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.

Dion McInnis, Development Director

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

Eva Aguirre, president and CEO of New Danville nonprofit

 “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 22nd 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!

Upcoming Events – February 2022

REMINDER: The day program will be CLOSED on Monday, February 21st for ‘In-Service’ staff training.

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.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a presentation by members of New Danville’s Drama Club. Open to the public, this show will begin at 2:00 p.m. See this classic as you’ve never seen it before and have a great time with the New Danville Wranglers.  Contact Lili at 936-344-6200 for more information.

Reminder: Our Holiday schedule can be found at https://www.newdanville.org/holidays/

New Danville will be CLOSED the following days in 2022:

Staff In-Service Day (New Danville Closed)Monday, February 21
Memorial DayMonday, May 30
Independence DayMonday, July 4
Labor DayMonday, September 5
Staff In-Service Day (New Danville Closed)Monday, October 10
ThanksgivingThursday, November 24
ThanksgivingFriday, November 25
ChristmasFriday, December 23
Christmas Monday, December 26
New Year’s Friday, December 30

Fundraising Factoid

It costs, on average, $100 per day for various transportation costs. The fees that our clients pay cover only a portion of the actual cost. Please consider adopting a day, a week or a month. You can make recurring gifts if you prefer or donate gas cards. Just note “transportation” with your donation.  Donate.NewDanville.org

In the News – February 2022

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Comes to New Danville

Parent volunteer Connie Mahaffey works with a few of the cast members from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The drama club will present the show on Feb. 24.

Text System Improves Communications

New Danville is in the process of rolling out a texting system to inform families, caregivers, providers, and staff of important urgent information when needed. This will be used when we have close due to weather or other urgent/last-minute notices. This will be in addition to email, Facebook, and website updates. To Opt-in for these texts, please click https://forms.gle/Bka5YtTV7adRUF1TA

Live – February 2022

Looking back at life at New Danville

John lived at New Danville for several years, but had to recently change where he calls home. Still a Wrangler (day program participant), he was happy to share his thoughts about his time as a resident.

The easiest summary of John’s observations about living at New Danville would involve two words:  fun and friends.

He enjoyed hanging out with his friends. Among the many activities he enjoyed with his friends were joking around, watching television – the show MASH and wrestling on Monday were his favorites – spending time with the miniature horses and donkeys and playing basketball. Living here he could play basketball whenever he wanted, with friends or by himself.

“Sometimes on Friday we would go for pizza,” he said. “That was always fun, too.”

Among his favorite solo activities was riding his bicycle. “I like the quiet.  Sometimes I would ride around the houses and ride around the road. I like to do that a lot.”

He enjoyed having friends nearby and having a place where his sisters could come visit. In a word, it was independence.

Learn – February 2022

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.”

Work – February 2022

It’s not the work, it’s the people

Holly has held a variety of jobs since high school as well as a few volunteer roles. Her mother, Carolyn, said that jobs are part of the formula to be sure that Holly’s days are fulfilling to her by being busy in activities that make her feel useful, needed and appreciated.  While those may be the outcomes, to Holly there is one thing that matters:  people. What she likes about all the jobs she has had is the people.

Currently working as a volunteer at the Walker County Senior Center, she helps seniors with the various games and activities they offer. Her favorite is Wii bowling, a virtual version of the game that uses the body motions required for the sport. “I like to help them with bingo, too,” Holly added with her ever-ready big smile. She hopes that the volunteer role will turn into a job in the future.

When asked if she believes that her work helps make people happy, she replied, “Oh yes!”  But who is happier after working with the seniors, her or them?  She laughed while pointing at herself, “Me!”

Holly has enjoyed being around people in jobs ranging from bussing tables at various restaurants to packaging seals in plastic bags to working in a nonprofit’s thrift store. Not surprisingly, what she loved most about all the jobs was the people she worked with and the customers.

One “job” that she is particularly excited about is that of being an aunt. She is about to be an aunt again, making it the eighth time. She is thrilled.

“People are good to me,” Holly said. Perhaps that is because she reveals how much she likes them.

Grow – February 2022

A job growing to the size of her heart

Wranglers are not the only people who grow at New Danville; so do team members. For program coordinator, Nicole Martinez, her professional growth here enabled her to find a role equal to the size of her heart.

“I have always had the heart,” she said, “and this role enabled me to grow into it. This is what I should have done all my life. I know that I would have appreciated life more if I could have found a way to work in this field sooner.”

She started at New Danville several years ago as a part-time assistant who worked the phones at the front desk in the Classroom Building. Her heart drove her interest which inspired her curiosity; the rest is, as they say, history.

“I watched the Wranglers and our Direct Support Professionals. I wanted to be more involved so I offered to help with classes. My boss gave me a chance to help as a substitute art teacher.  I’m no artist, but the class and I had a great time.”

Nicole became curious about the various guidelines and processes required to operate an agency for special needs.  She researched files, notes and anything else she could find.  Her knowledge grew as did her commitment to the clients. “I wanted to know more about the Wranglers and their stories.”

Then-new president and CEO, Eva Aguirre, offered her a new position as program coordinator. “I realized I had the skills and the knowledge to help,” Nicole said, “but I was afraid.  I did not want to screw up and let the clients down. The world is mean enough. They didn’t deserve someone dropping the ball.”

Instead, Nicole ran with the ball and has been instrumental in developing a variety of new classes and programs. Not only has Nicole grown, but so has New Danville’s ability to empower Wranglers to live, learn, work and grow.

A Wrangler’s Tale – February 2022

If it is February, then it must be Valentines…and the anniversary for Meadowbrook residents, Amanda and Mark. Happy second anniversary!

Their story has many of the features of a Hallmark movie.

They met in 2014, both being residents of New Danville’s Meadowbrook residential area. Their first date came after a few coffee dates on each other’s front porches; it was to see the movie Goosebumps in 2015, though Amanda admits to noticing Mark early on.

On a trip to the mall with the Social Club, Mark caught Amanda’s eye. She smiles broadly when sharing that she noticed him.  “Oh, he’s a cutie, I thought to myself,” she said.

A week after they were married, they went on a cruise out of Los Angeles where they were able to go on various excursions and enjoy a lot of activities on the ship. A week after they returned, the COVID situation started shutting down cruises and travel.

“We loved the shows, like the ‘Age of Aquarius’ show,” Mark said. “I thought the comedies were great, too,” Amanda added. “Especially Jeff Dunham’s show. I like the Peanut character a lot.”

Mark has a deep curiosity for information, evidenced by him citing extensive details about the cruise line, the various ships, ship capacities and more. Amanda enjoys creating with her hands, particularly by sewing and crocheting a variety of items.  “I like to shop, too,” she said, “especially at Hobby Lobby for my projects.” Mark’s handwork is primarily with computers that he likes to work on. They enjoy walking together at a nearby park or around the New Danville campus. They both agreed that going to movies continues to be fun.

They recently added a little puppy to the family. The busy couple is going to be busier as they look to the future.

“Two years have gone fast. Very fast,” Amanda said. They both are looking forward to the future. As the Hallmark movies remind us, time flies when you are with someone special.

Guest Voices – February 2022

Christin Allphin, new chairman of the board

I was first introduced to New Danville back in 2008.  My boss at the time took me out to see the property and then we attended Tea on the Lawn (now called Spring Thing, which will be April 22).  We literally sat on blankets in the field, wore our big hats, and had tea sandwiches on China plates.  I met so many great clients of New Danville and learned all about who New Danville was. And of course, walked away with my first, but not last, handmade pen. Since that time, I have been thankful to watch the growth of this organization from just a barn and a day program to a thriving community.  I have been with Woodforest National Bank, for what will be 15 years this year, and have been blessed to have the opportunity to have been involved through the journey.  These past couple of years have been stressful for so many, but I am so proud of what the team at New Danville has done to persevere and pivot to provide the services so many rely on.

This year I am honored to be in the role of Chairman of the Board for New Danville, and I am excited to be a part of a great board and team to help bring even greater growth and new ideas. We have some big plans in store that we hope to implement to transform New Danville by our 20th Anniversary Year in 2025.  So, stay tuned for all of the exciting things to come!

Development Corner – February 2022

Adapting to changing conditions

Gloria has been a consistent, monthly donor for quite a while. She also makes additional contributions to several of our special appeals throughout the year.  This year is already shaping up to be unlike other years and she is having to evaluate her giving. Clearly, donors everywhere are having to consider carefully to whom they can donate and at what levels.  I am glad that she and I had a chance to chat.

I wish I had a dollar for each time I said or wrote this phrase with team members and audiences in my several decades in this profession: “Dollars are great, donors are better.” Dollars will come and go as personal or economic conditions change: That is a given. The most important thing is to keep connections and relationships with the people behind the donations. I have always found that as conditions improve, loyal donors committed to an organization’s cause will re-engage if the relationship with them is maintained.

She continues to support us; she just wanted to let us know that there may be some adjustments in her support as the year goes by.  I appreciate her openness and support; more so, I appreciate the person she is and her appreciation of what the team does at New Danville to empower our clients to live, learn, work and grow.

“Dollars are great, donors are better.”  We have wonderful donors.  Thank you, all, for your support.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about ways to support New Danville, contributing stock, funding a naming opportunity or if you simply want to hear a New Danville story.  I can be reached at 936-253-5757.

Dion McInnis, Development Director

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.