Category: FROM THE CEO DESK

“The heart of a volunteer is never measured by the size but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.”    DeAnn Hollis

When I came across this quote some time back, and as I prepared to write this article, I was reminded of how fitting it is for all of the volunteers that have taken Jazzy Junque from a once-a-year seasonal sale, to the beautiful upscale, home decor resale store that it is today.  If not for the depth of their commitment, we could not have made it this far. And boy, have we come a long way.

And so, here we are ten years later.  Bigger and more beautiful than ever.  In the past nine months or so, we have made some wonderful additions to our store.  In February of this year, Michelle Willie was hired as our Retail Manager.  Michelle had worked as one of our part-time cashiers for several months; however, due to her extensive retail experience as a store manager with Dress Barn, our continued growth, and plans for the future, we knew she would be perfect in assuming more responsibilities for the store.  Michelle has been a wonderful addition.  As noted by Odette D’Agostino, Board liaison to the store, “Michelle gives her full attention to our volunteers, customers and the needs of the store.” Michelle has exciting plans to continue to improve processes and the shopping experience at Jazzy Junque. She also intends to get out in the community to help share the good news about the store and all that it offers. “We always welcome shoppers and volunteers,” she said.

We have also made improvements in other areas.  Right before COVID hit, we were planning to install a new point-of-sale system for the store.  The original system was outdated and could not meet, nor keep up with, the demands of the store.  As luck would have it, both the COVID crisis and the supply chain problems interrupted our plans until August of this year.  We now have a state-of-the-art system that is both user friendly for our staff and volunteers, and easily adaptable for future needs.  The feedback from everyone has been very positive. As Michelle put it, “It’s a game changer for all of us.  We just love the new system.”

Another exciting bit of news is the addition of gift cards to the shopping experience.  Many of our customers had been asking for this option; however, it wasn’t until the addition of the new system that we were able to add this feature.  Customers can now buy gift cards in any denomination. 

There are not enough words to show our appreciation to all of the volunteers and staff who have brought Jazzy Junque to where it is today.  All net proceeds from the store go directly to support the programs at New Danville.  To say that we could not do it without them would be an understatement.  For this reason, we are committed to supporting the needs of Jazzy Junque and continuing to enhance the shopping experience for all of our valued customers.

“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”  Franklin D. Roosevelt

Once upon a time, a real group called the Secret Society of Happy People decided to dedicate a day to the pursuit of happiness. Members of the society wanted to let happy feelings linger inside them every day. In 2000, the Secret Society of Happy People expanded the celebration to Happiness Happens Month in August.

Here at New Danville we don’t have to look far for moments of happiness. Not to say that we do not have problems or challenges; however, we believe in being joyful for both the little and big successes, and always with a spirit of gratitude.  As I think back over this hot, hot summer that will soon come to an end, I’m reminded of the many moments of happiness that I have recently experienced.

This summer has been a thrill to observe the creative efforts of our Wranglers in their classes.  The Blushing Beauties class learning to make their own personal spa products and wax candles squares was a moment of sheer happiness.  The excitement of all of the ladies wanting me to smell their creations was pure joy of a job well done.  Likewise, the art class learned to make beautiful works of art through swirl painting.  The simplicity of the task did not match the creative beauty of their finished product.  Truly inspiring. 

These are but two snapshots of “the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.” Every day we at New Danville are reminded of this.  We’ve had a joyful summer and created great memories.  Whether the new Wranglers that attended the Summer Camp program, or the increased number of new Wranglers (110 as of this week!), we know that we are serving the needs of our community, creating opportunities to experience joy, and working as a team to achieve our goals. That is surely worth celebrating!

To all of our wonderful supporters and readers, just remember that happiness is right before our eyes.  All we have to do is look, or just drop by New Danville and experience the moments of happiness that will take you by surprise.

 “If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed.  The vision pulls you.”  Steve Jobs

This July I celebrate my fifth anniversary at New Danville!  It seems like it was just yesterday that I was the “new kid on the block.”  What an amazing five years it has been.  For all of my professional life, 40 years to be exact, I have served the needs of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or those needing similar supports.  From a case worker, to a department head, to Chief Executive Officer, I have pretty much done and seen it all.  Before coming to visit New Danville, I was at a point in my life that I was not sure that I wanted to continue in the same field of work.  I received a call from a former colleague that suggested that I visit New Danville since the executive and founder, Kathy Sanders, was retiring.  Out of courtesy I thought to myself “Why not?” and, as they say, “The rest is history.”

From the moment that I stepped foot on the campus, I could sense that New Danville was different.  As I toured the day program, I was very impressed with what I saw.  Adults were actively engaged in a variety of activities; folks were not sitting around coloring or working on puzzles.  Everywhere I looked clients participated in sewing class, art class, gardening, and so many other activities.  A genuine connection was felt between the clients and the staff.  You could feel the warmth and happiness from the clients.  I saw a program where mutual respect was evident and the clients had a voice in their choice of activities. When I toured Meadowbrook, it looked like a neighborhood just like any other.  I saw independent adults who were making their own life choices, not the typical group home model where everyone pretty much follows the same schedule.

I knew before I left that I would be honored to be part of this agency and continue the vision for New Danville.

Like any new endeavor, there were challenges ahead, some more difficult than others.  But, little by little, like laying stepping stones on a pathway, the vision for New Danville led the way.  The welcoming reception by the staff and clients was truly moving, and that of the families was humbling.  Together we learned to trust and rely on each other.  The Board of Directors has always been amazing in their trust, guidance and support.

And so, here I am, and here I will stay.  Whether guided by faith or happenstance, I am where I am meant to be.  We are moved by our vision in planning for our future.  A future that reflects growth for all of our services and expands the ways we serve our community. 

Here’s to our future, leading to our 20^th anniversary in 2025, where together we will be making great things happen.

“Somewhere, something incredible is to be known” Carl Sagan

Hard to believe that our Wrangler Gazette is celebrating one year this month!  What started as a “let’s see what we can put together,” has turned into a collection of incredible stories about our Wranglers, our staff, and our agency. These are stories that we are proud to tell and stories that we look forward to being known. 

Our goal has always been to share inspirational stories as we focus on the four pillars of our mission: Live, Learn, Work, and Grow.  Stories that portray our Wranglers as independent and productive; stories that reflect on their abilities rather than their disabilities; and stories that use their stories as “something incredible to be known” rather than as examples of their disabilities.

Likewise, we are proud to acknowledge all of our community partners and donors and the impact they have on our mission.  A healthy non-profit organization like New Danville strives for a wide network of partnerships to help it achieve its goals.  We are proud of our community and look forward to sharing this impact in every newsletter.

Our first year has also come with some amazing news. The Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD), in partnership with the University of Texas at Arlington’s Department of Communication and its College of Liberal Arts minor in disability studies program, put out a statewide call for nominations of outstanding media content for the annual Barbara Jordan Media Awards. The awards spotlight journalists who in 2021 portrayed people with disabilities through a positive, person-centered lens. Winners were selected by a panel of professional journalists, people with disabilities, and disability-service professionals. New Danville submitted Dion McInnis, Development Director, and the Wrangler Gazette for one of the categories.  I am very proud to report “something incredible to be known,” our Wrangler Gazette was selected as the 2022 winner in the newsletter category! Not too bad for our first year in print.

We hope that this past year we have kept you informed, enlightened you to understand the wonders of those we serve, and helped you appreciate how you are part of our success.  Here’s to many more wonderful stories to come.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”

                Audrey Hepburn

And so it is at New Danville.  Although we are not planting a garden, although we really do have a great vegetable garden, our garden consists of the beautiful people we serve.  Much like the flowers and trees we see blossoming, each of our adults is a unique, one of a kind, and ready to bloom.

These past five months, New Danville has seen a rapid growth in the number of clients we serve.  Like flowers popping up everywhere, so is our enrollment in the day program. Since March, we have added eleven new participants to the program, and a few more are due to come in June-July.  This is one of the fastest growth rates I have seen in my five years here.  At the core of this growth is the quality of the program we have. 

Summertime is an active and joyous time at New Danville.  Not only does it bring new clients through our summer program, opened to students 16 years old and up throughout the Montgomery County area, but it also brings new and fun activities.  Coming up in June is “Water Day,” a fun-filled day with water slides, dunking booth, and many other activities.  We will also have an outdoor fun day with games and treats, among many other activities. 

The Summer Program for older students in high school will run through July 29^th from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.  This is a wonderful way for students nearing their transition to get an idea of what a day program is all about.  Although we welcome all, slots are limited.  If you are interested in the program or know someone that might benefit from it, please visit our website and contact us to set up a visit. 

As reflected in the quote above, our program is our garden.  We believe in our program, in the adults that we serve, and in the promise of tomorrow.

“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.”

“Spring: a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can be”

Author Unknown

The month of March reminds us that change is coming and that spring is just around the corner.  We notice new buds on the tips of trees, and maybe even new patches of bluebonnets.  It is a magical time filled with longer days, trees and flowers blooming, and the return of green lawns.

Here at New Danville, every day is a magical time.  We hear laughter and joy.  We experience first-hand our adults learning new things.  We get to hear stories of what happened over the weekend and who broke up with whom.  Our Wranglers help us to appreciate what is truly important in life: friendship, love, and the appreciation for the smallest of things in our lives. As you read this edition of our Wrangler Gazette, you too will see what a magical place we have here at New Danville.  A community filled with caring staff and with inspiring stories in the lives of our Wranglers.

The month of March also brings to mind all things celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.  One of those things is the four-leaf clover.  A rarity of nature, it symbolizes Faith, Love, Hope, and Good Fortune.  We are fortunate in that what has been created at New Danville is reminiscent of the four-leaf clover.  We are filled with a sense of faith that no matter the hurdles before us, a higher power is guiding us forward.  We have love for those we serve and a genuine love for what we do.  We are full of hope for a bigger and brighter future, and we know that with a little luck, our good fortune will see our vision for the future become a reality.

All of us here extend our deep gratitude to all of our volunteers, donors, families and community partners in helping us continue to provide a place for personal growth and joy, where our Wranglers can live, learn, work and grow.

 “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 22^nd 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!

“Unity is strength…when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.”   Mattie Stepanek

The mission of New Danville is to provide adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to live enriched and purposeful lives.  We could not continue to pursue our goals and mission if not for the expertise, leadership, compassion, and generosity of our Board of Directors. New Danville is extremely fortunate and grateful to the directors for their guidance that has shaped our growth throughout the years.  

Our members typically serve a three-year term with an option to renew a second term.  They volunteer their time and energy to directly impact our community and our organization. The 14-member rotating Board aims for both diversity of perspective and depth of expertise, and a strength is that with our staggered terms, the Board is always changing.  We would like to thank our outgoing members, particularly our Board Chair, Danielle Schneider, who has dutifully served during these turbulent COVID times.  Likewise, a heartfelt “thank you” to members that have stepped into officer roles: Board Chair: Christin Allphin, Lead, Healthcare Commercial Banking Group and Business Banking Team of Woodforest: Vice-Chair/Counsel: Brittany Sloan, Managing Attorney, Brittany Sloan Law; Treasurer: Reece Goodman, Managing Partner of TechCXO, LLC in Texas: and, Secretary: Odette D’Agostino, Managing Director of the billboard division of D’Agostino Outdoor.

Lastly, and equally important, we are pleased to announce the addition of new members to our board that have been added in the past few months, were nominated by the governance committee, and voted onto the board by the New Danville membership.  Those members include Pat Riley, Construction Manager, Blyel Engineering; Connie Mahaffey, Parent Representative; Deven Hennessey, Director Life Insurance Marketing, EMG Insurance Brokerage; Haley Garcia, Real Estate Broker and Team Leader, Haley Garcia Group; Troy Perkins, Vice President, Perkins Financial; and, Eric Rabel, Director of Development, Howard Hughes Corporation (The Woodlands).

We value each and every member of our executive board. We thank them for making the lives of the people we serve matter. For their ability to see a better world. For being all that they are and doing all that they do. We appreciate your service and look forward to your continued guidance as we move forward with our plans for a bigger and brighter future.

Thank You!

“TEAMWORK – coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.”   Henry Ford

Dear Friends, Families, and Supporters:

I would like to focus this month’s article on the incredible teams that we are blessed to have here at New Danville.  Teams can be defined as a group of people coming together to fulfill a goal or have a united purpose.  It is that sense of united purpose that keeps all of us, whether staff or volunteers, moving forward for the benefit of those we serve.  

Working alongside our incredible board of directors, our team of management staff tackles the strategic, operational, and fundraising objectives to help us continue to be a successful agency.  Likewise, the heart of our agency is the team of direct support professionals who serve and support our clients.  Their daily commitment to a high level of quality is truly inspirational.  Without them, we would not be able to accomplish our daily “small victories.” Our team of support employees, whether it is program support, landscaping, or maintenance, all make sure that the staff and clients live, learn, work and grow in a safe and beautiful facility. 

Lastly, our dedicated team of volunteers–whether it is a corporate group coming in for a one-day beautification project, those supporting our program areas, or our committed core of volunteers who operate Jazzy Junque six days a week—provide their selfless service that is priceless and leads to our success.  Amongst our volunteers, one was recently nominated as the Houston Texans Community Quarterback Award 2021 recipient.  This is an annual award issued by the Texans football organization for an outstanding volunteer selected from the Greater Houston area.  Although the efforts and accomplishments of this year’s recipient would not have been possible without the support of the entire Jazzy Junque team of volunteers, we are extremely proud of our very own Odette D’Agostino as this year’s award recipient.  Not only has she been recognized for her selfless service, but as an added bonus, New Danville will receive $25,000 from the Houston Texans organization.  

As Helen Keller wrote, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Not a bad way to end the year!

“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.

October is set aside as the month to recognize the value of employees with disabilities, including adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  This month we highlight the National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), as well as the 30^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

People with disabilities have too often been excluded from participating in basic civic activities like using the public transportation system, serving on a jury, voting, or simply attending a high school sports event with family and friends. The ADA is a federal civil rights law that was passed in 1990 and went into effect beginning in 1992. Its purpose is to protect people with disabilities from discrimination in employment and in accessing needed services in their communities. The integration of people with disabilities into the mainstream of American life is a fundamental purpose of the ADA.

NDEAM is held each October to commemorate the many and varied contributions of people with disabilities to America’s workplaces and economy.  This year the theme for NDEAM 2021, “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In doing our part, we would like to highlight the many wonderful faces of some of our adults who are a thriving force in their respective places of employment.  We are very proud of their accomplishments and dedication to their jobs.  We’d like to see this number grow!  If you’d like more information on the value of employing adults with disabilities, I am but a call away.

We have plans for expanding our Job Readiness and Support Program for the benefit of our clients and area businesses. I would like to thank the Woodforest Charitable Foundation for their support of this initiative which you will be hearing more about in the future.