Issue link: https://nest.uberflip.com/i/522018
them deal with the issues that brought them here so that they are not recycled back into the system without having dealt with the roots causes." Mary's Place holds a special place in their hearts for children, the most vulnerable of the homeless. "We have a strong focus on keeping families together," Hartman said. To that end Mary's Place provides what so many take for granted - basic schooling needs. Desks and laptops, tutoring and even taxi rides to and from school ensuring that they are able to attend and do not fall behind in their studies. "It is of paramount importance that children stay in school, we also encourage parents to further their education as a means to an end of homelessness. We have a parent who is in nursing school, and one who is studying to be a pastry chef," said Hartman. In fact, Mary's Place is one of the few places that offer day center services for homeless families with children. It is unique in that it empowers women to take control of their lives by first providing for basic needs such as hygiene, shelter, food, and clothing; and then by giving them access to tools, information, support groups and resources to find employment, housing, medical and/or financial services. One of the busiest times of the day comes right before dinnertime. Families come in to sit and enjoy a hot meal served family style before showering and turning in for the night. "One of the most amazing things is that at any given time we have seven to eight different cultures all dining together, it is a real community feeling here," Hartman said. Between 2011 and 2013 the number of people being served hot meals by Mary's Place doubled, Hartman sites the recession and increased rents as the primary reason. Further cultivating the family environment the children of Mary's Place participate in activities much like other kids their age - play-dough, game and movie night, Seahawks celebrations, movies, museums and various jaunts about town, all arranged to aide in positive childhood experiences. in 2012-2013 Mary's Place opened three new family night shelter programs and expanded services for children and families at the Day Center. In Spring of 2014 Mary's Place opened a fourth family night shelter in the Cascade neighborhood of South Lake Union, this facility is able to accept single men with children, families with children and disabled families. Providing hope, encouragement and a clear path (and tools) for success is what Mary's Place is all about. They depend on donations in order to operate as they do. Funding from individual donors makes up 27% of all monies received. Please consider a donation of time and / or money or call to see what the kids may be in need of this week. Learn more about Mary's Place and the work that they do.