Tuesday, July 21, 2009
July Update
Today, we launched our Poetry Street/RNA Web site. It is a simple, yet informative site about the Poetry Street Project,Royal Neighbors of America Chapter 20039 and all its current efforts and projects. You can visit that site at http://poetrystreet.viviti.com.
We have set it up with donation buttons from PayPal and links to this blog, the Unity Fest, etc.
The issue is nearly ready to go to press. We have one more illustration to add and we are waiting for the proofreading feedback from Mary Ellen (Kibling) and Kate (King). I have requested the printer's quote and am currently making arrangements to host a launch party for the contributors and supporters at the Midwest Writing Center sometime in September, before the public launch at the Unity Fest on September 26.
We will have a booth there again this year--to learn more about attending or participating, visit http://www.qcunited.org.
We are always looking for new members to join our Royal Neighbors chapter, and we always accept donations to help support our work
One of the new things for the Poetry Street Project is supplying under-privileged artists and writers with needed supplies such as paper, pencils, erasers. We hope to eventually expand that to include laptops, printers, ink, paints, brushes, memberships in the Quad City Arts or the Midwest Writing Center, or tuition for classes in the creative arts. Help us grow by making a donation today! (And thanks in advance for your kind generosity.)
Also, click on the ads on the left--each click helps us raise money!
We have set it up with donation buttons from PayPal and links to this blog, the Unity Fest, etc.
The issue is nearly ready to go to press. We have one more illustration to add and we are waiting for the proofreading feedback from Mary Ellen (Kibling) and Kate (King). I have requested the printer's quote and am currently making arrangements to host a launch party for the contributors and supporters at the Midwest Writing Center sometime in September, before the public launch at the Unity Fest on September 26.
We will have a booth there again this year--to learn more about attending or participating, visit http://www.qcunited.org.
We are always looking for new members to join our Royal Neighbors chapter, and we always accept donations to help support our work
One of the new things for the Poetry Street Project is supplying under-privileged artists and writers with needed supplies such as paper, pencils, erasers. We hope to eventually expand that to include laptops, printers, ink, paints, brushes, memberships in the Quad City Arts or the Midwest Writing Center, or tuition for classes in the creative arts. Help us grow by making a donation today! (And thanks in advance for your kind generosity.)
Also, click on the ads on the left--each click helps us raise money!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Second Issue in Works
Now that I am home again full-time, I can turn my energy toward producing the second issue of the Poetry Street Project. My time spent at the Humility of Mary Shelter yielded a number of lovely submissions. Our Royal Neighbors Chapter (20039)recently completed a fund-raiser selling flower bulbs and we hope to go to press sometime in June.
We did not get the grant from the Iowa Arts Council, but did receive some encouraging words and an opportunity to improve our application and try again when funds are available. Maybe next time, eh?
We are still accepting illustrations, sketches and photographs. These can be turned in at the Davenport Public Library, the Midwest Writing Center or the Humility of Mary Shelter, or sent to me via email at cattfoy@earthlink.net.
We welcome any donations to help cover printing and production costs!
We did not get the grant from the Iowa Arts Council, but did receive some encouraging words and an opportunity to improve our application and try again when funds are available. Maybe next time, eh?
We are still accepting illustrations, sketches and photographs. These can be turned in at the Davenport Public Library, the Midwest Writing Center or the Humility of Mary Shelter, or sent to me via email at cattfoy@earthlink.net.
We welcome any donations to help cover printing and production costs!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Poetry Street Issue #2 and Update
Today I officially launched the beginning of the second issue of the Poetry Street Project. The mark the occasion, I applied for an artist's mini-grant from the Iowa Arts Council.
Other things have changed in both my life and our community since the last blog entry. In October I went to Montana to visit my best friend, Robin. I flew into Idaho Falls, ID, where she picked me up. Within an hour, we were driving north in a great western Rocky Mountain blizzard, when I received a phone call from Kate King, the former director of the Midwest Writing Center. It seems she had taken a new job as the property manager of the Humility of Mary Shelter and wanted me to bring in my resume for a position there.
After the news that the John Lewis homeless shelter was going to close, the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, who currently ran a housing program for homeless single parents, had stepped forward and offered to take over the shelter so there would be no loss of services for the homeless community. The citizens of Davenport also stepped forward, with many area businesses pledging support for the Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc., as it is now known.
Needless to say, I could not bring my resume right in for a job interview, being stuck in an Idaho/Montana blizzard, but I had my husband email it for me, and was called to interview when I returned from vacation.
Shortly before Halloween, I was hired as a service coordinator, providing information and support to shelter guests to help them put their lives back together. I am probably the one service coordinator there without an MSW, but I believe my experiences with homelessness, poverty, and the government programs designed to alleviate that may have helped. At any rate, the learning curve was pretty steep--the shelter was being completely revamped by HMSI, including all the required paperwork, and it took me awhile to catch on to the administrative details. But it is one of the most rewarding jobs I've ever had and there is never a dull moment in shelter!
So, the homeless in Davenport retained a place to go in the cold and snowy winters and the hot and humid summers, and I am proud to be a part of a community that cares. Look for our next Poetry Street Project issue sometime in April!
Other things have changed in both my life and our community since the last blog entry. In October I went to Montana to visit my best friend, Robin. I flew into Idaho Falls, ID, where she picked me up. Within an hour, we were driving north in a great western Rocky Mountain blizzard, when I received a phone call from Kate King, the former director of the Midwest Writing Center. It seems she had taken a new job as the property manager of the Humility of Mary Shelter and wanted me to bring in my resume for a position there.
After the news that the John Lewis homeless shelter was going to close, the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, who currently ran a housing program for homeless single parents, had stepped forward and offered to take over the shelter so there would be no loss of services for the homeless community. The citizens of Davenport also stepped forward, with many area businesses pledging support for the Humility of Mary Shelter, Inc., as it is now known.
Needless to say, I could not bring my resume right in for a job interview, being stuck in an Idaho/Montana blizzard, but I had my husband email it for me, and was called to interview when I returned from vacation.
Shortly before Halloween, I was hired as a service coordinator, providing information and support to shelter guests to help them put their lives back together. I am probably the one service coordinator there without an MSW, but I believe my experiences with homelessness, poverty, and the government programs designed to alleviate that may have helped. At any rate, the learning curve was pretty steep--the shelter was being completely revamped by HMSI, including all the required paperwork, and it took me awhile to catch on to the administrative details. But it is one of the most rewarding jobs I've ever had and there is never a dull moment in shelter!
So, the homeless in Davenport retained a place to go in the cold and snowy winters and the hot and humid summers, and I am proud to be a part of a community that cares. Look for our next Poetry Street Project issue sometime in April!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Unity Festival and Better News for the Community
It appears that the folks who rely on John Lewis' services will continue to receive the support they need. The good sisters of the Humility of Mary are taking over most of those responsibilities--good news for the community!
Unity Festival is next weekend, September 27 and 28, and we have some interesting things going on. The Poetry Street Project will launch, of course, but we are also partnered with Royal Neighbors of American Chapter #20039 and ServiceNation's National Day of Action. Our booths will be together at the Festival and we have raffle prizes, door prizes, and lots of free literature.
Learn about Americorps, the Peace Corps, Senior Corps and other ways you can serve in your community. Register to vote and support the candidates that support funding for national and community service. Get a free keychain, pen or suitcase tag from Royal Neighbors, or win one of these raffle prizes: a framed scenic photograph; a basket of Avon products; or a dwarf Spruce tree.
Drop by and support the Poetry Street Project by picking up a copy of our magazine. The magazines are free, but there is a suggested donation of $2.00 each to help defray costs. Donate to our cause and enable us to produce a new edition for the Spring of 2009. Donations can be made at the Unity Festival, by clicking on the button below, or through PayPal by sending money to cattfoy@earthlink.net.
We are really excited about the Unity Festival and hope to see you all there!
Unity Festival is next weekend, September 27 and 28, and we have some interesting things going on. The Poetry Street Project will launch, of course, but we are also partnered with Royal Neighbors of American Chapter #20039 and ServiceNation's National Day of Action. Our booths will be together at the Festival and we have raffle prizes, door prizes, and lots of free literature.
Learn about Americorps, the Peace Corps, Senior Corps and other ways you can serve in your community. Register to vote and support the candidates that support funding for national and community service. Get a free keychain, pen or suitcase tag from Royal Neighbors, or win one of these raffle prizes: a framed scenic photograph; a basket of Avon products; or a dwarf Spruce tree.
Drop by and support the Poetry Street Project by picking up a copy of our magazine. The magazines are free, but there is a suggested donation of $2.00 each to help defray costs. Donate to our cause and enable us to produce a new edition for the Spring of 2009. Donations can be made at the Unity Festival, by clicking on the button below, or through PayPal by sending money to cattfoy@earthlink.net.
We are really excited about the Unity Festival and hope to see you all there!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Published at Last!
Just a brief entry: Today, the final printing of the Poetry Street Project magazine arrived! Thanks to all who supported this project! If you want copies, please just let me know. Otherwise, look for us on September 27 at the Unity Festival at LeClaire Park in Davenport, IA.
Contributors, remember, get in for free! Other prizes may be in the offing....
Contributors, remember, get in for free! Other prizes may be in the offing....
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Poetry Street Mourns Loss of John Lewis Community Services
The news in the last couple of days that Davenport
John Lewis, which began as a food-providing facility called John Lewis Coffee Shop in 1989, not only provided services to the homeless, but it provided services with dignity. JLCS, which was named one of 300 Things That Make the Quad-Cities Great in 1998, committed a fatal gaffe when it proposed and steamrolled through the building of Cobblestone Terrace—a housing project that was adamantly opposed by neighbors. The ill-conceived plan won the legal disputes that the community instigated and pushed the project through despite the feelings of most Davenporters. These actions alienated the support John Lewis had basked in, and ruined its position of trustworthiness in the community. Along with the trust, donations also dried up.
Cobblestone Terrace required an expenditure that was both unneeded and unwanted in theDavenport
The second problem with the plan was the 15 year residency stipulation. Before I can even THINK about buying the home, I have to have lived in the residence for 15 years. Let’s do the math. My youngest child would be 20 by then—and the chances are that all three children would be on their own, in college, married, in the service, or otherwise living lives of their own making. Now I no longer need a 3-bedroom housing unit supplied by a social services agency across from an elementary school; I no longer have dependent children. Why would I want to purchase a home in a low-income family development at this stage of my life? Perhaps now I will want to go back to college myself, or move into a one-bedroom place. Ok, I know that life doesn’t always work that way, but the plan itself is so long-term it is likely to fail. Most people won’t be content to wait 15 years to purchase the property they live in. Why not make home purchase available within two years? Five? Why not use a fraction of the money it took to build the project and refurbish existing homes in established neighborhoods? Or provide no-down-payment mortgages for what are now rental properties? In addition, the project provided housing for only 35 families. The project also did not address any environmental or sustainability issues; it provided only standard-construction tract homes. It seemed like a poor solution which addressed problems that were entirely imaginary.
Yet the project was pushed through and now we see the cute little townhouses with their neat little patches of lawn sitting quietly between Friendly House andJefferson Edison Elementary School
I hope the people who originally thought that Cobblestone Terrace was a good idea saved enough money to take their lawyer and the developer to lunch. The folks inDavenport
Here at the Poetry Street Project, we mourn the loss of the good works JLCS has done for our community and can only shake our heads at the foolishness of this ill-conceived plan. But now, more than ever, those people affected by these events need a voice in the community, a place to express their sense of loss and rage through writing and creative works, a place to inform the rest of us of the dangerous power homelessness has over people’s lives.
John Lewis, which began as a food-providing facility called John Lewis Coffee Shop in 1989, not only provided services to the homeless, but it provided services with dignity. JLCS, which was named one of 300 Things That Make the Quad-Cities Great in 1998, committed a fatal gaffe when it proposed and steamrolled through the building of Cobblestone Terrace—a housing project that was adamantly opposed by neighbors. The ill-conceived plan won the legal disputes that the community instigated and pushed the project through despite the feelings of most Davenporters. These actions alienated the support John Lewis had basked in, and ruined its position of trustworthiness in the community. Along with the trust, donations also dried up.
Cobblestone Terrace required an expenditure that was both unneeded and unwanted in the
The second problem with the plan was the 15 year residency stipulation. Before I can even THINK about buying the home, I have to have lived in the residence for 15 years. Let’s do the math. My youngest child would be 20 by then—and the chances are that all three children would be on their own, in college, married, in the service, or otherwise living lives of their own making. Now I no longer need a 3-bedroom housing unit supplied by a social services agency across from an elementary school; I no longer have dependent children. Why would I want to purchase a home in a low-income family development at this stage of my life? Perhaps now I will want to go back to college myself, or move into a one-bedroom place. Ok, I know that life doesn’t always work that way, but the plan itself is so long-term it is likely to fail. Most people won’t be content to wait 15 years to purchase the property they live in. Why not make home purchase available within two years? Five? Why not use a fraction of the money it took to build the project and refurbish existing homes in established neighborhoods? Or provide no-down-payment mortgages for what are now rental properties? In addition, the project provided housing for only 35 families. The project also did not address any environmental or sustainability issues; it provided only standard-construction tract homes. It seemed like a poor solution which addressed problems that were entirely imaginary.
Yet the project was pushed through and now we see the cute little townhouses with their neat little patches of lawn sitting quietly between Friendly House and
I hope the people who originally thought that Cobblestone Terrace was a good idea saved enough money to take their lawyer and the developer to lunch. The folks in
Here at the Poetry Street Project, we mourn the loss of the good works JLCS has done for our community and can only shake our heads at the foolishness of this ill-conceived plan. But now, more than ever, those people affected by these events need a voice in the community, a place to express their sense of loss and rage through writing and creative works, a place to inform the rest of us of the dangerous power homelessness has over people’s lives.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Announcing Our Premier Issue!!
The Poetry Street Project is proud to announce that its premier issue will be launched on September 27, 2008 at the Quad Cities Unity Festival 2008 in LeClaire Park in Davenport, Iowa, as part of the ServiceNation campaign's National Day of Action.
Contributors to the publication (writers, artists, etc.) will receive FREE admission to the multicultural festival featuring music, food, and performances celebrating the diversity of Quad Citians. Contributors will also receive three free copies of the publication. The magazine has no official cover price, but there is a suggested donation of $2 per copy.
Contributors to the publication (writers, artists, etc.) will receive FREE admission to the multicultural festival featuring music, food, and performances celebrating the diversity of Quad Citians. Contributors will also receive three free copies of the publication. The magazine has no official cover price, but there is a suggested donation of $2 per copy.
The festival runs all weekend. Admission is just $2, or the donation of two non-perishable grocery items. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a concert from 6 p.m. to midnight. Concert admission is $10 and proceeds go to support the Rock Island Elks education scholarship fund. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Poetry Street Project is in need of a 10-foot by 10-foot, or a 10-foot by 20-foot, canopy or tent for use during the festival. Donations to cover costs are also appreciated.
Come and celebrate with us!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Printing is a "Go!"
Good news, all. We received a quote from OP Printing in Muscatine, a non-profit printer that brings the price for the Poetry Street Project well within the means of Royal Neighbors of American Chapter #20039 to sponsor the printing costs. The chapter has approved this expense and we hope to get the master document to the printer sometime in the next week.
We are planning to launch the Poetry Street Project's first issue on September 27, 2008, in conjunction with the Quad City Unity Festival 2008, under the umbrella of the ServiceNation campaign's National Day of Action. Contributors to the Project will be offered free admission to the Unity Festival, and can pick up three(3)complimentary copies for their personal reference. In addition, all contributors will be entered into a drawing for a gift basked graciously donated by the Quad City International Airport. Any contributors reading this blog are welcome to contact me for details: 563-323-0481, and ask for Catt, or leave a message with the machine, or with my husband, Rick.
Please stop by and see us at the ServiceNation booth at the Unity Festival, to be held in LeClaire Park in Davenport on Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28, to pick up a copy. While you are there, please take a moment to sign your pledge of support for the ServiceNation campaign, or to pick up information on national service. Thanks to everyone for your emotional and moral support. I hope to see everyone on the National Day of Acton at the Unity Festival!
Service Nation--http://www.servicenation.org
BeTheChange, Inc.--http://www.bethechangeinc.org
Unity Festival 2008--http://www.unityfestqc.com
We are planning to launch the Poetry Street Project's first issue on September 27, 2008, in conjunction with the Quad City Unity Festival 2008, under the umbrella of the ServiceNation campaign's National Day of Action. Contributors to the Project will be offered free admission to the Unity Festival, and can pick up three(3)complimentary copies for their personal reference. In addition, all contributors will be entered into a drawing for a gift basked graciously donated by the Quad City International Airport. Any contributors reading this blog are welcome to contact me for details: 563-323-0481, and ask for Catt, or leave a message with the machine, or with my husband, Rick.
Please stop by and see us at the ServiceNation booth at the Unity Festival, to be held in LeClaire Park in Davenport on Saturday, September 27 and Sunday, September 28, to pick up a copy. While you are there, please take a moment to sign your pledge of support for the ServiceNation campaign, or to pick up information on national service. Thanks to everyone for your emotional and moral support. I hope to see everyone on the National Day of Acton at the Unity Festival!
Service Nation--http://www.servicenation.org
BeTheChange, Inc.--http://www.bethechangeinc.org
Unity Festival 2008--http://www.unityfestqc.com
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Exciting News!
Yesterday, I discovered that by forming a chapter of Royal Neighbors of America that the chapter can then receive seed money to support any community service project the members deem fit, including the Poetry Street Project. I was able, at the conference and trade show of the American Association of University Women, to meet with Vickie Sedam and find all the needed members to form a new chapter! This means that soon (once the paperwork is all processed), our chapter will have $500 to consider contributing to the publishing of the first issue. Of course, I will still be seeking other funding and/or in-kind donations, but when all is said and done, we will at least be able to produce enough copies to jump start the project's next issue and to apply for grants and funding from other sources.
I was able to get the final image made into a .jpg and the entire issue is ready to go to the printer as soon as I can find the time to make that happen. In the meantime, I am staying busy with three other things: I am teaching high school English at the Outreach Program at Black Hawk College for the summer session; I am acting as a Change Agent for the ServiceNation campaign (http://www.servicenation.org); and I am the new president of the Royal Neighbors of America Davenport Chapter #(???).
I was able to get the final image made into a .jpg and the entire issue is ready to go to the printer as soon as I can find the time to make that happen. In the meantime, I am staying busy with three other things: I am teaching high school English at the Outreach Program at Black Hawk College for the summer session; I am acting as a Change Agent for the ServiceNation campaign (http://www.servicenation.org); and I am the new president of the Royal Neighbors of America Davenport Chapter #(???).
Monday, May 26, 2008
Holding pattern
Well, the PSP is in a holding pattern, waiting to find the funding or the services (in-kind donation) of a printer. But we remain optimistic. Although our publication has been delayed, we will continue to promote the project and to seek support. I intend to look into and apply for grants this summer and remain in touch with certain folks who are in positions to advise and/or aid.
In the meantime, please don't give up on us--if you have contributed something, hang in there. We loved all your work and we hope to reward you eventually with a published copy of your work.
I also want to thank everyone who has contributed their support and encouragement so far.
For those interested in supporting the project, or who want to learn more, please contact me at cattfoy@earthlink.net. You can also view my Resume or CV at the links below:
Catt's Resume: http://www.scribd.com/full/3107282?access_key=key-1jigrmhg4yfl212ub20e
Catt's CV: http://www.scribd.com/full/3107283?access_key=key-cd7qvf116ethryehwi8
Please also read our letter introducing the Poetry Street Project:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3107611/The-Poetry-Street-Project-Presentation-Document
And the introductory letter that will be in the first issue:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3107364/Poetry-Street-Introduction
In the meantime, please don't give up on us--if you have contributed something, hang in there. We loved all your work and we hope to reward you eventually with a published copy of your work.
I also want to thank everyone who has contributed their support and encouragement so far.
For those interested in supporting the project, or who want to learn more, please contact me at cattfoy@earthlink.net. You can also view my Resume or CV at the links below:
Catt's Resume: http://www.scribd.com/full/3107282?access_key=key-1jigrmhg4yfl212ub20e
Catt's CV: http://www.scribd.com/full/3107283?access_key=key-cd7qvf116ethryehwi8
Please also read our letter introducing the Poetry Street Project:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3107611/The-Poetry-Street-Project-Presentation-Document
And the introductory letter that will be in the first issue:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/3107364/Poetry-Street-Introduction
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Last minute details
Today I did a little follow-up and emailed Mark Ridolfi at the QC Times to see if he has heard anything about the printing. Dr. Malachuk is working to help get some funding to offset the out-of-pocket costs I have had for paper, copying, artwork reduction (.jpgs) and such. I am also waiting for one more literary contribution and then I will put this baby to bed.
I did not get as much writing as I had hoped, but I believe the project itself touched a nerve in the community. I have begun looking into funding, grants, etc., for "the next" issue, which I will be sure to do a lot more PR for! I really think this project brings a special gift to the people who participate, and as if it is spiritually driven--may it be blessed by the powers-that-be, and bless all who come out to play!
Stay tuned....
I did not get as much writing as I had hoped, but I believe the project itself touched a nerve in the community. I have begun looking into funding, grants, etc., for "the next" issue, which I will be sure to do a lot more PR for! I really think this project brings a special gift to the people who participate, and as if it is spiritually driven--may it be blessed by the powers-that-be, and bless all who come out to play!
Stay tuned....
Friday, April 4, 2008
Submissions Received
Today I picked up the submissions from our various locations. The response was not as large as I had hoped, but we did get some nice art work. I am still beating the bushes to get some more literary contributions--I have some friends who may be able to solicit more contributions.
I spent the afternoon and evening scanning artwork, typing biographies, and designing the magazine itself in Publisher. It is nearly ready to go, once we get some more submissions, and make one very large piece of artwork into a .jpg file at Kinko's. But all the design decisions have been made and it's looking good.
Despite the sparse return, I still believe in this project, and am hoping to do further research into a grant from the Iowa Arts Council for another issue during the summer months. I am also entertaining the idea of volunteering to teach a creative writing course at one or more of the shelters, helping others to find their literary voices.
One thing that the project probably needed, that I simply did not have enough time to give it on this first issue, was more publicity. For the next one, I need to get out into the homeless community, at the feeding locations, at the shelters individually and pass out flyers. If I can pull together just a few more submissions for this issue and produce this first one, I'm certain I can garner more support and greater media interest once we have a published issue to show.
There are also other ideas percolating in the back of my mind--getting someone to donate art supplies, and paper. Setting up a regular time at the Midwest Writing Center for folks to type their writings, maybe offer a basic computer skills seminar so people can learn to use Word.
My own experiences on the street have taught me that there are many talented people out there--in fact, one shelter director agreed with me that creative people are more likely to be homeless since they often have a difficult time fitting into our work-a-day world. Being creative, writing, making music, creating art, are activities that don't conform to strict schedule. Creativity needs freedom, time, and support in the form of supplies and encouragement. Perhaps this little project will grow into a greater movement empowering people to find their way out of homelessness and into lives that are rich in creative rewards.
I spent the afternoon and evening scanning artwork, typing biographies, and designing the magazine itself in Publisher. It is nearly ready to go, once we get some more submissions, and make one very large piece of artwork into a .jpg file at Kinko's. But all the design decisions have been made and it's looking good.
Despite the sparse return, I still believe in this project, and am hoping to do further research into a grant from the Iowa Arts Council for another issue during the summer months. I am also entertaining the idea of volunteering to teach a creative writing course at one or more of the shelters, helping others to find their literary voices.
One thing that the project probably needed, that I simply did not have enough time to give it on this first issue, was more publicity. For the next one, I need to get out into the homeless community, at the feeding locations, at the shelters individually and pass out flyers. If I can pull together just a few more submissions for this issue and produce this first one, I'm certain I can garner more support and greater media interest once we have a published issue to show.
There are also other ideas percolating in the back of my mind--getting someone to donate art supplies, and paper. Setting up a regular time at the Midwest Writing Center for folks to type their writings, maybe offer a basic computer skills seminar so people can learn to use Word.
My own experiences on the street have taught me that there are many talented people out there--in fact, one shelter director agreed with me that creative people are more likely to be homeless since they often have a difficult time fitting into our work-a-day world. Being creative, writing, making music, creating art, are activities that don't conform to strict schedule. Creativity needs freedom, time, and support in the form of supplies and encouragement. Perhaps this little project will grow into a greater movement empowering people to find their way out of homelessness and into lives that are rich in creative rewards.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Call for Submissions Launched
Today, I believe that I successfully launched the call for submissions. This week I spoke with the following persons:
Ruth Ann Gallagher at Scott Community College who recommended that I speak with Jim Schneider at the Career Assistance Center in downtown Davenport. She had mentioned the project to him and he sounded enthusiastic. So, today I stopped in and left flyers and submission forms as well as a copy of the intro/presentation and my card (Jim wasn’t in).
Jane Hoffman, the interim executive director of the John Lewis Community Services met with me briefly this afternoon and also seemed very warm and enthusiastic about the project. We discussed the theory that many creative people suffer from both financial difficulties and often had problems with addictive behaviors as a result of their sensitivity.
After speaking with Julie last week at the Humility of Mary Housing, I made a conscious decision to make the magazine open to submissions from ages 14 and up. She had asked about children and although that sounds like a great idea, it was not my original vision. Also, with children, one would need to include nearly all submissions and I believe that would make this issue entirely too unwieldy. Perhaps this would be a good plan for a future project. But including ages 14 and up will allow John Lewis’ homeless youth to participate and I think that teenagers especially will be encouraged to strive for more if they gain some recognition for their talents.
I stopped today also at the John Lewis Men’s Shelter and passed out flyers. One elderly black gentleman was sitting in the common area and asked about the project. He told me that he does drawings and I gave him a submission form. It felt good to encourage him to participate. There is a kind of glowing feeling emanating from my solar plexus and navel chakras after this contact.
I revisited the Davenport Public Library and left them copies of the corrected flyers and submission forms.
Finally, I stopped at Friendly House and they allowed me to post one flyer on the bulletin board in the back hallway. Not as friendly as I had hoped, but the real business will be at the shelters of John Lewis and Humility of Mary and their enthusiasm and support more than makes up for any dearth of same at a minor location.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Press Release
The
(Note: This is copied and pasted from the original Word document. Some of the formatting may be lost or irregular when viewing it in this blog.)
PRESS RELEASE
March 9, 2008
Homeless and previously homeless individuals in
The Poetry Street Project was created by Western Illinois University English graduate student Catt Foy, in response to a course she is taking on public writing. Foy, who herself has experienced homelessness, wanted to bring the idea of creative works and homelessness together. “I thought about writing about my own experiences at first, but then it occurred to me that it would be much better to offer an opportunity to others who are homeless, or who have been homeless, to showcase their talents,” Foy said. “There are many people of talent who never get a chance to shine because of their circumstances,” she reported. Foy believes that having one’s talents recognized is one potential source of hope for those experiencing the indignity of struggling with extreme poverty.
The Poetry Street Project magazine hopes to include poetry, essays, and short stories, as well as black and white artwork and photographs. Foy, who is also a writer and artist, has designed the cover, and hopes to take photographs of some of the participants.
Submissions will be taken until March 31, 2008 and the publication will be launched sometime in late April or early May. Submission forms can be found at the Davenport Public Library’s Main Branch, or at the
“It is my hope that the artwork and writing in this magazine will help expose people of talent to possible venues for publication or to promote their art,” said Foy. “Maybe that one poem, or that one drawing will open up opportunities that the creator might not otherwise have ever had.”
For more information on the Poetry Street Project, please contact Catt Foy at cattfoy@earthlink.net, or by calling 563-323-0481. Regular blog postings will report the progress of the project at http://poetrystreet.blogspot.com. Donations to support the project are also welcome. Foy also welcomes interviews on the project.
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Getting the Flyers Out
This week, I met with Kate King at the Midwest Writing Center and dropped off the flyers and submission forms for her. I also met with Julie Williams at Humility of Mary Housing and provided her with materials, also. Humility of Mary Housing has several locations of housing for homeless single parents. I also dropped off the first (incorrect) flyer at the Davenport Public Library, and will be getting them replacement flyers and forms tomorrow.
Today, I went down to Father Conray's Vineyard of Hope for their Sunday lunch and spoke with Sister Ludmilla, who allowed me to leave some submission forms and who posted a flyer for the Poetry Street Project.
This afternoon, I sent an email to Kate Ridge of John Lewis Community Services, which also has several locations for housing homeless men, homeless women, and homeless teens, as well as a feeding location called the Cafe on Vine--a very nice, restaurant-like setting. John Lewis has always struck me as working hard to convey some dignity to its clients, as does Humility of Mary Housing.
Tomorrow I hope to go to the Salvation Army feeding location and post a flyer and hand out or leave some submission forms. I also need to write and get a press release out as soon as possible--Kate King at Midwest Writing Center has offered to share her media list with me, and I expect to receive it in the next couple of days. At the very least, I need to get press releases to both the Quad City Times and the River Cities Reader.
If anyone reading this blog would like a copy of the flyer or the submission form, please email me at cattfoy@earthlink.net, or give me a call at 563-323-0481 and I will arrange to get one to you.
Today, I went down to Father Conray's Vineyard of Hope for their Sunday lunch and spoke with Sister Ludmilla, who allowed me to leave some submission forms and who posted a flyer for the Poetry Street Project.
This afternoon, I sent an email to Kate Ridge of John Lewis Community Services, which also has several locations for housing homeless men, homeless women, and homeless teens, as well as a feeding location called the Cafe on Vine--a very nice, restaurant-like setting. John Lewis has always struck me as working hard to convey some dignity to its clients, as does Humility of Mary Housing.
Tomorrow I hope to go to the Salvation Army feeding location and post a flyer and hand out or leave some submission forms. I also need to write and get a press release out as soon as possible--Kate King at Midwest Writing Center has offered to share her media list with me, and I expect to receive it in the next couple of days. At the very least, I need to get press releases to both the Quad City Times and the River Cities Reader.
If anyone reading this blog would like a copy of the flyer or the submission form, please email me at cattfoy@earthlink.net, or give me a call at 563-323-0481 and I will arrange to get one to you.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Running Late But That's OK
I've been down with a terrible flu for the past two weeks, which put me behind schedule, but I am now getting back on track. Today I am taking the flyers and submission forms to the Humility of Mary Housing office for distribution at their many locations. This program provides help and housing to homeless parents and boasts of many success stories.
I will be dropping off more flyers/forms to the Davenport Public Library Main Street Branch today, and also to the Midwest Writing Center at Bucktown Center for the Arts. I hope to get a press release out soon, too--hopefully by Monday.
I will be dropping off more flyers/forms to the Davenport Public Library Main Street Branch today, and also to the Midwest Writing Center at Bucktown Center for the Arts. I hope to get a press release out soon, too--hopefully by Monday.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Gaining Momentum
This week, I submitted our proposal to the Quad City Times for consideration. If all goes well, the QCT will be printing our little magazine. I have had the cover art/logo made into a .jpg so we will be able to finish the flyers and submission forms this week in time for the scheduled March 1st distribution.
LaWanda Roudebush, the director of the Davenport Public Library called and is working on the final approval for the library to serve as a drop-off point. I applied for some funding through Western Illinois University to cover printing costs for the flyers and submission forms, and other miscellaneous expenses.
I also met with both John Turner and Ruth Ann Gallagher at Scott Community, who have agreed to be judges for the submissions. Ruth Ann also gave me some contact names for one of the shelters and the Career Assistance Center about distributing flyers.
Later this week, I hope to contact the folks at various homeless shelters and feeding locations about posting the flyers and distributing submission forms. I also need to write a press release—Kate King promised to send me her latest media list.
Every day, we move a little closer, and things are beginning to get exciting!
LaWanda Roudebush, the director of the Davenport Public Library called and is working on the final approval for the library to serve as a drop-off point. I applied for some funding through Western Illinois University to cover printing costs for the flyers and submission forms, and other miscellaneous expenses.
I also met with both John Turner and Ruth Ann Gallagher at Scott Community, who have agreed to be judges for the submissions. Ruth Ann also gave me some contact names for one of the shelters and the Career Assistance Center about distributing flyers.
Later this week, I hope to contact the folks at various homeless shelters and feeding locations about posting the flyers and distributing submission forms. I also need to write a press release—Kate King promised to send me her latest media list.
Every day, we move a little closer, and things are beginning to get exciting!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Planning and Paperwork
I spent most of today sketching the vision I had of the front cover of the final Poetry Street Project magazine. I envisioned a street sign on a white cover, but I was also concerned about the logistical details, like making the image on 8 1/2 x 11 inch paper so it could easily be scanned and made into a .jpg for use in publication. So, I started with a regular size sketchbook page and my drawing pencils, but that only led to 4 or 5 false starts. I had taken a photo of a Davenport street sign to help me get the perspective right, but even that did not translate onto the page the way I saw it in my mind's eye.
Finally, I threw all logistical concerns to the four winds, brought out my easel and large sketch pad and my charcoal drawing kit and tools. Thus suddenly freed, I seized my soft charcoal, applied it to the page and the image began to emerge within minutes--the image I had seen that first morning the Poetry Street Project came to me.
I spent the next five or six hours intensely sketching, outlining, applying layer after layer of charcoal to draw the image from the page. It was exhilarating.
It has been months since I've sat and indulged myself in any artistic pursuit besides writing and photography. Today's session at the easel was like a homecoming.
Tomorrow I hope to get the oversize sketch reduced and copied at Kinko's.
I also called and left a message for the director of the Davenport library this morning and sent her a follow-up email this afternoon. As soon as I get approval (or not) for the library to be a drop-off point, we will be ready to print the flyers, posters, and submission forms.
My oldest daughter, Mary Ellen, applied her graphic arts skills this week to design those forms for me. She, too, has experienced homelessness briefly and it is gratifying that she is eager to help on this project.
Finally, I threw all logistical concerns to the four winds, brought out my easel and large sketch pad and my charcoal drawing kit and tools. Thus suddenly freed, I seized my soft charcoal, applied it to the page and the image began to emerge within minutes--the image I had seen that first morning the Poetry Street Project came to me.
I spent the next five or six hours intensely sketching, outlining, applying layer after layer of charcoal to draw the image from the page. It was exhilarating.
It has been months since I've sat and indulged myself in any artistic pursuit besides writing and photography. Today's session at the easel was like a homecoming.
Tomorrow I hope to get the oversize sketch reduced and copied at Kinko's.
I also called and left a message for the director of the Davenport library this morning and sent her a follow-up email this afternoon. As soon as I get approval (or not) for the library to be a drop-off point, we will be ready to print the flyers, posters, and submission forms.
My oldest daughter, Mary Ellen, applied her graphic arts skills this week to design those forms for me. She, too, has experienced homelessness briefly and it is gratifying that she is eager to help on this project.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Moving along....
I met with Kate King of the Midwest Writing Center on Sunday morning and received her enthusiastic approval and support of the Poetry Street Project. The Midwest Writing Center will serve as a drop off point for submissions, and one lucky contributor will receive a free year's membership to the Midwest Writing Center. Kate also mentioned that she could make three computers available to any participants who wish to type up their submissions. She also agreed to send me her latest media list, so I could send a press release announcing the Project.
The Midwest Writing Center will also host our launch party in the conference room on the second floor of Bucktown Center for the Arts. Kate has also agreed to be one of our judges.
I met today with Ruth Ann Gallagher at Scott Community College, who also expressed excitement at the Project. She suggested that I contact Peggy Quilty at John Lewis, as well as Peg Garrison at the Career Assistance Center. In fact, Ruth Ann was so excited, she called Peg herself while I was there and left her a message.
I've also written the Welcome Letter for the inside front page of the final magazine, but you'll have to wait until publication to read it.
The Midwest Writing Center will also host our launch party in the conference room on the second floor of Bucktown Center for the Arts. Kate has also agreed to be one of our judges.
I met today with Ruth Ann Gallagher at Scott Community College, who also expressed excitement at the Project. She suggested that I contact Peggy Quilty at John Lewis, as well as Peg Garrison at the Career Assistance Center. In fact, Ruth Ann was so excited, she called Peg herself while I was there and left her a message.
I've also written the Welcome Letter for the inside front page of the final magazine, but you'll have to wait until publication to read it.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Well, I have spoken with Kate King at the Midwest Writing Center and we are meeting this Sunday to discuss the project. I mailed a letter to the director of the Davenport Public Library about being a drop-off point for submissions and about being a potential display location of final works. I am involved in a dialogue with John Turner and Ruth Ann Gallagher at Scott Community College, whose advice and service as judges is greatly appreciated. Jennifer Nesahkluah, a student at Scott is also a participant in the Humility of Mary Housing program that provides housing and life coaching and other support for homeless single parents. She has agreed to help distribute flyers through this program. I am hoping the Quad City Times will agree to donate the printing for the magazine. I am also working on the magazine cover art.
Thanks for your support of the Poetry Street Project!
Thanks for your support of the Poetry Street Project!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
About Catt Foy
Catt Foy is a freelance writer and graduate student at Western Illinois University, and expects to complete her MA in English in May of 2008. Catt experienced homelessness in the 1990s, an experience that deeply affected her understanding of our modern culture. She currently lives in Davenport, Iowa. To learn more about Catt, visit her Web site located at http://www.cattfoy.com.
Poetry Street Project
The Poetry Street Project was created to gather the poetry, essays, stories, photos, and artwork of homeless people in Davenport, Iowa.
The idea arose out of a graduate school project for a course on public writing, and is designed to give a voice and a place for creative expression for those who are often invisible and unheard in our culture.
The project has only one ambition--to allow individuals who are now or who have been homeless to express their creativity, finding hope in the process.
If you would like to contribute your work, your time or your money to the Poetry Street Project, please contact Catt Foy via email cattfoy at earthlink dot net.
The idea arose out of a graduate school project for a course on public writing, and is designed to give a voice and a place for creative expression for those who are often invisible and unheard in our culture.
The project has only one ambition--to allow individuals who are now or who have been homeless to express their creativity, finding hope in the process.
If you would like to contribute your work, your time or your money to the Poetry Street Project, please contact Catt Foy via email cattfoy at earthlink dot net.
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