Patricia Sheldon Email and Phone Number

As a Program Advocate at the Lowell Transitional Living Center (LTLC), I am front-line with those who sleep and/or take meals at the Shelter. My duties include check-in and registration, completing new intakes and maintaining shift log for coordination with case managers, searching/wanding, basic security of premises and sleeping areas, ensuring that drugs, alcohol, paraphernalia and weapons are not brought in, assisting clients in telephone access to detox, clothing requests and other supportive services, and monitoring compliance with Shelter rules. Interpersonal: Maintaining a professional environment at the Front desk, greeting guests, volunteers and donors and working as a team with Case Management.I've had the opportunity to come to know people living in the shadows, struggling with addictions, homelessness and low or no finances. I believe that rehabilitation is an essential factor in recovery from homelessness and addiction and feel that that poor early education and lack of attention as children are at the beginning of the path leading to homelessness, dysfunctional lifestyles and crime. I'm also drawn to any opportunities for increased success for rehabilitation of inmates in our prison system. To me, without the education and alternatives that rehabilitation programs can provide, the powerlessness and stripping of rights experienced in prison are nails in the coffin of self-image and guarantee that behavioral change is virtually impossible. Although I continue my work in copywriting and marketing consulting, I'm dedicated to furthering my knowledge in the issues of homelessness, addiction, alcoholism and rehabilitation, and working in the field.

Responsible for advertising, marketing, PR, customer relations, management of retail operation, direct-to-chef sales and new business development for our sixth generation vegetable farm.

At Orvis, I managed the company's public relations department, including relationships with outdoor media, consumer publicity and promotions, promoted retail store openings, and managed cooperative programs with organizations including The Nature Conservancy and Trout Unlimited. I also edited and wrote much of The Orvis News, the company's monthly tabloid-sized newspaper for best customers, providing profiles of Orvis endorsed sporting lodges, products, new fishing tackle and other relevant information. Prior to joining the company, I handled their public relations on a free lance basis and wrote catalog copy for the Orvis gift catalogs.

Owned full-service public relations and advertising firm, offering creative services, marketing plans and strategy, media relations, corporate communications, sales promotion and special events.

Managed a 15-person public relations "agency within an agency" for one of Boston's largest advertising firms. Responsibility for client service, new business development and creative concept/programming. Clients included TJ Maxx, Orvis, City of West Berlin Industrial Develpment Agency, Grill 23, Philip Morris Companies.

Wrote restaurant reviews for monthly business periodical covering the Boston area.