Bequest Used to Establish a Living Wage
St. Paul’s Center, a Rensselaer-based homeless services agency, received a bequest from the estate of Marjorie M. Jensen that will serve an important purpose for the organization and one congruent with Ms. Jensen’s values.
“The Center has a dedicated team who is passionate about the mission but it would come as no surprise that in human service work, salary does not match the responsibilities. The Board designated this bequest be used to bring part-time staff up to a living wage of $15 per hour,” states board president, Jennifer Rexius.
“An investment in our staff is an investment in our mission. Consistency is vital to develop connections and to build trust which is at the foundation of our work with shelter guests and housing tenants. I am so pleased that the Board chose to use the bequest to reaffirm our commitment to our staff,” states executive director, Tracy Pitcher.
St Paul’s Center opened the doors to its emergency shelter in 2006 and has since served over 2,300 mothers and children who did not have a place to call home. The Center also offers Bridges, a highly-successful after-shelter case management program, the Lee Dyer Apartments, a supportive housing program for families experiencing homelessness, and rapid rehousing to benefit individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Go to www.stpaulscenter.com for more information about the Center and its services.