Helping Others: Spilled Milk #222

S:US has transformed the lives of thousands of people. Learn more about our incredible work.

This is important to you all regardless of where you live. The Services for the UnderServed (S:US) model can be used anywhere there is need, so helping S:US helps everyone. Please become a S:UStainer by setting up a recurring monthly, quarterly or annual donation. Or if you have not yet had a chance to make a one-time donation, please click here. 

Last Wednesday night, it was my immense pleasure to bring together some of my closest chef friends, including Daniel Boulud and Sebastien Rouxel of Daniel, Esther Choi of Mŏkbar, Leah Cohen of Pig & Khao, Marc Forgione of Forgione, Stefano Secchi of Rezdôra, Calvin Eng of Bonnie's Brooklyn, PJ Calapa of Marea, George Mendes of amar, Dan Kluger of Greywind, and Eric Adjepong of EA. They, and their teams, shared their time and talent to create an evening of amazing cuisine in celebration of Services for the UnderServed (S:US) and the 10th Anniversary of the Dinner for a Better New York. Thanks to their extraordinary contribution and the generous support from many of you, this event raised $1.2 million — THANK YOU!

Each year, S:US provides support and services for 37,000 individuals and families impacted by homelessness, poverty and disability. As a proud member of the S:US Board of Directors, I am thrilled that our Dinner for a Better New York raises critical funds for such a vital cause.

Many of you know that at one point in my life I was homeless and struggled with addiction. My lowest point came when I tried to end my own life. The truth is, the main difference between me and many of my fellow New Yorkers who are currently experiencing challenges like homelessness and addiction is that, when things were the hardest and I thought I was alone, I found the support of experts and people who treated me with dignity and respect. That is exactly what S:US does for tens of thousands of people every year.

I tell my story to demonstrate how resilient human beings can be, and that even the most difficult circumstances can be overcome with the right supports.

From left: Andrew Zimmern; Andrew Zimmern Award–winner Susan Stockmar; and S:US President and CEO Perry Perlmutter.

At the Dinner for a Better New York, Navy Veteran Susan Stockmar received S:US’ Andrew Zimmern Award and told us her story. She has faced unimaginable hardship, enormous loss and considerable physical challenges. She lost her home in North Carolina to a tornado, then another to Hurricane Gus in Florida, later to be diagnosed with spinal disease and cancer. Through it all, including several experiences of homelessness, Susan's resilience, hard work, perseverance and optimism guided her toward a life of independence. Recently having gone through knee replacement surgery and finally settling into a place where she can recuperate, Susan credits S:US with much of her success saying, "Without S:US, I wouldn't have survived."

Susan is just one among so many thousands whose lives have been transformed while receiving S:US’ services and supports.

I invite you to learn more about our incredible work by visiting sus.org and by staying connected to S:US on social media.

Together, we help fulfill S:US’ vision of a city where everyone has a roof over their head, is healthy and productive, and can enjoy the social connections that create a life of purpose.