Newsletter - New Danville

Development Corner – April 2022

Honoring others

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.

From the CEO – March 2022

Eva Aguirre, president and CEO of New Danville nonprofit

“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.

Upcoming Events – March 2022

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.

In the News – March 2022

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.

Live – March 2022

Brad likes Meadowbrook’s style

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.

Learn – March 2022

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.

Work – March 2022

Meet Jazzy Junque’s new retail manager

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.

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.

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

“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!