Union Station Homeless Services Hosts a  Night of Entertainment Benefiting Those in Need

Union Station Homeless Services Hosts a Night of Entertainment Benefiting Those in Need

Pasadena, CA Hundreds of business and community leaders will join Union Station Homeless Services at its annual benefit gala, A PLACE TO CALL HOME on Saturday, May 9, at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena.  The nonprofit’s gala will honor the contributions of Charlie & Rene Chiara and Jim & Tina Hart, long-time supporters and distinguished members of the entertainment industry who have used their talents to benefit the organization.

The evening’s entertainment will include special guest appearances by Melora Hardin (The Office, Transparent), Gildart Jackson (The Young and the Restless, General Hospital), Byron Miller and the Psycho Bass Band, plus one-on-one interviews with the honorees, as well as a formerly homeless individual who found a place to call home through the work of Union Station.

Union Station Homeless Services is a nonprofit agency that helps homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. As the San Gabriel Valley’s largest homeless service agency, Union Station is part of a premier group of nonprofit agencies in Los Angeles County that are leading the way to ending homelessness in our community.

Charlie & Rene Chiara have been involved in planning numerous events for Union Station for over 15 years. Charlie’s company, Clear Stream Media Group, has produced a number of films for Union Station, and last year, he enlisted his friend and star John C. Reilly to host the 2014 Anniversary Gala.  Rene’s experience with public relations and event planning has made her instrumental in helping Union Station launch its inaugural gala, and she has continued to serve as its co-chair for 5 years.

Jim & Tina Hart have been dedicated supporters of Union Station for 28 years.  Jim is an Emmy award-winning producer (LA Law, Wonder Years, Chicago Hope) and Tina has worked on over 200 television series as a voice-over actress.  Jim has helped Union Station befriend the kindest hearted of Hollywood, including Hector Elizondo, who appears in Union Station’s PSA video and was honored at the 2012 Gala .  Jim also served as co-chair for the Annual Golf Tournament at Brookside and co-chaired Union Station’s very first gala.

To commemorate the unique impact of the two couples, the agency will take a fresh, new approach at its gala. “This year’s event will be staged like a late night talk-show! Like a Hollywood event, guests can walk the red carpet as they enjoy a wine reception and silent auction before the program,” says Marv Gross, Union Station’s CEO.

“Charlie and Rene Chiara, and Jim and Tina Hart have all been enthusiastic Union Station activists and leaders for many years,” Gross says.  “We are thrilled to be able to honor them at our 2015 gala. It will be a great celebration!”

To purchase tickets or to sponsor the event, visit www.unionstationhs.org/event/gala or call Amanda Green at (626) 240-4559. 

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Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Union Station Homeless Services is part of a premier group of human services agencies in Los Angeles County that are leading the way to ending homelessness in our community. We are the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families. We believe every person deserves a life of dignity and a safe place to call home. With 41 years of experience, we proudly offer a full continuum of eight programs in seven locations; services include street outreach, intake/assessment, care coordination and navigation, meals, shelter, housing, employment development, benefits enrollment, and referrals to medical and mental health services.

 

Union Station 5K Runs for a Cause (Outlook Newspapers)

Union Station 5K Runs for a Cause (Outlook Newspapers)

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Each Sunday, one of Union Station Homeless Services’ most dedicated volunteers makes his way over to the organization’s Adult Center to serve food to the homeless. From his wheelchair, a grinning Keith Du Bois spends hours passing out food to the hungry and encouragement to the most desperate.

When the work is done, Du Bois, 51, heads to the place he’s called home for two decades: Centennial Place, a Union Station low-income housing facility for formerly chronically homeless adults, where he hosts a weekly breakfast mixer for his neighbors. Du Bois is a Union Station volunteer, event organizer and client.

Union Station volunteer and client Keith Du Bois will participate in the organization’s 5K race on March 21.

 

Union Station volunteer and client Keith Du Bois will participate in the organization’s 5K race on March 21.

Du Bois aims to transition into another role on Saturday, March 21: race finisher at Union Station’s inaugural “Rockin’ for the Homeless” charity 5K Run/Walk at Arcadia County Park. Registration is open online for the public event, which includes a 1K walk for children and families, plus food and music. Proceeds from the event will support Union Station, the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency that helps the homeless rebuild their lives.

Du Bois, who has cerebral palsy, laughed as he said he plans to max out the speedometer on his motorized wheelchair on the course.

“Keith is an outstanding example of so many folks we know and work with whose fortitude, courage and positive attitude lead them to become productive and successful members for the community,” said Union Station CEO Marv Gross, who will attend the 5K dressed as a rock star.

In the old YMCA building — which is now the 142-room Centennial Place — Du Bois’ positive attitude is on display every Friday at 10 a.m. That’s when Centennial Cafe, Du Bois’ brainchild of a coffee-and-doughnuts mixer for his neighbors, opens up. As residents gather in the old YMCA gymnasium to sit and chat, Du Bois’ creation is proof of the potential of homeless people if they’re given support.

“This provides us with a sense of community,” said Du Bois, who said he’s never considered himself to be homeless, in part because of Centennial Place’s support. “It feels inspiring to be part of something that’s bigger than yourself. All of us are a part of each other.”

Du Bois knows inspiration; he’s a living, breathing example of it. Subsisting on meals bought with food stamps while being raised by his grandmother in South Central Los Angeles, he was stricken with meningitis at age 3. The illness caused inflammation to his brain and spinal cord membranes, cutting off oxygen to his brain. The trauma resulted in cerebral palsy, a disorder that limits movement permanently and, in some cases, can negatively affect cognitive and speech functions.

But the brain disorder was only the beginning of a series of battles for Du Bois, who is African American. He said he faced discrimination — not only for being black, but also for not being “black enough,” depending on his surroundings. While studying at Asuza Pacific University, he said his roommates kicked him out of their apartment after discovering he was gay. According to Du Bois, he was also once fired him from a part-time job because of his sexual orientation.

Over time, Du Bois said, depression began to set in. After couch-surfing for a short while in 1995, a despondent Du Bois — with nowhere else to turn — found himself at Centennial Place. Because he felt shunned by society, he said, anger welled up in him, and he didn’t speak to his neighbors for five years.

But time began to heal some of the emotional wounds caused by his physical condition and discrimination. One night, Du Bois said he dreamed about having coffee with his neighbors. He pitched the idea to the then-director of Centennial Place three years ago, and Centennial Cafe has been a weekly happening ever since.

“For me, I’m not where I want to be in life. But I am where I am, so I have to make the best of it,” said Du Bois. “If I can’t be happy here, I’ll never be happy anywhere, whether it’s [at Centennial Place] or Beverly Hills. I have learned to be happy.”

Du Bois said part of that learning process can be credited to Union Station’s guidance ever since the organization took over Centennial Place five years ago. Case managers and staff have repeatedly tested his limits with a simple, motivating question: “Can you do that for yourself?”

The encouragement has led him to push his perceived limitations. The upcoming 5K charity fundraiser is one example. Du Bois has never completed a 5K but anticipates being inspired by the outpouring of community support at the event.


Union Station’s “Rockin’ for the Homeless” 5K course will wind through Arcadia County Park, which is adjacent to Santa Anita Park.

The 5K is being coordinated by Union Station’s Young Leaders Society, a volunteer group of Pasadena-area professionals committed to carrying out the nonprofit organization’s mission.

“Union Station was founded by volunteers, [and] for the past 42 years volunteers have been the mainstays of our efforts,” said Gross. “We simply could not serve the homeless as we do today without our dedicated volunteers. Their heartfelt generosity and contributions of time, energy and talent are absolutely invaluable.”

Union Station’s volunteers and staff have done more than provide Du Bois with a safe place to stay; he said that over the
long term, living at Centennial Place has made him reconsider what the idea of “home” truly means.

“I’m very happy,” he said. “Do I want a two-bedroom house with my own kitchen and my own backyard? Yes, I do. But am I content with what I have here? Absolutely.

“I think I can’t ever be happy with a house if I can’t be content with where I am now.”

What: 5K Run/Walk, 1K Kiddie Dash

When: Saturday, March 21, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Check-in begins at 7 a.m., opening ceremonies are at 8:15 and the runners take off at 8:30 a.m

Where: Arcadia County Park
(405 S. Santa Anita Ave.)

Cost: $40 for the 5K, $15 for the 1K Kiddie Dash

Additional details: Dress as your favorite rock star. During the closing ceremony, the “most rockin’” participant will be awarded with a prize. All participants will receive a T-shirt and medal. Local band Head Lite View will play, and a food truck will also be present. Event sponsorships are still available.

Proceeds will benefit Union Station Homeless Services.

For more information about the 5K, email rockin5k@unionstationhs.org.
To register, visit unionstationhs.org/event/rockin5k

“Rock Out” for a Good Cause at Union Station Homeless Services’ 5k Run/Walk

“Rock Out” for a Good Cause at Union Station Homeless Services’ 5k Run/Walk

For Release: March 6, 2015

PASADENA, CA – Runners clad in rock star gear will be racing to end homelessness on Saturday, March 21. The 1st annual Rockin’ for the Homeless 5K Run/Walk, created in collaboration with Union Station’s Young Leaders Society, is the first of its kind for Union Station Homeless Services. The race begins at 8:15am.

Combining exercise with a rockin’ good time, this family friendly event encourages participants to dress in their favorite rock star costumes as they race the 5k course around Arcadia County Park.  The 1k Kiddie Dash offers young children a safe and fun course of their own. There will be race t-shirts for 5k participants and medals for all, as well as a costume contest for best “rock star.”

Food trucks, including Kona Ice, Pie and Burger, and Wafl Truck, await runners at the finish line.  The closing event will feature live music from Head Lite View.

The event was created by Union Station’s Young Leaders Society, a group of more than 75 young professionals between the ages of 21 and 39 years old who are dedicated to ending homelessness in our community.  The group organizes various fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, and young professional networking events throughout the year. This event is their largest effort to date! The 5k run/walk event is anticipated to host more than 150 runners and walkers, and raise more than $15,000 for the agency.

“We thought it would be nice to have an event that’s really family-friendly and promotes health and wellness,” remarks Grace Kim, President of the Young Leaders Society and a member of Union Station’s Board of Directors.  “It’s our first 5k run/walk and we’re really excited about it!”

Rockin’ for the Homeless 5k is sure to bring together people of all ages to run, walk, and “rock and roll” for a great cause.  All donations will support the ongoing efforts of Union Station Homeless Services, the San Gabriel Valley’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofit helping men, women, and children rebuild their lives and end homelessness.

Register today at https://unionstationhs.org/event/rockin5k.  Please note that the deadline to receive a 5k t-shirt is Sunday, March 8.  For sponsorship opportunities, call (626) 240-4550 ext. 116.

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Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Union Station Homeless Services is part of a premier group of human services agencies in Los Angeles County that are leading the way to ending homelessness in our community. We are the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families. We believe every person deserves a life of dignity and a safe place to call home. With 41 years of experience, we proudly offer a full continuum of eight programs in seven locations; services include street outreach, intake/assessment, care coordination and navigation, meals, shelter, housing, employment development, benefits enrollment, and referrals to medical and mental health services.

Super King Markets and Union Station Homeless Services  Team Up to Feed People in Need this Holiday Season

Super King Markets and Union Station Homeless Services Team Up to Feed People in Need this Holiday Season

Contact: Dana Bean, 626-240-4558, dbean@unionstatonhs.org

Los Angeles, CA – Super King Markets are hungry to help this holiday season.  The Southern California grocery store chain has teamed up with Union Station Homeless Services to collect food for those in need. The market will be hosting food drives in all six of its stores from November 18 until the end of the year.

“I am excited about this opportunity to help our communities,” said Daniel Barth, General Manager of Super King Markets. “Super King is in the food business. The opportunity to support a great organization like Union Station Homeless Services that focuses on feeding people is a natural partnership for us.

“On the very first day,” continued Barth, “one of our customers donated $80 worth of food. I feel proud that we are engaging our shoppers to help others in such an impactful and intentional way.”

The food collected will be used to prepare holiday meals at Union Station’s “Dinners-in-the-Park,” a holiday feast which feeds more than 7,000 people. In addition to donating food collected, Super King is also a sponsor of the annual event, which is held on Thanksgiving and Christmas in Pasadena’s Central Park each year.

“This amazing community event would not be possible without the support of sponsors like Super King, as well hundreds of volunteers who help us serve food on Thanksgiving and Christmas,” said Dana Bean, Director of Development for Union Station.

For Super King shoppers and other friends of the community that want to support Union Station Homeless Services and the Dinners-in-the-Park holiday food drive, here is a list of the most needed items:

Item Needed Exact Size Needed
Canned Green Beans 6 lbs. 5 oz. (#10 Can)
Mushroom Soup 26 oz. or larger
Cranberry Sauce 6 lbs. 5 oz. (#10 can)
Canned Corn 6 lbs. 5 oz. (#10 can)
Instant Mashed Potatoes 26 oz. or larger
Italian Salad Dressing 16 oz.
Pumpkin Pie Any Size
Full Size Deep Aluminum Steam Pans with Lids 20.75” x 12.8” x 3.2”
Ground Coffee Any Size

Items can be dropped of Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4.30pm at 412 S. Raymond Ave. The community is also invited to make a donation at www.unionstationhs.org.

ABOUT UNION STATION HOMELESS SERVICES

Union Station Homeless Services, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is committed to helping homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives. Union Station Homeless Services is part of a premier group of human services agencies in Los Angeles County that are leading the way to ending homelessness in our community. We are the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families. We believe every person deserves a life of dignity and a safe place to call home. With 41 years of experience, we proudly offer a full continuum of eight programs in seven locations; services include street outreach, intake/assessment, care coordination and navigation, meals, shelter, housing, employment development, benefits enrollment, and referrals to medical and mental health services

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