla Pratt-Otto, Vice Chair Steven Lipiner, TreasurerElizabeth Dugan, Clerk

MembersLiz Beckhardt Erica Birke Pam FeingoldGrace Harrell, MDKyle P. Lawless Craig Robbins Dan SchuttSandy Sheble-Hall David Whitman

Photo Credits: Greig Cranna and VPI Staff

Victory Programs Board of Directors

2 FALL 2019

VICTORY PROGRAMS OPENING DOORS TO HOPE, HEALTH AND HOUSING 3

Volunteer as a TIPS Server

Roseta struggled to find reliable transportation between the shelter on the Cape and her baby’s pediatric care team in Boston. A domestic violence specialist with whom she was working assisted her in securing a room at ReVision Family Home, much closer to her baby’s medical care team. At ReVision, Roseta found the support she needed to plan for her family’s future.

“A lot of people don’t realize the benefit of being in a program like ReVision and having all that support,” she explains. “The staff offer support, the rules provide structure, and groups help with parenting skills. ReVision builds a mother out of a person.”

After about a year and a half at ReVision, Roseta secured a lease. The apartment she shares with Keziah is the first place she’s lived on her own. “Being in the shelter prepared me for being out on my own with a child.”

Despite the challenges, Roseta is extremely proud of herself for moving to a safe home and providing for her family.

“Kiki likes it here. It’s quiet,” Roseta shares. “She’ll say to me ‘Mommy, I want to go to our house.’”

Roseta is looking forward to the next chapter in her life. She’s currently working for a local catering company and exploring the possibility of heading back to school. She’s hoping to bring Keziah to Jamaica soon to meet her siblings and experience her home culture. Roseta finds comfort knowing she can always reach out to the staff at ReVision Family Home. “Having them as a family has helped me,” she explains. “I know I’ve got them if I ever really need something.”

Victory Builds a Mother Out of a Person - Roseta's Story (continued from page 1)

It started as a holiday dinner in 1988. A small group of friends gathered to share their experiences of living with a new, as yet unknown, but deadly, virus soon to be identified as HIV/AIDS. With nowhere else to go, they celebrated the holidays with their chosen family, and a tradition was born. One of those friends, Peter Daniel Clark, carried the tradition forward into what is now the Celebration of Life.

Victory Programs' Celebration of Life has expanded from a small group of friends gathering together at home to a community event with over 500 individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and their loved ones, joining us for a free community meal featuring a sit-down dinner, live entertainment, and a Resource Fair. This year, we are also weaving in the special theme, Homecoming, to honor the Boston Living Center’s 30th anniversary and acknowledge all we have to celebrate due to the advances in HIV/AIDS care.

Over 200 volunteers will join us to make this unique event possible. In addition to lending a hand at the event itself, Celebration of Life is also the largest fundraiser for the Boston Living Center, thanks in large part to our dedicated TIPS Servers and their generous supporters.

With the support of Victory Programs’ fundraising team, each TIPS server is asked to raise a minimum of $300 to support the Boston Living Center’s unique services for those living with HIV/AIDS. It’s a great volunteer opportunity for both individuals and groups looking to make an impact during the holiday season.

For me, it's more than serving a meal or fundraising-

it's about my community and helping however, and

whenever, I can."

“If you’re ready to get started, visit give.vpi.org/CelebrateLife19 to set up your personal fundraising page or to start a TIPS Team and invite your friends to join you. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, contact Eve Rabinowitz, Corporate Relations & Special Events Manager, at 617-541-0222 x 647.

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Small Farm, BIG IMPACTVictory Programs’ ReVision Urban Farm is a special place; a small slice

of farmland nestled in the heart of Boston’s densely populated Dorchester and Mattapan communities. Unlike many of its larger counterparts, our farm falls

on less than an acre of land, which requires us to utilize and maximize every square foot. This urban “land challenge” has sparked a need for

a variety of forward-thinking and innovative approaches.

Urban farming is entering a new and exciting chapter where the need to understand nature intersects with the need to utilize technology. Our goal

at ReVision Urban Farm is to lead by example, adopting the best practices that will help us bring affordable, nutritious, local food to our community and fulfill

our mission. By combining better data, cutting-edge technology, and good old-fashioned sweat and hard work, our small piece of land is aiming to change

the culture and approach to food and nutrition in our neighborhood and beyond.

Curious about ReVision Urban Farm?

Give us a call at 617-822-3276 or visit www.vpi.org. We also offer volunteer opportunities throughout the growing season.

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Putting the CARE in Healthcare When was the last time you went to the emergency room? Last week? Last month? More than a year ago?

For many of us, an unplanned trip to the hospital is rare. However, for the community members we work with, those who live on the margins and struggle with complex issues, frequent visits to the emergency room sometimes become the standard instead of the exception.

The care coordinators at Boston’s Behavioral Health Community Partners Coordinated Care Hub (BCCH) work with individuals identified through their health insurance as high service utilizers. By conducting a comprehensive health assessment and developing a person-centered treatment plan, the goal is to improve the individual’s health and experience while reducing their overall medical costs. The plans are approved by the individual’s primary care physician to coordinate services.

“Almost all clients are in some battle to bring greater stability to their lives,” explains Daniel Moss, one of two Victory Programs’ staff providing the care coordination service through BCCH. “Success is defined by what the clients decide to do with their support services.”

Treatment plans and the resulting action steps may include anything from getting into a substance use treatment program, applying for housing assistance, establishing behavioral health care services, attending provider appointments, to even simply talking about some of life’s stresses with a supportive ear. BCCH caseworkers fill the need for advocacy and compassion. They work with clients over time to build trust and help them

identify and overcome barriers and work towards their self-identified goals. As the relationship grows, those goals may change, as in the case of one client who enrolled in the program ambivalent about addressing concerns about substance use. Eventually, working with his care coordinator on other health outcomes led him to conclude that continuing his substance use was not resulting in the best health outcomes. He then took his first step towards recovery by entering a detox program and has now reunited with his family.

“If I have any issues, Daniel is the first person I call,” shares Leesa, one of Daniel’s clients. “It is fun working with him.”

For Leesa, and the many other BCCH clients, care teams provide an extra set of eyes, ears, and ideas to make an often frustratingly complicated healthcare infrastructure more accessible, inclusive, and effective. Whether the issue of the day is substance use or pneumonia, BCCH care teams work with clients to find the best solutions to help the individuals they work with be healthy, stay healthy, and make informed decisions about their own needs. The goal is to make the process of addressing healthcare needs transparent and relatable to keep motivation and hope high. Ideally, BCCH clients feel empowered to act in their own best interests while addressing their healthcare needs.

“Assisting our clients towards positive outcomes can be an exhilarating window into effective healthcare management,” Daniel notes. “Which is a win-win for all parties involved.”

VICTORY PROGRAMS OPENING DOORS TO HOPE, HEALTH AND HOUSING

Jonathan

FRIENDS

The Amagansett Girls: Elizabeth Marran & Leah Robins & Susan Williams, Anonymous, Dennis Balog & Bob Demers, Boston Medical Center, Jim Bracciale & Richard Kestler, Douglas M. Brooks, Patrick & Joan Byrne, Lori D. Campana, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares,

Manny V. Correia & Tom Harvey, Lisa J. Drapkin & Debbie Lewis, Bill Farmer, Andie Finard, Kenn Freed, Lori Frazer & Cricket Lyman, Scott Gortikov & Ross Ozer, Maguire Mechanical Services, Jeryl & Steve Oristaglio, Liz Page & Marianne Stravinskas, Jim Pettinelli & Thom Keegan, April Simon, Stephen Thomas, United Way of Massachusetts Bay & the Merrimack Valley, Bruce D. Walker & Alice Cort, Amy & Michael Whitmore

SUPPORTERS

Anonymous (2), Association for Behavioral Healthcare, Ralph Fuccillo & Paul Newman, John & Candy O’Connell, April Simon

On Thursday, May 30, Victory Programs bid farewell and thank you to Founder & President Emeritus, Jonathan Scott, with a celebration to honor his 43 years of leadership and advocacy.

More than 250 guests were treated to a surprise packed event honoring Victory Programs’ retired Founder & President Emeritus, Jonathan Scott, at The Grand in Boston’s Seaport District. The evening included the world premier of "Animal," a solo performance by Boston Ballet’s principal dancer John Lam and a lively drag performance by local celebrity Verna Turbulence. The event also featured speakers representing milestones in the agency’s history including Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, and former Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, Douglas M. Brooks, a long-time friend to Jonathan and a fellow HIV/AIDS advocate. Mayor Walsh also

presented Jonathan with a Revere Bowl and declared May 30, 2019, “Jonathan Scott Day” in the City of Boston.

“My gratitude is somewhere over the rainbow,” shared Jonathan. “It was all so genuine and so gorgeously heartfelt.”

Over the course of his singular career, Jonathan paved the way for Victory Programs to grow into a robust organization comprised of dozens of programs tailored to meet underserved community needs and address emerging public health concerns like the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the opioid crisis, and the challenges facing lower-income individuals and families in need of housing.

The event also served as an opportunity for agency friends and others to invest in Victory Programs’ future success through the Jonathan Scott Future Victories Fund. Many of those present were inspired by Jonathan’s life of service and gave generously including former Victory Programs’ clients, Jonathan’s collaborators and colleagues, and longstanding agency supporters. To date, the fund has raised well over half a million dollars to support hope, health, and housing. Gifts to the fund honor the enduring warmth of the iconic “red door” at Victory House and Jonathan’s persistent promise to “help the people we serve find their way home.”

6 FALL 2019

LEAD INVESTOR

Robert Lloyd Corkin Charitable Foundation

BENEFACTORS

Anne L. PeretzThe Janey Fund Charitable Trust

PARTNERS

Esmond & Jerome HarmsworthCONTRIBUTORS

Sara J. Andrews & Neil Bradley, Anonymous, Paul Carey & Barry Pike

VICTORY PROGRAMS OPENING DOORS TO HOPE, HEALTH AND HOUSING 7

Voices of Victory “ I came to live at Chamblet

Family Home because I needed a place to live and help to find housing for my family.”

- Rosa, Chamblet Family Home

“ When I first came to the Boston Living Center, I didn’t know anyone else in the same situation. I could come here and feel supported by all these other people I was dining with. It’s been an enormous support to me and continues to be.”

- Harry, Boston Living Center

“ Since I’ve been at New Joelyn’s Home they’ve taught me how to be patient with myself and others and how to plan out my day, stick to my plan and not deviate. The women at New Joelyn’s Home are great. We support each other up when we’re down. This is a great program to be at.”

- Donna, New Joelyn’s Home

“ Since I’ve been at Portis, I’ve gone to school, done an internship, and now I’m a recovery coach, my dream job. Portis Family Home literally gave me my life back. It also helped me become the mother that I am today.”

- Erin, Portis Family Home

“ Working with my counselor, I was fortunate to make the tough decision to go for the personal reward of getting my nursing license back, since I lost it eight years ago to alcoholism.”

- Cherilyn, Shepherd House

“ There is a world of opportunity in recovery. Coming to Victory Programs has opened the door for me.”

- David, Victory House

965 Massachusetts Avenue Boston, MA 02118

Roseta, featured in this year’s cover story, shows off the kitchen in her new apartment with a proud smile.

/VictoryPrograms @VictoryPrograms /BostonLivingCenter @LivingCenter /ReVisionUrbanFarm @ReVisionFarm

Pleasevisitourwebsite,www.vpi.org,orcall617-541-0222tolearnmoreaboutVictoryPrograms.

Make a contribution Visit www.vpi.org or send donations to:

Victory Programs, Inc. 965 Massachusetts Avenue Boston, MA 02118

Donate new items to our clients Our clients are always in need of items to start their own homes, specifically linens, toiletries and kitchenware.

Volunteer! Victory Programs offers many volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups looking to get more involved with the community we serve. For more information, contact Tammy at 617-236-1012 or tblocker@vpi.org.

Spread the word! Tell your friends, family and coworkers about our programs and ways they can get involved.

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