Pentecost and Community

After months of quarantine restrictions, we were finally able to attend our first “communal” gathering. We had planned a Pentecost service for the date of the liturgical celebration – but there were more pressing things that needed to be done! The protests downtown were in full swing and we all felt it necessary that we let our voices be heard. BlackLivesMatter! Our first celebration of Pentecost 2020 was a call to be heard and understood, to join brothers and sisters across boundaries to communicate one message: Black lives should be cherished and honored, Black children protected, Black families celebrated. We

A Birthday Parade

In this new world of social distancing and ‘stay at home orders,’ Lydia’s House has reassessed how we can live out and create community. Specifically, we’re discovering new ways to offer positive memories and celebration to our current and former guests. At Virginia Coffey Place, as a 6 year old tenant’s birthday grew closer, it became clear that his hoped for party could not happen. Though it took a bit of creativity, we worked together with J’s mother to create a memory that he won’t forget anytime soon – a birthday parade! We gathered together folks from the Lydia’s House

RULES AND REGULATIONS

On March 22, 2020, Ohio declared “shelter in place” because of COVID-19. All non-essential organizations and businesses closed. As a family shelter we are considered to be essential, but our way of being together demanded reflection and change as a result of the mandate for social distancing. On the day of the governor’s order we had all four rooms filled with 4 adult guests, 4 children and 2 live in volunteers, all sharing meals and bathrooms and common space. We put all of our practices and norms under scrutiny. After many sleepless nights and a lot of behind the scenes

Winter Wellness BINGO Concludes

As the Lydia’s House community rejoices in springtime weather with walks to Ameristop for ice cream and plans for a backyard grill out, we also have celebrated the conclusion of Winter Wellness BINGO. Winter Wellness BINGO was created as winter grey days and holidays, often a trigger for painful memories, loomed ahead. Each guest and staff member was given a BINGO card with various activities to complete over the winter months. This activity gave a language and a framework for having regular conversations about practicing coping skills, building positive relationships, and engaging in healthy leisure activities. Staff of Lydia’s House

Giving Thanks for Answered Prayers

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR: Healthy births for two first-time moms, L and D. S’s beautiful family, sweet new baby, and her new apartment. T’s healthy new baby, and her new apartment.   L’s safe transition to the Shanklin’s house. A’s transition to her own apartment through the Welcome Project. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund, created this year in the city of Cincinnati. All the generous donors that allowed Lydia’s House to acquire a building & develop affordable apartments.   The great success of the Women for Women event, and the ongoing friendship of the Krzeski Family. The enrichment provided by