November 20, 2016
Dr. Mary McLaughlin, Executive Director of Cape Haven , Inc., is featured in the powerful video The Advocate by Kevin Rivoli as a part of his new weekly online photo and video blog, the Photographer's Journal. The Advocate illustrates Dr. Mary's work in helping the homeless community of Central New York and emphasizes the importance of her cause.
Watch the video here.
May 28, 2017
It is often said that the little things are the most significant. This phrase rings true; even the smallest acts of generosity can completely change a person’s day, a person’s week, or even a person’s life.
It was a small act of kindness that began the Mimi’s Guys project in the summer of 2012. One eight-year-old girl decided that she wished to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate, and since her small spark of initiative, Mimi’s Guys has distributed hundreds of gifts to homeless people throughout our community annually.
As Memorial Day approaches, Mimi’s Guys remembers Memorial Day, 2012, when the young girl who drove the creation of the project sold homemade rubber band bracelets to benefit homeless people. With the earnings from the bracelets, the girl bought $5.00 Subway gift cards to be distributed on the street to the less fortunate.
Mimi’s Guys has continued to grow and give back to the community throughout the past years. Visit the Mimi’s Guys Facebook page for updates on the project.
March 7, 2021
Cape Haven, Inc. is excited to welcome a new member to Dr. Mary's team of administrators and advisors.
Thyronica (Ty) Eden has been working with Dr. Mary for the past several months as a social media and graphic design intern. She is a senior at Syracuse University in the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) department. She has studied graphic design and illustration, and is currently focusing on animation and computer arts.
Ty has been contributing her skills to managing Dr. Mary's social media accounts, particularly Instagram, to inform and educate followers about chronic homelessness. This is especially crucial during our current digital age, when people are spending increasing amounts of time scrolling through online accounts.
Ty has been enjoying her work with the Cape Haven, Inc. team, and as a part of Dr. Mary's journey.
January 4, 2020
This past semester, I had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad in Bath, England, to continue my studies in English and Creative Writing. Specifically, I took a course on writing children’s literature, learning to craft fiction that targets younger audiences.
One of my favorite writing prompts I received during this course was to create the introduction of a piece of “issue fiction”: fiction that informs young people about social, political, or moral issues experienced in our world today. Almost immediately, chronic homelessness came to my mind.
The attached piece, “Lost,” is the first three pages of a piece that I may continue someday. At its core, the story represents the passion that has been instilled into me by Dr. Mary McLaughlin, Executive Director of Cape Haven, Inc. Through Dr. Mary’s mentorship over the past few years, I have learned the necessity of dedication, creativity, and emotional connection in enacting change. I hope that “Lost” will inspire readers just as she has inspired me.
November 1, 2016
Francine N. Whitman is sharing her story of how she overcame obstacles in order to pursue a successful life. In working with the YWCA and Dr. Mary McLaughlin, Francine has moved from her difficult situation on the streets to offering her help in outreach work and advocating for support for the homeless community of Central New York.
Read her incredible story here.
April 13, 2017
The holiday season is a time of giving. While numerous families across the country enjoyed sharing the holidays with family and friends in the comfort and luxury of their own homes, the homeless community is unable to experience such luxury. However, this year, Mimi’s Guys was able to make the season just a bit more joyful for those less fortunate.
Mimi’s Guys is a gift collection and distribution project that began in 2013 in Central New York. The organization was started by a group of children dedicated to bettering the lives of the homeless in the area, and it is closely affiliated with Cape Haven, Inc. and its cause. Volunteers work hard during the holiday season and throughout the year to put together cards and other items into gift bags that are distributed to the homeless community and to disabled veterans.
From gift cards to mugs, recipients of Mimi’s Guys’ gifts are continuously grateful for the care and support that they receive from this heartwarming project. Today, it is more important than ever to bring happiness and generosity into every possible situation, and Mimi’s Guys continues to look to do exactly that.
Please visit the Mimi’s Guys Facebook page for more information and updates on the project.
Reagan's Corner
February 10, 2019
Cape Haven, Inc. is immensely grateful for every ounce of support we receive—whether via donation, word of mouth, or affiliating with our organization as a member of one of our boards.
Indeed, as exemplified by our constant dedication to our mission statement, our nonprofit excels thanks to those innovative minds that encourage us to continue to grow. Cape Haven, Inc. is pleased to welcome two such people to our Board of Advisors: Naomi Lian, MD, PhD, and Adrianne Morton, PhD. We are incredibly lucky to have such hardworking, intellectual women support our cause.
August 20, 2023
On May 1st of this year, our nation felt shockwaves from yet another tragedy surrounding a person experiencing homelessness in New York City. Jordan Neely, a Black homeless man, was placed in a fatal chokehold by a former Marine named Daniel Penny during an afternoon subway ride.
The controversy surrounding Neely’s death was far from minimal, as is often the case in situations where race, disability, and homelessness intersect. What resulted was an influx of impassioned Tweets and opinion articles that spread across the internet like wildfire – and, unsurprisingly, Dr. Mary McLaughlin’s voice was among the masses.
Dr. Mary’s ever-relevant opinion article, “Jordan Neely, the Social Safety Net, and Blaming the Victim,” appeared in the Gotham Gazette within a month of Neely’s death. She reflects upon this incident not with the blasé concession that such attacks will continue indefinitely until some higher authority stops them; rather, she makes a call to action with specific, evidence-based steps for combatting violence against individuals experiencing homelessness.
All people can follow these steps.
Dr. Mary asked me to help draft and edit this article, and it was nothing short of a privilege to contribute to such an important piece. Journalism is perhaps the most powerful medium for voicing one’s opinion; and I am grateful to have helped share Dr. Mary’s insights with a broader audience. Hopefully, we will stop seeing tragedies like the killing of Jordan Neely, unite against such violence, and put an end to the homelessness epidemic through the activism that Dr. Mary demonstrates every single day.
Please read Dr. Mary's article in the Gotham Gazette here.
March 10, 2019
As we make our way through the final weeks of a brutally cold winter in Central New York State, Cape Haven, Inc. finds itself growing in numbers and support.
An especially influential new member of our Board of Advisors, JL Faverio, is lending his skills in consulting, technology, and helping the homeless to Cape Haven, Inc. Find the following blurb about JL and his work on Dr. Mary’s blog:
“JL is passionate about helping small businesses and nonprofits, through search engine optimization (SEO) consulting, digital advertising, and community outreach. His efforts to establish #NoBoxBlogs in 2011 gave voice to local homeless communities, both online and offline, through his non-profit project where free websites and blogs are offered to homeless people upon request. When not doing good things for clients, and the homeless, this California native enjoys time with his wife and 4 children.”
JL’s expertise when it comes to outreach, digital marketing, and the homelessness crisis have already resulted in his very generous donation of time and abilities to Cape Haven, Inc., inspiring updates on this website as well as to Dr. Mary’s personal blog.
Cape Haven, Inc. is continuously fortunate to have a knowledgeable and committed network of highly skilled people like JL contributing to and supporting our cause.
a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation
June 5, 2018
Dr. Mary McLaughlin’s birthday is coming up! For her birthday this year, Dr. Mary is asking for donations to her nonprofit, Cape Haven, on her Facebook page. Please contribute today to show your support for helping chronically homeless people in the central New York community.
See Mary's fundraiser here.
Like our Facebook page here.
About Reagan
Hello! My name is Reagan Graney, and I am a recent graduate of Georgetown University (COL '21). I received a B.A. in English and a minor in Studio Art. I graduated from Auburn High School in 2017, and I have worked closely with Dr. Mary McLaughlin for the past seven years as the designer, developer, and administrator for the Cape Haven Inc. website. Today, I work full-time as a coordinator at National Geographic Content in Washington, D.C. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share news updates for this incredible nonprofit organization, as well as Dr. Mary's other efforts to help chronically homeless individuals in central New York. Check back soon for more news and information!
Check back soon for more news!
Cape Haven
Inc
September 11, 2020
Dr. Mary McLaughlin, Executive Director of Cape Haven Inc., and Zoe Franciamone, a Psychology student, have recently developed a video series about identifying Traumatic Brain Injuries in chronically homeless individuals.
In their first video, which was recently uploaded here, Dr. Mary and Zoe discuss brain injuries resulting from a number of different forward trajectory accidents. They share their insights into some of the effects of frontal lobe injuries, whether obvious or subtle.
Their goal is to educate street outreach workers, social services personnel, shelter personnel, and volunteer community members who might be in a position to decide whether to make a health assessment referral to a neurologist.
Watch Dr. Mary and Zoe discuss the matter here to learn more.
November 17, 2017
Today, as I am writing this blog post from the inside of my college dorm room in Washington, D.C., it is a brisk 47 degrees outside. While the weather grows increasingly cooler as autumn reaches its peak, I can only think about how cold it is getting back home in central New York, with snow showing in the forecast, and realize that I really don’t have room to complain about the temperature here.
As winter approaches, it is more critical than ever to advocate for aiding the homeless, especially through supporting wonderful organizations like Cape Haven. People living on the streets at this very moment are struggling to survive in the harsh conditions that the coldest months of the year bring, and during a time when people should be celebrating togetherness, love, and the holidays, many are simply looking for ways to stay warm.
Cape Haven’s goal to help the homeless population through housing and assistance is unfaltering despite the brutality of winter, but the organization is in present need of funds in order to continue as such. Michele Rivoli has begun a fundraising initiative and is asking for donations, suggestions, and support from the Facebook community over the coming months. A detailed post on her Facebook page encourages the public to donate to Cape Haven and aid Executive Director Dr. Mary McLaughlin in her everyday attempts to save lives and battle homelessness. Please see Michele’s post for more information.
In addition, Cape Haven has also gained two new members: Thea Folls, owner and operator of Folls Flower Farm, has joined the organization’s Board of Directors, and Paul Concialdi, social and disability application services expert, has joined its Board of Advisors. Cape Haven is incredibly grateful to receive the generous support of such figures in the central New York community.
Though a long drive away from my hometown in central New York, I am still very moved by the fundraising initiatives set forth and the progress that Cape Haven has made in the past months. It is heartwarming to see the goodness and charity of our community when united during a time of need. As quoted in Michele’s Facebook post, “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.”
January 3, 2019
Every time I meet with Dr. Mary McLaughlin, the executive director of Cape Haven, Inc., I am astounded at the genuine compassion and dedication that she shows toward not only this organization, but also the general cause for which it stands, and every other part of her life. Dr. Mary’s passionate attitude has allowed her work to be so impactful over the years, and has given her a true grasp and first-hand experience with chronic homelessness.
On January first, Dr. Mary’s new blog went live. Using this platform, Dr. Mary intends to share the sense of unfaltering kindness that I have been lucky enough to experience on a regular basis with all viewers and readers of her site. Dr. Mary’s blog includes a personal photo gallery and blog posts that give insight into her busy yet enlightening life, as well as tips that all people can to follow in order to help reduce chronic homelessness and aid those in need.
Dr. Mary would like to give special thanks to her social media team, especially Zoe Franciamone and Christopher Parmelee, for their hard work in developing her beautiful blog.
Please visit Dr. Mary’s blog today to learn more about her work, and check back often for updates!
May 3, 2020
In light of the current pandemic, Cape Haven Inc. and its members are looking for new and innovative ways to continue spreading our message of care and hope toward all, especially those who are chronically homeless. Chronically homeless individuals are one of the most vulnerable populations during this crisis, as they live on the streets of urban areas, or in often overcrowded homeless shelters.
In a series that she began last week, Executive Director Dr. Mary McLaughlin has taken to Zoom to speak with influential people in our world: inquiring about their thoughts on significant contemporary social issues, and how such issues coincide with the COVID-19 virus, and our mission at Cape Haven Inc.
Dr. Mary launched her series of Zoom interviews last week with actor and producer Daniel Baldwin, who spoke about substance use disorders and rehabilitation. Baldwin’s perspective on the intersection of mental health, substance use, and chronic homelessness—in concert with the voices of panelists who have experienced homelessness on Skid Row—provides valuable insight into the consequences of such issues, and the potential of reaching out to high-profile public figures who could continue to share Cape Haven Inc.’s mission. Watch the full recording of the interview here.
The second Zoom interview Dr. Mary conducted was with actress Ashlie Atkinson (Mr. Robot, BlacKkKlansman). Atkinson discussed her personal experience with contracting the coronavirus and living in New York City, and the debilitating exhaustion that has come from not only being ill, but also from the emotional experience of this pandemic. While recognizing the disarray that has occurred at the government level during this crisis, Atkinson believes in the power of communities, and the outstanding hope and care that neighbors have offered to one another. Watch the full recording of the interview here.
Dr. Mary hopes to continue using Zoom to speak with others about their experiences, whether with the pandemic, substance use disorders, or any other issue that converges with chronic homelessness. We at Cape Haven Inc. are very grateful to Baldwin and Atkinson for their time and willingness to share their personal experiences with us.
August 22, 2021
The past few months have brought tumultuous changes to people across the country. Mask mandates in many areas have been lifted and reinstated once more; vaccination rates have increased, but the need for booster shots is becoming a reality; and many citizens are realizing that this pandemic is not over yet. As a result, technology and social media continue to play a significant role in our modern world, keeping communities connected.
With this trend, Dr. Mary has been working hard to create online content that educates and inspires others—particularly in terms of promoting kindness, helping those less fortunate, and remaining hopeful in the face of pain and adversity. Her work in the social media sphere allows people to read, listen, and interact with important information about chronic homelessness and the pandemic each day. Here are a couple of places you can find some of her most recent work:
Dr. Mary is an active user of Anchor, a podcast distributor, where she has recorded and posted over a dozen podcasts on the topics of drug research, research with human study participants, and pandemic-era coping skills. She has just concluded her series on the pandemic and moving forward from it, particularly in regards to becoming better homeless advocates in the future. In addition, her newest podcast is a discussion about the necessity of listening as one of the core counseling skills with which all advocates should be familiar. Dr. Mary hopes that listeners will apply the coping and counseling methods she describes in her podcasts to all aspects of their lives, helping one another grow as compassionate human beings.
Dr. Mary and one of her long-term interns, Zoe Franciamone, have also released the second video in their YouTube series about chronically homeless individuals with Traumatic Brain Injuries. The goal of these 10-minute videos is to help shelter employees, outreach workers, police officers, and other advocates identify and communicate with people who suffer from Traumatic Brain Injuries.
By listening to Dr. Mary’s podcasts and watching her informative video series, we can all gain a greater understanding of how we might aid and support homeless individuals, and one another, during these difficult times.