From the CEO:
“Gratitude is an antidote to negative emotions, a neutralizer of envy, hostility, worry, and irritation”
– Sonja Lyubomirsky
With Thanksgiving soon upon us, I’ve been thinking a lot about gratitude and the power it has. While it’s important for us to inventory those things for which we are thankful to properly acknowledge our blessings, we rarely consider the power of thanks and gratitude. Negativity is an emotion that creeps in slowly, and before we know it, it has consumed us. It is thankfulness and gratitude that win the war.
I often remind my youngest son to begin his day with gratitude. “Focus on the good things,” I tell him, “as they will always outweigh the bad.” That’s easy to say, but sometimes difficult to do when we’ve been dealt a bad hand when the world gave us a burden to carry, or when our lives are seemingly spiraling out of control.
New Danville is a vortex of positive energy because of our Wranglers who face each day with a resilient spirit, our staff who continues to bring their A-game despite fatigue, and a community who continues to give of their time and money when it may be so difficult to do so. I start my days at New Danville by getting out of my truck and acknowledging my thanks for the opportunity to spend time on the property with the people we serve. But as I begin this November, I’m committed to starting and finishing every day with gratitude—gratitude for our Wranglers’ smiling faces and unbridled joy, gratitude for the beauty of nature that surrounds us on the property, gratitude for all those who share so much of their time, love and wisdom with our Wranglers, and gratitude for those who trust me to lead. Let’s all start and finish with gratitude during this season of thanks, for it is gratitude that triumphs over the slow creep of negativity and daily stress. Let’s empower those around us by sharing our gratitude. And, let’s embody the spirit of our Wranglers and live in joy and positivity.
Upcoming Events:
The 3rd Annual “Play a Round for the Wranglers” Golf Tournament is just around the corner, but there’s still time to join us if you hurry, ticket sales will end on Nov 1st. Even after Nov 1st, the website will still be live for you to Support a Wrangler or make a donation. A huge thank you to all our sponsors, players, and especially our volunteers who will make this another successful event!
New Class – Virtual Gaming
A class that doesn’t feel like a class at all. Clients are raving about the sheer enjoyment they find in this unique offering. The heart of the experience lies in the joy of competition, with participants engaging in exciting Wii games like bowling and boxing, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly rivalry.
What makes this class stand out is the use of new technology. Oculus VR takes clients into immersive simulations of activities like fishing and rollercoaster rides. The realism of these experiences leaves participants thrilled and amazed. “Virtual Gaming” strikes a balance between education and entertainment, offering a creative way to make learning fun. Each class can be a completely new and exciting experience.
The Wii and Oculus also aid classes like golf cart training and treasure hunting. They provide immersive experiences even in bad weather, redefining how we engage with regular activities.
A Hard Goodbye and a Loving Welcome Home all in 48 Hours:
In a bittersweet turn of events, we recently said goodbye to our beloved goat, Mitty, who had been a cherished member of our family for many years. Mitty’s gentle and endearing presence had brought joy and comfort to our lives, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. Her absence left a void that we couldn’t bear to see affecting her sister, Noni. In an effort to keep her from succumbing to loneliness and depression, we turned to the remarkable organization, Second Chance Farm, which specializes in rescuing abused, neglected, and disabled animals.
Second Chance Farm, known for its unwavering commitment to providing a safe haven for animals in need, came to our rescue by introducing us to a new addition to our family, a charming and affectionate goat named Sully. Sully’s arrival has brought renewed hope and happiness to our little ranch. We feel incredibly blessed that Second Chance Farm selected us to provide a loving home for Sully, and we are overjoyed to see our clients forming an instant bond with this sweet and gentle creature. Sully’s presence is not only a reminder of the enduring capacity for love and resilience in animals but also offers our clients a valuable opportunity to learn from the stories of rescue and redemption that lie behind each of Second Chance Farm’s remarkable animals.
In the News & Announcements
New Danville is offering a ‘hole’ lot of fun with its fundraising golf event on Nov. 6 – Woodlands Online
Wine Walk returns to Market Street on October 5, 2023 – Hello Woodlands
Meet the Staff – Aiyana
Welcome Aiyana to New Danville! She is a recent graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University where she received her bachelor’s in Human Sciences. She also played basketball at SFA for five years. During her time in college, she was able to learn and study human development and family dynamics as her degree of emphasis. She loves to serve her family, friends, and community. She loves to learn new things about Christianity, nature, childcare, and art. New Danville has provided awareness to the special needs community and how working in this field and building community can be an amazing experience. She has instructed many classes including our reinstatement of Golf Cart. She takes great pride in helping our clients develop their driving skills and confidence. The nature of her work brings joy into the workspace. She is very thankful for the opportunity to join the staff and support the wrangler culture here at New Danville.
Guest Voice – Patti
Introducing Patti, a remarkable mother and dedicated volunteer here at New Danville. Patti’s volunteer journey began at Amsif, where she selflessly cared for the children in the daycare while their mothers pursued personal development classes. However, when her daughter Denisse graduated from high school in 2016 and started attending New Danville, Patti’s passion for volunteering only grew stronger.
Determined to support the place that had brought so much happiness to her daughter’s life, Patti eagerly joined the cooking classes, becoming an integral part of the community. “I cannot express enough gratitude to New Danville for the immense joy it brings Denisse,” Patti shared with a beaming smile. “The warmth and affection I receive from these incredible individuals is unparalleled. Each day, as I return home after spending time with them, my heart is overflowing with happiness and contentment. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for granting me this extraordinary opportunity.”
In addition to their regular commitments at New Danville, Patti and Denisse also dedicate their Saturdays to volunteering at the food pantry at Saint Anthony of Padua. Patti’s belief in the power of helping others is unwavering. “I find immense happiness in being able to lend a hand to those in need,” she expressed. “In my eyes, the true winner in the act of serving others is the one who extends a helping hand. It fills the soul and brings immeasurable joy.” We couldn’t agree more.
Patti’s dedication and unwavering spirit have left an indelible mark on the New Danville community. Her selflessness reminds us all of the incredible impact we can make when we come together to support and uplift one another.
Development Corner
I am thrilled to be joining the New Danville family! I am so grateful to receive such a warm and loving welcome from the Wranglers and their families, staff, board members, and volunteers. This incredibly special place exudes joy, hope, kindness, and excitement every day. What an honor it is for me to be a part of New Danville, having the opportunity to get to know all of the Wranglers and to represent our organization out in the community. I have been a resident of Montgomery County for over 20 years and have worked in the non-profit sector for my whole career. I love to help others and give back to my community in meaningful ways and will use my experience in every way possible to serve New Danville and our Wranglers. The opportunity to be a part of this team is a true blessing to me.
My role on the team is to enhance support and awareness of the work we do as an organization and to identify and secure funding for programs and operations through grants, community donations, and special fundraising events. I look forward to further engaging the whole community and sharing the incredible impact of New Danville.
You can reach me at 936-253-5757 or kathy.rifaat@newdanville.org
Live, Learn, Work, and Grow - Life and Times at New Danville
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: Your help is 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 Shop our 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
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.