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Author: New Danville

Grow – March 2022

Bringing seasoning to life

“We never make guarantees when it comes to gardening,” volunteer Mike Bodman said with a laugh. “It is an iffy business.”  

Mike has been behind New Danville’s aquaponics program since its inception. Direct Support Professional James Scott oversees the gardening classes.  Their shared goal is to have herbs available for sale at the upcoming Spring Thing event’s Marketplace. Jazzy Junque also sells New Danville herbs when they are available.

Wranglers work with a variety of fruits, vegetables and herbs, propagating plants in different ways. The greenhouse and outside gardens become home to lettuce, collards, tomatoes, bell peppers, cabbage, strawberries and much more, including herbs such as basil, cilantro, oregano, garlic and others. The produce is also shared through the on-site General Store for residents.

“There are other ways that plants are becoming part of Spring Thing,” Mike said. His wife, Ginnie, is painting butterflies from the seed pods of butterfly vines. “You’ll see the ‘butterflies’ in the Marketplace. We hope to see you there!”

A Wrangler’s Tale – March 2022

Kris returns to a different New Danville

Kris knew New Danville when it consisted of a tent and a couple of buildings. He was among the first to be on the scene in the day program (2005) and among the first to move into New Danville’s residential community, Meadowbrook (2010). He left after about five years but has recently returned to the day program. He is impressed with what has changed.

He has been busy and successful over the years. He has grown, as has New Danville. “I saw things were different (when I visited again). There is so much here now,” he said. Time has not diminished his many memories of New Danville, particularly the people. His mother said that he inherently connects to people and likes to know about others.  “I’ve known James for a long time,” Kris said, “and Sherry. She made those pens.”

His mother was active with Jazzy Junque, the upscale home décor resale store that benefits New Danville, at its inception. She was the store’s first part-time manager. She is again helping out as a volunteer. “We’ve been fans of New Danville since the time we first heard about it,” she said.

Kris likes to be active, recalling times when he helped with yard work on site; currently, his favorite day programs are active, too:  bowling, basketball and gardening.

He has had several jobs over the years and now serves as a custodian at a preschool for children with autism. When asked about his favorite part of the job, he said, “I like cleaning up after the little kids.”

Another favorite activity is going to high school football games which he drives himself to. As for sports, he declares baseball as his favorite after saying, “The strike is over now. Now they will start their games again.”

From his perspectives of New Danville over time, what would he like to share with others?  “It is a good place to live.”

Guest Voices – March 2022

Melissa Varney: Following her heart’s call

I came to New Danville five years ago when I looked for a new job after my husband and I came to the area for his job. I looked at their website and loved what I saw, especially the job opening notice for a direct support professional. It provided a way to stay in a field that I love, but in a different environment with wonderful conditions.

I have been in the special needs field for many years, something I knew I wanted to do since high school. While in Colorado, I worked in schools with students who were medically fragile or were violent/aggressive. Even after a student injured me so that I needed surgery, I could not ever see myself doing anything else for work other than working with special needs. These people are my heart.  I could see myself in a different environment though, and New Danville was it.

One of the most incredible things about New Danville is how empowered the staff is to develop the classes and programs in ways that accommodate the various ability levels of the Wranglers. No one is left behind. We are able to align our own interests and abilities with the classes we teach and how we teach them. We can use visuals, discussion and hands-on projects which provides a way of learning no matter what type of learner each Wrangler is.

I never stop thinking about the Wranglers. I seek input from family members and friends on different classes to offer and how to deliver them in ways that the Wranglers will enjoy, and benefit from. When the Wranglers leave happy, proud and have a better sense of self-worth at the end of the day…well, that’s a good day and why New Danville does what it does in the way it does it.

Early on I knew that someway, somehow, I would be in this field. And then I had a son with special needs. My work in the field has made me a better parent, I believe. If I were to cross-stitch a sampler for the wall with words of wisdom, it would say “Patience is key.”

Development Corner – March 2022

Honoring others

One of the most meaningful aspects of fundraising is being able to help people honor loved ones, legacies and memories. We are humbled by those who choose New Danville for memorial gifts. One donor recently told me after his second memorial gift, “Sadly, there will be many more, I’m afraid. I’m an old man, you know.” I believe he felt comforted that Wranglers would benefit from his gift that honored his friends who passed away.

We will soon be sharing several new ways that you can honor others at New Danville, ranging from benches to live oak trees, and more. It is an honor to help preserve the names and stories of others.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about ways to honor others with options ranging from benches to named buildings and many options in between. You’ll be empowering lives of Wranglers while honoring the life of loved one…or call if you simply want to hear a cool New Danville story.  I can be reached at 936-253-5757.

Dion McInnis, Development Director

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 – February 2022

Eva Aguirre, president and CEO of New Danville nonprofit

 “A good life is a collection of happy moments.”  Denis Waitley

Like the quote states, it is time to create happy moments.  Dust off your hats and best heels! Spring Thing, formerly known as Tea on the Lawn, is back.  After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we are back! Spring Thing will be held April 22nd at the Woodlands Resort and Conference Center from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.  We are very excited and anxious to see all of our old friends.

This year we are delighted to have Troy Ball as our featured speaker. Originally scheduled for the events that were cancelled, 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. She also co-founded Thoughtful House Center for Children (now named the Johnson Center) in Austin, Texas, for children with autism and other developmental disorders.

As you may know, Spring Thing is New Danville’s major fundraising event.  Funds from the event allow us to continue to carry out our mission and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we serve.  New Danville is excited about its future plans and your attendance at this event help make that happen. We are so grateful for all of our long-time supporters and look forward to making new friends.  You truly do make our work possible.

Gather your friends and make a day of it.  Purchase of tables and sponsorship opportunities are available now.  Don’t wait as things are filling up quickly!  For more information visit: https://spring-thing.org.  Individual tickets will be coming soon.

Looking forward to seeing all of you!

Upcoming Events – February 2022

REMINDER: The day program will be CLOSED on Monday, February 21st for ‘In-Service’ staff training.

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.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a presentation by members of New Danville’s Drama Club. Open to the public, this show will begin at 2:00 p.m. See this classic as you’ve never seen it before and have a great time with the New Danville Wranglers.  Contact Lili at 936-344-6200 for more information.

Reminder: Our Holiday schedule can be found at https://www.newdanville.org/holidays/

New Danville will be CLOSED the following days in 2022:

Staff In-Service Day (New Danville Closed)Monday, February 21
Memorial DayMonday, May 30
Independence DayMonday, July 4
Labor DayMonday, September 5
Staff In-Service Day (New Danville Closed)Monday, October 10
ThanksgivingThursday, November 24
ThanksgivingFriday, November 25
ChristmasFriday, December 23
Christmas Monday, December 26
New Year’s Friday, December 30

Fundraising Factoid

It costs, on average, $100 per day for various transportation costs. The fees that our clients pay cover only a portion of the actual cost. Please consider adopting a day, a week or a month. You can make recurring gifts if you prefer or donate gas cards. Just note “transportation” with your donation.  Donate.NewDanville.org

In the News – February 2022

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Comes to New Danville

Parent volunteer Connie Mahaffey works with a few of the cast members from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The drama club will present the show on Feb. 24.

Text System Improves Communications

New Danville is in the process of rolling out a texting system to inform families, caregivers, providers, and staff of important urgent information when needed. This will be used when we have close due to weather or other urgent/last-minute notices. This will be in addition to email, Facebook, and website updates. To Opt-in for these texts, please click https://forms.gle/Bka5YtTV7adRUF1TA

Live – February 2022

Looking back at life at New Danville

John lived at New Danville for several years, but had to recently change where he calls home. Still a Wrangler (day program participant), he was happy to share his thoughts about his time as a resident.

The easiest summary of John’s observations about living at New Danville would involve two words:  fun and friends.

He enjoyed hanging out with his friends. Among the many activities he enjoyed with his friends were joking around, watching television – the show MASH and wrestling on Monday were his favorites – spending time with the miniature horses and donkeys and playing basketball. Living here he could play basketball whenever he wanted, with friends or by himself.

“Sometimes on Friday we would go for pizza,” he said. “That was always fun, too.”

Among his favorite solo activities was riding his bicycle. “I like the quiet.  Sometimes I would ride around the houses and ride around the road. I like to do that a lot.”

He enjoyed having friends nearby and having a place where his sisters could come visit. In a word, it was independence.

Learn – February 2022

New and popular already:  meditation class

When the idea of adding a meditation class to the mix of day program options came up in the fall, Direct Support Professional Shay was selected to develop and lead the class. “None of us knew what to expect and how to put together the right class for our Wranglers. I was a bit nervous. It was like putting together a puzzle with all the pieces face down, but I think it came out well.”  That would be an understatement considering the popularity of the class and the participants’ many improvements.

Wranglers speak to the elements they like best: “releases energy,” “we get to talk and let our minds relax,” and “writing in our journals.” Shay explained that each session includes several components. Participants start by writing in their journals after which they stretch for a few minutes. Loosened up, they then spend about 10 minutes in whatever position they are most comfortable in while being alone with their thoughts as quiet music plays in the background. After that, it is open session to chat about anything that is on the minds of the attendees.  “Once someone gets the conversation going, things really begin to roll. Everyone gets in on the conversation.”

“I researched a lot about meditation classes and came up with something I thought would work well for the Wranglers. I was then able to order the materials and supplies we needed,” Shay said. “We had no idea of how it would be received by the Wranglers; they love it!”

She described how class participants have shown dramatic improvement in many areas, including mood, communication and socialization. She said that the Wranglers need quiet time breaks and opportunities to reflect and relax. Participants agree. The hope is that the class will go year-round because of the positive outcomes.

“They aren’t the only ones benefitting from this,” she said. “After the class, I am more relaxed and see things differently. I really enjoy it and am glad the Wranglers do, too.”

Work – February 2022

It’s not the work, it’s the people

Holly has held a variety of jobs since high school as well as a few volunteer roles. Her mother, Carolyn, said that jobs are part of the formula to be sure that Holly’s days are fulfilling to her by being busy in activities that make her feel useful, needed and appreciated.  While those may be the outcomes, to Holly there is one thing that matters:  people. What she likes about all the jobs she has had is the people.

Currently working as a volunteer at the Walker County Senior Center, she helps seniors with the various games and activities they offer. Her favorite is Wii bowling, a virtual version of the game that uses the body motions required for the sport. “I like to help them with bingo, too,” Holly added with her ever-ready big smile. She hopes that the volunteer role will turn into a job in the future.

When asked if she believes that her work helps make people happy, she replied, “Oh yes!”  But who is happier after working with the seniors, her or them?  She laughed while pointing at herself, “Me!”

Holly has enjoyed being around people in jobs ranging from bussing tables at various restaurants to packaging seals in plastic bags to working in a nonprofit’s thrift store. Not surprisingly, what she loved most about all the jobs was the people she worked with and the customers.

One “job” that she is particularly excited about is that of being an aunt. She is about to be an aunt again, making it the eighth time. She is thrilled.

“People are good to me,” Holly said. Perhaps that is because she reveals how much she likes them.

Grow – February 2022

A job growing to the size of her heart

Wranglers are not the only people who grow at New Danville; so do team members. For program coordinator, Nicole Martinez, her professional growth here enabled her to find a role equal to the size of her heart.

“I have always had the heart,” she said, “and this role enabled me to grow into it. This is what I should have done all my life. I know that I would have appreciated life more if I could have found a way to work in this field sooner.”

She started at New Danville several years ago as a part-time assistant who worked the phones at the front desk in the Classroom Building. Her heart drove her interest which inspired her curiosity; the rest is, as they say, history.

“I watched the Wranglers and our Direct Support Professionals. I wanted to be more involved so I offered to help with classes. My boss gave me a chance to help as a substitute art teacher.  I’m no artist, but the class and I had a great time.”

Nicole became curious about the various guidelines and processes required to operate an agency for special needs.  She researched files, notes and anything else she could find.  Her knowledge grew as did her commitment to the clients. “I wanted to know more about the Wranglers and their stories.”

Then-new president and CEO, Eva Aguirre, offered her a new position as program coordinator. “I realized I had the skills and the knowledge to help,” Nicole said, “but I was afraid.  I did not want to screw up and let the clients down. The world is mean enough. They didn’t deserve someone dropping the ball.”

Instead, Nicole ran with the ball and has been instrumental in developing a variety of new classes and programs. Not only has Nicole grown, but so has New Danville’s ability to empower Wranglers to live, learn, work and grow.