Miami, FL – January 16, 2015 – With life constantly being so busy and hectic, it can be easy to forget the things that truly matter. WorldRedEye took a break from highlighting the latest events around town and spent the afternoon with an incredible organization that has been making a huge impact here in Miami’s community. Lotus House was created in response to the gender-specific needs of women experiencing homelessness, which were not being met by existing services and resources in the community. In 2004, a group of volunteers committed to providing sanctuary, support, education and social inclusion for homeless women and children, formed the Sundari Foundation. Lotus House, the Foundation’s first initiative, opened its doors two years later in 2006.

Today, Lotus House provides a home for over 175 women and children on a daily basis, where they are permitted to live free for up to a year to give these fragile families the time and tools needed to heal, improve the quality of their lives on every level, achieve greater self sufficiency, and transition to their new homes. This incredible organization goes above and beyond to address the special needs of homeless women, youth and children with innovative, holistic, evidence based solutions to break the cycle of childhood abuse, domestic violence and homelessness. In their own words, “in the dreams come true of those we serve, we are all enriched by the fruit of their potential realized.”

Now you may wonder the circumstances that would cause one to end up at Lotus House. The situations vary from person to person, as the experience of homelessness and the reasons for becoming homeless is different for everyone. Women fleeing domestic violence give up homes, jobs and support. Being pregnant can mean a loss of schooling, employment, and housing. A breast cancer diagnosis, the inability to work, and mounting medical bills can make homelessness a consequence of a woman’s illness. More than a shelter, women who are medically fragile, developmentally delayed or suffering from serious mental health issues need a comprehensive support system and access to multifaceted resources to truly break the cycle of homelessness.

Lotus House’s primary mission is to get residents back on their feet. The Lotus House Professional and Life Skills Center aims to support, uplift and empower women and youth to achieve greater self-sufficiency through five educational programs. The programs are designed to provide individuals on the work path with access to the tools and resources they need to secure gainful full or part-time employment.

Pat Hudson

Together, we change lives and change the world.

Pat Hudson

 

As Director of Employment, Pat Hudson’s role is to help the residents find employment or, in some cases, better employment. With programs including Basic Life Skills, Basic Job Readiness, Retail Job Training, Barista Job Training, E-Commerce Job Training, as well as General Educational Development (GED) Program the women are given the chance to become economically independent as they build the foundation of a brighter future.

Through the E-Commerce Job Training, residents are able to acquire basic Internet and computer skills, as well as online business and entrepreneurial skills applicable beyond retail.

The photographs on the wall in the center are just a small glimpse into the various therapies and tasks to help the women overcome their struggles. The ladies were asked to write poems based on a specific photograph and express themselves with their words.

The Basic Life Skills Group education includes classes and individual coaching to assist women and youth in learning basic computer skills, developing financial literacy, improving reading and basic math skills. Vocational training assistance in security, hospitality, childcare, and the medical fields is also facilitated through Lotus House’s various community partners.

For Basic Job Readiness training, Lotus House provides workshops and individual coaching to help prepare participants to enter the work place successfully, with appropriate professional attire, good communication and customer service skills, and responsible work etiquette. Individual guidance is provided for the all-important job search, on-line application process, resume preparation, and practice interviews.

Through the new General Educational Development (GED) Program, Lotus House has also began to offer classes taught by Miami-Dade Public Schools teachers at the Professional and Life Skills Center.

With a body, mind and spirit paradigm, Lotus House strives to address the medical and mental health needs of the women and children at Lotus House in holistic ways that are both supportive and empowering. In addition to offering basic health and mental health care, evidence based and informed counseling, and education, their programming embraces alternative therapies and pathways to healing, health and wellbeing.

Alina Robaina

Lotus House recognizes that art in many forms – visual, sound, movement, and words – can be key to giving voice to the spirit that has survived by being invisible. Women and children at Lotus House are invited to attend theater performances as well as participate in monthly music concerts, dance workshops, visual arts classes, knitting/sewing circles, “poetry and tea,” story telling, holiday events, “fun days,” field trips and more. Lotus House Art Director, Alina Robaina, works closely with the residents to ensure they are able to express themselves creatively.

All supplies used throughout Lotus House come strictly from donations. Lotus House’s child and family centered programs are always in need of new items such as diapers, baby supplies, infant clothing, women’s and babies’ toiletries, toys, educational books, and art supplies.

Donations of new goods and supplies goes right to the bottom line in savings for the shelter operations or provides those extra special “somethings” that make Lotus House truly a home.

Neekisha Darasaw

The women and families who move out of the Lotus House, into their own place where they can live independently and become who they were truly meant to be, are the organizations biggest success stories. Lotus House’s entire community blooms in their potential realized.

Neekisha Darasaw & Angela Ivery

Dolly Giraudy, Neekisha Darasaw, Azra Samiee, & Angela Ivery

The Lotus House Thrift Chic Boutique is an innovative boutique, donation center and retail work program, benefiting Lotus House Women’s Shelter. Located near Miami’s Design District, the boutique specializes in designer, vintage, new and gently used clothing, furniture, collectables and much more, all at beautiful prices.

Lotus House Thrift Chic Boutique is an essential partner with Lotus House in assisting women, youth, and children experiencing homelessness improve the quality of their lives on every level and achieve greater self-sufficiency. Lotus House Thrift serves as a vehicle for building grassroots support and raising public awareness so that solutions to end homelessness can remain inclusive.

With assistance from community partner and Miami’s famed, Panther Coffee, the new on-site Barista Bar allows for the ladies to receive Barista Job Training, which prepares women and youth to enter the barista and restaurant industry through a fast-paced work environment.

Hands-on vocational training in the retail business is also available at Lotus House’s Thrift Chic Boutique. The job training creates learning opportunities in every aspect of retailing, including marketing, sales, displaying merchandise, inventory, customer service and check-out skills.

Runisha Johnson & Hortencia Wong Den

Hortencia Wong Den

Lotus House Toy Drive

Many volunteers dedicate their time at Lotus House every year to help make all that we do possible. During the holiday madness this past season, locals from all over came out to donate clothes, supplies, toys, and more to ensure the residents of Lotus House have a happy holiday season. There are many ways you can become involved as a volunteer at Lotus House, or to provide donations. Please check out their website www.lotushouse.org or www.facebook.com/lotushouseshelter to find out more on how to lend a helping hand.