Art Class

Art class in Lotus House is run by FIU Art and Art History Department. This month each students are going to teach the ladies contemporary women artists. The project is brain child of MOCA women on the rise.

This images are from Shirin Neshat Project.

Fall Semester Art Class at Lotus House

More Food Prep Graduation

The graduates, in all their glory.

Also, preparations for the luncheon, and yummy chilled carrot-ginger soup.

Food Prep Graduation

By Sue Arrowsmith
On Saturday, April 10, there were tears of joy at a graduation ceremony for nine Lotus House residents who received their Food Service Job Training certificates and commemorated the 75th graduate of the program.
In addition to this, one more graduate made Lotus Huose history by becoming the first to obtain a job while still in training.
The week-long, intensive program led by professional chef Pam Manresa carries out the Lotus House mission of empowering women to succeed and makes it possible for them to seek jobs in the food service industry.
As part of the luncheon, the graduates whipped up a delicious lunch, including chilled carrot-ginger soup with a sour cream drizzle, orange-scented roast salmon and spicy cheese crisps. The main course was followed by peach cobbler, vanilla ice-cream and toasted almonds.
Four student volunteers from Miami-Dade College's Dual Enrollment program attended, as well as many supporters, family and friends, to celebrate this important achievement in the women's lives.
"This is the best way you can tell it to donors. Come here and see what happens," said Gloria Barbier of the Women's Fund, which supports Lotus House,
Congratulations to all the graduates!

4th Anniversary Celebration and Baby Shower

by Sue Arrowsmith

Dressed in a bright pink track suit, Anita Mendez celebrated her first real baby shower on Feb 28, surrounded by her surrogate family at Lotus House, including two other pregnant ladies, and more than 125 guests.

The mother of two little girls, with a third daughter on the way, didn't always have friends to back her up like she has today. "It's nice to have people coming to show their support," she said.

Everyone was also gathered to commemorate Lotus House's fourth aniversary. Since it opened its doors in 2006, the Lotus House has served more than 400 women and children.

Seventeen-year-old Shelby Hinds, the shelter's youngest volunteer since age 14, made a two-tier chocolate and vanilla cake covered in pink fondant. Also in attendance were Costco employees Lupe Doria and Don Berson, who used their lunch time to make 18 party favors: ivory-colored Chinese take-out boxes affixed with stork decorations and filled with chocolate.

Local musicians Raffa, Belinda and Erin, played acoustic songs for the guests gathered in the garden enjoying the delicious lunch prepared by Hearts of Palm Catering.

Among those listening was Shayle Hesse, a member of the Department of Community Service (DOCS) at the University of Miami. The student-run DOCS organization is working towards establishing a health clinic within the Lotus House.

Three young girls suddenly joined in, singing the words to Colbie Caillat's popular tune, "Bubbly". The song's lullaby-like melody summed up the tranquil and nurturing atmosphere at Lotus House, a safe haven for many women and children.