We recently spoke with Louise Roseman
When did you get involved with Carpenter’s Shelter?
I joined the CS Education Committee about a decade ago.
What attracted you to the mission?
I believe we have a responsibility to help people who didn’t start life with the advantages that many of us have and too often take for granted. In remarks to Princeton graduates in 2013, Ben Bernanke articulated what drew me to Carpenter’s Shelter far better than I could have. He said that those who are the luckiest –in their health and genetic endowment; in terms of family support, encouragement, and income; in their educational and career opportunities; and in so many other ways difficult to enumerate – also have the greatest responsibility to work hard, to contribute to the betterment of the world, and to share their luck with others. I greatly admire what Carpenter’s Shelter does – it gives the tools to its clients, who typically didn’t start life with the advantages I had, to break the cycle of homelessness and become self-sufficient.
What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not serving on the board of Carpenter’s Shelter?
Relax; entertain; cook (I’m just now learning!)
What sets Carpenter’s Shelter apart from other organizations?
Staff who are truly dedicated to the organization’s mission (I’m sure CS isn’t unique in this regard, but it makes its very inspiring to those who are involved with the organization)
What one phrase would you use to describe Carpenter’s Shelter?
Helping others help themselves
Share one of your favorite Carpenter’s Shelter memories/moment?
Talking to several of our scholarship recipients, who used their scholarships to get degrees or certificates that enabled them to have a career, not just a job.