Mary Jo Pane Shares her Craft

Mary Jo Pane is the founder of Miracle Icons, a jewelry company that promotes a feeling of spiritual and bodily well-being. She is also an NCS volunteer who has donated her time, expertise, and supplies to teach our residents to make jewelry at both of NCS's supportive residences, the NCS Residence and Louis Nine House.

Volunteering at Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I first volunteered at the NCS Residence in December 2018. One of them men making a bracelet came over to thank me. He said that he now had a Christmas gift for his mom and that he was so excited to have something to give her this year. I was incredibly moved. I wanted to do more. 

A few months later I went to Louis Nine House in the Bronx to make jewelry with the young adults living there. We made red bracelets together for Valentine’s Day. I loved their enthusiasm, spirit and gratitude. 

What inspires me the most about NCS is that it's not just a place to live but also has services that meet residents' other needs. I see people sitting on the streets in New York and know that many of them sleep in shelters but can’t stay during the day. I wish that everyone in need had access to the housing and support NCS offers— all day long.  

The young adults I met at Louis Nine House are inspired and in school, working, or looking for jobs. They have the help they need right where they live to take the next step. The residents on the Upper East Side receive the care they need as they age. Many of them are around my age and I felt so lucky to be able to spend time getting to know them and experience their community.” 

Thank you, Mary Jo Pane for all you do to support and inspire our clients! 

Mary Jo will be among the honorees at the 2022 Spring Benefit on May 18th. You can learn more about the event here.

Check out Mary Jo’s beautiful jewelry: https://www.miracleicons.com/