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Story told by Volunteer, Georgia Anderson.

Lucinda Ann Reilly, 48, was found in front of the Wells Fargo Branch at Lincoln Road and Alton Road at around 9:45 pm Sunday, according to the police report.  Two homeless men who knew her found her.  One of the men had seen her lie down there late that morning.  He noticed that she had not moved when he passed by at night.  She was pronounced dead on the scene by fire officials.  Investigators have not determined the cause of death.

—The Miami Herald

“Hi, I’m Lucinda and I am an artist!”

That was my introduction to this remarkable young woman who appeared at Resurrection House for a shower 16 years ago.  She quickly proved her point by opening a portfolio brimming with color and design.  Each piece reflected Lucinda’s creative, happy, fun personality and our friendship formed in an instant.

Every week we’d meet at Pastry Art for coffee and bit by bit her story unfolded.  Born in New York City, she never knew her father.  When she was four years old her mother died in a car accident and she moved to her maternal grandparents in Kentucky.  She was introduced to alcohol as a child and by age 11 was addicted.

Talented and determined, she attended the University of Louisville and earned a degree in Graphic Design/Drawing.  Later she married and had two little boys.  The family moved to Florida where she worked as a multimedia artist.  Lucinda’s life was good until her husband suffered a heart attack and died at a very early age.

It was then her alcohol demons made a return.  Her sons were sent to live with their grandmother in Louisville.  She lost her job and was soon living on the street, trying to make a living from the sale of her art.  And that was when we met at Resurrection House.  She confided, “Wild Women Never Get the Blues” was the theme of one of her paintings and the formula for her life.  She greeted every day with s smile, determined to be an artist.

“Lucinda, you have to get a job!” I would tell her, concerned about her life on the street.  “I have a job!” she’d reply with a smile.

And she did, but not one to produce enough income to afford housing.  I worried so much about her being homeless.  She often called at 10 pm to tell me she was safe and sound, sleeping in the life guard stand on Siesta Beach.

One of her finest moments came when she was asked to paint the mural on the wall of the children’s play area at Resurrection House.  I watched her each day from the check-in desk and marveled at her talent and joy.

It become more and more apparent that she had no outlet for her art in Sarasota.  When she tried to sell on the street she was told to “move on!”  Renting a booth at the Miami Flea 

Market became her goal and she started to explore moving to Miami Beach.  Ever committed to her art, she saved her money and off she went!

For a while things worked well.  She was able to get an apartment and lead a normal, happy life.  But the demons returned and a downward spiral set in.  Soon she was back on the street, losing weight and barely getting by each day..

I talked to her almost daily and begged her to return to Sarasota where Resurrection House would help her.

“I’m afraid you are going to die while I’m gone,” I told her by phone as I was preparing to leave the country on a trip.

“Do not worry about me,” she said in her calm, spiritual way.  “God is riding around on my shoulder taking total care of me.”

Three days into my trip I received the tragic news that she had died on the street in Miami.

I loved my dear friend Lucinda Anne Reilly!  She made my world and everyone else’s a much brighter, happier place.  I think of her every time I go to work at Resurrection House.  I see her beautiful mural and remember one of her favorite quotations by Ralph Waldo Emerson:

“Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air.”

Thank you, Lucinda for all the beauty you shared.  You will be remembered always!

When I first came to Sarasota over 25 years ago as the new Rector of Church of the Redeemer, it wasn’t long before I received a call from Elaine and Bob Kyllonen, asking me to come to Resurrection House to say a prayer on the occasion of its 5th anniversary.

So many obstacles had been overcome during those first 5 years and they were thankful that not only had RH survived, but also was thriving in its mission to provide hope to the neediest of the needy in our community. They wanted that anniversary to be marked by prayer and thanksgiving to God.

It wasn’t long after that milestone that I received another call from Bob, asking me if I would consider becoming the President of the Board. I thanked him for the honor of being asked and said yes to the opportunity to be able to serve my community in that way.

Over these 25 years since, we have seen many changes in the city of Sarasota, but the homeless continue to be with us and continue to need our help. We have seen changes in leadership as Bob and Elaine Kyllonen retired and David Proch took the helm. When David retired, Bill Wilson assumed leadership. With all of our directors, we have been blessed with strong, capable leadership.

At times, we have been seen as partners with the community in meeting this need and sometimes we have been seen as part of the problem! Sometimes our community has forged ahead with real progress in helping the homeless find homes. At times, there has been such optimism that folks have told us our services would soon not be needed (Thank you very much!)

Throughout all of these times, positive and negative, good and bad, we have not changed. We have offered the services and ministry that we provide and have trusted in God that he would lead us in any changes that might need to be made in the future. In the meantime, our modus operandi was to continue to do what we do to the glory of God and to service of the poorest of the poor.

Resurrection House provides a much-needed ministry to members of our community who are in need and it helps to make Sarasota a place of compassion. I am thankful for this lighthouse of hope and I am thankful for the many people who have made it possible and who continue to make it possible through the generous gifts of their time, talent, and treasure.

Fr. Fred Robinson

My career at Resurrection House began almost 13 years ago. The Director of Development position became available with the retirement of co-founder Bob Kyllonen.

I still remember portions of the interview process. One question centered on my belief in the endowment and my ability to increase what was started under Bob. I was very impressed by the Board members asking the questions and their commitment to the organization.

David Proch had just been named Executive Director. Because of the mutual respect we had for each other, Dave and I worked well together and became good friends. I learned about the homeless from him.

One comment often made by Dave was that “he seldom planned his day, he just showed up.”

Until I replaced him, I really did not understand what he meant. Now I do.

Putting the mission of Resurrection House into daily practice and serving 150 homeless creates circumstances that cannot be planned in advance.

My daily routine is made much easier by a great staff. With a morning and an afternoon shift of volunteers each day, the variety of temperaments, talents and convictions makes for a lively day.

Two highlights stand out. The Resurrection House endowment has increased by over 10-fold of over $2 million. Our front door has been the entry point for 50 homeless veterans to receive permanent housing.

Recently, a quick decision that had to be made illustrates what I love about my job. We learned of a 77 year old female who, through no fault of her own, was about to be put on the street and become homeless.

With no family, a small dog, and limited income, she could not manage to afford new housing. Resurrection House stepped forward with the first and last months payment of over $2,000 on an apartment. We were also assured that Meals-on-Wheels would provide food and she would get daily visits to check on her well-being.

We had no time to check with our generous donors, but I firmly believe they would want us to spend their donations in this manner. To help an individual in need is the meaning of the life we live at Resurrection House.

Bill Wilson

Executive Director

In 1994 I was fortunate to be transferred by my Company from the “mother-ship” in Chicago to the Sarasota office.

The Company was well known as a supporter of cultural and human services organizations and expected its officers to take an active role in community life by volunteering and serving on the Boards of those organizations. A co-worker, a friend of Ray Grills, who was familiar with the work at Resurrection House, knew that the organization was looking to expand its Board and arranged for us to meet and tour the facility with Bob Kyllonen. At that time I was completely unaware of the plight of the homeless individuals in Sarasota but thought that the mission of Resurrection House was well worth supporting with both “time and treasure.”

I joined the Board in 1995 and was recruited by Ray to join the finance committee which he chaired. In the spring of 1997, after much discussion in committee, we agreed that, to insure the long term stability of the organization, an Endowment Fund should be established. Having had experience with these funds, I drafted an Endowment document which was adopted by the Board on June 18, 1997.

Over the course of the years, under the leadership of Dick Tesar, Treasurer, and Ralph Hedges, Finance Committee chairman the little account grew due to the incredible generosity of our donors and local foundations. With each unrestricted contribution of $5,000 or more, the committee would debate how much, if any of that amount the Board should allocate to the Endowment. Those debates continue to this day, and I am delighted to report that its value now exceeds $2 million. Resurrection House is now one of the most financially stable not-for-profits in Sarasota, totally independent of any government funding.

We look forward to a long and successful future, free of debt, so that we can continue to serve our clients with dignity and compassion.

Kathy Hendricks, Chairman

Resurrection House Finance Committee

Above picture is Barbara Donnelly and “Henry”. Editor’s note: Barbara Donnelly is the only Secretary the Board of Directors has ever had. The following information comes from some of the first minutes she wrote.

The original Articles of Incorporation are dated March 13, 1987, but the concept was developed over a period of time before that. It all began at a Redeemer Vestry retreat when three vestry members were appointed to a committee to research solutions to the homeless problem. Those members were Bob Kyllonen, Tom Younkman and Barbara Donnelly. After much research the idea of Resurrection House was born. The committee consulted especially with the Salvation Army to find out what needs were not being met by the Salvation Army at that time. The committee also found 5 other downtown churches who committed to being founding members.

The first Board of Directors consisted of: Robert P. Kyllonen, Rev. Jack L. Iker, (Church of the Redeemer), Rev. J. Ted Hunniford, Jr., (Grace Fellowship), Rev. Robert A. Bew (Grace Fellowship), Rev. Rick L. Cornwell, (First United Methodist Church), Billie J. Hord, Thomas D. Younkman, Tozier Brown, Barbara Donnelly and William H. Lewis. The first officers were:

• President: Rev. Jack L. Iker
• Vice President of Facilities: Thomas Younkman
• Vice President of Programs: Billie J. Hord
• Secretary: Barbara Donnelly
• Treasurer: William H. Lewis

Above is the artwork of renowned Sarasota artist Richard Capes.

When applying to the Zoning Dept., Mr. Kyllonen said that “The basic purpose of the shelter is to provide a place for the city’s homeless to rest during the day – a shelter with restroom facilities, a place to shower and shave, recreation such as books and magazines, use of a telephone for local calls, help in locating work for those so inclined, and a free laundry service.

The first physical location for Resurrection House was in the Salvation Army facility on 4th Street in downtown Sarasota. There was one room plus an outdoor space for a washer and a dryer.

On January 15, 1994, Resurrection House moved to its current location at 507 Kumquat Court. In 1925, the property started as five separate businesses and was rebuilt in the 40’s as a single stand-alone building.

Under Barbara – Barbara Donnelly and “Henry”. Under building = Artwork courtesy of rnowned Sarasota artist Richard Capes.

It was a cool winter evening in 1985, and a number of parishioners were headed into the Church of the Redeemer for a meeting. The lawn sprinkler system came on and out of the bushes came a woman named Joy. She was homeless and living on the church grounds.

The parishioners took Joy inside, helped dry her off, provided food and even took up a collection so she might spend the night in a motel. This one event got them thinking—if we have a woman living on our grounds, maybe Sarasota has a homeless problem. The subject became a vestry project and in 1989 they got together with five other downtown churches to form what eventually became Resurrection House.

It was at this point that the concept for Resurrection House went before the Sarasota City Commissioners for their approval. After hearing arguments from both sides (pros and cons), the initial vote was two in favor and two against. It took over twenty minutes of discussion before the final vote in favor of approval was given.

And So We Began………October 19, 1989

Original Mission Statement: Resurrection House is a faith-based resource center committed to the alleviation of the suffering of the homeless by offering physical, emotional and spiritual help and by serving as a bridge from despair to dignity.

For the first 18 years, Bob Kyllonen served as Executive Director. Upon his retirement, David Proch moved from Assistant Director to the top post. Development Director, Bill Wilson, followed Proch in 2016 as Executive Director.

For the past two years I have been working at the homeless shelter, Resurrection House, as a counselor. People tend to refer to “the homeless” as a group. But, they are all individuals.

The circumstances that brought them to this situation vary from financial loss, traumatic situations from which they could not seem to recover, illness…both physical and mental…and a life that disconnected them from other supportive people. Regardless, it is a hard life they have now. But, it is far from a hopeless one.

Often scorned on the outside, when they see a counselor they are frequently surprised that someone sees them as a worthwhile person and that someone cares. Like all of us, they long for dignity and respect, and when it is offered it is often life-changing. Many times someone has come to me feeling hopeless, if not worthless. They think they are seeing me to get the food or clothing or a referral that they need. And in part that is the case. (For example, a new set of clothes can make them confident in pursuing a job.) But, when they realize that someone really wants to know about them, their stories and their feelings, the dynamic changes. I cannot tell you how many times, at the end of a session, I and my fellow counselors have heard: “You listened to me!” It is a joy and privilege to gain the trust of someone who has learned to be wary. And it is touching beyond words to have someone who comes in angry or defensive turn to leave with their arms wide open asking if they can have a hug.

I expected a lot more anger than I encountered. Mostly what I see, along with resilience, is the gratitude they express for the help they are getting, for the existence of Resurrection House. I see that and the care that many of them take of each other…sharing food and watching out for the safety of the more vulnerable members. Not everyone succeeds in overcoming their homelessness, but the successes give everyone hope. To be a part of that is an honor.

Most of us who volunteer are in much better situations than our clients. We have homes to go back to and people who care for us. But, we carry them in our hearts when we leave. These are real people with something to offer and who are responsive to the affection we develop for them. I try to remind each person of something I see in them…whether it is their smile, their courage or what they have accomplished. And there is almost always something. I care about providing for their practical needs and for giving them the tools and coping responses to improve their situations, but most of all I remember what one of my teachers taught me: “You cannot heal someone, you can only sit with them and see the beauty that they have forgotten”. We as fellow human beings can be the mirror they can look into to see their own good and worthiness.

Resurrection House does an extraordinary job of offering the services the homeless need. I am ever grateful to them for allowing me the privilege of working there.

Lorene Bauck, Biology Instructor at the Sarasota Military Academy, recently contacted Resurrection House about her “Connecting Hand project. Lorene has started a club that would involve the Cadets in making sandwiches each week in November and finish it off with tote bags filled with “travel sized” toiletries for Christmas gifts.

She felt their efforts would best benefit the homeless and give the Cadets an opportunity to help those less fortunate.

“It has been a real learning experience for all those concerned,” commented Joe Lucero, Volunteer Coordinator at Resurrection House. “The Cadets have shown compassion and caring in their efforts, and all our homeless clients have enjoyed knowing a group of young individuals that care about their plights in life,” Lucero concluded.

I have always had a feeling of honor and gratitude each time I am invited to address a church congregation on Sunday morning. Such was the case in late October at Northminster Presbyterian Church. Being the recipient of their mission offering for the fourth quarter, a Resurrection House representative was invited to speak.

Upon arriving, I noticed in the program that my talk was to follow the sermon and precede the offering. The title of my talk was to be “Minute for the Mission”.

When my turn came, I gazed at the many faces in the congregation. My thoughts had already turned to trying to make what Resurrection House does relevant to those seated before me. My opening statement hopefully had the proper impact. “Each of you has something in common with the homeless individuals that we serve on a daily basis,” I began. “When your feet first hit the floor in the morning you have four basic human needs—a restroom, shower, food and clothes. Fortunately, each of you has a roof over your head to tend to these needs,” I continued.

While our homeless have the same needs, they lack their own facility to meet them. Resurrection House meets these needs with four showers, four restrooms, breakfast and lunch, and volunteers to wash, dry and fold 60 bags of clothes per day.

The Northminster Presbyterian bulletin did a good job of listing the other services available at Resurrection House. I highlighted the medical facility with a doctor and nurse two days a week, an attorney on Tuesday morning and a barber one day a week.

Other brief points included celebrating the start of our 28th year of operation on October 19. And I always mention that Resurrection House has never taken a penny from city, county, state, or federal governments.

In closing, I would be remiss if I did not tell of the overwhelming feeling of gratitude and pleasure derived from helping our clients on a daily basis. My final remark is that in helping them, they do more for me than I can ever do for them.

The homeless will always be among us and I hope there will always be a Resurrection House there to meet their needs. All said in a “Minute for the Mission”.

During the 2016 Giving Challenge run by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, he obligated himself to ride 600 miles on the Legacy Trail over a 13 day period. He actually rode a total of 651 miles!

This effort by volunteer Roland Levy helped raise additional funds for Resurrection House during the Giving Challenge. Although the next Giving Challenge will not be held until 2018, Levy had decided to once again test his stamina by riding another 600 miles.

As an endurance cyclist, I plan to cover the 600 miles between October 31 and November 13,” Levy states. “This is a true labor of love for me and a way to demonstrate to others my commitment to the work accomplished by Resurrection House,” Roland continued.

Having years of training dealing with individuals with chronic mental illness, and alcohol and drug dependency, Roland was a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. In 2015, he published his first book titled, “What Keeps Us Sober”. In addition, Roland serves on the Board of Directors for the Secular Organizations for Sobriety.

Click here to download Ridin’ for the Rez Donation Pledge Form