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.)
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.
We love trees…use them to honor those you love… and reflections on a year
To plant trees is to give body and life to one’s dreams of a better world. – Russell Page
Last month marked my one-year anniversary at New Danville. The cliché states, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” This past year has gone by at warp speed. I’m proud of the things that I’ve been able to contribute to New Danville; I am blessed to be part of the team and of the family of Wranglers and clients that New Danville is composed of.
From April 2014 to March 2021 was weird for me and my career, but that is what it took to get me here. Divine intervention on a career path rarely results in a straight line. As I look out my office window to the beautiful environment, I ponder, “Was I planted or am I planting?” Yes. I was brought here to grow, and to grow things (plans, programs, funding, visibility, etc.) It is exciting to be part of shaping New Danville’s future of service to adults with special needs. Great things are coming…keep watching/reading for updates!
Speaking of planting for the future…
April 29 is Arbor Day this year, a recognition that celebrates trees. It has been a national cause since the late 1800s. Every day at New Danville feels like Arbor Day thanks to the beautiful environment here. Our vision includes additional beautification of our campus with a park and main road lined by live oaks. This effort is part of a much more expansive plan for campus additions and renovations that you will be hearing more about soon.
Russell Page’s quote conveys our mission at New Danville…create a better world, one corner at a time, for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We will be planting young live oaks in 2022, each of which will be available for sponsorship. Donors will be able to honor a legacy at their tree with a recognition plate that will be on a stand by the tree. Along with the name, donors will be able to add about 50 words of text. The trees, that can live to be centuries old, will stand as reminders of the dreams of many for a better world for special needs people.
Though we are not yet ready to roll out the formal order form, we are now taking non-binding reservations for trees. There will be a limited number – probably 40-50 – that are available. We project the cost for each will be about $1,500. We will contact the names on the “call me” list as soon as we have the prices and details ironed out. Though it is early in the process, the month of Arbor Day seemed like the perfect time to share this with our friends and donors.
To be added to the advance list, please email me at Dion.McInnis@NewDanville.org; being added to the list is not a commitment, but simply a desire to be notified ahead of mass marketing of the opportunity when the details are finalized. Feel free to call if you have any questions or if you simply want to hear a cool New Danville story. I can be reached at 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.
“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.
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.
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.
Wranglers line up to fill their water bottles at the new water-and-ice machine located in the Classroom Building. A new water station has been placed in the ETC Building, too, for the Wrangler IIs. The purchase of both machines was made possible by a grant from Montgomery County Community Foundation. Thank you, Montgomery County Community Foundation.
As a man who loved Boy Scouts and camping as a kid, Brad believes New Danville’s Meadowbrook community is a great place to live. Having lived in a variety of places over the years, being “in the country,” which is a first for him, suits him fine. Leaving the temperatures of Illinois behind, his solution for the heat of Texas is simple: “Don’t go out.”
Brad likes being able to take walks and enjoy nature. “It is healthy. It is good for you,” he said about his jaunts. He has always enjoyed walking, recalling his walks to school and church when he was younger. Walking is not his only way of getting around.
“I drive,” he said. “I go to the grocery store, my mom’s and the library. I don’t go on the highway though. That would be dangerous.”
Brad remembers first learning about New Danville when there was little development on the campus. He didn’t move here until years later. “I have seen a lot of changes. There is a lot here now,” he said.
Brad enjoys cooking a lot and is happy to share with others his menu of the day or day before. When asked whether he took the culinary class at New Danville, he shook his head. “No, I have been cooking a long time. I enjoy it.”
Does New Danville’s environment inspire him to try camping again? “I like camping. Tent camping, like in Scouts. Not big trailer camping. I don’t think I could camp outside like I used to. It is too cold.” Part of life is leaving behind some activities and learning new ones, which Brad embraces fully at New Danville.
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.
Michelle Willie fondly remembers when Jazzy Junque, New Danville’s upscale home décor resale store in the Outlets in Conroe, first opened for business. She never expected to be working there, but is excited about the opportunity.
“I worked at Dress Barn in the Outlets in Conroe for 14 years. When they closed their stores, I figured I would retire. A year and one-half later, I wanted to get back to the retail world. I got the itch to be back around people. I started at Jazzy Junque as a part-time cashier. In February, I became the retail manager and couldn’t be happier.”
Michelle was pleasantly surprised at the number of her former customers who are also Jazzy Junque shoppers. “It is wonderful to see old acquaintances as well as meet new people every day,” she said.
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.
Anyone interested in volunteering at Jazzy Junque can fill out this form. To learn more about the store or to sign up for its newsletter, contact the store at 936-441-4500.
“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!”
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.”
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.”
