York Street Project's 23rd Annual Spring Event

Standing Room Only…

York Street Project’s

23rd Annual Spring Event

It is true what they say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This also holds true for perspective, it too is in the eye of the beholder. One may see the glass as half full and another may see the same glass as half empty. Can we say that one is right and the other is wrong? No, we cannot because perspective interprets what is beheld to the beholder.

The York Street Project’s 23rd Annual Spring Event was held on Thursday, May 3rd at the Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City, New Jersey. This evening Cocktail Reception was attended by an all-time high of 300 friends and supporters of The Project. The  theme was inspired by a quote from Walter Elliot, an American Catholic Priest and writer, “Perseverance is not a long race. It is many short races one after another.”


For the first time in the history of the York Street Project, the guest speakers were the mother and daughter team of Saundra and Deanna Ellis. Saundra is a member of the Board of Directors, and is also a formers resident of St. Joseph’s Home. This mother daughter team not only stole the hearts of the guests, but hearing their story helped everyone to reconnect to the life-changing mission of the York Street Project.

Growing up in an emotionally abusive household, Saundra shared how she desperately wanted to break free from her home life. Her one saving grace was education. Through her pursuit of various educational opportunities she eventually made it to Boston University (BU). It was not until she attempted to return to BU for her sophomore year that Saundra’s life took a turn for the worst. Her financial aid had not come through and she could not pay her tuition and was forced to return home to an environment that was not conducive to her goals. Once back home, her world came crushing down on her. She felt devastated, lost and hopeless. As a scapegoat from her grim reality, she began to hang out with the wrong crowd which lead to a life of drugs, alcohol and her pregnancy with her daughter Deanna. Soon after, life for Saundra and Deanna consisted of numerous tough struggles. Living moment by moment from one shelter to the next, Saundra’s dream of having a better life slowly began to slip away from her.

Listening to Saundra’s depiction of her journey to the York Street Project was extremely painful and heart wrenching. Ironically, as seen through the eyes of a then five-year old child, Deanna’s perspective of the same story was a tale of innocence, freedom and love that was fostered in the safe, nurturing, and rich atmosphere of the York Street Project. Their presentations were a testament to the work of The Project, and a stark reminder to all how vital their financial support is to providing the network of support for the new generation of women and children. Saundra and Deanna were able to get their life back on track when they came through the doors of the York Street Project some 20 years ago. They have persevered through many of life’s races and have come a long way and have made many achievements since 1992.

Special thanks to our major sponsors, CHASE, Lucille M. Mayer, Regina & Gerard McGraw, Margaret Palermo, Emerald Seafood, Goldman Sachs, ICAP, Daniel & Francine McGuire and the Janice Michelle Foundation, Inc. We also would like to thank all other sponsors, supporters and friends who made the 23rd Annual Spring Event possible. It is because of the help of so many that mothers and daughters like Deanna and Saundra can turn their lives around. We also extend a note of gratitude to the Liberty House Restaurant for another job well done.

Make sure to mark your calendar and meet us at the Liberty House next year for our 24th Annual Spring Event on Thursday, May 2, 2013. We’ll see you then!