This month’s volunteer/community service activities consisted of stuffing envelopes for an area church on 1/18, moving displays for the Center of The Visual Arts on 1/9, and again splitting Saturdays between Kennedy Park and Mount View Manor to assist with activities for the elderly residents. We’d also like to send a special thanks to Kimberly at the Boys and Girls Club for working with us to help a resident complete some court ordered community service obligations as an alternative to some large fines.
The boys at Wings Group Home
managed
to stay pretty busy all month too. But not so busy that they couldn’t have a
little fun with face painting! Here you see an example of the creativeness of
Chad (on the left) and Matt.Of course, all is not fun and games, even at Wings. The residents spend a great deal of time involved in group work, addressing such issues as Independent Living Skills training, Criminal Thinking Errors, and setting of goals. This month the boys addressed the many intricacies of health insurance and it’s many financial impacts on families, various workplace scenarios and how they might address problems at work successfully, as well as setting and achieving appropriate goals on an ongoing basis. It would be safe to say that the boys now have a greater appreciation for the struggles faced daily by their parents, and how they themselves need to prepare to face these same issues in adulthood.
In addition to the many group activities of the residents, MYS continues to offer a Family Group, bringing the residents and family members together for a treatment/education group experience. This allows an opportunity for families to interact and support one another in a structured, yet casual atmosphere. We are always encouraging the families to come for Family Group, because we find that those attending always find it useful and enjoyable.
Darwin joined the MYS staff after completing his Bachelors of Science degree at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. He received his degree in Corp. Community Health and Fitness Promotion, with a minor in Health. Darwin’s degree is reflected in his personal interests and hobbies: running, playing baseball, shooting hoops and weight lifting.
Darwin’s focus on the importance of family is clearly reflected in this brief autobiographical statement: “I’m happily married with my wife of nine years and have four beautiful children; Taurean, Emma, Ellicia and Cordell. I was born in Pasadena Ca. at St Luke’s Hospital to Charlie and Emma Myles. I have eight brothers and sisters: Donna, Andre, Angela, Reggie, Charay, me, Marcus, Charles and Nicole.”
During his tenure at Reynolds Group Home, Darwin has been involved in a wide array of activities with the boys. His own words best describe Darwin’s feelings about his job:
”I’ve worked as a youth worker for several years and during this time I had a great many experiences interacting with the youth at Reynolds Group Home. We’ve accomplished so much these past years, whether it be hiking up mountains, assisting the elderly with bingo, or helping to relocate families from one house to the next. Through the years we’ve acquired many certificates for our outstanding community service in our community. For example, we have received recognition for reaching the 1000-hour club for Adopt-a-Highway, and received a plaque on the Wall of Fame at Kennedy Park Rehabilitation Center. I especially enjoy playing all types of sports with our kids and feeling the energy they put into it and the laughter that comes with just being a kid. They realize that they can enjoy themselves without restraints. Camping trips are always a blast each year, spending quality time with residents, teaching them the simple things like fishing and patience.”
We all greatly appreciate the level of enthusiasm Darwin brings to his job, and the smile and positive attitude he conveys to the boys. Thanks Darwin, for all you do!
Shawn and Jo have always looked forward to taking the boys at Wings ice fishing. This year has been pretty slow in getting started due to the warm weather. Now that the temperatures have dropped and it looks like winter has set in, the boys will get the opportunity to try out the wonderful gear donated by Mrs Anderson. Not only did she give us a full assortment of fishing tackle, but also a portable ice shanty. A luxury we never enjoyed before.
It’s through the kindness of people like Jean Anderson that we are able to bring some of these extra activities to the residents. Such donations are always appreciated and put to good use. Thanks again Jean!
Staff also brings their cooking expertise to their group home duties, often to the culinary pleasure of the residents. A frequent example of that is the cooking finesse of Carol Gruening, our overnight staff at RGH. Recently, to the delight of the breakfast crowd, Carol has occasionally prepared Indian Fry Bread; a recipe provided her by a former foster child of her’s. This is said to be an authentic Lac Du Flambeau tribe recipe.
Lac Du Flambeau Indian Fry Bread
3 cups flour
3 tablespoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
Add:
1 cup powdered milk
1 cup water
Let sit 15 minutes at room temperature
Fry I 1 inch of hot oil
Eat while hot
Everyone seems to enjoy this simple and somewhat ancient recipe. One of many that Carol shares with the staff and residents. In future newsletters I hope to be sharing more such recipes, contributions of both staff and residents. If you have a favorite to share, send it to me at admin@marathonyouthservices.org. We’ll have the boys try it out.
Last
month I told you of a plaque presented to Carol Gruening as an appreciation
for her dedication and special effort. Here you see the proud recipient with
her prize, and much deserved. Carol’s latest contribution is what’s being referred to as the Hidden Closet. Carol and others have put together an assortment of new and like-new clothing items for the residents to choose from as a reward, or to supplement their regular clothing allowances. It is our intention to always have an appropriate supply of clothing on hand in cases of emergency, when someone may come to us on short notice without their personal belongings. This effort has been made possible by the generous contributions of many, even including the clothes racks they hang on.
Also, Marathon Youth Services now has an Informational CD available. If you are interested in learning more about our services and facilities, please request a CD by contacting Doug, or by email at admin@marathonyouthservices.org.
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