Sweet Success – The Women’s Tea at the SCV Homeless Shelter

 Within most grown females resides a little girl who once loved having tea parties with her dollies. That joy resurfaced – and in some cases, was first discovered – when Bridge to Home recently held its inaugural Women’s Tea. The inspiring and cheery event took place within the SCV Homeless Shelter, which was exquisitely transformed into a quaint English tea house and served 14 local homeless women. All of the attendees currently receive Bridge to Home case management toward getting out of homelessness and into jobs, where individually possible.
Their smiles and laughter instantly appeared as they walked into the shelter’s festive dining room, adorned with fresh floral arrangements, beautiful linens, vintage silver teapots and dishes, and traditional tea fare. Among those goodies: flavorful teas, dainty sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jams, fruit, salads, and rich desserts.
Shelter staff, Bridge to Home Foundation Board members, and other community volunteers contributed through food and monetary donations, decorations, tea serving and education, a summer hat workshop, and raffles. Fresh corsages for the guests were kindly provided by Bloomies Florist.
Dr. Cherise Moore, member of the Bridge to Home and William S. Hart Union High School District boards, provided a fascinating discussion on tea ritual history and tea etiquette. The women listened intently while following her instructions, from stirring to sipping, and savoring the distinctive menu.
“This is like heaven to me,” said one beaming attendee. “This is what my face looks like when I’m in heaven.”
Another guest, also moved by the gracious event, announced: “It was beautiful…we were treated like ladies.”
Bridge to Home provides support services – including an emergency winter shelter, case management, housing navigation, and medical clinics – that help individuals and families in the Santa Clarita Valley transition out of homelessness. The non-profit organization is working toward creating a permanent year-round shelter in the SCV. For further information please visit: www.btohome.org.