Welcoming Eppie Williamson to the Board

View fullsize

PHC Board Member, Eppie Williamson, RN.

Plymouth Healing Communities (PHC) is excited to announce the appointment of Eppie Williamson to our board of directors. Although new to the board, Eppie is well acquainted with PHC’s mission to provide affordable housing, circles of support, and companionship to people living with mental illness and experiencing housing instability.

Throughout her nursing career, Eppie has come across many individuals with mental health issues seeking medical care. This has inspired her to take up a position on the board at the invitation of another PHC board member, Nancy Parker. Eppie sees this as a way to help address Seattle’s mental health and homelessness problems. She is particularly drawn to PHC’s small communities and companionship model, and we are optimistic that she will become a part of our long-term strategic planning committee as we strive to find more opportunities to expand our outreach and serve more people in need.

Eppie, an RN at UW Medicine, Internal Medicine, enjoys reading medical and science articles and journals. However, she has recently started reading fiction to add some levity to her life. When asked about her likes and hobbies, Eppie laughed and mentioned running, although it’s a stretch to say she “likes” to run. During the pandemic, while working on the COVID floor at Johns Hopkins, she was forced to find a way to stay fit and burn off stress after the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order-mandated pool closures. She found walking didn’t do it, so she took up running, although she still prefers swimming. Since last February, she also has a new friend, her cat, Stormy. “She really is quite sweet.”

Despite her colleagues’ teasing about her name, comparing it to medical terms such as “EpiPen” or her “Eppi patients” while she worked on a hospital’s epileptic floor, Eppie takes it all in stride. This is because she knows that she was named after James Child’s Scottish ballad “Eppie Morrie,” which tells the story of a woman taken from her home but who successfully fights off all attempts to be forced into marrying an unwanted suitor. Like her namesake, Eppie Williamson is a strong, determined, resilient woman.

We are thrilled to welcome Eppie to our board and look forward to working with her to further our mission: to provide a home, circles of support, and companionship to Seattle’s most vulnerable.

Eppie, with her fellow PHC’s board members and executive director, yuck it up in this year’s Night of Hope photo booth.

---

If you want to learn more about Plymouth Healing Communities (PHC) and our programs, visit our website.

We sincerely appreciate your financial support and partnership in advocating for mental healthcare that prioritizes the fundamental need for companionship and the healing power of community.

The Art of Survival

Laurie Davenport poses in front of Plymouth Church’s “The Art of Survival” exhibition wall.

Last Sunday, following their worship services, Plymouth Church hosted a reception to launch Laurie Davenport’s solo exhibition, “The Art of Survival.”

Joe Williams, the event’s organizer and Plymouth Church’s Director of Music and Arts invited Plymouth Healing Communities’ Executive Director, Padrica Hoffman, to give the opening remarks.

Padrica applauded the powerful art exhibit, describing the artwork as a “testament to the enduring power of artistic expression and the shared humanity that binds us all.” She urged us to engage with Laurie, share in her creativity, and let Laurie’s stories, which compel us to “challenge stereotypes, raise awareness and ultimately foster a more compassionate and inclusive society, touch our hearts.”

Padrica shared that “homelessness is not merely a societal issue, but a deeply human experience that transcends preconceptions, affecting individuals from all walks of life.” She reminded us, “It’s a challenge that could fall on any of us.” She concluded her remarks by asking us to acknowledge this challenge, humanize it, and allow Laurie’s art to break down the barriers that sometimes separate us from our fellow human beings in need. 

Laurie Davenport

“I’m impressed with PHC. Their emphasis on permanent supportive housing and availability of medical respite and companionship/support are exactly what should be happening and growing.”

— Laurie Davenport

“Laurie Davenport paints what is what is ‘out there’ — the people and places of the Pacific Northwest…”

Painting and quote from Laurie’s WordPress website.

Exhibition Information

Plymouth Church is hosting the exhibition through November 19. If you could not attend last week’s event, we strongly urge you to come and experience Laurie’s powerful art exhibit, which aims to “humanize individuals experiencing homelessness.”

The paintings on display are available for purchase, and 50% of the proceeds from the sales will support PHC’s programs and services.

Plymouth Church is located at 1217 Sixth Avenue in downtown Seattle. For more information, please call 206-622-4865.

We are humbled and immensely grateful for Laurie’s generosity. We are also thankful to Plymouth Church for hosting this impactful art exhibit, and we would like to give a special shout-out to Joe Williams for their hard work spearheading this exceptional and thought-provoking event.

““The Art of Survival is an exhibition, strategically installed in downtown Seattle, which challenges our individualistic social positions. What is the moral implication of admiring a beautifully painted two-dimensional portrait of someone huddled in a sleeping bag we could have easily just passed by on our way inside? Artist Laurie Davenport’s honest depictions invite empathy and reflection as to why we normalize vulnerable populations existing in survival mode.””

— Joe Williams, Director of Music and Arts - Plymouth Church

To learn about the exhibition, contact Joe Williams at jwilliams@plymouthchurchseattle.org.

A Night Filled with Stories of Hope

Heeding the call to support PHC, guests enthusiastically and generously participated in Raise the Paddle.

Thursday, September 21, Plymouth Healing Communities (PHC) held its 5th annual Night of Hope fundraising event. The gathering welcomed both old and new friends and supporters who came together to support PHC’s mission of providing affordable housing, circles of support, and companionship to the most vulnerable members of our society.

Robie Flanagan, PHC’s board president, kicked off the event’s program by welcoming the guests and thanking the event’s sponsors and community partners for making the evening possible before inviting PHC’s executive director, Padrica Hoffman, to the stage.

Night of Hope guests honoring Dr. Maxine Mimms for her lifetime achievements in education, service, and advocacy.

Padrica opened her remarks by honoring guest Dr. Maxine Mimms, a pillar in the community and the founder of Evergreen State College in Tacoma, WA., for her lifelong dedication to meeting the educational needs of urban African-American adult learners. The audience joined in the honor with a standing ovation for Dr. Mimms.

During her speech, Padrica highlighted PHC’s unique solution to social isolation, its Companionship program, which is based on Craig Rennebohm’s companionship model of walking alongside someone and providing the gift of time and presence.  Before making her appeal for financial support and inviting Seattle Deputy Mayor Greg Wong to the stage, Padrica shared that PHC is committed more than ever to advocating for mental health care policies and legislation that prioritize the fundamental need for companionship and the healing power of community.

Seattle Deputy Mayor Greg Wong’s address highlighted the City's efforts to create comprehensive and compassionate strategies for dealing with mental health issues and homelessness. He emphasized the importance of building connections and relationships among people, as this promotes their well-being and success. He stated that policies alone cannot achieve this goal. Expressing his gratitude towards PHC, he then applauded the unique approach of PHC in providing residents with a sense of belonging and healing, which he had personally observed during his visit to the Argonaut.

Night of Hope guests from Horizon House enjoying the evening.

Mr. Wong was followed by Ashley, who was the emcee of the event. Ashley invited Jessie, a resident of PHC's Argonaut House, to come up on stage. During an interview-style conversation, the audience had the opportunity to get to know Jessie and learn about her two-and-a-half years of experience. She expressed gratitude towards Plymouth Healing Communities for providing her with a safe and stable place to live.

Jessie also shared how having a companion, participating in community activities, and interacting with the staff have positively impacted her life. When asked about her hopes for PHC, Jessie replied that there are still many people in need of assistance, and by supporting PHC, more people can receive the help that PHC offers. She thanked the guests for supporting her and many others who still need healing.

After thanking Jessie, Ashely invited the audience to watch a brief video highlighting Plymouth Healing Communities’ companion program, which is at the crux of what makes Plymouth Healing Communities so unique.  

Press the play arrow to view PHC’s Night of Hope Companionship Video.

Following the video, Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown, Senior Pastor of Church, UCC, and the evening’s keynote speaker, started her spirit-filled speech by quoting Michael J. Graham, a Jesuit priest and educator. She stated, "Service is what prayer looks like when it gets up off its knees and walks around in the world.” She further emphasized that Night of Hope was an opportunity to contribute towards the healing of the city of Seattle. She believes that PHC makes prayers real for a more just and compassionate world by building a transformative community for those experiencing mental illness and homelessness, providing hope and sustenance.

She shared that one of the primary reasons she was drawn to Plymouth Church was its association with Plymouth Healing Communities. As someone passionate about helping individuals who are homeless, she sought to be part of a church that intentionally partnered with organizations like PHC because PHC is an innovative, effective, and necessary organization that helps address the issue of homelessness. While reaffirming the covenant between Plymouth Church United Church of Christ and Plymouth Healing Communities, Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown praised Padrica for her compassionate, innovative, and wise leadership. She also expressed her belief that Padrica, as executive director, ensures that PHC is set up for success.

Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown ended her remarks by inviting everyone to give the gift they had planned and then give more, “for God is a God of abundance who walks, dances, strides through you to create mercy, peace, and justice for the least among us. On this Night of Hope, may we all stand with Plymouth Healing Communities, which exists to prove what Cornell West said is true: “Justice is what love looks like in public.” 

If you want to learn more about Plymouth Healing Communities and our programs, visit our website. And if you were unable to attend this year’s Night of Hope, it’s not too late to support our work. You can make your gift here.

Thank you for standing with us to help the most vulnerable among us.

“It touched me so deeply last night to attend the Plymouth Healing Community fundraiser. I thought it would be like “every other” fundraiser, but it was beyond powerful to hear their Executive Director, Padrica Hoffman, and Reverend Dr. Kelle J. Brown. My goodness, the power of their words and actions that back up what they say. My sisters from HeartBeat were there with me. The love and unity of Black women is so nurturing and safe. I relished every moment. Thank you, Dr. Stefani Renee, for your Board service and for bringing this organization to our attention.”

— Cindi Bright - HeartBeat Radio / Author of The Color of Courage

Cindi Bright and her HeartBeat sisters Stefani Coverson, Erin Jones, and Dr. Karen Johnson having fun in the photo booth.

Thank you to our 2023 Night of Hope Sponsors.

Alex Dobbs and Camilo Hart, NOH Guests from Horizon House.

Planting Season Has Begun!

Plymouth Healing Communities has cultivated a Community Garden Program at House of Healing and Eng House for several years. This year, we are excited to expand the program to include the Argonaut Apartments

Once again, we are getting a healthy start to this growing season with the expert support of our valued partner, the Garden Hotline at Tilth Alliance. Last month, the Tilth's Rosemarie, the Natural Yard Care Educator, held a workshop at Argonaut, where she distributed seeds for the residents to grow indoors and educated residents on the importance of soil health and garden preparation.

Following the workshop, residents, with the help of volunteers, amended the soil. Now it was time to plant!

Tuesday, the Garden Hotline returned to help us transplant a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, corn, zucchini, and basil. Interested residents were also given gardening kits, and in the coming weeks, the residents will transplant their seedlings of beets and collard greens that they started growing last month. Although the plants will be tiny, we know they will take over the whole plot in a few months, and we are hoping that the same garden luck we had with the Eng House garden, which was very fruitful last year, transfers to the beds at Argonaut.

By the end of the day, the residents and volunteers found their time of community, companionship, and gardening so gratifying that there was even talk about adding another garden this fall!

If you are interested in our Community Garden Program and would like to volunteer, click here.

Did You Know This Fun Fact?

Gardening has a huge range of mental health benefits, from reducing stress and depression to boosting your immune system. According to a recent survey, 8o percent of British people believe gardening had a positive impact on their mental health and that the benefits were even better than hitting the gym.

Dee Marques. “The Seven Mental Health Benefits of Gardening.”  Happiness.com

Companionship Starts With Hello

New things can be intimidating, but it's much easier once your foot is in the door. Like meeting a new neighbor or friend, it all starts with a hello. The companion relationship is also built simply by starting with a hello.

Last month, we welcomed our first Companionship Training program cohort, and now they are being matched with residents at our different properties.

Often our volunteers and residents can be nervous about meeting each other. Much anticipation can build up as it takes time to get to know each other and see what you have in common. It was such a pleasure to watch it all melt away last week when residents met their companions for the first time. They immediately started talking about going on walks together, looking into visiting a local museum, where they like to eat in the neighborhood, and much more.

PHC’s Companionship Program helps us build our community. This Mental Health Awareness month is a great time to think about what community means to you. How has your community supported you in times of need? How have you helped others in your community? Are you ready to become a companion?

A strong community is such an integral part of maintaining our mental health. And it all starts with a simple hello!

To join our Companionship Training on Saturday, June 24th, please apply by Monday, June 10th.

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please get in touch with Dakota at dnixon@plyhc.org or 206-707-2801

Click Here to Apply