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In This Issue:
From the CEO Surprise donation will change lives
Development Corner The challenge…to whom to give?
Good News that is Good to Know Interstate 45 and a half?
News and Announcements Wranglers win awards; Egleys honored
Upcoming Events Tee time is coming
Fundraising Factoid Summer means FUN
Live Life in Meadowbrook
Learn Wranglers learn Spanish
Work The New Danville team is growing
Grow More Wranglers mean more space needed
Wrangler’s Tale New to New Danville
Guest Voices Like a good neighbor, Spirit Cookers
Live, Learn, Work, Grow Four verbs that define us
Important Links For more info and details
From the CEO
Eva Aguirre
“At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
—Albert Schweitzer
The quote above brought to mind a recent event which was truly a “rekindled spark.” For some time now, one of our goals has been to create a scholarship fund to help some of our Wranglers that are most in need. Whether it be for tuition assistance, activity fees, or perhaps just a new pair of shoes for a job, this has always stayed on our wish list of accomplishments. I am overjoyed to report that thanks to a generous donor that wishes to remain anonymous, we have received our “pennies from heaven” to help us create a scholarship fund which will directly benefit our Wranglers.
When we refer to something as “pennies from heaven,” we usually think of good luck or good fortune. This selfless donation was not only unanticipated but it has been greatly needed and extremely appreciated. It’s always been with a heavy heart that I often hear “I can only afford to attend one day per week,” or “I want to take a cooking class, but I can’t pay the fee (seven dollars per week).” No matter what, we always find a way to make things happen, but knowing that now we have a healthy amount from which to draw, brings us true pleasure.
Our donors and supporters are our lifeline in helping us meet our current needs, as well as our bedrock to help us plan for a sustainable future. And although donations ebb and flow from year to year, we know our supporters will be there along the way in helping us make a true impact to those we serve and to our community.
Forever grateful “of those that have lighted the flame with us.”
Aristotle’s Guide to Giving
Aristotle said, “To give money is an easy matter and in every man’s power. But to decide to whom to give it, and how large and when, and for what purpose and how, is neither in every man’s power nor an easy matter.”
Current conditions make the decision-making process more of a challenge. I believe most donors prefer a conversation over a request in these times so they can make the best decisions possible. They want to be listened to. Let’s have that conversation, at your convenience.
Please feel free to contact me at 936-253-5757 or Dion.McInnis@NewDanville.org.
Good News that’s Good to Know
Interstate 45 ½? People are noticing changes coming to the New Danville campus. This year, there will be many, including a big infrastructure development project on the south side of campus. Work is expected to begin by early summer. Work will be completed in April on the majority of the road into New Danville. Beginning at the entry gate, the next couple hundred yards of road is being improved and transformed, providing a smoother ride that also moves water more efficiently when we have those Texas-sized rains. Keep an eye out for more developments.
News and Announcements
New Danville’s Wranglers really racked up the awards at the Montgomery County Rodeo and Fair for their creative work, including baking, arts, creative arts and woodcraft. Congratulations, Wranglers!
(L-R: Diana, Glen and Robert Egley)
Diana and Glen Egley, parents to Wrangler and resident, Robert, recently attended the Governor’s Volunteer Award (GVA) event at the Governor’s Mansion where they were honored as the Volunteer Family of the Year. The GVA program is managed by OneStar Foundation, an organization created to promote volunteerism in the state. The Egleys’ selfless dedication to New Danville, and several other organizations in the community, earned them this special recognition. Thank you, Egley Family!
Upcoming Events:
November 6th, 2023
Fundraising Factoid
Sounds of Summer
The “sounds of summer” can mean different things to different people. To New Danville folks, the sounds of summer are those of laughter, music and celebration at the annual summer party. You can help make this party one that they’ll never forget by contributing to the party fund here. Thank you!
LIVE – Life Lived in Community
New Danville’s independent living residential community opened in 2010. It is currently home to 34 residents with 37 on a waiting list. They want to live here because of the life they can have. Our Vision 2025 includes increasing the number of homes, as well as assisted living facilities. Imagine, we will have 59 new residents when our vision is completed.
In the community of Meadowbrook
Wranglers live, learn, work and grow.
It seems like everyone is busy;
Here are a few to know.
Eric takes care of our animals
At all times of the day.
Cody and Jared enjoy taking strolls,
While soaking up sun rays.
Justin enjoys riding his bike;
William and Marlon are cyclers, too.
Walkers and cyclers enjoy the chance
To enjoy New Danville’s beautiful views.
Kristen hangs out with Perfection
Whenever she has the opportunity.
She and the mini horse have bonded
And her stuffed toy horse is Brownie.
Brooke, Kaylyn and Keely,
Enjoy their friends while close to family.
Several residents enjoy church on Sunday,
And most join LARA events in community.
There are thousands of stories here
Of life and living fit for a song.
A common theme to all the tales
Is this – “This is where I belong.”
LEARN – ¿habla español? Wranglers Becoming Bilingual
“¡Hola!” “¡Buenos dias!” Students in the new Spanish class enjoy greeting visitors with their newly learned language.
Direct Support Professional Lili Flores leads a new Spanish class, offered for the first time this semester. She leads the class through some demonstrations of their developing fluency. Wranglers recite the months, their names and the letters of the alphabet in Spanish.
The class participants’ responses to the question of what is hardest about learning a language vary greatly, from “everything,” to “nothing.” Their smiles cross all language barriers.
Speaking of language barriers, one of the Wranglers said it was good to be able to communicate with people who may not know English.
Visit to the class complete, it is time to head out. “¡Adios!” the class calls out.
WORK – New Danville Team Expands to Accommodate Growth
There are several new people working at New Danville; that is good news and a sign of the times.
The past several issues of The Wrangler Gazette have featured stories related to growth in one way or another. “Growth is wonderful,” states President and CEO Eva Aguirre, “but we can’t lose sight of each Wrangler (client) as they increase in number. We are committed to having the staff-to-client ratio that best serves our clients with team members who have the skills, compassion, empathy and professionalism that assure that the Wranglers have the best experiences possible.”
In a challenging job market, New Danville has been fortunate to bring on seven new direct support professionals (DSP), one of whom will be filling the position of a DSP who recently received a promotion to the front office of the day program.
“We’re not finished hiring,” said Program Coordinator, Nicole Martinez. “We have a couple more spots to fill.”
The new employees will be highlighted in future issues of The Wrangler Gazette.
Among the remaining open positions is that of Facilities Coordinator. Jobs are posted here.
GROW – More Wranglers, More classes, more space
New Danville is growing; there are 50% more day program (Individualized Skills and Socialization) participants enrolled than 15 months ago. Thanks to the generosity of Charbonneau Industries, we are better able to meet the needs of Wranglers (clients) as they explore a variety of class options. The company donated a temporary building that has become a classroom.
Located near the permanent building the Charbonneau family donated – The Charbonneau Family Building – that is used by the pallet team to assemble pallets for their company, the building now serves as home to a variety of classes.
Nicole Martinez, Program Coordinator, said the new space is a lifesaver. “Space was getting tight and enrollment kept growing. It is great to see so many new Wrangler faces. Thanks to the Charbonneau family’s gift, we have room for continued growth and for a variety of class offerings for our Wranglers.”
Wrangler’s Tale: Newcomer Shares Her Perspectives
Sha’Nice is new to New Danville and she is already getting a clear view of what it means to be part of the Wrangler family.
As she sat down for the interview, she removed her earbuds, saying, “Let me be professional.” She then explained her favorite and least favorite classes, what it is like to take the bus to New Danville with other Wranglers, and a little bit about herself.
A graduate of Conroe high school, she enjoyed math the most in those days, but art is her favorite class now. “I like to get my hands dirty,” she said, “but not with gardening.” She was very clear about that. In high school, she was not a big fan of history and science, and Spanish is her challenge at New Danville. “It is hard,” she said matter-of-factly.
“I am seizure-free,” she said, while agreeing to “knuckle up” for the change in condition from her infant days.
Sha’Nice explained a few things that “freak her out” or get her anxious and angry. “The only thing that calms me down is a bear hug,” she said. Wouldn’t it be great if people used bear hugs more often to deal with anxiety and anger? …yet another tidbit of wisdom from Wranglers.
Guest Voices – Like a Good Neighbor…Spirit Cookers
The ad message sings out, “Like a good neighbor….” Among the many good neighbors that New Danville is blessed with, one stands out for what he does for a variety of nonprofits, many of which serve adults with special needs. James Schatle has been part of New Danville since its very inception, using his ministry to bring joy to others. The founder of “Spirit Cookers,” James and his volunteers use kind hearts and cookouts in service to many.
I live close to New Danville. We’re neighbors. That is how I first learned about New Danville, driving by and seeing the sign. I’ve been involved with them since the early days, when Kathy Sanders was putting plans into motion. We’ve been cooking there ever since.
I started Spirit Cookers as a personal ministry. I started with cooking for the Special Olympics volunteers 30 years ago. My partner in the sheriff’s department had a son with Down syndrome and my daughter babysat for him. I guess that is how I got connected to the special needs community. I have had a blessed life and love to be able to give back with this ministry. We became a nonprofit 18 months ago.
It has been an amazing ride. The team has cooked for Special Olympics, Wounded Warriors, Fort Sam Houston, various churches who needed some help, and many other places. Back in the 1990s, we cooked for a leprosy hospital in Louisiana. We did that for about 13 years until the hospital was closed.
One of our newest projects is “Day with Dad” that we do for some prisons. It gives the prisoners a chance to hang out with their kids, hug them and play with them. We were the first group to be allowed inside the fence to cook like that. I’ve always had generous friends who help cover the costs. We’re all doing what we can for others.
The team and I will be back at New Danville this summer, for their annual summer party. We are already looking forward to it.
DID SOMEONE SAY "SUMMER PARTY?" ...A LOOK BACK The Wranglers are already looking forward to this year's summer party. In addition to the Spirit Cookers, there will be fun. fun. fun.
Live, Learn, Work, and Grow – Life and Times at New Danville
Field trips into the community, baking one’s own birthday cake, creating art, fishing…the Wranglers are busy, busy, busy as they live, learn, work and grow to their potential.
Important Links
Wranglers’ Ballad: The original music video that shares what happens at New Danville and the heart with which all is done.
Make a donation: You are what makes all these stories possible.
Volunteer: Bring your talents to the service of Wranglers.
Request a tour: Learn about New Danville by seeing.
Jazzy Junque resale store: A great place to shop that benefits New Danville Inventory changes almost every day.
Vision 2025 and the campaign to fund it is called Growing…for Living: A Collaborative Campaign to Grow Life Experiences for Adults with IDD are our future. Find a virtual flyover and the campaign storybook by clicking the link. The year 2025 is our 20th anniversary.
Follow New Danville on: • Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn
Follow Jazzy Junque on: • Facebook • Instagram
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.