“It is not knowledge, but the act of learning, not possession but the act of getting there, which grants the greatest enjoyment.” – Carl Friedrich Gauss
Fall brings the change in leaves, switch from daylight savings time, and change of classes available at New Danville. Some are new and some are golden oldies.
At the core of all the classes is the desire to bring activities and experiences that encourage growth, learning, socialization, independence, and, of course, FUN.
Some of the popular “old classics” that are returning to the schedule after a bit of a hiatus include culinary arts and creative drama. New additions that provide good times, as well as learning, include, Around the World in 30 Days, Let’s Meditate and Dance. Nicole Martinez, the program coordinator, said, “The class Hoop There It Is! caught the attention of the Wranglers. They are very excited about the class. It seems like everyone wants to be part of it.”
According to Bryan Gill, program manager, “It is good, and important, to mix things up a bit, but not too often and not too much. Our Wranglers enjoy variety and are comfortable with the routine. We just don’t want to become too routine. We strive for that perfect balance. By working with the offerings, Wranglers get to choose what interests them the most while being involved in the ongoing act of learning.”
Lisa is no stranger to living in communities for adults with IDD. New Danville is the third in her lifetime. With such a wide range of experiences covering a few decades, she has important insights into what makes a great place to live.
Her mind is constantly busy as she shares family stories and lineage in great detail. The conversational detours provide a great chance to ask the same question a few times, and for each, the answer was the same. So true was her answer that she never wavered.
“Based on your experiences at the other communities, what do you like best about living at New Danville?” Her answer, each and every time was “the activities.” As busy as she has been throughout her life with various jobs, it is no surprise that activity means a lot to Lisa. She is very active in the various day program offerings at New Danville, and she enjoys the social activities for the residents of Meadowbrook. The recent Halloween costume party was one such event where she went “all in.”
It didn’t take long for her to switch from telling me about a movie she recently attended in town to the various Special Olympics events she has participated in. Even when she is not in motion, her mind is working, as evidenced by the thick book of word games and puzzles that she often engages with during lunch break.
Being busy is a big part of living for Lisa, and she enjoys every second of it.
Ivan Scheier, a legend in the field of volunteer management, said, “The broadest, and maybe the most meaningful definition of volunteering: Doing more than you have to because you want to, in a cause you consider good.” The New Danville family is humbled by the number of people who consider us a cause worthy of their time, talent, and energy.
In recent months, New Danville had volunteers from Sterling Construction come out for their third visit within six months to help with painting the lunchrooms in bold, colorful patterns. New Danville was also chosen as a Welcome Week volunteer opportunity for the students at Sam Houston State University who assisted with painting in our ECT Building shortly after returning to campus for the start of the fall semester. ExxonMobil volunteers returned for United Way’s Day of Caring in October and spent the day painting.
Volunteers provide great relief to the human and financial resources of New Danville, but they also provide another important benefit: their engagement with our clients (Wranglers) provides a wonderful sense of normalcy and friendly socialization, which are very important in the life of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Coming up this week! Charbonneau Family Building ribbon cutting November 17, 10 a.m. to noon. The Charbonneau family donated the building, materials, and tools for the pallet production program. The goal with the new building is to expand our capabilities. Read more about this partnership in this article in the June 2021 edition of The Wrangler Gazette.
LARA (Legally Authorized Representative Alliance)Christmas Market will be held on December 8. The group of avid supporters again sets up a market for the Wranglers to get some Christmas shopping done at no cost to them. Their great tradition continues.
New Danville’s Christmas Party will be held on December 15. Clients, parents, and guardians will receive more details via email.
Spring Thing, April 22, 2022. To hat or not to hat, that is the question. Mark your calendars! The Spring Thing (formerly known as Tea on the Lawn) is back! Troy Ball will be our speaker. Originally scheduled for the events that were canceled, Troy will share her story of life and resilience while raising two children with special needs, and also starting a distillery in North Carolina. She has attracted audiences around the country and her story is detailed in her book Pure Heart: A Spirited Tale of Grace, Grit and Whiskey.
New Danville team members and volunteers recently staffed a booth at theH-E-B Wine Walk at Market Street. We garnered almost $5,000 from this wine pull event that benefitted New Danville and The Woodlands Arts Council.
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgiving, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” William Arthur Ward
Thanksgiving is a holiday dedicated to the focus of being thankful. This time of year can give us that warm, fuzzy feeling when we spend time feeling thankful for the things our lives include.
By now, most of you have received our year-end Annual Appeal letter. We are thankful for the blessings of those who have already made a donation as your support makes our reality and dreams possible.
As noted in our appeal letter, New Danville’s commitment was truly tested in 2020, along with the uncertainty of 2021. However, because of our committed donors like you, we made it through the worst of times and are thankful for the struggles we’ve been through. It has helped to make us stronger, wiser, and truly grateful.
As the year comes to an end, please consider us in your year-end giving. We have a clear vision of our future, and it is a bright one. Your support will truly help to shape “ordinary opportunities into blessings.”
Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday as you share with friends and family.
“I wouldn’t trade this place for anything,” Luke said. His mom, Christina, nodded in agreement. “I remember the smile on his face,” she said, “after a visit here. It took us a year to decide, but we both knew it was the right place because it gives him a sense of independence.”
Independence is hard to come by, thanks to the many effects of a dozen brain surgeries. Luke continues to grow more independent, the journey bringing challenges to both Luke and his mom. She explained the challenges she has faced to make sure Luke has as many experiences as possible, like walking across the stage at high school graduation. Luke shared about facing the challenges of limited mobility and vision.
Among Luke’s favorite programs at New Danville are cooking and the “What’s Happening” class. When asked whether his reputation for liking to share his opinions on a variety of topics was true, he nodded, smiled, and replied, “Yes.” His favorite topics? Politics, current events…life.
“I was his caregiver for eight years,” his mom said, “and I wanted to be sure that he would be safe and appreciated wherever he landed. The staff at New Danville are loving and understanding. It was scary when I heard that there were field trips to town for movies or pizza. Luke’s sister joined in and now she loves being a part of the fun. I was worried for his safety and about the responses of people. People can be cruel in what they say or how they act. Being around people with challenges who are growing more independent has been good for Luke.”
“We respect each other’s disabilities,” Luke said. Respect is at the heart of the journey for independence, self-esteem, and relationships.
Luke’s mom shared a moment that she and Luke are particularly proud of. A while back, there was a fellow Wrangler who was having a hard time drinking a soda because of his tremors. Luke, being personally familiar with the condition and its frustrations, put a straw in the can and held it so his friend could drink easily. Luke smiled at the sharing of the story. His mom re-emphasized that a lot of Wranglers have been through a lot, but they, along with the staff, are there for each other.
About a decade ago, several parents of residents in New Danville’s Meadowbrook community came together to build a concept that would provide New Danville residents with a variety of experiences that built relationships, expanded socialization opportunities and furthered the concept of community in New Danville. The bricks of commitment, creativity, and conviction were bound together with a mortar of compassion. They built a nonprofit called Legally Authorized Representative Alliance (LARA).
LARA president Diana Egley said, “New Danville clients, like anyone else, want to feel valued and to be able to contribute, as well as develop strong relationships. LARA was created to help make that happen.” Diana was one of the founders of LARA. “We have been purpose-driven from the beginning,” she said.
Originally created to serve the needs of residents, LARA’s efforts have benefited both the residents and the day program attendees.
Connie Mahaffey, one of LARA’s founders, said, “The Wranglers (day program attendees) and residents see LARA members as friends. They come to us with ideas and sometimes come to us with questions. Those relationships are built by doing so much together. This year, we will take residents who are interested to Crighton Theater to see a production of Elf.”
LARA has adapted the many things its volunteers do to the needs of New Danville clients and the conditions of the times. Needless to say, their plans, like everyone else’s, have changed significantly in 2020 and 2021. “We have kept our plans open for 2022,” Diana said, “until we know what conditions will allow.”
Adapting and being flexible have been a key element of LARA’s success. Kathy Hertzog joined LARA about a year after its formation. She said, “In the beginning, we held dinners in the residents’ homes so people could get to know each other and build a stronger sense of community. Residents realized that LARA volunteers were truly interested in their successful independence.”
Connie added, “The dinners in homes later became monthly birthday bashes. Each month we have a party to celebrate all the resident birthdays of the month. We have dinner, bingo, and various games that provide opportunities to win gift cards and other prizes.”
Kathy shared that many things people take for granted are new or unknown to the clients. “As friends to the clients, we provide a safe, accessible resource of information or outlet for sharing.”
Over the years, LARA has hosted parties; taken field trips to Buccee’s, Disney on Ice, and various theater productions; held Christmas Market events; and much more. “We want them to be able to do something they would never have the opportunity to do otherwise,” Diana said.
No matter what 2022 and beyond holds, it is clear that LARA and its supporters will continue to bring fun, socialization, relationships, and independence to New Danville residents and clients. The most important thing they always deliver is love.
People grow at New Danville, and New Danville’s range of services grows to meet the needs of those who need us. A recent growth step includes the addition of respite service for the community of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Does your family member need to get away and spend a night or a weekend in an idyllic country setting? Or perhaps you need to go out of town for a night or two. New Danville is proud to announce its revived respite program to the community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities!
You will enjoy staying in a fully furnished “cabin” on the beautiful New Danville campus. Stays can be booked for a night, a weekend, or longer. The cabin is fully furnished with a twin bed, dining area, TV, and washer and dryer. Guests can also elect to participate in the day program for an additional fee. All guests must be able to take care of their basic needs without staff support.
New Danville takes pride in providing a safe, caring, and professional environment. Come for a visit, and stay for the night!
For more information and pricing, contact us at office@newdanville.org, or call Bryan Gill at 936-534-9111.
Justin’s mother said prior to the interview with him, “If he seems reserved or withdrawn, just ask him about his job.” Not that he was, but he sure enjoyed talking about past and present jobs, and the many other ways he stays busy. “I like working and being busy,” Justin said.
He has been a resident at Meadowbrook (New Danville’s residential community) since it opened in 2009.
Justin works as an associate in the stationary department at Wal-Mart. He has been there 13 years. “A lot of customers know me,” he said with a smile. Helping customers is his favorite part of the job. He shared that he also works in the seasonal department and sometimes he has assisted in the toy section. “The managers like the way I keep the departments clean and neat.” When asked if he has the same success at home, he again smiles with “Well, I try to.”
Justin began his work life a bit before he turned 17 when he was hired by Kroger. Working is not the only way he stays busy, despite the challenges of his cerebral palsy-like condition. “It is not CP,” Justin said, “but the doctors have to call it something.” Again, a broad smile follows his observation. While in high school, he was a member of both the swim team and water polo club. Fitness, particularly swimming, remains a key element of his busy schedule. On the days that he is not working, he goes to the rec center to walk, swim and lift weights. He swims between 1200 and 1600 meters each day that he goes to the center.
Justin keeps his mind busy, too. Always has. “I received a web design certificate. I learned Dreamweaver and Illustrator, and some other applications,” he said. “I wasn’t real big on English class in school so I had to find something else for a class. I have a lot of knowledge.” Again, the smile. Shakespeare said, “He is well paid that is well satisfied.” In Shakespeare’s view, Justin is rich, indeed.
Wranglers are stepping into staff offices, engaging visitors, and stopping people in the halls to share the artwork they made in newly re-energized art classes. A variety of new art projects have already captured the interest of Wranglers and there is much more to come.
“Our team has always stepped up to help in any class in any way they can, but we are fortunate to have a new direct support professional whose career includes personal involvement in various art forms, as well as teaching art,” said new program manager, Bryan Gill.
Jamie Glass recently joined our team of direct support professionals, bringing years of experience immersed in the arts as a creator and teacher in both the performing and visual arts. She believes the objective is not to create ‘pretty’ art, but to create. She wants Wranglers to grow with the range of experiences while they use all their senses. “We might go for a walk on campus and do nature rubbings, or blow paint across a piece of paper. Creating art should be experiences the Wranglers enjoy,” she said.
Future plans include a ballet class, a campus art project of painted garbage cans and other exciting options that help art become a more active form of communication, expression and voice for Wranglers, as well as a lot of fun!
Odd wildflowers are popping up all over New Danville’s grounds. They aren’t really flowers, but they are a sign of new developments.
The red, yellow, and orange plastic marker flags that flutter in the wind actually mark underground utilities. Knowing where they are is critical when it comes to how much work is soon to take place as a variety of drainage projects are underway at New Danville. “Some of the projects have been necessary for a while, and some are in preparation for plans we have for the future. It only makes sense to fix all the issues since we now have the opportunity to do so,” said Randy Smyth, Director of Operations.
Residents, parents, guardians and day program participants are happy about the changes that will change water flow on the campus and eliminate the puddling issues in Meadowbrook, as well as minimize standing water in other areas.
“As we envision a future with more facilities for residents, classrooms, gathering areas, and more, we need to begin changing the shape of our terrain. The changes are important first steps,” CEO Eva Aguirre said, “and we are blessed to have the resources to begin making these changes.”
