Work – September 2021

When a neighbor needs help, you do what you can, whether it is helping with a project, moving something heavy, or whatever is needed. When the neighbor is a state, the response is the same: Do what you can.  The New Danville family recently stepped up for its neighbors to the East, providing work in service.

Neighbors in Louisiana need help and the New Danville family recently had a project that involves moving something heavy:  New Danville helped to collect non-perishable food, bottled water, cleaning supplies, diapers, hand wipes/sanitizers, pet food, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, and other items needed by those who suffered from the effects of Hurricane Ida. Donations were collected at Jazzy Junque, New Danville’s upscale home décor resale shop in the south end of Outlets at Conroe.  Donated Items were taken to The Woodlands Methodist Church to be delivered to those in need.

It takes friends to help neighbors in challenging endeavors.  The Spring location of Two Men and a Truck has again collaborated with New Danville. Steve Ziara said of his moving company, “We’ve enjoyed our nearly 15 years of collaborating with New Danville. They do so much for the community and we are happy to do what we can with this latest effort by New Danville to help others.”

Odette D’Agostino, a New Danville Board Member and Co-Founder of Jazzy Junque, hails from Louisiana and was quick to act, rallying volunteers to gather and share donations.

Steve said, “Most of our jobs start and/or end in Montgomery County. We are very familiar with the area whether it is for our own clients or for the items we pick up from people who are donating to Jazzy Junque. It does not surprise me at all that the people of this area would step up so quickly to help our Louisiana neighbors.”

Live – September 2021

Living on site and working at New Danville has helped both Anthony’s and Morgan’s careers, but in ways different than first expected. The decision to move to New Danville sounds like something from an HGTV show.

Antony and Morgan

Anthony was attending nursing school and working with a Wrangler when, in 2017, a coincidence of conditions brought him to New Danville as a staff member. New Danville’s leadership wanted to find someone who would be available to the Wranglers in the evenings and weekends, and could provide some basic medical assistance when needed. While attending a Parent Night meeting on behalf of his client, Anthony learned of the plan and, of the just-vacated home. 

He called his then-girlfriend, Morgan, and told her of a housing opportunity. “It’s a bit different of a situation,” he said.

“We were looking for a place to live,” Morgan said. “As soon as he brought me out here, I fell in love with it. It was unconventional but nearly perfect. After we walked through the house, I asked, “Can we do something with those cabinets?  That color has to go. Can we paint them?’ They agreed and here we are,” she said with a smile.

Anthony graduated from nursing school in 2019 and now works in an ICU unit, and Morgan recently graduated with a psychology major and human services minor. Morgan provides assistance to a few Wrangler residents.

Both observed that working at New Danville has helped their career experiences by teaching them better communications skills and patience.

Development Corner – August 2021

The humble windmill is part of New Danville’s identity. It appears in our logo and the windmill that is on-site serves as the location for our Founders Circle donor recognition. It is the character of the windmill that inspired us to name our new planned giving donor recognition The Windmill Society.

Windmills are persistent, faithful to their work, and responsive, no matter which way the wind blows. The windmill will be the icon for our new planned giving recognition society. Anyone who chooses to include New Danville in their estate plans, or as part of another planned giving tool, and notifies us of their intent, will be recognized as a member of The Windmill Society.

This is an important step for New Danville, and we couldn’t have done it without the loyal support of so many donors over the years. We now look upon a new future with a bold vision that includes program expansion, capital improvements and more. This is the perfect time to more visibly seek and recognize planned giving donors. Planned giving offers a myriad of options to creatively support the causes you believe in while benefitting your heirs.

More details will be explained in upcoming promotional materials and on our web site. We will have an annual event recognizing all our donors with presentations and acknowledgements for the various levels and types of donors. Members of The Windmill Society will receive a special gift that represents the importance, steadfastness and visionary aspect of their contribution.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information about New Danville as a beneficiary of your planned giving goals.  Dion McInnis:  Dion.McInnis@NewDanville.org; 936-253-5757.

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.

A Wrangler’s Tale – August 2021

“They are my heart,” says direct support professional Debbie Rigsby. It shows. Debbie works with our Wrangler IIs and it is pretty clear she is theirs, too.

Wrangler IIs have more challenges than the Wranglers and need special attention and assistance. Some are nonverbal. “Our goal is always to help our clients develop as many skills and as much independence as possible. Some days are better than others, of course, but every day is a good day in its own way.”

The Wrangler IIs have had exciting opportunities lately, thanks to the generosity of New Danville friends. The weather wreaked havoc with scheduling plans for the new Catch and Release class where Wranglers get to fish (link to past article). For most of the summer, only Wrangler IIs had the opportunity to participate. While attention spans may be short, the joy is not on these expeditions. With staff members taking care of baiting hooks and removing the “trophy” bluegill of the day, the Wrangler IIs were able to enjoy the outdoors, serenity, and simple pleasures of catching fish.

“Anything we can provide that gives them a sense of independence, normalcy, and socialization is good. Every small step is a big win,” Debbie said.

When it comes to dancing — there is a lot of music enjoyment and dancing at New Danville — the Wrangler IIs enjoy the movement and socialization. Next to the assembly room that also serves as the lunchroom, dance hall, and movie theater, is a more quiet space for the Wrangler IIs to enjoy being part of the crowd but distanced from the noise and commotion.

Achievement matters. Every class and program strives to offer opportunities for achievement and accomplishment. Thanks to a recent contribution (link to story), the Wrangler IIs are using iPads with apps designed specifically for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With them, they are enjoying the successes of coloring, playing games, communicating ideas with icons, and much more.

“My mentor told me years ago,” said CEO Eva Aguirre, “that all joy is equal. The joy the Wrangler IIs show with every success reminds me of his words from many years ago. They epitomize his wisdom.”

Grow – August 2021

Friendships and physical activities are a big part of our growth. 
Earlier this month, our friends at Bridgewood Farms helped us meet both of these needs. 

The Friendship Day included sending 25 Wranglers and staff for a fun-filled morning of volleyball.  Not sure who won, but the folks at Bridgewood Farms get extra points for their hospitality.  After working up an appetite on the volleyball court, everyone was treated to a wonderful lunch.   Looking forward to hosting our new friends at New Danville later this fall.

Guest Voices – August 2021

John Massey, Direct Support Professional

It was great timing that led me to New Danville.  My daughter, Julia, was born a few months before I retired from Southwestern Bell in Houston.  After five years of being Mr. Mom, I was needing something new to do. My sister, Kathy Sanders, had gotten some miniature horses to start a program for special needs adults. She asked if I would like to learn about horses and help her get the program started. Loving the outdoors, it was the perfect retirement job for me.

I love working with the Wranglers, watching their growth and accomplishments. I enjoy watching them learn, and I feel that I have learned a lot working here, too. I learned about patience, though I come from a laid back, patient family; I learned more patience here. The most important thing I’ve learned is to be thankful for the little things in life and to be thankful for helping create a place where the Wranglers can come and be themselves.

My time at New Danville has shown me that there are so many high-functioning adults with special needs who need a place to meet new friends and learn new things.

Another thing learned working with the Wranglers is something I wish everyone, everywhere could learn:  tolerance. Tolerance of others, who they are and how they are would go a long way in this world. None of the people with special needs asked to be the way they are, but I believe when they get to heaven there will be no disabilities.

John Massey has been with New Danville since its inception. He works primarily in the animal therapy program, but also has led music and song with the Wranglers singing and signing while he plays guitar.

Work – August 2021

David Wallace has participated in the New Danville day program since its early beginnings.  He began the program in 2008 when there were less than 15 participants.  In 2010, he moved into his very own one-bedroom duplex.  When I asked him why he likes living here, he stated “I wouldn’t have it any other way.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my parents and visiting them, but this is my home.  I’m independent here”. 

It is this sense of “I can” independence that he also carries to his employment.  David has worked as an HEB associate for 18 years.  I asked him what keeps him motivated and he simply stated, “I like to make money and have my own money to buy things.  I feel good about myself.  We are just like everybody else.”  David’s success as an employee is reflective of the values that New Danville upholds and instills in all of its participants: the belief that every adult has a sense of purpose and worth. 

David started working at HEB in Tomball in 2003 and now works in the Conroe area.  He says HEB is a great place to work.  He really likes his co-workers because everyone is “very nice and respectful, and they pay really well”.

It is easy to see how David is living his best life.

Learn – August 2021

It is unanimous. Each Wrangler who participated in a recent trip to NASA Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston that was sponsored by Texas Special Children’s Project agrees, “I want to go again!” While the trip was fun, it was also informative.

Several Wranglers shared some of what they learned on the special day.

Among the things discovered during the tours was how the race to the moon began with the famous speech by President John F. Kennedy. Caitlin said, “President Kennedy had a big part in launching the space race. He had an important speech.”

The Saturn V rocket impressed many Wranglers. Pam described it as “biiiiiiiiiiiggggg,” as she smiled while describing it. Amy was impressed with the rockets, too. She said she could be an astronaut, “except for the fact that I am afraid of heights.” Jayden, however, said he could be an astronaut, based on a quiz the Wranglers took to see if they were compatible with the characteristics of astronauts.

The realities of life in space surprised many Wranglers. Caitlin said that learning how astronauts eat in space was interesting and space ice cream tastes very good. “That surprised me,” she said. As for the many adventures of astronauts, the Apollo 13 experience moved Ivan the most. “It touched my heart for the astronauts,” he said, “because of how scared they must have been.”

A number of “life in space” realities interested Wranglers, like how astronauts use the bathroom in space, and how they wash their hair. For Amy, learning about how astronauts live in space was the most intriguing information. Caitlin was intrigued about future travel to Mars – “They found water on Mars now.” – while Jayden was excited to hear that NASA plans to return to the moon. Whatever comes next in NASA’s long history of exploration, the Wranglers of New Danville will be cheering them on.

A HUGE Thank You to the Texas Special Children’s Project for making this trip possible!

Live – August 2021

“He doesn’t like stopping for anything,” Kathy said about her son, Kenny, who has lived at Meadowbrook for ten years.

“He always takes the brakes off his bike. Always. Always has, always will.”

Kenny certainly likes to be “going”…going bowling, going into town, going to New Danville’s day programs, going around Meadowbrook to say hello to all his neighbors… When he does slow down, he enjoys sitting on his front porch, enjoying the view of New Danville’s hills and neighboring cattle.

Kenny cited several things that he likes about living in Meadowbrook, New Danville’s residential community. When asked what his favorite thing about living on site was, he quickly responded.  “My friends.  Definitely my friends.”

Kathy explained that Kenny had an injury as a child that changed life. As a teacher, she learned about various programs and opportunities available to adults with special needs after they graduate from high school. “New Danville was still new,” she said, “but Kenny and I liked the environment here.  And it was affordable.” An opportunity presented itself whereby she could pay for a house to be built in Meadowbrook so Kenny would have a place to live. Her support and philanthropically minded contractors enabled her to have a house built, which she donated to New Danville. She remains active as a parent volunteer in support of the Wranglers.

He admits to wanting more things to do in the off-hours, though he keeps himself busy by brushing the animals in the animal therapy program, playing video games with his friends, and exploring the campus, usually by bicycle.  Kenny said he hopes New Danville has a community center someday with a pool table. He demonstrates the motion of stroking a pool cue, grinning at the thought of shooting a game of pool. In the meantime, he will remain on the go.

He loves riding his bike.  When asked how he stops without brakes, he said “I use my feet.” 

“Like Fred Flintstone?”  Kenny nodded with a big smile.  “Yes, yes.” As his mom reminds, Kenny lives on the go and in the moment, and usually with his warm grin.

Upcoming Events – August 2021

Coming Soon!  Charbonneau Family Building ribbon cutting September 3, 10 a.m. to noon.

“Into the Woods” Halloween Party: Join the Into the Woods Halloween Party on October 30, presented by The Woodlands Charities. Part of the proceeds will benefit New Danville. Reduced price for tickets until September 1. Please remember to identify New Danville as your chosen nonprofit.

Spring Thing, April 22, 2022, To hat or not to hat, that is the question. Mark your calendars!

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.

Save the date.  More information will be coming over the next few months.

Reminder: Are we Open? When we have to close due to inclement weather, we will update our website here: https://www.newdanville.org/status/

(we will also update our voicemail message at 936-344-6200 and add a Facebook post and email all clients, staff, and providers)

A great employee is like a four-leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have

Eva Aguirre, president and CEO of New Danville nonprofit

“A great employee is like a four-leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have.”  Tammy Cohen

Although March 5, 2021, was the national Employee Appreciation Day, I want to take this moment to say just how very lucky New Danville is when it comes to employees.  In my time here, I have had the pleasure of working with some of the most dedicated employees I have ever met.  Their job is not easy, but they do it with grace and genuine affection for those we serve.  They bring passion and dedication in making a positive difference in the lives of so many. It truly is an absolute privilege to have them on our team.  It is hard to express just how much we value each and every one of them.

Of particular pride is our very low turnover rate.  The national average for Direct Support Professionals is a shocking 51.3%.  For 2020, New Danville had a turnover rate of 2%.  For many agencies, employees leave faster than they can be replaced and this has a detrimental effect on adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The constant change in staff and lack of routine and consistency impacts not only operations but more importantly the quality of service being offered.  Luckily, our adults have support staff that are dedicated, passionate, and committed to our mission.  Their ability to work as a team and pitch in to help each other is admirable.  This past year with the COVID-19 crisis, our employees worked together to help us through the worst of times.  And, even though some had to be furloughed for an extended period of time, they have all returned to their positions.  We are the best at what we do because we have the best employees. Whether it is in direct support, maintenance, grounds keeping, or office support staff, we truly have the best of the best.

It is easy to hire people; it’s much harder to keep them, and especially hard to hire the right people that are committed to doing this kind of work.  On behalf of myself, and the entire management team, we would like to express just how valuable each and every employee is to the success of New Danville.  We look forward to our vision for the future and to what we can accomplish together.