Title
Honoring Cheryl Stern for her years of service as Director of Joseph’s Coat, and in honor of her retirement, designating August 25th Cheryl Stern - Joseph’s Coat Day in Saint Paul.
Body
Whereas in 2010 Cheryl Stern became director of Joseph's Coat, a free store that provides goods and service to those in need within an environment of dignity and respect; and
Whereas Cheryl and her friend Q took over the store with very little knowledge about running a charitable organization, so Cheryl turned to someone she thought might help; and
Whereas Cheryl called Rosemarie Reger-Rumsey, who was director of nearby Listening House and became Cheryl's mentor and helped her put into action the ideas she had about running Joseph's Coat in a better way; and
Whereas learning through trial and error, Cheryl and Q strengthened Joseph’s Coat by learning how to write grants, recruit volunteers, and solicit donations from organizations; and
Whereas Cheryl is committed to helping people who are unemployed, homeless, transitioning from incarceration, or living with disabilities, giving them access to much needed clothing, housewares, and hygiene products, with help and caring; and
Whereas Joseph’s Coat has had its challenges; in June 2018, a car smashed through the storefront doing heavy damage to the building, forcing the store to remain closed for three months; Cheryl and her team of volunteers turned the accident into an opportunity, reopening in a restored space that featured newer fixtures and refreshed amenities; and
Whereas the Covid pandemic was equally hard, forcing the free store to close for six months, then re-open with a health-conscious system that allowed only a limited number of customers into the store at one time; through it all, Cheryl maintained her positive outlook, which was echoed in her volunteers; and
Whereas Cheryl keeps her volunteers smiling and laughing by telling anecdotes about her life as a parent, grandparent, as well as director in hilarious ways, and she laughs about being humbled, even snubbed, by customers when seen outside Joseph's Coat; and
Whereas Cheryl truly values her volunteers, and their suggestions are welcomed, considered, and often put into action; not a day goes by that Cheryl doesn’t thank her team for what they do, and she is the reason most of her volunteers show up; and
Whereas Cheryl will be deeply missed by her volunteers, her staff, and all the people who have been customers of Joseph’s Closet; now, therefore, be it
Resolved that the City of Saint Paul congratulates Cheryl Stern on her retirement, thanks her for her years of service to the customers of Joseph’s Coat and proclaims August 25th as Cheryl Stern - Joseph’s Coat Day.