Posted by Mrs. Carolyn Colver (209.253.161.22) on April 10, 2000 at 18:49:40:
In Reply to: www.oprah.com Oprah's website posted by Don M. on September 15, 1998 at 15:37:47:
USE YOUR LIFE AWARD Candidate
Dear Oprah & Staff,
I feel compelled to write this letter & introduce you to a woman that is worthy of your "Use Your Life" award. Her name is Maria Kaczmarek and she works in a small cramped office at a modest salary. Her daily routine benefits the unfortunate every day as she helps to recycle human lives who would, in most cases,not have a second chance. The house is called Dismas of Michiana, located on So. St. Joseph Street in South Bend, Indiana. Both men and women live at this house and are just out of jail or prison. It is the only such house in the state where women ex-offenders are welcome. The other element that helps this program WORK is that college students volunteer to live at this house until the ex-offenders are reconciled to society. For many of the residents it is the closest thing to a family that they have ever known. She has helped more than 90 persons in her 3-1/2 years as Director and has only a parttime helper, who is an Americorp volunteer.
To keep the house going they get donations, some grant money, but receive no State or Federal funds. The rest of the budget is met through program fees(rent) paid by each resident. Maria is always looking for ways to retire the mortgage so that she can use incoming funds to better the lives of the residents. It is a constant struggle to keep the 102-yr-old house in good repair, but one seldom hears Mara complain.
It is my sincere hope that Maria will be considered for this award, as she gives of herself tirelessly while also caring for her ailing mother. The successs stories that result from her efforts make it all worthwhile.
For more information contact myself or call the house direct at 219/233-8522.
My phone number is: 219/875-6335