A VISONARY GIFT
So what does an incredible talent do after winning 84 Gold Addies, and two Best of Shows? He takes his incredible artistic gift to raise money and awareness of the Homeless in his adopted town, Columbus, OH. For many years JOSEPH ANASTASI has done volunteer work through St. Agatha, St. Vincente de Paul Society at the Open Shelter. After retiring from a most successful career in advertising Mr. Anastasi has used his ability to speak to and tell us about the wonderful spirit and dignity of the Homeless he serves. Over the last five years he has painted over 50 portraits of the Homeless and especially now of the Homeless Youth he has met through his gracious service at STAR HOUSE. . This year his ART will be used to raise money for STAR HOUSE a drop-in center that works with reintegrating substance abusing homeless youth into the mainstream. This day shelter has open doors for homeless youth aged 14-24. They serve almost an equal amount of young men and women and 30% of these homeless youth have children; 48% have been in foster care; 26% have attempted suicide; and the AVERAGE AGE when they became homeless is 15! STAR HOUSE offers a safe place to these youngsters who are preyed upon by drug dealers and human traffickers. Many of us do not realize the extent of homeless youth in our city. We can share with you that over500 young people were helped by Star House last year. More details on this event to follow. We promise
