Category: LEARN

Taste Buds Teach Wranglers About the World

“I sometimes wonder how much more I would have learned about the world’s cultures if I had the chance to learn in the kitchen,” said Direct Support Professional Trish Woods with a chuckle. Trish leads a new addition to the curriculum this semester, Baking Around the World, which has caught the attention, and taste buds, of the Wranglers.

The class involves the Wranglers in all phases, i.e., picking the country they want to learn about, reviewing recipes from the selected country, shopping for the ingredients and baking.  “Don’t forget the taste tasting,” Trish added upon review of the ways the Wranglers participate. They agreed.

When asked what they enjoy most about the class, the Wranglers’ votes were unanimous:  “Eating!”

They have a good reason for such unanimity. Some of the most popular desserts include South African Malva Pudding Cake, Crème Brule Sugar Cookies, and Swedish Visiting Cake.

Cooking is not the only component of the class, however. While learning about baking goodies, the Wranglers learn about the countries from which the recipes are derived.  “We put the mmmm in live, learn, work and grow,” Trish said. The Wranglers agree!

Martha Haag— Learning by Immersion

“I’ve lived, learned, worked and grown at New Danville for 15 years,” said Martha Haag, echoing the nonprofit’s tag line. She is a longtime volunteer at New Danville and at Jazzy Junque, the upscale home décor resale store in Conroe that benefits New Danville.  “I jumped in head first and my life changed because of it.”

Martha’s roles have included working with the animal therapy program, serving on the board, volunteering at Jazzy Junque and helping with various fundraising events and other activities. “I had never worked with special needs adults before,” Martha said, “but I had worked with kids with special needs. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was immediately smitten. The Wranglers are so sharp and anxious to learn. Sometimes they need an extra pair of hands or an extra set of eyes to help them achieve, but they love learning new things. My friends ask if it requires a lot of patience. No, it doesn’t. It just takes a bit more time.”

Her volunteer experience at New Danville began with the miniature horses. “It is the only thing that I kind of knew something about,” she said. “I don’t sew, paint or cook, so helping with the animals was where I felt I could best fit in. I learned a lot about them and worked alongside John Massey, who became a lifelong friend.”

Spending time creates connections and understanding. She has seen those results in her time at Jazzy Junque.  Martha returned to the store as soon as it was possible after the COVID lockdowns. Wednesdays are her days and she proudly proclaims, “We’re an incredible crew! We have a lot of fun and I get a lot of joy out of it. It feels good to be appreciated.” She began with Jazzy Junque before it was the store operation that it is now; then, it was called Jazzy Junque Market. She has learned much about people and friendships during her time there.

“By volunteering, I learned a lot about people and life. It has been nothing but a joy,” she added.

On the Job Training…about People

“What strikes me,” Randy McCaffety said, “is that I have learned so much about people, particularly those with special needs. Everyone is different; everyone has ways they want to communicate.”

Randy started with New Danville in November 2021 as a driver. “I learned a lot about the Wrangler 2s and their lives while driving,” he said, “but now, being in the classroom with them all day, I have learned a lot more.” Randy recently stepped in as direct support professional to work with the group of those who need additional support and attention. While temporarily filling the gap, he felt that he grew.

Randy said that he loves to shake things up for the Wrangler 2s. He uses storytelling as an opportunity to improvise during parts of the storybook that he is reading from. “I like to interject jokes and add humor to their day. It is all part of having fun. They learn and grow during fun times, I believe.”

One of the characteristics that has most caught his attention is their innocence. “I think that makes it hard for them in society today.” Another is their desire to communicate. “They’re smart and they find ways to share when they want to get a point across. Even if they can’t verbalize, they find a way.”

“I’ve also learned that some doors are opened for you. Some are knocked down so you can enter. I was sent here for a reason. I am learning more about the reason every day.”

His growth came about because of the growth in New Danville enrollment.  With the recent addition of new direct support professionals, he then returned to his other roles. “People growing in different ways at different times is a sign of a committed team,” said Eva Aguirre, President and CEO.

Mixing customized beauty

The Wranglers’ favorite thing about the newest class offering for day program attendees?  The smell!

They call the class Blushing Beauty, but it could be called Lotions and Potions. Wranglers get to make their own beauty products with the scent that each is looking for. “They come up with some interesting combinations,” according to Direct Support Professional Melissa Varney. “I admit, the production area where class is held sure smells nice after each class.”

To personalize their output even more, class participants get to design their own labels for the bottles that hold their special lotions.

“The Wranglers do it all,” Melissa said. “They do the research for various recipes, test the various recipes to see which ones they like and then decide what to make. Frankly, some of the things they have made are better than what can be found in stores,” she added with a proud smile.

Wranglers learn kitchen skills – measuring, blending, mixing and pouring – while creating their products. “Like everything at New Danville,” Melissa said, “we try to use every class as a way for Wranglers to learn skills they can use in life and not just in class. We continue to move their boundaries and then empower them to reach that limit; then we move the boundaries again. We don’t think about limits; we think of possibilities.”

Wranglers enjoy the creative and practical lessons learned in class, but they enjoy using their products even more!

“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!”

New semester:  New classes and popular favorites return

A new semester for the day program at New Danville started on March 14. Wranglers will be welcoming back some classes they haven’t seen in a while and a new one. “We get input from the Wranglers,” said program coordinator, Nicole Martinez, “and pick up a vibe of the type of things they are looking for. We want to be sure they get plenty of choices that are fun, exciting and different. ‘Blushing Beauty’ is one such new class.”

“Blushing Beauty” brings New Danville’s experiences in the production of bath and beauty products to Wranglers for their own supplies. Class attendees will be able to concoct and make their own products, as well as design their own, unique label for the products’ containers.  Wranglers working in the production department create a variety of products that are sold at New Danville’s online store, as well as at Jazzy Junque. Now, that expertise will benefit participants in the new class.

Several popular classes are returning — “Back by popular demand,” as the old saying goes.  Included in the new schedule are scrapbooking, golf cart driving, Trivial Pursuit ™, American Sign Language and Giving Back. The latter class offers Wranglers a chance to help with the needs of nonprofits and organizations in the community. Their efforts to help Keep US Fed-Montgomery County caught the attention of local media in October as this story reveals. Wranglers keep coming up with ideas. They are going to have a busy, fun spring.

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.”

Learning confidence heading into a new year

When asked “How have you learned to have confidence going into 2022?” Wranglers Kevin, Robert, Mariann, and Lisa shared ideas that were more grand than simple tips…they were wise insights.

While confidence is thought of as an individual trait, Wranglers also emphasized the role of family, friends, and social contacts as key to their sense of confidence.

Kevin summarized the group’s thoughts when he said, “Don’t be afraid to learn new things.” Words to live by.

Kevin believes his confidence will increase when the pandemic is over. “I will be able to take care of my family then,” he said, elaborating with examples of being able to get together with them, socialize with them, and such, all of which produces a better outlook and optimism. He learned that video calls, writing notes, and making calls are not substitutes for family time, but they help fill the gaps in contact created by the current conditions.

Lisa agreed. Being with, around, and in contact with her extended family is crucial and she believes her confidence improves with that contact.

Mariann said that she is learning to feel more positive about herself, and feeling that way improves her confidence. “I have things to learn and work to do,” she said. After some thoughtful consideration, she said, “I come to New Danville ready to take on the day and forget the past.” Kevin noted, “Mariann seems to get stronger every day.”

“Expect greatness every day,” Robert said. “Understand that the road of life is not just for the mountaintops; it is the whole road. Learn while in the dips so you can understand the top,” he remarked, reminding the group that learning that perspective will definitely affect confidence.

Learning something as complicated as confidence is certain to come with challenges and hurdles. These Wranglers easily identified the biggest impediment to their learning.

Kevin: “Do it without giving up.”

Lisa: “Have faith in yourself.”

Robert: “See it in yourself before others will be able to see it in you.”

Mariann:  “Have faith in who you are.”