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A Wrangler’s Tale – May 2022

Movin’ on in to the MB Side: Wil comes to Meadowbrook

Wil is proud of his various accomplishments: He collects hats and caps, plays the guitar, loves gardening, competes in the Special Olympics, shares smiles, and much more. His most recent achievement brings a lot of the other accomplishments together; Wil is now a resident of Meadowbrook, New Danville’s residential community.

Wil was on the waiting list for two years, but he and his parents say that being able to live at New Danville was worth the wait. He smiled as his parents explained how important it is that he, and all people with special needs, be given appropriate challenges so each can grow to their own potential. Indeed, Wil and his parents aspire to the limits of what live, learn, work and grow can be for him.

His mom said she first learned about New Danville in 2010 during exhaustive research about special needs programs in several states. She explained the feeling that the family had when they visited New Danville for a tour. “We all knew immediately that this is the place, the environment, for Wil. His sister called it as soon as we drove past the entry gate.”

Though Wil has held a variety of jobs over the years, including at fast food shops, a laundry and a thrift store. “But now he can just chill for a while,” his mom said. His dad added, “Wil loves to paint by number, ride horses, play guitar. He can do more than most people think. We feel good that he is in a place that understands to not place artificial limits.”

Of the many options for activities at New Danville, Wil said, “Gardening is my favorite.” He has learned how to plant, water and harvest, a perfect complement to live, learn, work and grow.

Guest Voices – May 2022

B-4 there was COVID, there was King’s: Bingo key to New Danville

“I wish more people knew what we actually do. What we do is phenomenal. We help so many people,” Cassie Raether said. She is the manager of King’s Bingo in Webster, TX; New Danville is one of five charities that benefit from the bingo hall’s net proceeds.

“Frankly, I’m not sure where we would be without the support of King’s Bingo,” said Eva Aguirre, president and CEO of New Danville. “The past two years have been a challenge, but their support had a tremendous influence as we navigated the pandemic situation. I learned that no matter what is going on in the world, people will still play bingo. Thank goodness for that! Not to mention the many years of support we received from them in our fledgling years as a nonprofit.”

Patricia Greenfield CEO and Founder of Texas Bingo Solutions echoed both Cassie’s and Eva’s sentiments. Texas Bingo Solutions oversees the financial and accounting functions of several bingo halls, including King’s Bingo. “I have a wonderful job.” she said. “Because of Cassie and her team, who work tirelessly, the hall is profitable and all of the profits from the conduct of bingo are distributed to the Kings Bingo charities that are doing great work with that money in the community. We know you can do so much with the money. Bingo is a social thing for everyone. People have fun, make friends and help charities. I wish more people knew about the charity component.” New Danville has partnered with Texas Bingo Solutions since 2012.

Cassie has been the manager at King’s Bingo for six years. She started working with them not long after they opened in 2012 as a second job. Her role changed over the years until she was named manager after three years there. “My role is to make it as enjoyable as possible for people to spend their money while having fun, all for good causes. Our entire team has fun meeting and exceeding our revenue goals by creating a dynamic environment for our players. Everyone has a wonderful time and then we get to support charities. What a great job!” King’s Bingo has a special imprint of New Danville. The wood letters that spell out “bingo” in the hall were made by Wranglers in woodshop class. Starting in May, they will also begin to occasionally show New Danville’s new, original music video, Wranglers’ Ballad to help players better understand what they are supporting.

Development Corner – May 2022

Windmill Society: Reliable in all conditions

Windmills endure. They provide necessary relief in all conditions and all seasons. Their work is not glamorous but it is sustaining. Windmills are also part of our identity at New Danville.

We chose the windmill as the representation of our new planned giving recognition program. Donors who include New Danville in their planned giving and estate plans are members of The Windmill Society. Members will be recognized on the donor recognition plaque on our Gratitude Wall, in our annual report and other channels, unless a donor prefers to not have recognition.

Are you a member? Contact me to let me know that New Danville is in your plans. Do you want to learn more about the ways that planned giving instruments can be used to support New Danville in creative ways? Let’s talk. I can be reached at 936-253-5757 or Dion.McInnis@NewDanville.org.

Thank you for the many ways you make it possible for Wranglers to live, learn, work and grow.

We are pleased to introduce Live, Learn, Work and Grow: Wisdom from Under the Windmill, an inspiring, motivational, immediately usable presentation by Dion McInnis, development director. Bring this to your organization, association, business or group; everyone’s life can be better with the 15 nuggets of wisdom for living discovered at New Danville. Contact Dion at Dion.McInnis@NewDanville.org to book the presentation for your event.

New Danville is a 501( c ) (3) nonprofit rural community in Willis, TX for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. New Danville provides our clients an opportunity to live enriched and purposeful lives; we proudly call them Wranglers.

From the CEO – April 2022

Eva Aguirre, president and CEO of New Danville nonprofit

“Success is a continuing thing. It is growth and development. It is achieving one thing and using that as a stepping stone to achieve something else.” John C. Maxwell

John C. Maxwell is an American author, speaker, and pastor who has written many books on leadership. I came across his quote in searching for something inspirational for my article this month. After initially reading it, I went on in search of something else, but found myself coming back to this quote. Something about it resonated with me and what New Danville has been through in the last couple of years.

For us here, we have been on a slow and steady mission to continue to improve our services, while strengthening our financial footing. With the addition of our development director, Dion McInnis, and the support of our board, we have strategically laid out our stepping stones for some exciting changes for New Danville. Included in that is our steady growth in numbers of attendees in our program. Most of the families that request a tour say that they heard “about all of the great things happening at New Danville.” This is truly a heartwarming thing to hear. With the addition of new clients, our total participation will soon exceed our pre-COVID numbers. Every day I see new faces walking around, popping up like beautiful spring flowers.

We are in the midst of our “new future.” We are laying the seeds that will benefit the needs of our special population for many years to come by carefully planning our expansion. It is truly an exciting time and we are so proud to be a part of it.

In closing I will use another quote from Maxwell that reflects the spirit at New Danville: “Success is knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing the seeds that benefit others.”

Upcoming Events – April 2022

Spring Thing, April 22, 2022
A few seats and sponsorships are still available. Donations are always welcome!
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.

In the News – April 2022

Photos from the first annual donor appreciation event, in thanks for contributions made in 2021.

Fundraising Factoid
Field trips are some of the favorite activities for Wranglers. They go out in the community, visit cool venues and have new experiences. Trips to places like NASA, exhibitions, Lone Star Flight Museum, Moody Gardens, sailing and more become highlights of their year. These trips are only possible because of contributions from organizations or individuals. Please consider sponsoring a field trip for $1,500 or make a contribution of any amount toward field trip expenses. Simply note “field trips” with your online gift at https://newdanville.networkforgood.com/ or in your cover letter if submitting a check.

We are pleased to announce the completion of our first-ever annual report. It provides an overview of New Danville’s busy 2021 and a glimpse into what is on the horizon. We are proud of the great work of all the Wranglers and residents, the staff and volunteers, and our board to make the year as successful as it was.

Live – April 2022

When Living at New Danville is Your Dream

“I had the same answer to everyone who asked me. Teachers in high school and college would ask me about my plans for the future. Sometimes they asked for essays. I always had the same answer. I had it in my desire to live here (New Danville). ‘I want to live at New Danville.’ That was always my answer.”

Mariann has lived in Meadowbrook, New Danville’s residential community, for several years. She had been on the Meadowbrook waiting list for a long time. She clearly believes it was worth the wait.

Prior to moving to New Danville, Mariann lived with her parents. With her eye on being a resident in Meadowbrook, “It felt like forever to get here,” she said with a broad smile.

Having friends and neighbors, and the chance to socialize as well as have private time, make for a great environment to live in for Mariann. She is involved in the day program, too, and has several things she enjoys doing when she gets home after a busy day in classes and activities. “I like walking around outdoors, relaxing and cooking. I used to cook at home with my mother and now I cook in my own home.”

She learned how to deal with bullies in high school and college, “But we don’t have that here.” When asked how she would describe Meadowbrook in her own words, she replied, “In my words: nice, peaceful, the sounds of fun.” She said she sometimes enjoys listening to her neighbors and friends having fun with get-togethers. “I like the sounds of my neighbors having fun.”

Learn – April 2022

“What’s to eat?” All that’s good!

Rosie Aguirre is a recent addition to the New Danville team of Direct Support Professionals, but she is making friends fast. Apparently, the way to anyone’s heart is through their tummy, and taste buds. Rosie leads the return of the Culinary class to the list of day program options.

“We’ve made traditional breakfasts, as well as a lot of other things like cheese enchiladas, chicken enchiladas and….,” she tried to explain before several Wranglers happily chimed in with some of their favorite dishes they learned to cook in class.

Wranglers and Wrangler 2s (those who need more attention and assistance) enjoy the class, helping in ways they are able to. Everyone gets to do what they can, and together they create great meals while having fun. Whether it is measuring ingredients, stirring a flavored drink, putting trays in the oven or watching a pot on the stove, there is plenty to do so no one is bored during class.

What the Wranglers learn doesn’t stop at the classroom kitchen door. Many like to cook at home, whether they live independently at New Danville or at home with parents or care providers. “My favorite thing to make at home is shepherd pie,” one Wrangler said.

Everyone likes their food to their own taste, but on one topic the entire class had the same answer to a question. “What’s your favorite part of class?” “Eating the food!”

Work – April 2022

From Pallets to Pizza “Because there are bills to pay.”

About a month ago, Becky changed jobs from being a member of the pallet crew (see the article here about the Pallets to Partners program with Charbonneau Industries). Though she loved being part of the crew, the hours were inconsistent, as with many manufacturing-type jobs. “I had bills to pay,” she said with a smile, “so I asked my parents if I could find a job in the community. My first job ever was in the community and they said to go ahead and try to find one. I started at Incredible Pizza (in Conroe) and love it.”

“I applied to work where the games are played but they asked if I was interested in working in the kitchen. I told them that I didn’t have experience there, but they said they were sure I could learn. They hired me on the spot! I think it was because I was happy and smiling. Maybe they liked my dimples,” she said with her ever-present smile.

She was reminded about how important being a good team member is. “They don’t want anyone who is a gossiper or folks who talk about others.”

Her parents suggested she get the opinions of others who know the restaurant or who worked there so she could learn about the company, just as they would learn about her in the interview. A current Wrangler and resident, Justin, worked there in the past and had great things to say about working there, Becky said. With that information, she pursued an interview. Right after she was hired, Spring Break hit and the restaurant was very busy. Normally there are three to five tubs of dough to roll and weigh, but during Spring Break they had nine. “But I was able to keep up!” she said.

It was easy to get to work when she was on the pallet crew since the Charbonneau Family Building where the pallets are made is only a couple of hundred yards from her home on the New Danville campus. She has transportation worked out for her new job with New Danville and her special guy, Blake. Commuting provides opportunity. “I like to work in the community because I can run errands and shop on the way home, too,” she said.

Grow – April 2022

Expanding expression in song

“Then, out of nowhere, he began to sing to the music. He is usually just quiet in class, but he came out of a shell and sang. He did it on the bus, too,” Debbie Rigsby, Direct Support Professional (DSP), said. Debbie works with New Danville’s Wrangler 2s who need a bit more attention and assistance than the day program Wranglers. “Patrick and Sebastian both found singing.”

Randy McCaffety, also a DSP who recently began working with the Wrangler 2s, agreed. “It is not every time, but fairly often when we play some rockin’ songs during class, they will dance and sing. This is new for them.”

Finding new forms of expression and joy is a sign of growth.

“We look at all growth steps, large or small, as something to celebrate. Progress can be inconsistent, but progress is progress, and singing for someone who usually doesn’t communicate much verbally is a big deal. Everyone in the class celebrated the new singing voices,” Debbie said.

Randy concurred. “Sometimes you just have to catch it on a good day. That’s okay. Every positive step is to be applauded. Everyone in class applauds for those who sing, dance and show they are happy. Mutual support is everywhere.”

Eva Aguirre, president and CEO of New Danville, said, “Early in my career, a speaker at a conference said something I will never forget when it comes to the population we serve. He said, ‘All joy is equal.’ That is what I get out of growth like that of Patrick and Sebastian…joy. The joy they feel for that accomplishment is like the joy others may have for landing a big contract, catching a big fish or finishing a marathon. All joy is equal, and all of us share in the joy of Wrangler accomplishments.”

A Wrangler’s Tale – April 2022

A Decade in, James Has a Big Vision for New Danville

James has been a New Danville Wrangler for about a decade. It has been a very busy ten years for him onsite and away. He has a lot of interests and friends, both heavily influenced by attendance in the day program.

He states he is excited about learning, which explains his myriad of interests and sense of joy. This life of joy is a Wrangler’s tale.

“I don’t remember my first day exactly,” James said, “but I know it was a good one.” For all the things that he described as enjoying to do, the years must be a blur. He enjoys swimming – “I enjoy it; it can be fun.” He enjoys diving off the low board, too. He also likes collecting comic books – “They are all my favorites,” he said with a smile. James can be found playing basketball, though he says, “I’m not a good shot all the time, but most of the time.” He has a good time in the recently returned culinary class – “My favorite is chicken sandwiches.” James also enjoys art class that includes all types of art, such as ceramics, painting and many other projects. “Sometimes we need help,” he says, “but it is fun learning.” Learning and fun are central to James’ outlook on just about everything.

Perhaps the most important thing to James is the friends he has. He said he enjoys all the activities at New Danville, but mostly, “I have a lot of friends here.”

He is certainly impressed with what he has experienced at New Danville. He shared that he and Nicole Martinez (Program Coordinator) have a “dream to start making international global New Danville, in every nation, continent and country because it would be awesome. Then make New Danville commercials.” (The leadership team at New Danville believes he will be pleased to hear about the dream it will soon be making public.)

Guest Voices – April 2022

Joe Cutillo: CEO of Sterling Construction on Volunteerism

Volunteer Appreciation Week is in April 17-23. New Danville benefits from its dedicated volunteers, as all nonprofits do. Whether the volunteer serves regularly at Jazzy Junque (our upscale home décor resale store), occasionally at a special event or as a program/class assistant, or as part of corporate-related team that takes on significant on-site projects, we appreciate all that they do to make us successful. In the past year, the corporate team of Sterling Construction has visited New Danville to tackle day-long projects three times. Joe Cutillo, CEO of the company, shares his perspectives on volunteerism in this month’s “Guest Voices.”

I can’t help but look at volunteerism from various perspectives: as a leader of a major company, as an individual who is part of the human race, and as a member of the community. Those views fit into all my ideas about volunteerism, but for our involvement with New Danville, I also look at our team’s efforts as a father.

I believe that all people are giving and want to help others who are in need. Volunteering is one of the most rewarding things that we can do with our time. It has been said by many that the volunteer always gets more from the experience than the people who benefit from the volunteers’ efforts; I believe that to be true. I’ve seen it with every project that we undertake.

Our corporate team began volunteering as a team once per quarter. I was not sure how dedicating a day of service would be received by the team. I could not be more pleased or proud of the team for how quickly they adopted the notion of a day of service. Now they ask “Where are we going next quarter? What do we get to do this time?” in anticipation of our next effort. I hope, and believe it to be true, that their experiences encourage them to adopt the notion of service on a personal level and begin to involve their family and friends with volunteer opportunities in the community.

Volunteering provides the opportunity to learn, too. Many of my team members learned a lot about the challenges of special needs adults by working on site. I think the average person does not realize the realities of life for a special needs person. I was one of those average people until my wife and I learned that our son was on the autism spectrum. We had a lot to learn. I believe my team has learned a lot by coming to New Danville. Any time you serve a population with different challenges than your own, you learn something important. Since we began helping at New Danville, several people have shared that they have friends, relatives or family members with special needs. They want to talk about it; that is a good thing.

As a company leader, I am always looking for ways to develop a sense of camaraderie and team. Volunteering does that. It provides a day of focus and we can see the results of our efforts on the same day. In the busyness of projects, travel, meetings and the million things that go on in people’s personal lives, it is helpful to separate from the rush and focus on service. Not only does it help develop a team mentality, but it provides fun stories that become part of the company culture, like the story of the two guys who painted themselves into the center of the bridge at New Danville. We still laugh about that.

Whether as an individual, a group or as a company, we are all called to help others. We are part of the community, as individuals and as a company. Sterling Construction has 3,500 employees across several states. The day of service concept has worked so well for the corporate team that we are now encouraging it throughout the company by using internal and social media to promote the idea and the benefits that come from it. You just have to get started and let the ripple effect happen.

Everyone has causes that are important to them. I’ve learned it is more important to take action and get started with volunteering than to worry about picking the perfect organization to get started with.